September 2009

Remembering an icon

Watch the Cory Aquino specials on demand on TFCNow and read a tribute from LopezLink (page 9). Plus, ABS-CBN Publishing offers a special Cory Aquino commemorative magazine (page 12). Available online at www.Lopezlink.ph Griffin takes 1H 2009 financial results ABS-CBN wagi uli! ...page 2 the world LOPEZ Group companies are known for being leaders in their field. There’s First Gen in power generation, Energy Develop- ment Corpora- tion in geother- mal power, and ABS-CBN in broadcasting, just to name a few. But not many are aware that anoth- er Lopez Group company is the top-drawer name when it comes to travel, specifi- cally marine crew travel: Griffin Echo, Tin reunite! Sierra Travel Inc. ...page 5 (GSTI). LopezLink recently visited the cozy GSTI headquarters on Rockwell Drive, Makati. Upon entering the lobby, one is greeted by a wall A different of glossy brochures touting a plethora of ex- otic, exciting destinations. A life-size represen- er partners, September tation of the Griffin logo—a stylized drawing of who put up the the mythical half-eagle, half-lion accentuated by bars travel company in @ Power of vivid green, blue, red and orange—proclaims GSTI’s ties January 1967 to handle the Plant Mall with Griffin Marine Travel Ltd., the leading marine and offshore growing corporate travel business, as travel specialist in the world. well as local travel and tours. It soon ventured into another lucrative …page 12 At the helm of GSTI are two women, Presentacion "Presy" Lo- market and then established itself as the leader in that market in the pez Psinakis as company president and Marilu Q. Ngo as vice some two decades later. president and general manager. With its team of 49 people, the Ngo, who has almost 30 solid years of experience in the Philip- company is a one-stop shop for everyone’s every travel require- pine travel industry, joined Sierra Tours in 1992. Before coming ment, including passport and visa assistance, ticketing and after- onboard, Ngo said, she practiced her profession as an accountant sales support. for a year before finding her niche in the industry by way of a travel Psinakis brainchild agency owned by the Delgado family. Sierra Tours, the forerunner of GSTI, was the brainchild of Psinakis, the only daughter of Eugenio H. Lopez Sr., and three oth- Turn to page 6   Lopezlink September 2009 Lopezlink September 2009 1H 2009 financial performance Meralco to credit Benpres buys Twin victories P100M in payouts Meralco, MML hailed for back $260M of MERALCO will be paying beginning Septem- ABS-CBN wagi uli! ber around P100 million worth of payouts for about 800,000 incidents where service commitments were By Carla Paras-Sison 1H 2009 financial results (Unaudited) management excellence not met. Incidents are the number of times that Net income/ (loss) attributable to outstanding debt Best Corporate/FI TOTAL REVENUES equity holders of the parent Meralco was unable to meet guaranteed service levels NEW York-based management consul- BENPRES Holdings Corporation gained headway in its debt Dahil sa patuloy na pag-akyat ng (GSLs) provided under the performance-based rate tancy company Stern Stewart & Co. named The company also received the Best Corpo- 2008 2009 % change 2008 2009 % change restructuring effort with the settlement of its debt to its biggest consolidated revenues at masinop (PBR) mechanism. Meralco as one of 11 top Philippine compa- rate/FI of the Year 2008-2009 in Southeast Asia creditor, Avenue Asia Group. na pag-control sa gastusin, nag- Meralco president Jose de Jesus said, “We will be pay- nies in the Asean 100 Relative Wealth Added Award from the only institutional investment ABS-CBN P10.3B P11.7B +14 P754M P813M +8 According to a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, tala ng P813 milyong net income ing…starting September. Customers will be notified if (RWA) index list. magazine in the region, Alpha Southeast Asia. Benpres P10.3B P11.7B +14 (P647M) P475M +173 Benpres paid $169 million for the buyback of US$260M in ang ABS-CBN Corporation sa they are entitled to the payout, the cash equivalent of The RWA is a benchmarking system that Chairman and CEO Manuel M. Lopez P9.7B P10.7B +11 P2.6B P2.7B +3 principal debt, representing a 35% discount on the face value. unang anim na buwan ng taon. EDC which will be credited to their future billings.” measures a company’s actual performance was especially cited for playing a key role “in -16 US$20.7M US$20.3M -2 “…With our debt remaining at a manageable level of $70 mil- Ito ay mas mataas ng 8% sa net First Gen US$632.8M US530.7M The amount is for the first regulatory year of the PBR, comparing it against industry peers and its developing Meralco’s position in the Philip- +490 lion, we can all look forward to operating under normal condi- income na P754M noong En- FPHC P29.0B P30.0B +3 (P230M)* P896M which was from July 2007 to June 2008. Customers are cost of equity. pines and for the unique contribution it has tions,” president and chief operating officer Angel S. Ong said. ero-Hunyo 2008. Meralco P95.9B P94.5B -2 P2.7B P3.2B +19 compensated if the distribution utility is unable to meet The Stern Stewart report pointed to 2009 made to the industry in recent years, especially VP and corporate marketing head Miguel Lopez Benpres was hit hard by the Asian financial contagion in 1997. Umabot ng P11.7 bilyon ang performance thresholds in duration and frequency of as a significant year for Meralco with the en- in times of continuing economic uncertainty.” (center) receives the Stern Stewart & Co. citation *Restated In 2002, it declared a standstill on $560M in direct and contingent consolidated revenues ng ABS- power interruptions, restoration time and connection try of “two influential investors coupled with Meralco is the only Philippine company given in ceremonies held July 23 at the Ateneo obligations. Its exit from Maynilad Water Services Inc. in 2005, CBN, 14% na mas mataas kaysa Mayo. Samantala, higit pang Ang unaudited consolidated president Elpidio L. Ibañez. time. A customer could experience more than one inci- favorable policies by energy regulators allow- to receive the marquee award, which was Graduate School of Business. Flanking him are and subsequent buyback of debt funded from the sale of non-core P10.3B noong 1H08. Umangat mabili ang mga programang Ka- revenues ay tumaas ng 14% sa Ang consolidated revenues ng dent, while other customers may not experience a single ing the firm to increase rates for the first time handed out in formal ceremonies in Makati Business Mirror chairman Judge Pedro Santiago assets, pared down the debt to $330 million as of end-2008. ng 6% ang airtime revenues sa pamilya sa primetime mula alas P11.686B mula P10.254B ha- FPHC para sa 1H09 ay P30B o incident in a regulatory year. since 2003.” in August. (Meralco Corporate Marketing) and Stern Stewart & Co. president Erik Stern. The settlement with Avenue Asia was funded from the sale P6.72B mula P6.36B, at umakyat sais hanggang alas onse ng gabi. bang ang unaudited consolidated 3% na mas mataas kaysa P29B “The PBR is surely a way to move forward since it of the company’s interests in First Philippine Infrastructure ng 28% ang direct sales sa P4.97B Ang national TV ratings ay nasa expenses ay tumaas lamang ng noong 1H08. Pareho lamang ang advances the interest and welfare of electricity consum- Inc., Rockwell Land Corporation and shares of Digital Tele- mula P3.9B, kasama ang P1.7B 30.2% noong Hulyo kumpara 4% sa P10.413B mula P10.069B. costs at expenses sa P24B at ang ers,” said De Jesus. (Meralco Corporate Marketing) kontribusyon ng SkyCable. sa 28.9% noong Mayo at ang Apat na beses ang inilaki ng eq- foreign exchange loss na P76M communications Philippines Inc. Bayan posts P182M in operating income Noong 1H08 ay tatlong buwan primetime audience share naman uity in net earnings of investees sa ay higit na mababa sa P1.2B for- “The remaining creditors have the option to either sell debt BAYAN posted P182 million in operational spending at P2.15B Bayan also trimmed its net loss services, grew by 27% in the first pa lamang ang consolidated con- ay 51% noong Hulyo kumpara sa P474M mula P117M dahil nag- eign exchange loss noong com- back to the company, subject to discount and funds availability, Bayan to press on operating income in the first half reflecting a 3% reduction over to P542M, or a 66% improvement half of the year at P1.49B com- tribution ng SkyCable samanta- 48% noong Mayo. karoon na muli ng net profit ang parative period. or sign a new loan agreement for a bullet payment after 12.5 of 2009, from a loss of P133M the same period last year, Bayan over the P1.59B loss incurred pared to P1.16B during the same lang buong anim na buwan na Noong Hulyo, ang sampung First Philippine Holdings Corpo- Flat income para sa First Gen years. This has been a standing offer since December 2008, and during the same period in 2008, realized a 38% earnings before during the same period last year. period last year. Data business ang kontribusyon nito sa 1H09. pinakapinanonood na mga pro- ration (FPHC) na nagtala rin ng Halos pareho ang naging net a number of creditors have in fact already signed up and availed with 3G license bid reflecting a 237% growth. interest, taxes, depreciation and Its total customer base has reached revenues account for about half of Napanatili ng ABS-CBN ang grama ay pawang mula sa ABS- net loss noong 1H08. Maganda income attributable to parent ng of the plan,” Ong said. BAYAN said it will exhaust all legal remedies to be The growth in operating in- amortization (EBITDA) growth more than 500,000, propelled by the the company’s total revenue. disiplina sa paggastos kaya bum- CBN. Nagtala ng pinakamatata- rin ang naging performance ng First Gen Corporation noong awarded with a 3G (third-generation) mobile license come was a result of sustained at P1.18B compared to P852M growth of its wireless landline and Bayan’s DSL business grew aba ng 0.3% ang production costs as ng rating ang “May Bukas Pa” ABS-CBN kaya umangat ang 1H09 sa US$20.3M, kumpara sa 40% economic stake sa EDC. parte para sa geothermal facilities considering its track record and its commitment to roll total revenue growth at P3.33 the previous year. DSL subscribers. The wireless land- by 28% over the previous year at 5% lamang ang itinaas ng gen- (39.5%), “Only You” (36.2%), Benpres na parent company nito. US$20.7M noong 1H08. Dahil sa mas mababang voting ng EDC sa Leyte. Bukod dito, out the service. billion in the first half of 2009, or Operating income is the in- line business grew by 6% over the at P808M on the back of a 39% eral and administrative expenses. “TV Patrol World” (35.6%), “ Tay- Lumiit naman ng 76% ang for- Nagtala ng mas mataas na interest, hindi na consolidated sa ang general and administrative ex- This developed as the Court of Appeals (CA) in an 8% increase over the P3.08B come derived from revenues less previous year, at P751M. subscriber growth which now Kasama ang SkyCable, tumaas ong Dalawa” (35.1%), “Rated eign exchange losses sa P180M interest expenses ang First Gen First Gen ang Prime Terracota penses noong 1H08 ay nabawasan late August upheld the National Telecommunications realized during the same period operating expenses, including de- Data business, which includes stands at close to 90,000. (Freya ng 16% ang total expenses dahil K Handa na ba Kayo?” (32.1%), mula P745M dahil sa mas maba- bunga ng refinancing ng First Gas at higit na malinaw ngayon ang ng P1.116B bilang one-time rec- Commission (NTC), which denied Bayan’s bid for the last year. Coupled with prudent preciation and amortization. DSL and other corporate data Santos) sa patuloy na pamumuhunan nito “” (30.2%), gal na pagbaba ng halaga ng piso Power Corporation, ang kum- kontribusyon sa First Gen ng 40% ognition of reduction in allow- fifth and last 3G license. para sa Sky Broadband at pag- “Boys over Flowers” (29.0%), “The sa dolyar sa P48.13 noong Hu- panyang may hawak sa 1,000- economic interest nito sa EDC. ance for doubtful accounts kaya The company said it will file a motion for reconsid- encrypt ng signal para labanan Singing Bee Sunday” (28.1%), “The nyo 2009 mula P47.52 noong megawatt Santa Rita power plant. “The financials now correctly lubhang kakaunti lumabas ang eration with the CA not later than September 1, 2009, ang signal piracy. Singing Bee Saturday” (27.1%), at Disyembre 2008. Lumiit din ng Bumaba rin ang contribution reflect our ownership in each of expenses noong panahong iyon. or within the 15-day prescribed period. 24% sa P69M mula P104M ang ng Energy Development Cor- the generating companies…we Meralco income umakyat Bayan chief executive consultant Tunde Fafunwa EDC bags $15M PNG drilling deal Lalong lumakas ang national “” (25.6%). Pang-la- kahit flat ang revenues ratings at audience share ng mga bing-isa ang “Sharon” sa 25.2%. provision for losses dahil sa mas poration (EDC) dahil sa mas fully expect the capital expen- said: “In the last two years, we have demonstrated our ENERGY Development Cor- “We believe that our excellent which sources its power require- and expand its geothermal power Benpres nakabawi programa ng ABS-CBN mula mababang interes na binayaran mababang produksiyon mula sa ditures that we are pouring into Bumaba ng bahagya (-1.5%) capability by to roll out a 3G compliant network with poration (EDC) signed a new drilling and safety performance is ments for its goldmine and pro- plant capacity. Mayo hanggang Hulyo. Sa to- Nakabawi ang Benpres Hold- para sa convertible preferred geothermal steam fields nito at (EDC) to pay off in the coming ang ang revenues ng Meralco our CDMA-based wireless landline service which… drilling contract with Lihir Gold one of the reasons for LGL’s re- cessing facility from its 56-MW EDC started exporting its drill- tal day ratings mula alas sais ng ings Corporation (Benpres) mula shares ng Bayan Telecommuni- nagkaroon ng derivative losses years,” sabi ni First Gen chief fi- noong unang hati ng 2008 sa transformed the voice calling market today.” Limited (LGL) of Papua New cord output in Lihir. The fact that geothermal power plant in Lihir ing services in 1997 for an oil and umaga hanggang hatinggabi, sa net loss nito noong 1H08 at cation Holdings Corporation. mula sa convertible bond ng First nance officer Giles Puno. P95.903B mula P94.495B. In its petition, Bayan said that the faulty scoring system Guinea (PNG) worth US$15 they continue to engage our drill- island. gas drilling contract in Indonesia. First Holdings bumawi rin EDC gumagastos para sa nag-18.6% ang ratings noong nag-report ng P475M net in- Gen. Nagkaroon ng incremental Bumaba ng 7% ang demand para resulted in an award of a 3G license to Connectivity Unlim- million. The contract, covering ing services is proof that LGL is In 2008, LGL, one of the lead- It has also sent rigs and deployed steam fields Hulyo mula 18% noong Mayo at come attributable to equity hold- Noong Enero-Hunyo 2009, cost ang First Gen para sa patu- sa kuryente mula sa industrial ited Resource Enterprise Inc. (CURE), a new entity with nine months, includes the drilling more than satisfied with our ser- ing gold producers in the Asia Pa- drilling consultants and rig main- total day audience share ay 47% ers of the parent mula Enero nagtala ng net income attributable loy na pamumuhunan ng EDC sa Tumaas ng 3% sa P2.685B sector at bumaba rin ang average no track record and which was eventually sold to an entity of wells and the supply of drilling vices,” EDC president and CEO cific region, awarded a $16.11M tenance specialists to Indonesia, noong Hulyo mula 44% noong hanggang Hunyo 2009. to equity holders of the parent na steam augmentation projects nito. mula P2.605B ang net income generation at transmission cost controlled by one of the previous 3G license awardees. services such as mud engineering, Paul Aquino said. drilling contract to EDC as it PNG and Bangladesh. Its drilling P896M ang FPHC, isang mal- Subali’t bumaba rin naman ng EDC noong unang hati ng bawat kilowatt-hour (kWh). Bayan moved to invalidate the flawed selection pro- well cementing and directional Since 1999, EDC has been pro- targeted to increase its gold out- revenues amounted to P726M in akas na turnaround mula sa restat- ang administrative expenses, at taon. Nagkaroon ito ng P1.146B Bumaba rin naman ng 2% cess for granting the 3G license and vowed to oppose drilling. viding drilling services to LGL put to 1 million ounces per year 2008. (Toni Nieva) ed net loss attributable to equity pumabor sa First Gen ang pag- foreign exchange gain mula sa ang costs and expenses dahil sa any action to resolve any application for and/or from holders of the parent na P230M baba ng halaga ng piso sa dolyar translation sa piso ng yen- at pagbaba ng purchased power awarding the 3G license. (F. Santos) PHOTO BY: JON RUSSELL noong unang hati ng 2008. kaya nagkaroon ng deferred in- dollar-denominated na pagka- cost. Gayundin, bumaba ng 7% PROMOS & OFFERS Nagkaroon ng P1.1B paglaki come tax benefits bunsod nito. kautang nito. Ito ay kumpara sa ang operation and maintenance FPHC increases in stake in Rockwell ng consolidated gross profits Kaya bagama’t bumaba ng 16% P3.943B foreign exchange loss costs, ng 18% ang interest and Free SkyCable Gold with FIRST Philippine Holdings Rockwell, while Meralco owns ang FPHC bukod pa sa malak- ang consolidated revenues ng noong unang hati ng 2008. other financial expenses, ng 82% Corporation (FPHC) has the remaining 51%. ing pagbaba ng foreign exchange First Gen sa US$530.7M mula Umakyat naman ng 11% ang ang foreign exchange losses, at SkyBroadband acquired the 24.5% stake of Elpidio L. Ibañez, FPHC losses. Hindi pa kasama sa resulta US$632.8M year-on-year dahil sa revenues ng EDC noong 1H09 38% ang provision for probable Enjoy free subscription to SkyCable Gold and save Benpres Holdings Corpora- president, said, “The buy-up ang anumang one-time gain na mas mababang presyo ng natural sa P10.708B, ang malaking bah- losses and legal claims. up to P12,000 a year when you avail of SkyBroad- tion (Benpres) in Rockwell in Rockwell solidifies FPHC’s maaaring maitala mula sa pag- gas noong 1H09, napanatili nitong agi ay dahil na rin sa 10% pagtaas Naglaan naman ng P1.733B band’s Plan 12 mbps or Plan 6 mbps! Plan 12 mbps Land Corporation (Rockwell) strategic position in the compa- kakabili ng PLDT ng 223 mi- pareho ang net income attributable ng revenue mula sa pagbenta ng provision for probable refund ang stands at P5,999 per month, while Plan 6 mbps is FG Hydro earns ISO seal The ISO, through its accredited for P1.5 billion. The invest- ny. Rockwell Land has a strong lyong Meralco shares ng FPHC to equity holders of the parent. kuryente. Mas mataas ang aver- kumpanya para sa over-recovery available at P3,999 per month. Also, get a free sub- certifying body Certification International Philippines, Inc. (CIP), ment was earlier authorized by brand and track record in prop- sa halagang P20.07B. Noong Noong Mayo 2009, nag-issue age price ng kuryente noong un- ng transmission charges. Ang scription to SkyVoice 100 for 100 minutes of voice awarded to FG Hydro certificates of registration for Quality Manage- the FPHC board of directors. erty development. Rockwell Hulyo 2009 lamang nakumpleto ng preferred shares ang Prime ang hati ng taon bunsod ng mas transmission charge na siningil sa calls to the US and Canada. Or, avail of Plans 3 ment System (ISO 9001:2008), for Environmental Management System Being related parties, FPHC Center is one of the most suc- ang paglipat ng 20% na pag-aari Terracota Holdings Corporation mataas na inflation factor at pag- customers noong 1H09 ay P0.95 mbps and 1.5 mbps at P1,999 and P999 per month, (ISO 14001:2004) and for Occupational Health and Safety Manage- and Benpres secured a fairness cessful inner-city community sa Meralco sa PLDT. sa Lopez Inc. Retirement Fund baba ng halaga ng piso sa dolyar. per kWh samantalang ang actual respectively, and enjoy SkyCable Gold at 15% less ment System (OHSAS 18001:2007). Paul Aquino (2nd from left), opinion from a third party, developments in the country, Energy Development Corporation chief executive officer, receives the ISO “We will continue to imple- at Quialex Realty Corporation. Gayunpaman, halos dumo- transmission cost na siningil ng on its monthly rate. For more info, call the customer CLSA Exchange Capital Inc., and Rockwell is primed to de- certifications from Renato Navarrete (5th from left), CIP managing ment the necessary strategic mea- Dahil dito, bumaba sa 45% ang ble ang operating expenses sa National Grid Corporation ay service hotline at 631-0000, send an SMS to 0917- director. Also in photo are (l-r) Dennis Gonzales, First Gen vice presi- sures to ensure that the ground- voting interest ng First Gen sa P6.567B mula P3.324B para sa P0.83 per kWh. 6310000 and 0918-8631000, or log on to www. The Rockwell Business Center in Ortigas Center is equipped with modern IT infra- for the transaction. liver further growth with new dent; Michael Young, First Gen vice president and concurrent FG Hydro work for continued growth and Prime Terracota na may-ari sa maintenance ng field facilities at Sumatotal, tumaas ng 19% mysky.com.ph. (Arlene Torres) structure and redundant backup systems offering a combined 73,000 square meters of As a result of the acquisi- and exciting projects in the general manager; Richard Difuntorum, FG Hydro plant manager; and profitability is enhanced, while Red Vulcan Holdings Corpora- work-over ng geothermal wells. ang net income attributable to leasable space. tion, FPHC now owns 49% of pipeline.” (Angelo Macabuhay) Richard Tantoco, EDC president and COO as well as First Gen execu- our balance sheet is further tion. Ang Red Vulcan ang may Nagpatupad ng steam augmen- parent ng Meralco sa P3.158B tive vice president and COO. (Joel Gaborni) strengthened,” sabi ni FPHC hawak ng 60% voting interest at tation projects at bumili ng mga mula P2.650B noong 1H08. Did you miss an issue of LopezLink? Access our archives at www.Lopezlink.ph   Lopezlink September 2009 Lopezlink September 2009 potato HRCOUNCIL couch ‘Salamat, President Cory’ Watson Wyatt survey says Clockwise, from left: treats HR Council Echo-Tin back in A good-bye fit for a hero chair Cedie Companies cut costs Lopez-Var- each others’ arms WHILE thousands of deserved. Like I gas; Lopez F o r m e r braved the rain, millions were glued told Kris, no mat- Inc. AVP sweethearts to their televisions, radios and com- ter what happens, Mabelle to ride out crisis Jericho Ro- puters as ABS-CBN pulled off a I will drop every- Ramos; AFI stately reportage of the late former thing and do my BECAUSE of uncertainty over sales and resource president Corazon “Cory” Aquino’s best for her, and for the lingering effects of the glob- K r i s t i n e mobiliza- funeral. my president,” he al financial crisis, companies in Hermosa tion officer Dubbed “Salamat, President said. Ish Pan- the Philippines have continued reunite Cory,” the coverage maximized It was, after all, ganiban; to implement different cost-ef- — b u t ABS-CBN’s multimedia platform a very personal task Resource fective and cost-reducing strate- only for to keep Filipinos worldwide in- for him. “Madame speaker Mia gies. a new formed. It also marked the first Cory was already Santos of According to the latest pulse s o a p , and Kristine time in Philippine history that a special to me even DDI (cen- survey of Watson Wyatt Philip- “Dahil Hermosa president’s death was given a full- before I got to ter) with pines Inc., “economies are unsure M a y scale media coverage. work with Kris. HR Council of when they will be able to pick Isang Ikaw.” This is the story of every The ABS-CBN game show unit, I was a trainee of Core Team up…whether recovery will be mother, child, sibling and friend. Week- led by director Bobet Vidanes and Radio-Television members achieved soon or not.” Conse- days at 9:15pm on ABS-CBN. Lorna The men and women of ABS-CBN’s game show unit offered a coverage fit for a hero at the Ross Hamo, business unit head Alou Almaden, Malacañang in quently, “uncertainty fills the Tolentino, , John Es- Cathedral. Beth Can- took charge of the coverage at this 1987 and she was minds of employers and employ- trada, and Karylle also star. las, Barbara point. Kris Aquino requested Bobet very gracious to me, as she was to indeed delivered a coverage fit for a “…For one shining moment we ees. Managers are uncertain of the “Most companies would rather maceuticals, financial services and Reyes and 61st Emmy Awards to direct the services. He, in turn, everybody,” he explained. Filipino hero. remembered the best in all of us as future of their businesses.” opt for these than completely others. Pinky requested his game show team to be Viewers and listeners have Chairman and CEO Eugenio exemplified by President Cory. It A survey of 106 companies eliminating salary increases and HR measures on Studio 23 Diokno. with him in this project. praised the coverage in different “Gabby” Lopez III also thanked made me proud to be a Kapamilya, conducted by Wyatt in July 2009 bonus payouts. Remarkably, there One-third of survey partici- Studio 23 brings you the live via satellite “Our only aim was to give circles around the world, including the men and women of ABS- and an even prouder Filipino,” he found that headcount freeze and are companies that have reduced or pants have reduced overtime work telecast of 61st Emmy Awards, hosted Madame Cory the moment she social-networking sites. ABS-CBN CBN. said. (Christelle Belmonte) reduction or elimination of tem- will reduce salaries in spite of legal in the last 12 months and 26% by Neil Patrick Harris, in Los Angeles porary workers were the most implications that might arise,” are expected to do so in the next on Sept. 21, tentatively at 8 a.m. and a HR Council holds primetime telecast on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. common options carried out in the Watson Wyatt said in its report. 12 months. A small number (7%) last 12 months. Anticipation of recovery have resorted to reducing working Among the nominees are “The Amaz- In theaters on Sept 16 Trend may change Actual 2009 salary increase hours and 5% expect to do the ing Race,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Desperate quarterly meet “However, this trend will went down from 5.35% in March same in the short term. Housewives,” “Lost,” “Two and a Half Men,” ‘In My Life’: A film event for every Pinoy! probably change in the next 12 to 4.91% in July, although the 2010 In the area of benefits, more “Ghost Whisperer,” “Criminal Minds,” “Sa- THE Lopez Group HR Council mobilization officer Ish Panganiban months, as reorganization is seen forecast salary increase is slightly companies (13%) have deferred mantha Who?” and “Ugly Betty,” which air ACCEPTANCE. Friendship. wrote the story and screenplay with insecurities as he works to (LGHRC) recently held its quarterly gen- discussed the Pasig River cleanup drive to prevail. It is also noteworthy higher. replacing company cars and tem- on the Kabarkada network. Don’t miss the Love. All of these and more that revolves around Shirley, earn the acceptance of Shirley, eral membership meeting (GMM) at the through Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig that the number of companies “This may be attributed to the porarily stopped providing mis- exciting offerings on Studio 23! You can will come to the fore as Star portrayed by Vilma. A woman and his place in the Big Apple. Pasig Room of Meralco Lighthouse, with (KBPIP), while Lopez Inc. AVP Ma- that plan to retrench is half the overall anticipation of recovery in cellaneous subsidies (8%), such also get the latest updates on the network Cinema presents a masterpiece at the crossroads of her life, Meanwhile, Luis plays Mark, various HR practitioners from 22 compa- belle Ramos presented the progress of the number of companies that re- the coming months. From 5.69% as for uniforms and educational at http://twitter.com/s23channel. (Jan from director Olivia Lamasan, Shirley accepts her son’s invita- Shirley’s son. Success was near- nies of the Lopez Group in attendance. LGHRC website (www.lopezhrcouncil. duced their workforce in the last this year, it is projected to increase assistance. Kristoffer Enriquez) , Luis Man- tion to visit him in New York. ly his, but fate had other plans. LGHRC chair Cedie Lopez-Vargas com). 12 months,” said Watson Wyatt to 6.77% on average.” Other HR measures imple- Climb with ‘Tiagong zano and ! What comes next is a journey What does the future hold with formally welcomed all the attendees and The learning session was led by De- in its quarterly publication, HR Average headcount of compa- mented were adding restrictions to “In My Life” celebrates many that will change her life for- Mark by his side and Shirley gave a business update covering the first velopment Dimensions International’s Akyat’ BEAT (Business & Employee nies surveyed is 1,360 with an- company travel policies (60%), re- different things. Raymond Lee, ever. coming back into his life? half of the year. She said that “things (DDI) Mia Santos who discussed high- Agimat: Ang Mga Analytics & Trends). nual gross revenue ranging from ducing or eliminating recreational Senedy Que and Olive herself As Noel, John Lloyd deals “In My Life” opens in the- are looking up now that Benpres has lights of DDI’s 2008/2009 Global Lead- Alamat ni Ramon Re- Meanwhile, decreasing the P303.5 million to P64.5 billion. employee activities and programs aters nationwide on September significantly reduced its debt.” ership Forecast survey. A raffle draw villa Sr. presents Tiagong budgets for salary increases and The sample comprised business (38%), and reducing or eliminat- 16, 2009! (Mico del Rosario) The GMM then segued to updates of where John Maxwell and DDI leader- Akyat follows the life variable bonuses have become process outsource/call center orga- ing training programs (30%). This various Group-wide undertakings. ABS- ship books were given away capped the Santiago Ronquillo. the most prevalent cost reduction nizations, hi-tech firms including trend is projected to continue in TFC: Around the world in 30 days CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) resource event. (Ross Hamo) Tiago is a street- measure in the aspect of compen- telephone companies, consumer the next 12 months. (Carla Paras- ‘Wowowee’ wise orphan who, FOR one month, ABS-CBN Glob- together with singer Jed Madela. sation. products/manufacturing, phar- Sison) after acquiring the al’s (TFC) Randy Santiago awakened Glasgow, goes to CHALLENGE amulet known as toured key cities in Europe, Middle Scotland and Dublin, Ireland with PR Gerald Anderson East, Australia and Asia-Pacific to his signature songs. “Pangil ng Kidlat,” Don’t forget gains superhuman strength and speed and bring Kapamilya stars closer to global TFC also went Down Under as the US comedians Pooh, Marissa Sanchez Sept. 10-11: the ability to climb high walls. He will use Pinoys. ON September 6, the cast 16th National Public Relations Congress and Rhada combined their humor- his gift to steal from the corrupt to help Martin Nievera did a show with and crew of the country’s Time to hit the ‘Deck! PR: Pursuing Reforms, The Social Change Challenge comedian Chokoleit in Milan, Italy. ous wit. the poor. Catch Tiago weekends at 6 p.m. top noontime show, You can split your Tweet- or topics and TweetDeck Venue @ The Manila Hotel. Congress fee is P8,000. For more TFC’s world tour was an as- TweetDeck a handy way to only on ABS-CBN! Meanwhile, Gretchen Barreto, with “Wowowee,” will be in Deck screen into different keeps a running global info, call the PRSP Secretariat at 638-0010 and 638-0012 or tounding success. ABS-CBN Global Twitter. crooner Richard Poon and comedi- Harrahs and Harveys Out- columns to separate your search of your search terms. You can now shorten your email [email protected]. ‘And I Love You So’ looks forward to doing more events • Sept. 15 or 16: ans Ador and Ate Gay, paid a visit to door Arena in Lake Tahoe Tweets into categories. This is a must-have way to Tweets if you run over 140 Business Excellence Learning Series online premiere! Singapore. for global Pinoys as it continues the Sustainability and Climate Change (Tentative title) on the border of California Your categories will sepa- maximize the information characters, right from the ABS-CBN Interactive and Richard also went to Dubai, UAE year-round celebration of TFC’s • Contact Maribel Rubia @ 449-6005 or [email protected]. and Nevada. The following rate your regular Tweet- and networking potential TweetDeck tweet panel. join forces as they break new ground to sing at the Second FilExpo. His 15th anniversary. (Cecile Ilagan) Chokoleit and Martin Nievera Sept. 25: PRSP Professional Dev’t. Seminar 1 week, the whole “Wowow- TWEETDECK (http:// line—with all of your of Twitter. They’ve also added a spell- with the very first online streaming of performance was followed by the A Whole New World of Digital PR ee” gang will be in Tacoma www.tweetdeck.com/beta/) followers, @replies you TweetDeck provides a col- checker and you can have a local film. “And I Love You So” world- show of Bugoy Drilon and Laarni • Venue @ InterCon Hotel, Makati, 8am-5pm. Fee is P6,000 Dome, Washington, USA, makes tweeting with friends have received, your direct umn for your DMs and the narrower columns. wide online Lozada. The event was made even TFC now on mobile in Japan for members and P7,000 for nonmembers. For Bea & Derek on September 13. For and fans a whole new ball messages (or DMs, both newest upgrade keeps track TweetDeck is really is one of premiere will more intense by the show Sitti the more info, call the PRSP at 638-0010 and 638- ABS-CBN Global Ltd.’s subsidiary in Japan has launched TFC on ticket inquiries, call 510- game! Here are some of the sent and received), and your of both the DMs you send the best desktop clients you can run until following day. 0012 or email [email protected]. mobile. With TFC on mobile, the freshest news and the best entertain- 329-1406 (Harrahs and great features of Tweet- groups—if you want to cre- and the DMs you receive. use to narrow your Twitterverse Sept. 4, 2009. Christian Bautista graced the Sept. 30: Business Excellence Award Ceremony ment from TFC can now be viewed from compatible mobile phones Harveys) and 206-778- Deck: ate them. This is perfect for staying and focus on the things you Log on to festivities in Morden, UK then flew Venue @ Rockwell Tent, 3pm. Catch the recipients within the country. Subscribers can watch the most up-to-date news, 3432 (Tacoma). Tune in to TweetDeck is a great way You can’t beat TweetDeck on track in an ongoing want the most from Twitter. http:// to Barcelona, Spain where he was • • of the 2008 Lopez Achievement Awards. Register showbiz scoops, variety shows, drama series, movies and sports events. They “Wowowee” every afternoon to break down your Twits’ for searching Twitter. private conversation with Follow LopezLink in Twitter (@ starcine- joined by Pretty Trizsa, 101.9 For or log on to www.lopezgroupbeknet.net for more will also have access to real tones of the most popular songs in the Philippines. for more updates and infor- Tweets and Twonversations You can set up a column an individual follower. LopezLink) or be a LopezLink ma.com. Life’s showbiz disk jockey. Bayani details. The monthly subscription fee for TFC on mobile is only ¥1,050. mation. (Katherine Solis) down into manageable bites. to search any keywords This feature alone makes Facebook fan! ph. Agbayani took care of Madrid, Spain   Lopezlink September 2009 Lopezlink September 2009 executiveFEATURE

PRESENTACION L. Psinakis loves her work. The Eugenio Lopez Jr. (Geny) was imprisoned only daughter of Lopez Group founder Eugenio H. during martial law. They bought a fast food Lopez Sr. (Don Eñing) is president of Griffin Sierra restaurant in the heart of San Francisco’s Travel Inc. financial district, which they managed for She started up the travel agency in 1967 with 10- three years until husband Steve helped in 12 employees, and has grown its business many times the escape of Geny from the Marcos military over with headcount now at 49. prison. “I enjoy running an office even if it’s a lot of In 1987, a year after the People Power headache. I enjoy working and this was inculcated Revolution that catapulted the late in me by my late dad, who conducted business at the , a close family luncheon table. I could hear him talking business all friend, to the presidency, Psinakis the time. Sierra gave me a channel to practice what resumed her post at Sierra. She I really believe in: the ethics, the values, the example oversaw its eventual partnership Clockwise, from far left: Forging stronger ties through a team building activity in Corregi- taught to me by my dad,” says Psinakis. with Griffin Marine Travel, dor in April 2009; With Griffin Global Group Ltd. director Stephen Boyes (seated, extreme right) during the cocktail night hosted by GSTI for the Lloyds Ship Manager Asia-Pacific Manning and Training Conference; GSTI directors (l-r) Manuel M. Lopez, Marites Lopez, Marilu Ngo, George Boyes, Presy L. Psinakis, Connie Lopez and Oscar M. Lopez; Marine travel consultants at work. Presy L. Psinakis: GRIFFIN... enhance customer experience, and boosting ef- “As well as making the required reserva- Amadeus, Galileo and Abacus computerized have tapped GSTI for their travel require- from page 1 ficiency and profitability. tions, GSTI’s service also involves helping our reservation systems that contain their shipping ments. In the Philippines, about 20 out of the es- clients to better understand and manage their and corporate clients’ profiles. Ngo noted that since coming onboard GSTI In 1989, marine and offshore travel special- timated 500 travel agents are in marine crew crew travel through provision of management Compared with corporate leisure travel, 17 years ago, the company has booked double- information. In doing so, GSTI adds value to its Ngo observed, the turnaround time for finaliz- digit growth of as much as 20% year on year, ‘Work, live ist Griffin Marine Travel Ltd. was looking for travel, with the rest concentrating on corporate an established local partner in the Philippines. leisure and domestic travel. While the company service provision by helping customers to effec- ing marine crew travel is very fast but the work thanks to its virtual monopoly on the marine Harnessing what Ngo described as the Greek still services other markets, Ngo points out, in tively manage their expenditure on crew trav- put in is highly intensive because of frequent crew travel market. Solidifying lead connection (Griffin CEO George Boyes and the absence of a core business or specialization, el—commonly the third largest cost incurred by changes in the schedule of vessels. Banking on adaptability, flexibility Psinakis’s husband Steve both trace their roots GSTI would be reduced to just being one in a customers in their day-to-day businesses—and Asked how the company fared in the wake By Carla Paras-Sison to Greece), it put in an initial 10% equity in crowd of 500. In addition, GSTI has the lever- their internal resource related to handling crew Indeed, its steadily growing numbers attest of the economic downturn and the H1N1 scare, with passion’ Sierra Tours. age of the Griffin global network to source the travel.” to the GSTI team’s adaptability and flexibility. Ngo quipped: “I wish you were interviewing me Major change Fully mechanized cheapest marine fares, allowing it to offer the The marine and corporate travel departments last year rather than this year!” Sales calls whose principal, George Boyes, was also a very close Ngo, to take care of the nitty-gritty of daily opera- t the same time, another major change was best price for crew travel to its clients. Marine crew travel now comprises 89% of handle a combined average of 3,500 bookings However, the travel industry veteran ex- In the beginning, she was very active in the busi- personal friend of the Psinakis family. tions. With Ngo and her team on board, she knows in the offing for the then 22-year-old com- “GSTI’s approach to servicing marine GSTI’s business. The remaining 11% is made a month or almost 40,000 bookings a year, ac- pressed optimism, saying in effect that the pres- ness, meeting with airline executives to whom she “Our partnership is based on friendship. And our Sierra is in good hands. pany—it was going to specialize in marine crew travel is better than a traditional local- up of corporate and leisure travelers, although cording to the latest figures (2008). ent situation is merely a bump in the company’s could relate well. She found Americans and Euro- partnership flourished. Griffin-Sierra is the only- of Doing with passion crew travel, managing the travel requirements ized model that limits available alternatives to the GM said they hope to boost the latter to Marine clients include Maersk, Chevron, largely smooth ride. peans particularly easy to talk business with. She fice that George Boyes does not own outright, and “I feel that whatever you do in life, you have to of seafarers travelling to and from assignments solve extraordinary problems. Clients perceive as much as 30% for a more balanced market Doehle Shipmanagement Corp., Anscor “This is only an interruption, and hopefully would go on sales calls as Sierra focused on corporate he has 14-17 offices around the world. We are able to do it with passion. When I started Sierra, I was so on board vessels or rigs. the advantages of Griffin’s integrated global composition. Swire Ship Management Corp. and Tidewa- when it settles down, we will resume our double travel. quote the lowest seacrew fares because of our affiliate passionately involved in it. I would live it, eat it, sleep “Before Sierra partnered with Griffin, no approach because it minimizes unexpected GSTI’s team of 49 includes 13 marine ter, while on the corporate side, ABS-CBN, digit-growth again,” she said. “We still aim to be Marriage to then Meralco executive Steve Psina- offices in the Middle East, Hong Kong, Singapore, it. With that attitude, it’s hard not to succeed. Today, other travel agency in the Philippines was ser- surprises and provides peace of mind,” Ngo travel operators who are on call 24/7 via mobile First Philippine Holdings Corp., Bayan, Bank at the forefront of marine crew travel, to solidify kis, a Greek national, interrupted her career in the the US, Cyprus, Turkey,” says Psinakis. even if I am not 100% involved in day-to-day op- vicing marine and offshore travel on a global explained. phones and laptops, and another five agents of the Philippine Islands, New Tribes Mis- our strength in that respect. And, as with marine travel industry. She moved to Athens and opened Complementing Sierra strength erations, I love being with the people, passing on the scale. And since we were first in that line of assigned to the corporate sector. The company sion, the Department of Agriculture, and the crew travel, we will also still be a one-stop shop an Asian boutique that carried her name. She im- Griffin’s marine travel business complemented values and business ethics that I got from my dad,” business, we were getting all the accounts,” Ngo meet the also boasts of fully mechanized operations with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for our corporate and leisure travel customers.” ported handicrafts, art objects and antiques from the Sierra’s strength in corporate and together, the com- Psinakis says. recalled. “When Griffin was getting shipping team Philippines, Thailand, Japan and other East Asian pany grew stronger and more relevant, considering During company get-togethers, she says Si- principals on board, and they would definitely countries. that 25% of the world’s shipping crew come from the erra employees already expect one of her “homi- have Filipino crew, we would always be there “That business was very, very successful because Philippines. lies.” at the forefront servicing their travel require- of the beauty of the imports. Our clients appreciated Psinakis says she will try to stay involved with “They need it in this day and age. They must learn ments.” the piña cloth, the capiz shells. We even had our own Sierra for as long as she can. “Our partnership is go- that it’s not the money or profits that come first. I As the business grew, Griffin increased its lamps made,” Psinakis recalls. ing well, but I really need to devote more time to my have endeavored to make the people who work (in shares in Sierra Tours until it topped out at Partnership with Griffin family.” Sierra) happy, provide them with a good office, a 50% in 2004. In 2005, Sierra Tours officially The family had to move to the US in 1974, how- This is why she has developed trusted lieutenants, positive working environment—but you can only do became Griffin Sierra Travel Inc. following the ever, when Don Eñing fell ill while her elder brother led by vice president and general manager Marilu Q. so much, and the rest is up to them.” United Kingdom-based company’s expansion, formally aligning it with the Griffin Global Group. Aiming to be No. 1 spotlight As GSTI, the rebranded company aimed to (L-R) Marilu Ngo, vice president and general manager; Noel Leviste, operations manager; Roberto Belano Jr., operations supervisor—Marine; Maryline Tañada, client services manager; Pauline Cala-or, client Anniversary treat become the No. 1 preferred agent of corporate services manager; Ma. Rosario Ramos, comptroller; Myrna Lopez, chief accountant; Wilson Vallo, accounting manager; Myrna Carlos, QMS officer; Joey Tapic, IT officer; and Mary Juliet Ang, HR and admin accounts and shipping clients by striving to TO celebrate its an- supervisor. niversary, Griffin Sierra TIMELINE Travel Inc. (GSTI), to- gether with Bantay Bata January 6, 1967 September 14, 1987 1989 2001 2002 May 2005 163, conducted a soup Climb every Sierra Tours Inc. is 1979 Psinakis re- Sierra Tours focuses on The company moves to its present loca- Sierra Tours The partnership with Griffin kitchen feeding program organized with four Psinakis sells her share of turns to the the marine crew travel tion in Rockwell Center, occupying the starts sponsoring Travel London is formally in Barangay Batasan Hills, principal partners: Presy the company to Benpres Philippines business after forging a second floor of 38 Rockwell Drive. Tourism students launched, and the company . Hundreds of Lopez Psinakis, Rosario Corporation (now Lopez and resumes partnership with Griffin in La Concordia is rebranded as Griffin Sierra children—and even their sierra Westley, Fritzi Aragon Incorporated). active Marine Travel Ltd. of College as part Travel Inc. parents—enjoyed hearty AT almost 43 years old, Griffin Sierra Travel Inc. and Elsa Fontanilla. The manage- London, UK. of its advocacy. servings of arroz caldo and (GSTI) is one of the oldest homegrown Lopez main office is on Adriatico 1980s ment of the After completing 2008 fruit juice served by the companies. Started by four women in the 1960s, St., Ermita, Manila. Later With three of the original company. their on-the-job GTSI services a total of GSTI team led by Presy it has weathered martial law, the departure of that year, a second office is founders gone, Psinakis’s Sierra Tours April 1992 training, quali- 39,651 marine crew and L. Psinakis. The kids also most of the original founders, and slumps arising inaugurated at the Hotel brother Manuel M. transfers its Marilu Q. Ngo joins the fied students are corporate leisure travel went home with giveaways from epidemics and financial crises to become an Savoy (now the Hyatt Lopez and Westley run the headquarters company as its general absorbed into the clients, its highest ever since to remember the day by. industry leader. Regency Manila). company. to Makati. manager. company. 2000. (Pauline Cala-or)   Lopezlink September 2009 CSR ACTIVITIES Lopezlink September 2009 NOSTALGIA Lapus to KCh: ‘Keep pioneering’ AFI UPDATES ONGOINGS Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.— George Frats unite for education Discussion on Cory on @Lopez Museum Santayana AT the kickoff of the 10th Inc. (KCFI), Department of Lopez-Bautista and her staff essential learning outcomes anniversary events of Knowl- Education Sec. for their commitment and ir- and authentic assessment. FILIPINO frater- Sept. 5 Seminar for 75 teacher-librarians Sept. 1945 edge Channel Foundation lauded executive director Rina repressible spirit, asking them We will also focus on critical nities in the Mid- The National Book Develop- Seventy-five Fernando to keep pioneering in the field issues and values to help our dle East forged a ment Board (NBDB) Book public school PHOTOS BY RINGO BUNOAN H. Lopez is of educational technology. learners develop their unique- partnership with Club session will discuss “Cory: teacher-librari- appointed Admitting that the pres- ness, their talents and gifts for ABS-CBN Foun- An Intimate Portrait” on Sep- ans from Pasig, Mayor of ent public educational system themselves, their families and dation’s E-Media tember 5, 2pm, at Lopez Me- Quezon City, Iloilo by is “Jurassic,” Sec. Jesli Lapus others. Program, provid- morial Museum and Library. Bulacan, Cavite President said that his task of producing “The Understanding by ing rural schools The book portrays President and Manila Sergio Osmeña. competitive students for the Design framework hopes to access to modern multimedia learning. Philippine Guard- Cory Aquino in different fac- took part in the Sept. 1952 21st century was a daunting create a participatory culture ians Brotherhood Inc. (PGBI) of Saudi Arabia, Alpha Phi ets of her life as told by those 9th Teacher- Oscar M. Lopez enters the challenge. “Multimedia digital of learning and cultivate a Omega (APO) Emarat 121 of United Arab Emirates and who served in her government and others whose lives Librarian Littauer School of Government materials are the way to go,” love for learning among the APO Kuwait Alumni Association-Filback 153 donated she had touched. Editor Margie Juico, Pres. Aquino’s Seminar held National Artist F. Sionil Jose with in Harvard for an MA degree. he said, “if we are to produce a young, hoping to empower educational television (ETV) packages to schools in Lanao former appointments secretary, will join the discussion. recently. With LMM staff Sept. 21, 1972 workforce that is globally com- them so that they can be the del Norte, Bulacan and Camarines Norte. To help AFI’s “Cory: An Intimate Portrait” is available in major book- The Chabet Archive includes an estimated 8,000 ma- the theme Pres. Mar- petitive.” best them and discover a sense Adopt-Your-Hometown School campaign, call 415-6296 or terials on the artist; (insert) Conceptual artist Roberto stores for P160. “Equipping Teacher-Librarians Today, Build Our cos declares Lopez-Bautista mean- of purpose of serving others,” email [email protected]. (Suzette Tumale-Catalla) The Chabet Archive now open Chabet after his talk, ‘The Chabet Archive: A Conversa- (L-R) Mike Luz of the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction, Libraries for Tomorrow,” the seminar aimed to help martial law. Fe Hidalgo, singer Yeng Constantino, Sec. Jesli Lapus, Rina Lopez-Bau- while charted the direction she added. Lopez Memorial Museum opens to the public The tion’ at the museum in July. the participants develop skills that will allow them Sept. 15, tista and Carlo Katigbak. (Photo by: Mandy Navasero) of the foundation which, ac- The event elicited some Tay Tung backs BB 163 Chabet Archive, a landmark research that compiled and to maximize their resources and develop lifelong 1986 cording to her, is “right now P7.4 million worth of pledges Materials were donated by Chabet himself, various feeding program digitized thousands of works and materials by Roberto institutions, galleries, collectors, and friends of the art- users of these resources. ABS-CBN developing content that will from members of the audience Chabet, the country’s foremost conceptual artist and a The Tay Tung High ist. The digital files will be available to local researchers The participants learned about book conserva- goes back Be a Volunteer! help students develop 21st who were moved by the docu- key figure in Philippine contemporary art. School Alumni As- through Lopez Memorial Museum. tion from chemist-conservator Maita Reyes and on air. century skills. Anchored on mentary “Hearts and Minds: Ringo Bunoan, Asia Art Archive’s researcher for Sept. 30, sociation and Ban- from National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose. the Understanding by Design The Knowledge Channel Story.” the Philippines, turned over the materials she gathered EXHIBITS 1991 tay Bata (BB) 163 Managing the library collection and the possibili- Help yourself by framework, we will focus on (Doris Nuval) on the 73-year-old artist to Lopez Museum after The Last month for ‘Double Take,’ 2 others ties of the internet were also discussed, the latter by Negros launched its The Lopezes regain control Chabet Archive: A Conversation, a talk participated in by supplemental feed- Catch works from the museum’s permanent collection, the Ateneo de Manila University Library’s Fernan of Meralco after the Supreme Chabet and other artists, in July. ing program for 100 LVN archival photographs and a video installation by Dizon. Court rules that there are It includes the artist’s biography, profiles and inter- helping others children in Handu- young director Raya Martin in Double Take, curated by The annual Teacher-Librarian Seminar is spear- no legal obstacles to First views, letters, exhibition notes, sketches, press releases manan Elementary Chit and Eileen Ramirez. Meanwhile, maps, includ- headed by the Robinsons Children’s Library, with Philippine Holdings By Vanessa Suquila he had written, photographs as well as his exhibitions, School in Bacolod. ing a 1734 Murillo Velarde map of the Philippines, Lopez Memorial Museum and the Ortigas Foun- Corporation’s assertion shows he has curated, his works in private and public First day of the Tay Tung-sponsored feed- BB 163 Negros also books on cartography, and Jose memorabilia are dation Library, to provide free lectures and work- of ownership over the THE foundations of the collections, press clippings, videos, posters, and invita- ing program. conducts advocacies showcased in Coordinates at the Rare Books gallery. In shops to elementary and high school public school utility. Lopez Group are in need of tions to exhibitions. It provides a comprehensive ac- to parents, teachers and other stakeholders on topics such Tutelage, at the library, on exhibit are books from the teachers-librarians. Source: Mercy Servida, volunteers for various CSR count of his artistic process, the vision that he espoused, as child abuse, parenting skills and responsible parenthood. American colonial and Commonwealth periods and Lopez Memorial Museum is at the ground floor, head librarian, Lopez Memorial programs. and the generations of artists whom he mentored at the BB 163 Negros invites other groups and individuals to sup- the early Philippine Republican administrations. Tu- Benpres Building, Exchange Road, Pasig. Museum Library You may volunteer to help University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts. port its activities. For more info, contact (034) 433-9071. telage also features works by sculptor Ikoy Ricio. The Museum days and hours are Mondays to people, protect the environ- three exhibits will run until Sept. 25, 2009. Saturdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., except holidays. (Caryl Anne Diamante) ment, or any other cause that SPECIAL you care about. Volunteering SK puts up trading post in Quezon feature helps others, but it can also KCh now in Ifugao Province On the 60th foundation anniversary of the municipality of help you, too. If you’re upset FPHC’s VP-HR Beth Canlas vol- KCFI’s Lopez-Bautista about a calamity that’s hap- and Lopez Group Foundation Inc. (LGFI) president Rafael M. Alunan General Nakar, Mayor Leovegildo Ruzol and Sagip Ka- How to carry on unteers at the Brigada Eskwela. By Norman Sison the Cory legacy pened—such as the series of III (right) turned over Knowledge Channel (KCh) satellite dishes and pamilya head Tina Monzon-Palma signed a memorandum educational television (ETV) packages in the public schools of Mayoyao of agreement for the construction of a P4-million trading typhoons that hit Bicol— do- ism program or be a Volunteer JUST as we cannot appreciate light dragged on to 1992, that Cory could As if she was giving a parting to proudly witness the and Alfonso Lista. This first entry of KCh in Ifugao was an answer to the post. The Trading Post is envisioned to sustain commercial ing something about it can Champion, call Lopez Group if there is no darkness, we now are do little to ease the poverty and clean shot against a corrupt government, event. This is the glory appeal by local officials to LGFI chairman Oscar M. Lopez months earlier activities that will boost the economic and social conditions be a way to cope with your Foundation Inc. (LGFI) at learning to appreciate Cory Aquino up the corruption, disappointment when the Lopezes visited the province. of the families in the locality. It will be inaugurated in No- Cory’s passing pulled us back again of democracy, that its feelings and to make a differ- 490-0779. now that we’re living in a Philippines after disappointment piled up. from the brink of cynicism. For at most solemn moment ence. vember 2009, five years after the tragedy that befell Quezon. (Cecille Zipagan) without her, the personification of In her valedictory State of the least five days—from her death to her should be the peace- So where do you start? Inang Bayan. Nation Address in 1991, Cory asked August 5 funeral—and especially for ful transfer of power,” For starters, you could help EDC sows rare native While she did say once that she Filipinos for understanding: “I those who endured Marcos, we real- Cory underlined in her public school teachers learn would “rather die a meaningful hope that history will judge me as ized how good it felt not be cynical. 1991 address. to use Knowledge Channel death than to live a meaningless favorably as our people still regard It was 1986 all over again. Democracy is Cory’s in their lessons or talk with trees in Nuvali life,” what made Cory different from me, because, as God is my witness, Cory’s presidency was a disap- legacy, so much so that she relocated families from the BUOYED by the success of its tie- newest host of premium but her martyred husband Ninoy Aquino I honestly did the best I could. No pointment because she didn’t meet was once asked how ordinary Pasig River on how to live a up with Bonifacio Estate Services threatened Philippine tree spe- was that she didn’t brave a bullet to more can be asked of any man.” Filipinos’ high hopes of social in- citizens could be made to stand healthy lifestyle. Call Lara of Corporation (BESC) and Ayala cies through the Ayala Prop- achieve a political end. Thanks to years of betrayal by justice corrected, poverty eased, and in front of tanks—as if there’s a ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. Foundation, Energy Develop- erty Management Corporation For Ninoy, the Filipino was worth politicians who claimed to serve the corruption purged. But now that recipe for people power. She replied: at 0921-4659121 or Jerome ment Corporation (EDC) linked (APMC), which received the dying for. For Cory, the Filipino was people, cynicism became the nation’s we have the gift of hindsight, we’ve “I don’t have any formula for ousting of Knowledge Channel at up anew with the conglomerate to seedlings from EDC. The worth living for. greatest enemy and the greatest ally realized that we’ve been using the a dictator or building democracy. All Hope comes in yellow 0920-9556107 for specific bring its “Binhi: Tree for the Fu- seedlings were planted at In 1986, Cory rescued the nation of the dishonest and the scheming. wrong criteria of what makes a good I can suggest is to forget about your- How lost our nation now volunteerism opportunities. ture” program inside the Nuvali Employee volunteers plant seedlings Nuvali’s Treveia neighborhood from the pit of cynicism. Back then, Cory seemed destined for historical president. After all, we did ask an self and just think of your people. It’s Our only guiding light gone Or, if you are interested to eco-community in Laguna. of threatened and premium trees during a tree planting activity it seemed like there was nothing that oblivion. ordinary housewife to throw out a always the people who make things Just when the night grows darker develop an employee volunteer- The 1,700-hectare resi- participated in by EDC and at the Nuvali residential estate in AEI, OFPHIL provide vision screening, cata- we Filipinos couldn’t do because get- But when Cory did become part dictator, didn’t we? happen.” dential estate thus became the APMC employees in July. Laguna. ting rid of Marcos was an impossible of Philippine history on August 1, But ever hopeful we’ll remain ract surgeries As part of its mission to make high quality eye care “What do I know about being For those who remember the Rei Medrano, manager for mainstream of forestation initia- dream. Suddenly, everything was 2009, her unquestionable integ- Deliverance will come, that we know CALENDAR available to Filipinos, Asian Eye Institute (AEI) will provide free cata- president,” she did tell the nation Marcos dictatorship and who are corporate social responsibil- As certain as the sun rises in the east tives,” he added. “We have to ract surgery to the indigents of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, to support looking up. rity, sincerity, modesty and fidelity to when she was being enlisted to run now grandparents or parents, Cory’s ity (CSR) of EDC, said: “We think twice before using exotic We were the darling of the world, civic duty turned out to be her saving BAYAN Academy offers the following certificate training the ‘Mata Ko, Aking Gabay’ program. Forty barangay health workers against Marcos in 1985. What we death is a golden opportunity to Though we wake up orphaned share Ayala’s philosophy on trees like mahogany and gmelina just like Iran today. “People power” grace. If the presidency is often said programs this month: will receive free cataract screening training from the Ophthalmological saw was what we got. She got Mar- explain to today’s young genera- We now bear the light environmental sustainability. for tree planting or reforestation, was a wildfire that swept across the to be thankless job, Filipinos proved Sept. 22-Oct. 3— Grassroots Entrepreneurship and Foundation of the Philippines (OFPHIL) and 50 eyes with cataracts will cos out, so she did her job. tion what democracy is all about, That our mother shone for us. Our Binhi program is rooted because we might compromise world from Indonesia to the Soviet it wrong with their tears, yellow con- Management: International Training of Trainors be operated on and implanted with artificial lenses. Attending the celebra- “On June 30, 1992, the tradi- especially as politicians toy with the on that philosophy because it the survival of our native timber Union to Latin America. And Cory fetti, patience and discipline in lining This was penned by Norman Sison on The seminar will be held at Bayan Academy, 2/F Cinderella Bldg., tion of the partnership are (seated, l-r): Carla Lopez of OFPHIL, Rep. tional ceremony of political succes- 1987 Constitution that is the Aquino intends to secure our native but species in doing so.” was the patron saint of democracy. up in the rain and in the heat, yellow August 1, “the day we woke up to the 825 EDSA, Quezon City. Fee is P2,000 per participant per day. Arthur Robes, and AEI president Benjamin Liboro; (standing, l-r): AEI sion will unfold at the Luneta. The legacy. Just as Cory took up Ninoy’s high-value timber species. EDC aims to sow the pro- “Kay sarap pala maging Pilipino.” ribbons, classic Ninoy shirts, banners Philippines without Cory Aquino, to For more info, contact KC Villanueva @ 928-5576 or mcesvil- surgeon Dr. Norman Fajardo, Florida Robes, Dr. Dennis Booth, AEI last time it was done that way was mantle, so should each Filipino now “It has become imperative to gram in all 81 provinces within a HR and CSR specialist Kathleen Ceballo, AEI VP Anna Gerochi, and But when it became clear, as 1986 and, of course, the “Laban” hand sign. help ease the pain.” [email protected]. in 1965. I shall be there with you take up Cory’s. bring these tree species into the three-year period. (Toni Nieva) AEI surgeon Dr. Ma. Imelda Yap-Veloso. (Sheila Sochayseng) 10 LopezLink September 2009 11 LIFELONG WELLNESS Lopezlink September 2009 Sudoku For ABS-CBN, the 3rd time’s the charm Maglaro tayo ng Sudoku, ang bagong libangan ng bayan! LIKE everyone else, we’re counting down the Ayusin lamang ang mga numero simula 1 hanggang 9 para days before Christmas. It might only be the Run for the Pasig As First Philec grabs Division B trophy in 1st try ang bawat numero ay minsan lang magagamit sa bawat row, first “ber” month, but we have already received By Hermes Miranda column at kahon. a gift in the form of the Lopez Group listed River on Nov. 8 Mythical Five member Mar- ippine Holdings Corporation and nine rebounds, Division companies’ fine financial performance in the lon Simbajon led all scorers with (FPHC), which led all quarters B MVP Ramil Adillo, who first six months of 2009, and we’d like to spread Dear Rosie THE Philippine In- FINALLY, ABS-CBN de- 22 points. Joey Rafal chipped in all throughout the game except chipped in 16 points and seven the joy around. In fact, we’re getting a leg up on Thanks!—Lalay ternational Marathon feated its nemesis in a thrill- 10 points, including four crucial for the last 17 seconds; it was a rebounds, and Alfred Eusebio, the celebrations with a unique gift suggestion Says Peng Young, MMLDC marketing officer: “Yes, walk-in 2009: A Run for the ing 77-73 championship game free throws in the dying sec- sorry loss for the FPHC, which who contributed 11 points. from Lopez Group Foundation Inc., which is clients are always welcome to dine at the Areva Pavilion and tour Pasig River goes to the held at the Meralco Jolly Cen- onds of the match. TJ Manotoc had defeated first-seeded Philec EDC was led by Mythical recruiting warm bodies for a new group-wide around the aviary. We have a family weekend getaway promo that starting line on No- ter Gym. This is their third had a strong all-around game in the semifinals. Five member Gilson Tiu with volunteerism program. As per our tradition includes one-night stay at the Executive Room for two adults and two vember 8, 2009 at the consecutive finals matchup in with seven rebounds, three as- EDC raced to an early dou- seven points, 10 rebounds, two here in LopezLink, more gift ideas will be kids below 10 years old, complimentary breakfast for two, access to all recreational facilities, and an aviary tour.” All these are available for Quirino Grandstand. the Lopez Wellness Basket- sists, one steal, two blocks and ble-digit lead in the first and steals and two blocks. Vicente forthcoming in the run-up to the holidays. P2,960++; pre-booking is required. For reservations, call 632-8111. The activity will ball Tournament in four years. nine points with three of those second quarters. However, be- Acuesta chipped in eight points With Christmas and several other holidays coming up, reunions ooOoo provide the public a glimpse of the state of the Pasig River Meralco defeated Tollways points coming from a 30-plus fore the second quarter ended, and 11 rebounds while Mike are surely already marked in your or your balikbayan friends’ and rela- Let’s change the format [of Walk the Talk]. Let’s do something like as well as challenge marathoners with its nontraditional route Management Corp. in their foot shot as time expired in the First Philec made a run going Brana led the team in scoring tives’ calendars—and that means a trip! This is the best time to know the walking tours of Carlos Celdran. All that the participants need crossing nine of the 13 bridges of the waterway, and with por- championship match in 2006. third quarter. That gave ABS- into the half, trailing only by with nine points. more about Griffin Sierra Travel Inc. (GSTI), our cover feature for Meralco was the odds-on CBN a 60-57 lead. seven points. A last-minute run Medals for the members of the month. GSTI is a homegrown Lopez company and one of the are comfortable shoes and street clothes…tapos pwede ng mag- tions to be run alongside the river. jeep before and after. Let’s go, say around Fort Santiago, walking, A unique feature of this race organized by Kapit Bisig Para favorite to win the champion- Meralco was led by Division in the third quarter continued champion teams and individual leading names in travel in the Philippines. ship. However, from the first A MVP and Best Defender as Philec turned its seven-point awards were distributed during Kudos to Meralco and chairman Manuel M. Lopez for being rec- learning, experiencing the incarceration of many of our martyrs…, sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP) is the 42K full marathon which can also maybe for one or two hours. Good for the body, good for the mind, quarter onwards, this game was Ace Lee who posted 12 points, deficit into a 52-50 lead head- the “Walk the Talk” anniver- ognized internationally, by Stern Stewart & Co. and Alpha Southeast be run by a relay team of 20 people. good for the spirit and good for the country.—Moje 15 rebounds and three blocks. sary on August 29. Asia, for management excellence. Gina Lopez, managing director of ABS-CBN Foundation following a different script as ing into the fourth quarter.  Very Easy Finally, we remember our very own icon of democracy, former Wellness chief Rafael M. Alunan III’s response: “Walk the Talk… Inc., one of the lead partners of KBPIP, urged the public to both teams remained relatively Ramon Fabros and Mythical The momentum remained  Easy sports & wellness Pres. Cory Aquino, who passed away on August 1. In addition to is designed to get employees to appreciate the merits of walking (or support the multi-sectoral effort: “The marathon is a step of close to one another from start Five member Mark Eresmas on the side of First Philec as it  Medium ABS-CBN’s “Salamat, President Cory,” ABS-CBN Publishing is jogging) for fitness, and for them to do so regularly at least 4-5 times faith. Together we can go the distance and clean the river.” to finish. chipped in 15 and 13 points, pulled away in the fourth quar-  Hard Answer to August puzzle releasing a special Cory commemorative magazine, and we have our a week. Exertion is a facet of WTT, which is why we are measuring Participation fee is P250. Corporate groups may also register Randy Picache of ABS-CBN respectively. ter to win 72-62. It thus be- calendar SEPTEMBER Solution, tips and computer own tribute as well courtesy of writer Norman Sison. the time it takes to complete a walk. It is supposed to be physically as a team. Free running clinics will be available for first-time led his team with 21 points, In Division B, fourth-seed- came the first team in the last 7-9: Silent Retreat program available at www. ooOoo therapeutic if done right. WTT is held once a month to entice more runners through Pinoy Ultra Runners. Pre-registration forms 10 rebounds, three steals, and ed EDC booked its place in three years to win a title for the @ West sudoku.com Kudos to the fourth gen’s Dan Layug for finishing the grueling employees to get onto the wellness bandwagon and do brisk walking three blocks. ABS-CBN also the quarterfinals behind the first season of participation. Wing. Fee: P3,000. Retreat for are available at the KBPIP office, ELJ Building, ABS-CBN marathon. Who is his mother?— Criselda B. for starters on their own for one purpose—to shed poundage and drew strong performances from heroic shot by John Gamboa First Philec was led by young professionals. Contact Complex. For more info, call 415-2272 loc. 3797, 416-1911 or His mother is the moving spirit of Knowledge Channel Founda- keep the heart healthy. Walking tours are very much slower and are key players to win the Division with two seconds left in the Mythical Five member Jose Josie Rigg @ 809-7815. @MMLDC email [email protected]. tion, president and executive director Rina Lopez-Bautista, who is strictly for leisure.” A championship. game and defeated First Phil- Corcolon who had 19 points 13: Crocs Prepair to Run, ooOoo 3k-5k-10k ‘Off the wall’ bridal fair the daughter of Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez. Dan is now UPDATES @ MOA, Pasay, MERALCO Management Lead- on his senior year in Georgetown studying Finance and Chinese. One of my friends is using a Bayan wireless broadband device. Can 6am. Fee: P300. Part of the ership and Development Center ooOoo you tell me more about it? Do they have a promo?—Nacho Race to 120 Yes, matters proceeds from registration (MMLDC) will hold its final food Thank you very very much for your unwavering support. Our regu- According to Freya Santos, Bayan corporate brand and communi- fees will go to WE Inter- tasting and mini bridal fair for the lar exposure in LopezLink has been doing great for chess in general cations manager, there are two now unlimited bayanBROADBAND final weigh-in FOR three years now, Lifelong to see and feel a new level of in order to recruit new talent. national Philippines. Free year on Sept. 26, 2009. “The Girl is and the Meralco chess players in particular. Our players have been packages available: the 256 kbps package for P699/month and the has been promoting the con- energy within the business. In some instances, health pro- T H E post-race breakfast, finisher Mine: Weddings with the King of inspired on seeing their faces on your pages.—Raul 512 kbps package for P1,199/month. You need to shell out P1,500 cept of holistic wellness and the Ultimately, one of the goals of motion can prove to be a valu- upfront, and an additional P166.66/month for the next six months f i n a l T-shirt, gift certificates, plus Pop” will highlight the late Michael ooOoo importance of health and well- any health promotion program able tool in sealing the deal. to cover the unit cost. The subscription is free on the 13th month. week- a chance to win a Samsung Jackson’s hit songs. Featured are caterers Eliseus’ Cuisine, I love Lola Techie, she reminds me of my mom! Pero bakit wala ness programs in the continued is to influence the attitudes of Reduces absenteeism. bayanBROADBAND is initially available in selected areas. For more l o n g LCD TV! Register at Crocs Josiah’s and VS&F, alongside event stylists such as Flowers yatang nabanggit kung may Multiply account si Lola?—Mari M. success of a company. These are the organization’s most valu- Occasional absences info, call the Bayan hotline at 449-2000. weigh-in will be held on Concept Stores. and Events by Teddy Manuel, and Tropical Blooms. The Lola Techie has a Multiply account aside from her Facebook, the main reasons Lifelong is able resource—its employees. caused by things like 18-20: Silent Retreat September 21-25, 2009, at @ Ibayo Band will energize the atmosphere with MJ hits. YouTube, Twitter and Plurk accounts (links all in www.lolatechie. pushing Lopez Group compa- Reduces turnover. The ef- colds and the flu can cause West Wing. Fee: P3,000. If you have questions, comments, opinions, suggestions and reactions about three different centers: Ben- Groups of three will be accommodated for free while a com). Her Multiply account features her online discoveries and has anything and everything about the Lopez Group, please send them to Dear Rosie nies to form their own wellness fort and expense associated work to back up and ten- pres Building in Ortigas; the Contact Marissa Catanghal @ minimum of P300 shall be charged each extra guest. Dis- activities for her followers as well. through email DearRosie@benpres-hold- circles: with hiring and training a sions build; even worse is a ings.com or send text to bayanWIRELESS FPIP Oasis covered court 641-1192. counts and promos await onsite bookings. Contact Sheryl/ ooOoo Improves morale. When the new worker can be a burden. long-term absence caused by 19: Gabriel’s Symphony landline number 02-3820139 (for Globe, add in Batangas; and the Rock- Badeth at 632-8111 loc. 350, or email shdelima@mmldc. MMLDC sounds like a wonderful place to visit. Is it possible go 2963 + 02 +3820139). culture begins to change be- Thus, companies are looking a major health event. By pre- Multi-Sport Event well Tent in Makati. Team @ org or [email protected]. (Peng Young) there for an overnight stay? Also, are walk-in guests welcome? schedules are being finalized. cause of your health promotion to health promotion programs venting certain types of illness, Ayala Alabang. Contact Vib (Benjo Sandoval) efforts, you may actually begin as an additional perk that can health promotion programs Marabut @ 552-9003 or Baclayon Church Did you know? help prevent staff members can play an important role in 0917-8374801 or blessings@ GRIFFIN SIERRA RECOMMENDS travel What is an ePassport? An ePassport is a from jumping ship. decreasing rates of absence. gabrielsymphony.com. Increases recruitment po- Improves health status. impact such behaviors as smok- 19: Sweetness that kills: Lec- Chocolate Hills passport which features microchip technol- tential. In the midst of a very Evidence suggests that well- ing, high-risk alcohol use, and ture series on diabetes @ 4/F Bravo, ogy. An integrated circuit (chip) within its tight labor market, companies designed health promotion more. (Source: http://wellness- The Medical City, Ortigas, 1- pages contains the data that are essential in are forced to pull out the stops initiatives can successfully articles.com/) 5pm. Free admission. Contact verifying the identity of the passport holder. 635-6789 loc. 6444. Regular issuance will start sometime in 20: Sprint Duathlon: October 2009. Do you have a glaring flaw? 3rd Leg @ Macapagal How much does it cost? P950. Ave./MOA, Pasay. Contact on Panglao Island is popular Where can I apply for one? GLARE sensitivity increases tunnels and skyways where simulating various levels of The ePassport will be initially Thumbie Remigio @ 0915- because of its underground road risk because a driver either people drive into and out of bright light conditions. Anoth- By Pauline Cala-or available at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in 6872380 or thumbieremigio@ pond where swimming is allowed. becomes temporarily blinded, darkness and light both during er test is the contrast sensitivity Manila, to be followed by Philippine embassies and consulates yahoo.com. Old churches. Know your history by averts his eyes from the road, the day and at night. test, which can show how glare Bohol! abroad and throughout the Philippines through the DFA’s 25: Walk the BOHOL has something to offer visitors that one can go to. visiting old churches. One of the oldest or closes his eyes momentarily. According to Dr. Jesse affects your ability to see ob- regional offices. Talk @ MMLDC, all year round. Tarsier. Be an educated tourist. Learn stone churches in the Philippines can be Will there be additional requirements? He may even take his hand off Caguioa, low vision specialist jects that don’t stand out from The requirements for Antipolo, 6:30am. Water fun. Explore the white sand how to protect endangered species such as found in Baclayon town. Another nice the steering wheel to shield his of Asian Eye Institute (AEI), their background. ePassport processing will remain the same as that for the machine Participants must register with beaches of Panglao Island. There are a the tarsier, known to be the smallest pri- church to visit is the church of San Pedro eyes. This occurs because the glare sensitivity can be a sign of If you have otherwise healthy readable passport (MRP). Personal appearance is required for the their HR departments. Contact number of resorts and hotels to choose mate and one of Bohol’s jewels. A visit to in Loboc. VCR Chess Cup held eyes can adapt only to a certain dry eyes that simple eyedrops eyes but are bothered or dis- taking of biometrics—fingerprints, photo and signature. Meralco paid its tribute to one of its chess Benjo Sandoval @ 631-6394 or from, from most affordable to most the Tarsier Center is educational; it pro- Chocolate Hills. Be mesmerized by What advantages does the ePassport offer? amount of light. Glare sensitiv- can treat. It may also be caused tracted by glare when driving, It facilitates fast pioneers and executives, Victor “VCR” C. Risma Jr. who passed away Darlene Lamis @ 449-6170. luxurious, whatever suits your taste and vides visitors a first-hand experience and the unusual geographical formations that in July 2009, by holding the VCR Chess Cup. It was a rare triple simul ity also raises the accident risk by cataracts and other age-re- try wearing polarized sunglass- 28-30: Silent Retreat budget. Nice diving sites are usually lo- understanding that this primate should be consist of at least 1,268 perfectly cone- clearance of travelers at immigration checks. Other benefits are: match by National Masters Gerry Cabellon, Andrew Vasquez and Marlon of pedestrians. lated eye diseases. In either es with UV protection. use of automated border clearance or e-gates, automated issuance @ Makiling. Fee: P3,900. cated on Balicasag Island and one of protected and allowed to live freely. shaped hills of about the same size. The Bernardino with players from the Meralco Chess Club, Tahanan Walang Even when the light is not so case, a thorough eye exam is For more info, visit www. of boarding passes, and faster travel arrangements with airlines. Contact Dina Lee @ 0917- them is the Black Forest, which has black Loboc River. Have lunch at the float- hills are green most of the year and turn Hagdanan and the RP Paralympics chess team. The Meralco family, led by bright, adjustment from dark- needed for early detection and asianeyeinstitute.com, email I have a previously issued passport. Can I use it for travel? 5235504; @ West Wing. Fee coral brushes. Advanced diving skills are ing restaurant while the band is playing brown during the summer. Customer Process, Meralco Energy, CRS Outreach Fund and friends of ness to light can also cause sen- treatment. eyehelp@asianeyeinstitute. needed when exploring this area and one and be refreshed by the beautiful view of Call Griffin Sierra Travel Inc. for your Yes. Previously issued passports (MRP and non-MRP) are valid VCR, shared their blessings with our less fortunate fellow chess players. For P3,000. Contact Cristy Aure sitivity. This is more common A brightness acuity test can com or call 898-2020 or 0918- should stay close to the dive master. For the scenic and winding Loboc River. ideal accommodations and tours. For more until their expiry. It is a good practice to make sure your pass- more photos, log on to www.meralcochess.blogspot.com. (Raul Sol Cruz) @ 929-0132. today as road networks include measure visual acuity while 8982020. (Sheila Sochayseng) easier dives, sites such as Rico’s Wall and Spelunking. Bohol has countless info, call 898-2451 and look for Diana, Al- port is valid at least six months before intended date of travel to Don’t keep the good news to yourself. Pass on your copy of LopezLink! For your comments and suggestions, please text 02-382-0139 (Bayan Wireless Landline). Rudy’s Rock are also great diving sites caves for you to explore. Hinadanan Cave lan or Shiena, or email [email protected]. avoid any inconvenience. (Source: http://dfa.gov.ph/?p=7624) 1 Lopezlink September 2009

By Sheila Quieta What’sfrom ABS-CBN Publishing new this September ‘Metro’ fashion issue puts spotlight on KC Cover girl KC Concepcion talks about being catapulted into the limelight and coping with show business. Writer Lourd de Veyra does a candid take on KC—controversial ac- cessories, controversial company and all. Take travel tips through “No Passport Needed” featuring a weekend adventure in Bohol, and enjoy our feature on the Toyota Prius. Flip through the pages of “Get Gorgeous” and self-help yourself to fabulous, waterproof makeup! And any issue is not complete with our 20-list, so feast your eyes on our 20 style icons—personalities who have shaped Philippine fashion. Exciting trends, ideas in ‘Metro Weddings’ Inspired by the popularity of destination weddings, Metro Weddings brings the best of both worlds together for budget-friendly destinations infused with the themes of gor- geous locales. Discover the latest trends in engagement ring and wedding band styles, and our guide to ring feng shui. Enjoy features on ways to make your first dance memorable and the best dessert caterer selections. In addition, check out dresses, accessories, shoes by designer Fiona Lucas, and makeup looks and hairstyles. Cover girl Isabel Roces shares her love story with fiancé Migi Romero.

ABS-CBN Publishing pays tribute to our beloved late former president Corazon Cory, democracy icon, in ‘SSM’ C. Aquino with a commemorative special entitled “Paalam, Cory.” The magazine The passing of former Philippine President Cory Aquino sent the nation and the features excerpts from the life and times of President Cory, highlighting poignant world in mourning. StarStudio celebrates a life well lived and battle well fought scenes from her wake and funeral as seen through the lenses of some of the country’s in a 30-page tribute. On a celebration of a different tone,StarStudio presents a most seasoned photographers. retrospective of 22 years of leadership of retail brand Bench. We also have the We remember our Tita Cory, the woman in yellow, arms raised in defiance exclusive coverage of the “Gimik” cast reunion. Finally, StarStudio brings you box against the dictator, a ray of hope in the midst of People Power. We celebrate her office king John Lloyd Cruz on his newest passion, mountain biking. John Lloyd selflessness, her integrity and her unwavering faith in the Lord Almighty which also opens up about the women he’s romanced onscreen and off. gave her the strength to weather the most trying times and emerge victorious. And we believe in what she stood for, the gentle courage, and the firm conviction that Get the newest issues of your favorite magazines at leading bookstores and maga- echoed her husband Ninoy’s resolute stance: “The Filipino is worth dying for.” zine stands nationwide. Exclusive to Lopez Group employees within Metro “Paalam Cory” is now available at major magazine stands. Manila, use your office address and get a full year subscription discount up to 50% off cover price. For inquiries, call ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. at 455-9434. ROCKWELL POWER PLANT FINDS

By Lisa Gomez SEPTEMBER marks the start of the Banana Leaf “ber” months and everyone is already Banana Leaf reveals not only an exciting menu but Modern in a shopping mood! As always, new and refreshing interiors as well. Watch for its Asian Power Plant Mall has new spots for reopening and savor the taste of your favorite mod- cuisine fashionistas to check out. ern Malaysian, Singaporean, Thai, Indian, Vietnam- gets MAC ese and Indonesian cuisine—all under one roof! even Choose from this international make- Wellness Concepts better! up brand’s wide range of eye shadows, Wellness Concepts is a one- A selec- lip glosses, and find their ever-famous stop shop for sporting brushes in their newest store. equipment and even con- tion of Massimo Dutti goodies sultations. Also, try out from Another well-known international Wellness Concepts’ free MAC brand, Massimo Dutti offers Pilates trial sessions and unique and stylish clothing, shoes, classes. This new store Editorial Advisory Board Boo Chanco / Danny Gozo accessories and a whole lot more is definitely a health Executive Editor Rosan Cruz for men, women and even kids! and fitness buff ’s dream Contributing Editors come true! Carla Paras-Sison (Benpres) John Rojo (Bayan) Massimo must-haves Maite Bueno (Meralco) Arlene Torres (SkyCable) Estela de la Paz (First Gen) Sheila Quieta (ABS-CBN Publishing) Kane Choa (ABS-CBN) Vienn Tionglico (Rockwell) weekends of September! This Angelo Macabuhay (FPHC) Vanessa Suquila (LGFI) The third leg of Focus on the Arts on the event gets even more interest- Rafael Alunan III (Wellness) first and second weeks of the month show- ing with a fair featuring food Circulation Lucy Torres (Tel. 449-2468) cases Old Manila art and culture. In an “art products from different regions. Editorial and Layout Mousetrap Publishing within an art within an art” angle, a jeepney Food Trip on the third week of will be displayed in the North Court whose the month features the best of LopezLink is published by Benpres PR Group exteriors will be painted by Team Manila, af- the best Philippine products. 4/F Benpres Bldg., Ortigas, Pasig City ter which The Saturday Group of artists will We offer the best finds in the Telefax: 633-3520 paint images of the painted jeepney; these yearly Urban Bazaars. TheOnline Bazaar from webpage to webpage as we will bring you For feedback, please email will then be photographed by Lomo Manila. on the third weekend of September offers a the most famous brands in the online world! [email protected] Check out your favorite home-based twist—it features only sellers who sell their For more info, visit www.powerplantmall. Available online at www.Lopezlink.ph bakers in Baker’s Dozen, happening on all wares online. You won’t have to keep clicking multiply.com or call 898-1702.