New Road, New Hope by Alexie Zotomayor with the Consortium Put Together by the Dau

June 2004 Island Wedding page 5 Discover your dream destination with Lakbay.net

Lopez Group chair top 20 finalist in Asia Business Leader Award. Flanking Oscar M. Lopez are TNT- China CEO Ken McCall and CNBC- Asia president and CEO Alexander Brown during Award ceremonies in Shanghai, China.

Cash pang-tuition? page 7 Paved four-lane segment 1 section from Balintawak to Burol. We explore ways to get extra cash now! New road, new hope By Alexie Zotomayor with the consortium put together by the Dau. To further make room for incoming Lopez Group—Egis of France (largest toll- northbound motorists, the Balintawak en- What used to be a rocky road to the North way operator in the world), Leighton Con- try booths are set one kilometer farther is now fast becoming a “highway to heav- tractors of Australia, and PNCC—that north from EDSA. en” to thousands of motorists as they begin would improve the much dilapidated and With expanded lanes and with addition- to notice the changes on road quality as the oft neglected highway to North Luzon. al tollbooths, it will be easier for vehicles Manila North Tollways Corporation World-class superhighway to ply the entire stretch of NLE and cut (MNTC) shifts to high gear its rehabilita- Bidding to become a world-class super- travel time by half. tion efforts. highway, the 80-kilometer stretch of NLE Being introduced in the rehabilitation For 30 years, the North Luzon Express- is going to be expanded to eight lanes for project is the use of reinforced or recycled way (NLE) has not had a major road the first 23 kilometers, six lanes up to Sta. asphalt. Dubbed as “hot at plant” method, “surgery” because there was no sufficient Rita, and two lanes from Sta. Rita to Ma- recycled asphalt , virgin aggregates and revenue to maintain the roads. With no sig- balacat. There will be new interchanges in new bitumen are made into new asphalt nificant increase in toll for 20 years, the Marilao, Bulacan and Mexico, Pampanga, mixtures. Lahar sand from Mount NLE was left unchecked. When the Build- and a brand new interchange with flyover Pinatubo are also used as a main ingredient Operate-Transfer (BOT) law came, the pri- to Dau. for stabilized sand. vate sector was allowed to take part in im- With defusing traffic bottlenecks in Meanwhile, a profilograph is being used proving infrastructures which the govern- mind, MNTC will be expanding the toll to accurately gather pavement details while ment could not finance. To rehabilitate the plazas into 17 tollbooths in Balintawak, 25 a falling weight deflectograph is used for North Luzon Expressway, MNTC allied booths in Bocaue, 11 in Tabang, and 12 in Turn to page 2 2 LOPEZLINK June, 2004

IFC TRACES ROOTS OF Maynilad walang bailout! MAYNILAD PROBLEMS Pinabulaanan ni Lopez Group Chairman kongreso. Sinabi ni OML na ang compro- utility,” paalala ni OML sa mga naninira sa On November 7, 2003, the Arbitra- Oscar M. Lopez (OML) na may ‘bailout’ mise plan sa pagitan ng MWSS at Mayni- Benpres at sa Pamilya Lopez. tion Panel delivered its decision on na naganap sa muling pagpapasailalim ng lad ay isang “business decision” at hindi Dahil sa napakalaking foreign ex- the Termination Case filed by Maynilad Water Services, Inc. sa MWSS. dapat gamitin laban sa Pamilya Lopez change losses dulot ng pagbagsak ng Maynilad. The Panel did not find Sa ilalim ng Amendment No. 2 na isinu- Ilang buwan ding pinagtalunan ng mga piso laban sa dolyar, nanganib ang pag- either party at fault, there is no mite sa Regional Trial Court ng Quezon partido ang MWSS-Maynilad compromise papatuloy ng Maynilad bilang isang cause for termination and the con- City, mawawala ang pag-aari ng Benpres agreement, kasama na ang higit 20 negosyo. Dahil sa pag-write-off ng cession therefore has to continue. Holdings Corporation sa Maynilad, pati na bangkong pinagkakautangan ng Maynilad. shareholder equity, mawawala ang To resolve what is obviously an in- rin ang management control. Bukod dito, kailangan pa itong pag-aralan naipong pagkalugi o accumulated losses ternal problem in the relationship “How can it be a bailout when the ng receiver ng Maynilad at aprubahan ng ng Maynilad at mababawasan din ang between MWSS and Maynilad, the Lopez Group is completely writing off its korte. nararapat na tariff increase na ipatutu- panel ordered the parties to seek an equity investment of US$ 80 million?” ig- “We have too seldom been recognized pad sa hinaharap. extra-judicial solution. However, iniit ni OML. for the good that we have done. We are Makatutulong ang pagbabago sa organ- the panel permitted the draw on the Sinamantala ng maraming pulitiko ang proud to have accomplished much in isasyon ng Maynilad sa pagresolba ng mga $120-m performance bond and this panahon ng kampanya at sumakay sila sa Maynilad in the last six and a half years. usaping inihain ng gobyerno at ng mga forced Maynilad to file a petition issue ng ‘bailout’ ng Maynilad upang ma- We are not leaving a desolate and finan- creditors ng Maynilad, bukod sa pagseguro for corporate rehabilitation. pansin ng publiko. Bagamat tapos na ang cially unsound company as the misin- ng patuloy na serbisyo sa West Zone ng Maynilad’s difficulties have eleksiyon, inaasahang magiging mainit pa formed wish to believe, and definitely Metro Manila—ang franchise area ng been well publicized. It is public rinitongissuesapagbubukasngbagong there was no mismanagement of the water Maynilad. knowledge that the International Finance Corporation (IFC), conducted the water privatization way New road... back in 1996. In the press state- from page 1 ment issued by Mr. Vipul Bhagat las May 17, 2004, IFC acknowl- determining pavement strength. There is edged that (1) the uneven distribu- also a pave set which is a computerized tion of debt where Maynilad as- grade control system that would properly sumed 90% of the MWSS debt or position stabilized sand, lean mix, and as- $800-m while Manila Water asphalt. sumed only 10% or $80-m and (2) There will be 24-hour traffic monitoring plus the subsequent peso devalua- employing a closed-circuit television sys- tion of more than 100% which IFC tem and traffic counting stations. Along did not anticipate and did not pro- the long stretch of the superhighway, there vide for caused severe difficulties will be call boxes where motorists can for Maynilad. make emergency calls. Moreover, there MWSS and its counsel in the will be additional rest areas where mo- briefing it conducted for a Senate torists can stop by to dine and relieve committee chaired by Sen. John themselves from the very long travel. Osmeña acknowledged these as unfair to Maynilad and in the Agony before comfort words of Sen. Osmeña, it is unfair Despite the agony that travelers plying to the poor customers of Maynilad this route experience due to the extreme who because of this unfair debt buildup due to diggings and closed roads, burden are made to subsidize the rich Makati customers of Manila in the long run, such a public outcry will soon be converted into praises for the Water. MNTC and all its efforts in investing US$371 million in rehabilitating the 80- Earthwork for ramp widening at San Simeon interchange sector. More produce will be delivered to kilometer highway. their respective destinations in the city in For those who use the NLE everyday, In monetary terms, with the new NLE, where you place roads, business would fol- less travel time and less cost. More prod- traffic situation will be very predictable. Class 1 vehicles (cars, jeepneys, pickups, low. The U.P. Planades study also showed ucts can safely reach the markets and stay Motorists can drive to an average speed of and vans) can expect to rake in savings of that with a rehabilitated NLE, land prices fresh for public consumption. 80 kilometers per hour cutting the travel P0.32 per kilometer or vehicle operating along the highway would jack up to 52% Following a pay-for-use approach, only time by half. With less travel time, com- costs of P0.95 for every kilometer traveled on price premium, and businesses would those vehicles plying the NLE will bear the muters and motorists will be more produc- on good roads. A VOC savings of P76.00 sprout anywhere near the NLE. Deliveries cost unlike when paying taxes where even tive given the savings in travel time which will be gained if a motorist travels from would be faster and trucks can make sev- non-users are obliged to shell in an can be diverted into more productive pur- Balintawak to Sta. Ines. eral trips to and fro the NLE. amount. Although raising the toll fee will suits. Meanwhile, Class 2 vehicles (two-axle With better roads, there will be changes be opposed ab initio, motorists will soon A development impact study conducted trucks, buses, vans) can generate a savings in labor market access, customer market realize that given the 50% cut in travel by the University of the Philippines Plan- of P2.90 (with no travel time savings) or size, and linkages to other markets and time, with safety measures in place in the ning and Developmment Research Foun- P7.44 per kilometer on good roads. A bus transportation facilities can gravitate more NLE, and with no more traffic jams, a con- dation, Inc. (UP Planades) showed that would normally get a VOC savings of business to the area. More destinations will siderable increase in toll fee will not hurt. with a significant decrease in travel time, P595.20 if the bus travels from end to become available to tourists as more in- Advantages in using the NLE will far out- motorists can save on running costs, fixed end. vestments come pouring in the region for weigh the disadvantages. costs, and time costs. Saving on running Vehicles with three or more axles or the next five years. Given the bright Once the NLE is finally rehabilitated, costs would mean motorists will use less those belonging to Class 3 can gain VOC prospects for this area, Central and North travelers will finally see the major changes fuel, brake fluid, and other vehicle parts savings of up to P401.60 or P5.02 per kilo- Luzon will become an economic growth which come with the newly rehabilitated which usually yield to disrepair due to con- meter. zone where people will see foreign and lo- expressway. Travelers will hopefully no stant use. Fixed cost covers the overall de- cal investments flowing in. longer mind the fee increase once they preciation of the vehicle while time cost New road, new hope With an improved infrastructure comes shift their cars to high gear and speed to- refers to the value of time to a motorist. Simple economics would suggest any the rise in production in the agricultural wards the NLE’s fast lanes. 4 LOPEZLINK June, 2004 BayanTel users lumago nang 25% Sa first quarter ng 2004, patuloy Metro Manila residential mar- Naniniwala si Montinola na dahil sa 49% na pagsulong ng president for the provincial na lumaki ang subscribers ng kets, “We launched Bayan 399, lalago pa ang subscribers ng international long distance rev- markets, ipagpapatuloy ng BayanTel at halos umabot ito ng our affordable unlimited local BayanTel dahil sa magandang enues, bunga ng mas mataas na BayanTel ang pagbigay ng 254,000, kumpara sa 208,000 call telephone package, to presyo at serbisyo nito at dahil minuto sa international calls at tamang serbisyo sa magandang lamang noong first quarter ng specifically target those who na rin sa paglaganap ng Internet mas mataas na revenue sa glob- presyo sa probinsya kung kaya 2003. have no phone households and sa mga kabahayan. al prepaid cards na ibinebenta may kumpiyansa itong dadami Ito na ang pinakamataas na those looking for a second line “Despite the advent of mosa mga OFWs sa Japan, Estados pa ang subscribers sa probin- subscriber base ng BayanTel for their Internet connection at bile technology, we believe a Unidos, at sa iba pang bansa. sya. mula January 2002. Galing ang an affordable price. We focused basic fixed line telephone in a Naniniwala ang BayanTel na “Just recently, we expanded karamihan dito sa service areas our selling and marketing ef- Filipino household continues to lalago rin ang subscribers nito our services in our service areas sa Metro Manila—Quezon City, forts with this target market in be a necessity arising from se- sa probinsya. Sa kasalukuyan, by rolling out in Samar, with Malabon, Valuenzuela, Manila, mind, and we concentrated in curity concerns, Internet con- nangunguna ang BayanTel bi- other major cities in the Visayas at Caloocan. Mula March 2003 areas where we feel we have an nectivity or simply because it’s lang fixed line provider sa Bicol region like Iloilo already in the hanggang March 2004, lumago advantage in terms of price and a reasonably priced tool to con- at Eastern Visayas (Leyte and pipeline. In short, BayanTel will nang 34%.ang BayanTel sub- reliability.” Dagdag pa niya na nect with relatives and friends,” Samar) at mayroon din itong continue to compete by deliver- scribers. nag-ugat ang paglago sa fo- sabi ni Montinola. subscribers sa ibang parte ng ing the best value and service to Ayon kay Rodrigo Montino- cused strategy at stronger cus- Lumaki rin ang revenues ng Visayas and Mindanao. potential subscribers in the la, BayanTel vice president for tomer focus. BayanTel sa voice services Sabi ni Mar Santos, vice provinces,” sabi ni Santos. End-to-end solutions for Philippine call centers

Bayan Telecommunications with 3D Networks as it promises (BayanTel) has partnered with ICT investors a full breadth of Singapore’s 3D Networks to posi- services that would streamline tion the Philippines as an attrac- and fast track the process for in- tive site for call centers and other vestors to set up their opera- information and commu-nica- tions.” tions technology (ICT) invest- BayanTel has major call cen- ments. ters in the country as top clients. Under the partnership, Bayan- Pama also shared that invest- Tel will serve as the telecommu- ments in information and com- nication solutions partner in the munications technology (ICT), Philippines of 3D Networks for particularly in call centers, is ex- its various initiatives as a systems pected to continue to grow in the integrator in the Asia Pacific. medium term. Their involvement spans vertical Just recently, the Department markets such as finance, contact of Trade and Industry (DTI dis- centers, IT, manufacturing, health closed that it projects the total and retail. number of call center seats would 3D Networks is part of the Sin- hit 40,000 (about 64,000 jobs) gapore-based Planet One and is this year, double the 2003 num- recognized as a high capability ber. At the same time, the US has Nortel Networks partner. been the main source of invest- 3D Networks is a leading systems integrator in the Asia Pacific region. Its core solutions & services include: Infrastructure So- BayanTel Vice-President for ments, DTIreported that Euro- lutions,Multi-Media Contact Centre Solutions,Solutions for Service Providers,Infrastructure Management and Security tomer Services. Photo shows (seated) Kathryn Denise Dagohoy,BayanTel head for Business Development & Special Projects,Ju- Corporate and Business Markets pean firms are also now consider- nie Pama,BayanTel vice president for corporate and business markets,Glenn Espino,3D country manager,Rey G. Roy president Junie Pama says, “We are very ing the Philippines as a call center & ceo of Touch Global,(standing from left) Cyril Pama,BayanTel Head for Customer Engineering,Ador Pablo,3D Networks excited about our partnership hub. country technical services director,and Gerard Policarpio,3D Networks business development manager. Basketball tourney for call center industry

The 1st BayanTel Hoops Invitational Athena E-Services Corp., Clientlogic The basketball tournament was orga- Basketball Tour-nament for companies Philippines, Convergys, E Telecare Inter- nized specifically for call center com- in the call center industry recently national, Glo-balstride, IMS Asia, Inc., In- panies, considered as one of the driver kicked off at the Meralco Gym in Orti- fonxx, iTouchpoint Technolo- industries in the growth of the informa- gas. gies,Link2Support, Inc., People Support, tion and communications technology Board of Investments (BOI) Gover- SVI, Teleperformance Phils., Inc., (ICT) industry in the country. BayanTel nor Consuelo Perez was the special TeleTech Customer Care Management, is one of the leading data service guest during the opening ceremonies, Inc., Touch Asia Contact Solutions Philis., providers to call centers and other in- assisted by BayanTel executives led by Inc. and Vertex Solutions. dustries under ICT like business pro- chief consultant Tunde Fafunwa, chief In the first game, People Support cess outsourcing (BPO). financial officer Gary Olivar, and vice eked out a hard-earned 74-72 win over Pama said that the objective of the president for corporate and business e-Telecare, courtesy of a last second tournament is to foster stronger part- markets Junie Pama. put back by Rex Del Rosario, who was nerships between BayanTel and the call The participating call center companies also the game’s top scorer with 21 center industry and camaraderie among are Air Relay, Ambergris Solutions, points. the participating companies. LOPEZLINK June, 2004 3 Update sa Financials

Ito ang ibinabang Ruling ng Re- Power at media affiliates gional Trial Court na dumidinig ng rehabilitation case ng Bayan- Tel. Binigyan ng korte nang hang- ng Benpres, umarangkada gang Mayo 13 ang receiver upang isumite ang proposed rehab plan PARA sa January to March 2004, na magiging basehan sa desisyon maganda ang naging performance ng korte ukol sa corporate reha- ng investees ng Benpres Holdings bilitation ng BayanTel. Corporation sa power generation Tinatayang matatapos ang re- (First Philippine Holdings Corpo- habilitation proceedings ng ration o FPHC) at sa media BayanTel sa Enero 2005. (ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corpo- ABS-CBN cash dividend, ration). kailangan ng creditor approval Nagtala ng unaudited consoli- Humihingi ng permiso sa mga dated revenues na P9.565 bilyon creditors nito ang ABS-CBN upang FPHC at net income na P874 ang mabigyan ng P0.65 per share milyon para sa unang tatlong cash dividend ang mga ABS- buwan ng taon, malaking bahagi CBN stockholders. nito ay contribution ng power ABS-CBN Global ang nagdala sa uary-March 2003 ay umabot ito piso mula P53.604 bawat dolyar Inaantabayanan ng libu-libong generating assets sa ilalim ng financial results ng kumpanya. ng P462 milyon nitong 2004). noong 1q03 sa P56.216 bawat shareholders ng ABS-CBN ang First Generation Holdings Corpo- Ang Benpres naman ay nag-re- Tumaas ang equity in net earn- dolyar nitong 1q04. biyayang tubo mula sa magan- ration. port ng unaudited con-solidated ings of investees from P342 mily- Dahil dito, nagkaroon ng net dang financial performance ng Samantala, umarangkada rin sa revenues na P1.865 bilyon, tat- on to P550 milyon dahil sa mag- loss na P142 milyon ang Benpres ABS-CBN noong 2003. Nagtala performance ang ABS-CBN up- long beses na mas malaki sa andang showing ng FPHC at para sa reporting period, kumpara ang kumpanya ng net income na ang kumopa ng P2.981 bilyon na nakaraang taon bunga ng pag- ABS-CBN sa first quarter ng sa net income na P133 milyon P1.0 bilyon at consolidated gross revenues at P120 milyon na net consilidate ng Maynilad opera- taon. Gayunpaman, lumobo ang noong end-March 2003. revenues na P12.7 bilyon nang income. Ang pag-improve ng air- tions sa financial statements sim- interest and other expenses sa BayanTel creditors pantay- nakaraang taon time revenues (+7%) at ng net ula Agosto 2003. Lumaki rin ang P729 milyon mula P260 milyon, pantay Huling nagbigay ng cash divi- sales and services (+38%) dahil costs and expenses dahil dito kasama na ang foreign exchange Pantay-pantay or pari-passu dend ang ABS-CBN noong 2001 sa patuloy na pagyabong ng (mula P92 milyon noong Jan- losses. Bumaba ang halaga ng ang lahat ng BayanTel creditors. sa halagang P0.60 per share. Bagong SkyCable channels Mula May 9, dalawang bagong Nasa Sports Sunday TV Patrol channels na naman ang nagsim- Plus ang “Golf ulang ma-air sa SKYCable. TV,” major inilunsad Ang Entertainment Central league base- (ETC) ay mistulang showcase ball, Sanhi ng mabilis na turnover ng minute, araw-araw. May mga in- ng top-rated, non-scripted pro- “NBA,“ mga events sa bansa, sa sopis- formation na hindi na natin tikadong broadcast tech-nology, mahintay ang susunod na linggo gramming buong arawat buong “Eu- each genre. gabi. Siguradong mahihilig ang roleague,” at sa kahilingan ng publiko, ni- para malaman pa ang mga ito, We believe launch kamakailan ng ABS-CBN kaya merong weekend edition,” lahat sa ETC, mapa-babae man “NFL,” these two o mapa-lalaki, lalo na ang mga “Arena Foot- ang pang-Linggong edisyon nito sabi ni ABS-CBN Vice President high-quality ng TV Patrol. for News Production Jake Mader- edad 21 hanggang 45 at yung bal League,” channels will mga itinuturing ang sarili bilang “Nascar, Formula 1,” Opisyal nang inere ang “TV azo. give them more Patrol Sunday Edition” noong Patuloy pa rin ang current af- mga “fashionable at energetic “Horseracing TV,” at the “Ar- choices and a urbanites.” Mapapanood sa gentine Football League.” May 9 nang 6 p.m. at ito ang fairs programs ng network sa most pinaka-latest na addition sa line- kanilang quest to tackle relevant ETC ang mga talk shows tulad Sinabi ni Juno Chuidian- pleasurable viewing experi- ng “Late Night with Conan Henares, pinuno ng SKYCable up ng weekender news programs issues na nakaaapekto sa mga Fil- ence,” sabi niya. ng NCAG. Kasama sa lineup ang ipino. Mula sa mga exposés to O’Brien” at “Tonight Show programming, na ang dalawang Noong 2003, natanggap ng with Jay Leno” at ang mga news bagong channels ay bahagi ng “TV Patrol Sabado” at “Weekend personality profile to inves-tiga- SKYCable ang Year-Ender Ex- News.” tive reports, and debate, ang late programs na “Dateline NBC,” pagsusumikap ng SKYCable na cellence Award bilang pangu- “Today,” at “NBC Nightly pahalagahan nang husto ang Bugso ng pagkakalunsad ng night programming ng ABS- nahing cable operator mula sa “TV Patrol Sabado” na anchor CBN na kinatatampukan ng “The News.” serbisyong natatanggap ng National Consumer Affairs Panibago naman sa panlasa kanilang mga customer. sina Ces Drilon at Henry Omaga- Correspondents,” “Pipol,” “Spe- Foundation. Ito ay pagkilala sa Diaz ang pagkakaroon naman ng cial Assignment,” “Dong Puno ang Sports Plus na isang alter- “SKYCable subscribers are produkto at husay sa paglil- natibong sports channel. Hitik very discriminating, and we panglinggong edisyon. Si Dondi Live,” at “Private Eye” ay ingkod ng SKYCable batay sa Garcia ang executive producer ng maghahatid ng journalistic excel- ito sa aksiyon at thrills para sa want to offer them a complete consumer opinion surveys and mga SKYCable sports fans. channel line-up, at least one for “TV Patrol Weekend.” lence sa telebisyon for an in- research. Waland day-off ang news and formed and empowered citizen- current events. They unfold every ry. LOPEZLINK June, 2004 5 Island I Do s WALK down the aisle in the island re- beach wedding in such prime island quirements including guest reservation, sort of your choice with Weddings @ destinations as Boracay,Cebu,Bohol, travel arrangements,and RSVPs. Lak- Lakbay,Lakbay.Net’s all-inclusive Palawan,Camiguin or Guimaras,but bay.Net also offers post-wedding ser- beach wedding packages. are too busy to organize one. A com- vices such as honeymoon arrangements Also known as “Weddings and Hon- plete one-stop shop,Weddings @ Lak- and booking side-trips for guests. The eymoons in the Islands,” Weddings @ bay offers a diverse selection of quality presence of local coordinators ensures Lakbay was unveiled last March 24 at service providers – from wedding gown couples of a smooth wedding cum hol- the Gazebo Royale in Visayas Avenue, designers,photographers,florists and iday at the beach. and boasts of being the first of its kind make-up artists to travel packages, Lakbay.Net,the leading on-air and in the country. beach resorts,caterers and souvenir online Filipino travel access medium in “For the first time in online travel,Fil- suppliers. “Just pick the elements you the Philippines since 1999,is the prin- ipinos here and abroad as well as foreign like to create your very own customized cipal distributor of Weddings @ Lak- tourists can book wedding-and-vacation package,then we’ll take care of every- bay. Partner distributors include 7107 packages via the Internet and turn their thing,” says Ancheta-Jover. Aside from Islands Travel Centre,Gabriel Thomas wedding day into a holiday with family being flexible,the packages are also International Travel and Tours,and and friends,” says Lakbay Wedding Con- reasonably priced and “hassle-free.” Big One Research and Travel Inc. For sultant Hazel Ancheta-Jover. Upon confirmation of the wedding inquiries and reservations,call (02) The all-inclusive packages are per- details,Lakbay.Net will handle all trav- 4492472 or 4492471,fax (02) 4492459, fect for couples who dream of an idyllic el,reception and wedding-related re- or visit www.lakbay.net.

Meralco gets two awards By Maite Bueno displayed at the conference and featured in IABC’s Communica- The Staff of tion World magazine.Meralco Winners have been recognized for an excellent job by will be posted at www.iabc.com. separate panels of jurors, as out- This year’s professional winners standing in customer focus and in competed against nearly 1,000 communication management in entries from all over the world. crisis and in issue handling. All entries are first judged at The Meralco Refund to Cus- regional level, in the Meralco tomers that began in May 2003 case—Asia-Pacific—where it is and continues to date, has won for judged on how well a project has the company two prestigious been conceived and executed awards: (1) The Lopez Achieve- with the appropriate strategy and The Manansala ahead of schedule ment Award (LAA) objectives in relation to the re-given by the Lopez Group of sults desired and achieved,Companies, with ROCKWELL and Land Corporation bedroom and two-bedroom units (2) The International Gold Quill outcomes measured. adds another feather to its cap as with measurements ranging from Award of Merit given by the In- IABC is a network of profes- it announces that The Manansala 58 sq. m to 116 sq. m. ternational Association of Busi- ‘Mang’ Elpi Cuna, Meralco’s vice sionals committed to improving Residential Towers are almost Interior design Guillermo J. president of Corporate Communica- ness Communicators (IABC). tions organizational effectiveness complete. The expeditious con- Valdez conceptualized the best de- through communication. With struction is a testimony of its signs suited for Manansala’s target Lopez Achievement Award more than 100 chapters, IABC commitment to deliver world- market: single, young profession- The Refund Management Task RMTF project manager and serves 13,500 members in 60 class real estate development. als, couples with growing fami- Force (RMTF) of MERALCO members of the RMTF Working countries and 10,000 organiza- It was more than a year ago lies, and couples who wish to re- was recently recognized by the Group. tions. when The Manansala’s ground- tire and live a life-long vacation. Lopez Achievement Award for Meralco is represented both in breaking took place. To date, con- The residents have easy access Customer Focus for Phases I and IABC International Award the IABC and in the IABC Philip- struction is on the 38th floor, to a gym and fitness center, pool, II. The award was given at the The Refund Communication pines by VP and Corporate Com- moving the project’s turnover badminton courts, retail outlets, a Philippine Stock Exchange Audi- Plan joins 109 winners from communication Director Elpi Cuna, date six months ahead of sched- multi-purpose function room, torium on Feb. 2, attended by top panies former IABC regional director ule, from the originaland organizations target date children’s all over playground, retail executives of the Lopez Group the world. Meralco will be con- for Asia Pacific and IABC Philip- of December 2005 to June 2005. shops, and a roof deck patio for headed by Group Chairman Os- ferred an Award of Merit in the pines president; and by Advertis- The target date of structural social functions. car M. Lopez communication management di- ing and Special Events headand Ritzi of completion is June 15, 2005 or All the aspects of city living in Chairman and CEO Manuel M. vision, category of issue manage- Villarico Ronquillo, former earlier. In the meantime, the low- this place are merely backdrops Lopez, and President and COO ment and crisis communication. IABC Philippines trustee. er floors are undergoing a fresh of living in a resort: the comforts Jesus P. Francisco. The award is a much coveted Meralco has received two coat of paint, window installa- of home, an exclusive city club, Meralco’s entry was titled honor by business communica- IABC international citations, as tions, etc. The simultaneous the convenience of having a ‘Achieving a successful imple- tors worldwide. finalist in 1990 and in 1997 for works on the structure and finish- world-class mall, plus lush fauna mentation: Meralco Refund for Winners will be recognized on Meralco News (MN) as being one ing assure unit owners that they at every turn. Phases I and II’. Receiving the June 7 at the Westin Century of the world’s best corporate can move into their new homes With all of these, you definite- trophy from Lopez Group’s top Plaza in Los Angeles during the newspapers. A third citation as fi- earlier than anticipated. ly can’t wait to come home to The leaders were Leonardo Mabale, 2004 IABC International Confer- nalist was given to MN’s Trans- The twin tower structures of 38 Manansala. And its not a very RMTF head; Rosario Torres, ence. Winning entries will also be mission Line column in 1990. and 41 floors offer studio, one- long wait. 6 LOPEZLINK June, 2004 Smart snacks for smarter kids Don’t get beaten by the junk food craze. Make these nutritious take along goodies that all spell Y-u-m-m-y!

By Tina Concepcion Diaz 1/4 cup chocolate chips full and their appetite safe from junk food. of Food Magazine Heat a thick-bottomed pan for 1 minute They can even help in scooping up the in- over medium fire. When hot, lower the gredients, and choose which one gets the THEY say a mother’s tour of duty doesn’t heat and sprinkle rolled oats evenly on the biggest proportion. officially start until she has sent her child pan. Toast the oats for 5 minutes, mixing 1 cup roasted peanuts, unsalted off to the uncharted world of elementary occasionally with a wooden spoon. Stir 1 cup toasted cashews, unsalted school. There she is faced with a motley of oats continuously in the last 2 minutes of 1/2 cup sunflower nuts or chopped al- concerns that range from the terrifying, toasting to prevent them from getting monds like the inevitable schoolyard bullying, to burned. 1/2 cup low sodium wheat nuts the mundane, like the day-to-day snacks Transfer to a medium bowl. Mix in 1 1/2 cup chocolate covered raisins she has to prepare for her child. In all like- crushed cookies and walnuts, reserving 2 Combine assorted nuts and chocolate- lihood, the child will get over the initial tablespoons of the nuts for topping. covered raisins in a bowl. Scoop half-cup terror of school and make new friends, but In a medium saucepan, combine honey, servings into plastic re-sealable sandwich the mother will still be trudging along the milk, and marshmallows. Heat over low bags. Pack a bag or two in your child’s beaten path to her kitchen each school day heat and stir until marshmallows are melt- lunchbox for a quick snack. morning, wondering what she could come ed. Add oats and cookie mixture, stirring up next for a snack treat. It doesn’t help until completely mixed. FRUITY TRAIL MIX that her child prefers to buy food she Press mixture onto a small rectangular Makes 6 1/2 cups servings doesn’t know from school. Second only to pan lined with waxed paper; sprinkle re- Pack a daily dose of fruit requirement in our home, the school is where our kids maining walnuts and chocolate chips on your kids’ lunchbox by making your own spend most of their growing up years, deal- top. Let cool to room temperature before mix of dried fruit, which is cheaper than ing with peers and discovering life’s won- placing in the refrigerator. Chill several buying the imported ready-to-eat fruit bits derful choices. As natural as it is for us to A sweet treat for chocolate lovers that hours until firm; cut into 1x2-inch bars. found in groceries. pamper them with delicious food, we also packs a wallop of fiber rich rolled oats Wrap in individual plastic wrap and store 1 cup raisins have a duty to provide them with nutrition- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats in refrigerator. 1 cup dried mango chips, chopped ally sound meals that are just as tasty. With 1 pack (170g) chocolate cream-filled 1/2 cup dried pineapple, chopped smart choices at their fingertips, it’s easy cookies, finely crushed without cream NUTTY TRAIL MIX 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped to see a brighter future ahead of them. 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, divided Makes 8 half-cup servings Mix assorted dried fruit in a bowl. 2 tablespoons honey For kids who are constant nibblers, this Scoop half-cup servings in plastic re-seal- CAPTAIN COOKIE POWER BAR 3 tablespoons fresh milk crunchy mixture of assorted nuts, raisins able sandwich bags and store in a cool dry Makes 12 bars 1 cup marshmallows and chocolate will surely keep their hands place. Quest for Excellence XVI THE QUEST for Excellence is the Official Journey Continues; It starts with Leader- Conference of the Malcolm Baldrige Na- ship; Great People keep it Going” (Boeing tional Quality Award. Now on its 15th Aerospace Support, aircraft maintenance year, the conference has showcased service provider) Baldrige recipients’ exceptional perfor- “We are driven by the freedom and re- mance practices and business results that sponsibility to exceed expectations of catapulted them into winning the US high- those we work with and serve” est quality award in the United States. Financial Services Corp US, financial ser- Leaders of these organizations shared vice provider) their experiences during these challenging times and the lessons-learned when they ees to lead us forward” started their journey to excellence. For business manufacturer of specialized 2003, there were seven recipients from: cleaners) Medrad, Inc. (manufacturing); Boeing Aerospace Support (service); Caterpillar achieve overall excellence. It requires sys- Financial Services (service); Stoner, Inc. temic process, focus, courage and determi- (small business); Community Consolidat- nation” ed School District 15 (education); Baptist The Lopez Group delegates to Balridge’s Quest for Excellence XVI (from left):Rene Mayol of District 15, education sector) Hospital, Inc. (health care); and Saint FPHC, Ederlyn P. Mendoza of FSCI, Ana del Rosario of FPIC, Robin Rubina of First Gas and Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City (health Manny Canlas of Philec. leader because we all have responsibility care). and Ben Liboro had just come back from beyond the accepted standards. for our processes” (Baptist Hospital, Inc., Four of the five representatives from the the Baldridge Quest for Excellence in health care sector) I wish I coul Lopez Group attended the conference last Washington DC. how the high-spirited presenters from all I remember them being an March 28-31 in Washington, DC. Below anxious observer as they went through a the seven Baldrige awardees shared their compared to best” they share their feelings, thoughts and barrage of brainstorming sessions, re- excellence journey to about 1200 equally of Kansas City, health care sector) learnings from the conference. search work, meetings and presentations to eager participants from various countries. senior officers on what was to be a driver Allow me instead to share inspiring and experiences from the Conference Q4X for performance excellence of our group. thoughs, values and philosophies of the but I also have mixed feelings of hope, By Rene J. Mayol of First Philippine winners: Yes, weenthusiasm were already and exposed anxiety. to There various is hope in Holdings Corporation international standard processes using knowing that in Lopez Group we have“We compete ISO-type management systems and audits.Ourvices, Baldrige we journey win with actually our people” started (Medrad, started adapting Baldrige through our two years ago. At that time Arthur de Guia But we knew that Baldrige would push us Inc., medical supplies manufacturer) ” Our Turn to page 8 LOPEZLINK June, 2004 7

CashBy Norman Sison pang-tuition?pareho na ang interest rate nila at 2%- gan mong maging credit card holder ng Can’t believe half of the year is almost 2.5% per month, which is better than a ibang mga bangkong nabanggit. over. Time to scrounge for funds para credit card cash advance na maniningil ng Meron pang ibang paraan: pawnshop. ipambayad sa tuition ng mga anak natin. 5% cash advance fee at 3.25% per month Pero hindi mo kailangang mag-tienda ng Naii-imagine na ba ninyo ang mga uni- na interest. Meron pang mga promo na alahas or relo. Sa Agencia de Makati form, libro, baon at ibang kagamitan na free interest for two or three months. Or Pawnshop, merong tuition loan promo- kakailanganin ng inyong mga anak, at pa-raffle at a set minimum borrowing tion. I-present ang isang valid ID at ang ang sakit ng inyong ulo? Kung puwede amount. resibo ng pagbayad ng tuition at ready lang sana huwag na, hay naku, pasalamat PSBank has one product, called PSB cash ang mapapasaiyo. 5% per month ang sila’t mahal natin sila. Flexi Credit Line. You can have a ready interest pero free daw ang interest sa sec- But the problem para sa mga ordinary credit line of up to P250,000 depende sa ond month. Kung hindi ka qualified sa employee is usually mahirap mag-ipon ng declared income ninyo. Puwede kayong mga bank loans, baka ang pawnshop ang pera dahil may mga gastusin na impor- kumuha ng cash mula sa ATM o mag-is- makatulong sa iyo. tante din. sue ng check. At hindi daw kailangan ng Whatever loan you avail, i-check Buti na lang may mga loans na ino-of- collateral para mag-apply para sa loan. ninyo muna kung kakayanin ng inyong fer before the school season exactly para Another bank, Citibank, has a no-col- pitaka ang monthly installment. Cash pambayad ng tuition fee. Pero i-check lateral, all-purpose loan facility, called flow management iyan at dapat laging ninyo muna kung ano ang interest at i- the Citibank Installment Loan. It allows magkaroon ng good credit stand- compute ninyo kung kaya ng bulsa ninyo for the payment of the loan amount in ing—dahil baka kailanganin mo ulit bago pumili ng loan arrangement. equal monthly installments. mangutang next year. One, there is the savings and loan co- HSBC and Bankard have similar flex- By the way, blessed are those among operative that offers educational loans at ible personal loans. So far, ang lowest in- us who have a Mommy or Daddy to bor- below-market rates. O kaya baka nag-o- stallment rates na na-survey namin ay ang row from. Huwag lamang abusuhin. Let’s offer ng similar loan ang inyong tangga- BPI na nag-a-advertise ng as low as not show our kids we are overly depen- pan. 1.25% per month interest at ang Equi- gaano katagal ang paying period na pinili dent on our parents—or they may grow to Tignan ninyo rin kung may mga loan table PCI Bank na may interest range na mo. depend on us well beyond our retirement offerings ang mga bangko. Halos pare- 1.4%-1.7% per month, depende kung Maliban sa PSBank at HSBC, kailan- years. Huwag naman sana. Kahit bata, may eye disorder din! By Frances Bumanlag Lazy Eye (Amblyopia). Isa ito sa mga clinical sign ay strabismus, glaucoma, pa- grabeng eye disorder dahil magagamot mumukol ng eyeball, at eye inflamma- ILAN sa mga eye disorder—kapag di lang ito hanggang 7 years old. Isa itong tion. Made-detect lamang sa pamamagi- nagamot—ay maaaring magdulot ng per- kondisyon na malabo pa rin ang mata tan ng opthalmoscopy, ultrasonography, manentend pinsala o pagkabulag. kahit na may correct eyeglasses. Magag- at CT scanning. Hindi nasasabi ng mga bata kung Mal- amot lamang ito sa tamang gamit ng Ang ilan pang mga eye disorder sa abo ang kanilang paningin. Nagpapakita salamin at madalas na paggamit ng eye mga bata ay congenital cataract (na ma- lang sila ng sintomas—malimit na pagku- patch. Wala nang gamot kapag lumagpas gagamot lamang through surgery), stye rap o pagkusot ng mata, abnormal na po- na ng 7 years old ang bata. (kuliti), nystagmus (malikot na galaw ng sisyon ng ulo habang tumititig sa isang Strabismus. Isa itong misalignment ng mata), at pagluluha o pagkabara ng naso- bagay, o white spot sa eyeball. mga mata, na kakikitaan ng paganinag o lacrimal duct. Alinman sa mga sign na ito ay in- pagsasalubong ng mata. Popular ito sa Ang Asian Eye Institute, na matatag- dikasyon na ang inyong anak ay may vi- mga Filipino bilang “banlag” o “duling.” puan sa 9th at 10th floors ng Phinma sually impaired. Kahit na minimal lang Ang abnormal na pagpaling o paglingon Plaza, Rockwell Center sa Makati, ay ang disorder, kailangan nang kumonsulta ng ulo ay isa ring sign ng strabismus. nagbibigay ng comprehensive eye care sa pediatricopthalmologist. physicians. Maisasagawa ang treatment sa pagsusuot services, lalo na sa mga bata. Si Dr. Chan- “Di na kailangan pa ng mga parents na Dito sa Pilipinas, wala pang anumang ng tamang salamin o surgery. Uy ay isa lamang sa siyam na eye special- maghintay ng abnormal signs bago dalin comprehensive study ang nagagawa up- Retinopathy of prematurity. Nangya- ist na nagsanay at nagtuturo sa iba’t ibang ang anak nila sa doctor,” sabi ni Dr. Pik ong i-monitor ang eye health ng mga yari ito sa mga premature babies kung larang ng ophthalmology. Sha Chan-Uy, retina specialist at pedi- batang Filipino. Pero, ipinapayo ni Dr. saan tumutubo ang abnormal vessels at Para sa pediatriceye servicesnito, ang atricophthalmologist sa Asian Eye Insti- Chan-Uy na maging alerto ang mga par- scar tissue sa retina, bahagi ng mata na Asian Eye Institute ay may state-of-the- tute. “Kailangan nilang maging aware na ents. “May time limit sa ibang mga dis- siyang sumasalo sa mga visual images at art equipment, pati mga portable exami- ang general eye check-up as early as three order. At kung di mabibigyan ng imme- nagdadala sa mga ito sa utak. Sa ilang nation gadget na especially designed for years old ay makasasagip sa mata ng diate medical attention, the disease could cases, maaaring mauwi ang disorder na babies. kanilang anak mula sa serious disor- cause permanent damage,” dagdag pa ito sa pagkatuklap ng retina na mauuwi sa “Di dapat matako ang parents na dal- ders.” niya. pagkabulag. Magagamot lamang ito sa hin ang kanilang mga anak sa doctor para Sa US lamang, isang quarter ng mga Bago magsimula ang pasukan ngayong pamamagitan ng laser therapy, freezing sa check-ups. We have safe ways of doing batang may edad 6-17 taon gulang ay June, pinapayuhan ang mga parents na treatment, o operative surgery depende sa it, and it could save their children’s fu- nagsusuot na ng salamin o may mga cor- dalin ang kanilang mga anak sa isang stage ng sakit. Ang maagang pagkatuklas ture,” bilin ni Dr. Chan-Uy. rective lens. Kahalintulad din ang per- opthalmologist para masuri ang kanilang at maagap na paggamot ay kailangan sa For inquiries, tumawag sa Asian Eye centage ng mga kumonsulta na sa eye mga mata. ganitong kaso. Institute sa 898-2020, o mag-email sa specialist last year, ayon sa isa ng pag- Nasa ibaba ang ilan sa mga common Retinoblastoma. Isa itong form ng ma- [email protected] o mag- aaral ng mga University of Michigan pediatriceye disorders: lignant tumor sa loob ng mata. Ang mga log sa www.asianeyeinstitute.com. 8 LOPEZLINK June, 2004

Quest... world class and acquire informa- Little Lives, Big Deeds from page 6 tion about proven effective practices that catapulted the winners into excellence. VER: Artist at Huwarang Oscar M. Lopez Award for Performance Excellence. The en- Frameworkfor Excellence thusiasm to relay success stories A Personal Experience Mamamayan of the winners and learning from by Robin C. Rubina by Carla Paras-Sison kanyang hilig sa sports ay “worth them will always be there. But knowing their best practices cre- of First Gas Power the adventure.” Corporation “MATAPOS ang bagyo, may “Men of my age should try it ates an agitating desire and urgen- bagong umaga.” Marahil angkop (mountain biking) instead of golf. cy to emulate these world-class, high performing companies. by my company is immeasurable. ito sa malambing at magiliw na si It’s environment-friendly and I was able to meet the people be- Virgilio M. Beltran, graphic artist more adventurous,” payo ni Ver My Journey to Excellence hind the success of seven compa- at sports enthusiast ng BayanTel. sa mga gusting maging “weekend By Ana Del Rosario nies who were awarded the pres- Tubong Malabon, nagsimula si warrior.” Siya ang pinakamatan- of First Philippine Industrial tigious 2003 Malcolm Baldrige Ver—palayaw ni Virgilio sa da sa grupong na-feature sa TV. National Quality Award. My net- opisina—bilang Marketing Com- Taong 2000 nang sumali at Corporation working experience with Boeing The three-day showcase of the munications Services Staff sa dat- nanalo ng medalyang ginto si Ver Aerospace Support is exciting seven Malcolm Baldrige 2003 and at the same time fulfilling. I ing International Commu-nica- sa isang triathlon, sa Category B award recipients is more than tions Corporation (ICC) (Bayan- para sa mga may edad 40+. was able to ask them and basical- enough to satisfy one’s craving ly learn from them, how they are Tel na ngayon). Sa loob ng 12 Maraming hindi nakatapos sub- for learning. The conference taon, ibinuhos ni Ver ang ali’t bihasa si Ver sa off-road cy- doing it (the Baldrige process) started with the plenary session and why they are doing it. The kaniyang dedikasyon at sipag sa cling kaya nakayanan niya ang where all top leaders of the seven naturang departamento bilang paakyat na bike trail. thing that I can still remember awarded organizations shared and will never forget is that these isang designer, graphic artist, at VER last December 2003 at the SAN “Kailangan may buhay din sa how their directions contributed photographer. labas ng trabaho. Pangit naman companies is not only managing ISIRO trail, part of the mountain in the pursuit of the highest qual- their known strengths but manag- Mahuhusay ang mga gawa ni ranges east of Tanay, Rizal and An- iyong trabaho-bahay-kain-tulog. ity award. I, together with Rene, ing the opportunities for improve- Ver, repleksiyon ng kaniyang tipolo. Rating: difficult with its 15 km. Iyan ang buhay ng mga stressed, continuous climb and a technical Manny, Robin and Eder agreed to ments (OFIs). And as an Oscar contentment sa trabaho sa kabila downhill ride that ends in Tanay Rizal. hindi maka-relax.” spread ourselves in the following Examiner, OFIs is the catalyst of ng problemang matiyaga niyang Balang araw, balak ni Ver na concurrent sessions in order to the whole process in realizing our hinaharap. siya. Kaya naman, sa halip na magturo ng painting at sculpture sa get as much “take-homes” within vision through a world-class Sa edad na 19, bagama’t may mangarap na magkaroon ng pam- mga kabataan sa isang “roving art a limited time. The sessions pro- management system. future sa painting at nasa senior ilya, itinuon na lamang ni Ver ang school.” Ika nga, “old habits die vided us an access to the winners’ year na bilang advertising student atensiyon sa sports. hard.” Tuloy pa rin ang pangarap best practices. During break time, My Ultimate Take-Home: In- everybody went into their own sa University of the Philippines Aktibo pa rin si Ver sa kabila na pag-aalay ng sarili sa lipunan, spiration from World-Class College of Fine Arts, huminto sa ng kaniyang edad na 50 anyos, di kundi man sa mga minamahal. small groups to share their in- sights in the concluded presenta- Leaders pag-aaral si Ver upang alagaan tulad ng kaniyang mga ka-edad. Sa kabila ng mga hagupit ng By Ederlyn P. Mendoza of ang maysakit niyang ina at para May oras siya para sa swimming, buhay, sinisikap na Ver na ibaling tion. Learning, then is multiplied, much more when we, from the First Sumiden Circuits, Inc. tustusan ang mga gastusin sa mountaineering, badminton, at na lamang ang atensiyon sa higit Lopez Group bracket together Participating for the Quest for gamot. pagma-mountain bike. Na-feature na produktibong gawain. similarities and differences from Excellence XVI is a worthwhile Nang pumanaw ang nanay ni pa nga ang kanyang mountain Iyan si Ver—huwarang emp- our respective companies and dis- experience, an experience that Ver noong 1996, alam ni Ver na biking group sa “GamePlan” sa leyado, huwarang mama- cussed how the practices we have you will not get from attending an huli na para makapag-asawa pa Studio 23, patunay na ang mayan! just learned can be applied to our ordinary gathering of experts or companies. forum. Baldrige recipients will \There is one company presen- give you a walk through of their LOPEZ MUSEUM tation that stuck well in my mind. pursuit of excellence, generously The CEO simply answered the detailing their practices, process question, “Why Baldrige? He did and achievements in business re- not only prove how and why mor- sulting from adapting the ever he showed what Baldrige Baldrige framework and also the can do to the bottom line. That inevitable challenges and diffi- Wild culties they encounter in day-to- same CEO provided a direct an- swer on how involved the leaders day operations. It was very inter- must be and their manner of keep- esting to know that just like us, ing the principle of excellence. they struggled in getting competi- imagination David Spong, CEO of BOEING tor’s data, worked double time, “The Waiting” Aerospace practices “benevolent did a lot of readings, learned a lot by Jose ‘Kimsoy’ Yap Jr. May 21- July 24, 2004 dictatorship” and said “the lead- from assessment feedback and ers must believe and make it hap- immediately addressed what ART has always been an agency Elmer Borlongan, Luisito Ramos alize otherness towards a more pen”. needs to be improved. For them, for the realization of ourselves Cordero, and Jayson Olivera. accepting view of difference. there is nothing more urgent than and the world around us. The Using works from the collec- The Lopez Memorial Museum tices shared by the award recipi- to constantly improve. But I will newest exhibition at the Lopez tion and those loaned from prac- is located at the ground floor of ents are not really far from the never forget the level of commitment that ALL senior leaders dis- Memorial Museum, “Wild Imag- ticing contemporary artists, the the Benpres Building, Exchange practices we have in our own played during the conference. ination: The Grotesque Illustrat- idea of imagination as a tool to is- Road corner Meralco Avenue, companies. Better yet, I believe, companies within the Lopez They know their stories by heart; ed” relates the story of how we sue the excesses of life and how Pasig City. Open to the public they respond to inquires and in- visualize our physical selves and we have transgressed the body in from M-F 8am-5pm, and Satur- Group can be better using the Baldrige as framework for im- teract with the audience with high those of others. The exhibition history (e.g. the tortured body of days 7:30am-4pm, except Sun- provement, and with the Integrat- level of confidence and pride dur- will run from May 21 to July 24. Christ) comes to the forefront of days and holidays. Entrance fees: ed Management System in tow. ing their presentation - real Featured in the exhibition are art. The exhibition challenges our P50 for elementary school stu- Being a Quester does not only hands-on! When the recipients works by Ang Kiukok, Juan Arel- visuality with the medium of the dents, P60 for high school and give you the opportunity to min- were asked if Baldrige could lano, Danilo Dalena, Jose Joya, artist’s eye as our guide. While college students, and P70 for non- gle with the awardees but it also work without support from senior and Vicente Manansala. Also on the grotesque may have negative students/adults. For more infor- leaders…all answered: IMPOS- gives you a chance to represent view are loaned works from connotations, it allows us to visu- mation, please call 6312417. your company in the echelon of SIBLE! 9 LOPEZLINK June, 2004

Executive Profile Building a world-class team for a world-class tollway by Carla Paras-Sison

THE TOLLWAYS Management Corpora- tion (TMC), under contract with Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC), will take over the operations and management of the North Luzon Expressway (NLE) from the Philippine National Construction Corporation upon completion of the rehabilitation and expansion project currently underway. The Lopez Group has no historical core competencies for tollway operations and maintenance. But TMC president Tony Mabasa is confident their team will be ready for a dry run by September of this year, and for the live run set for the following month. Since the start of 2004, Mabasa’s prior- ity has been to build and strengthen the TMC organization. “From virtually nothing at the start of the year, we have to be 900 people-strong by the time we do the dry-run. Our senior and junior management teams are almost complete now. Work may be important for Tony but his family is always in his pressing list of priorities. We’ll have the warm bodies by the time we need to mobilize. We have a competent public service. sages to NLE users is paramount. This is and hard-working recruitment team ,” he “OnNLE,IusedtoheartheLopezes why TMC, in partnership with MNTC, has said. say, ‘If we don’t build it, who else will? It actually begun a communications and in- Mabasa’s strategy is to put together a is an important infrastructure and the coun- formation program, approaching key sec- team with skills and experience in other try needs it,’ or something to that effect. tors like bus, jeepney and FX or mega taxi businesses but are relevant to tollway op- There’s a lot of nationalism underlying that associations. The transport and construc- erations. These would be production man- statement,” Mabasa recalled. tion equipment industries, and consumer agement, plant engineering and mainte- Yet, he recognizes that there is also a lot groups are slated next for dialogue. nance, logistics, telecoms, project manage- of risk in infrastructure projects and be- “Changing driving habits and attitudes ment and construction among others. lieves it is fair that investors get a reason- will take time. The same is true with the “We hired people from the fast food, able return for their money. “An investor communities along the NLE alignment. call center, retail, oil and transportation in- looking for better yields could have ven- Motorist education will be a permanent dustries, some with military and air traffic tured into other businesses, like consumer component in our package of solutions. A control backgrounds. By the time we take financing. So, I suppose there is some truth pro-active community relations program over, we will have combined expertise in in that maxim, ‘profit is a means to a will likewise be part of it. There are many process management, customer care, safe- greater or nobler objective’.” others that we will have to deal with, some ty, environment, security and crisis man- Mabasa said the idea of consumers we don’t know about yet. We are confident agement, information technology, sales Anthony Mabasa, President of Tollways Man- wanting basic services for free is not though we can identify the issues in time and engineering. We look at PNCC’s expe- agement Corporation unique to Filipinos. Even consumers in the and preempt them. We are after all, look- rience, benchmark against European toll- most advanced nations in the Americas ing at things in a risk management per- ways, take into account prevailing traffic tion lines and improving relationships. He and Europe will complain about almost spective” Mabasa said. trends and develop our system. Then we also believes in employees spending time anything. “That is why the business of util- Although his work with the Lopez train and practice before we take over.” together outside the workplace. He swears, ities is not for everybody. I think if some of Group has kept him away from his family, TMC has sent key managers and train- “Having the best and the brightest will not the Filipinos’ basic needs, such as medical he is happy wife Dong, whom he met at ors to France and Australia. They, together amount to much unless they work together care and education, are sufficiently provid- First Philippine Capital, and son Quinito, a with French specialists from our partners, as a team.” ed for, they will complain less about util- high school senior at Ateneo de Manila, will form the core of our training team. Mabasa, who has been with the Lopez ities priced at market. But we can’t ignore have understood the rigors of his job. “I Technical training will be complemented Group since 1981, had previously worked the complaints either. You just have to rise was away most of the time and I know they with non-technical modules such as cus- in such associated companies as First above the noise and make the right deci- suffered in silence. But I’m lucky, they tomer service, value formation, quality and Philippine Capital, First Philippine Leas- sions anchored on sound moral and busi- have always tried very hard to under- ESH (environmental safety and health). ing & Finance, First Holdings Internation- ness principles. The key is to educate, stand.” To build a real team and get all the new- al, Ecco-Asia (forerunner of First Philip- communicate to and care for the cus- Mabasa is counting on his family to be ly hired people working together in such a pine Balfour Beatty) and First Philppine tomers. It will require tons of patience and behind him all the way as he sees his latest short period of time, Mabasa looks at train- Industrial. His current assignment at TMC, goodwill but that’s the way it’s got to be project through: building a world-class ing sessions and ordinary meetings as op- however, can be viewed as a concrete man- done,” he said. team for a world-class tollway. And it’s all portunities for strengthening communica- ifestation of the group’s philosophy of Hence, the need to deliver the right mes- happening sooner than you think. 10 LOPEZLINK June, 2004 Outdoor paradise in Quezon City by Kris Lacaba Photos by Joy Hermogenes

WHO wouldn’t want to be away from it all? Summer, after all, is the season for es- caping the city’s heat, pollution, and heavy traffic. But there are also downsides to out- of-town trips, like having to endure long, arduous drives that never seem to end. Now ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Gina Lopez is giving the nature lover an option. Introducing the La Mesa Eco Parkin the heart of Quezon City. Gina has set up an outdoor paradise where you can take a stroll or a leisurely bike ride, go boating or fishing, picnic, or simply lie be- neath a canopy of trees as the sunlight cre- ates dappled shadows on your face. Gina’s record in campaigning for the environment should speakfor itself. She, after all, spearheads the reforestation efforts for the La Mesa Watershed and push- es for clean air through the Bantay Usok project under the Bantay Kalikasan program. The Save the La Mesa Watershed Project has successfully reforested 1,003 hectares of the watershed. Gina has received numerous awards including the Makati Rotary Peace Award “for devoting her life to the preservation of Mother Earth.” The parkwas put up through strength- ened partnerships with the Office of Que- From left, MWSS Administrator Orlando Hondrade, Senate President Franklin Drilon, ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) Managing Director Gina zon City (QC) Mayor Sonny Belmonte and Lopez, Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte. the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewer- ment to the park, having done the original The MWSS is responsible for the reno- ber Peter Garrucho, and MWSS Adminis- age System (MWSS), and with the help of design sketches for the park in the 1950s vation of the original swimming pools and trator Orlando Hondrade graced the event. various sponsors and donors. while he was still a student. Design sketch- bathhouse while the QC Parks Department Senate President Franklin Drilon, who is The master plan for the Eco Parkwas es for the swimming pool, the bathhouse, renovated the picnic areas and pavilions. sponsoring an orchidarium to be opened in prepared by Jun Palafox and Associates and the pavilions were used by his father, The La Mesa Eco Park’s soft opening November 2004, tookpart in the ribbon through the collaboration with Architect Engr. Manuel Mañosa who was head of the was held April 28, at the La Mesa Dam cutting of the Eco-Park. All the facilities of Francisco Mañosa. Manila Waterworks District (now the Compound, East Fairview, QC. Mayor the Eco Parkare scheduled to be fully op- Architect Mañosa has a special attach- MWSS) to build the park. Belmonte, Bantay Kalikasan board mem- erational by Christmas 2004. Summer fun with ABS-CBN THE FUN of summer was in your homes John Lloyd Cruz’ arms as she struggles stress on “street games” seeks to recre- and in the streets courtesy of ABS- with piko. Judy Ann Santos beats Robin ate the simpler times of childhood for CBN’s summer station ID, “Sabay Sum- Padilla in shato, while Korina Sanchez, many of ABS-CBN’s viewers – a time mer Tayo.” The series of plugs, which Zsa Zsa Padilla and Kuh Ledesma game- when high-tech devices like computers, feature the network’s biggest icons at ly play with the community kids. Tele- video games, and various electronic play with a group of high-spirited chil- serye stars Claudine Barretto, John gadgets were not needed to have a good dren, follow ABS-CBN’s award-win- Prats, Angelica Panganiban, Sarah time. Moreover, the plugs’ celebration ning series of themed station plugs with Geronimo and MarkBautista play skip- of group games like piko, Chinese a completely different naturalistic look, ping rope, tumbang preso and holen. garter, tumbang preso, and kickball, using authentic, colorful and evocative Two sets of best friends, Kris Aquino among others, recreates the great feeling summertime imagery, and an innovative and Boy Abunda and Ai-Ai delas Alas of having fun with your neighborhood use of live sound and 16-mm film and Arnel Ignacio, get involved in Chi- friends - a novel approach to illustrates stock. nese garter and trumpo, while Piolo Pas- the “Sabay Summer Tayo” theme. Shot on location at Sta. Teresita St., cual carries the agawan base hero in vic- “Sabay Summer Tayo” is produced by Sampaloc, Manila by award-winning tory. Jericho Rosales, Angelika dela ABS-CBN’s Creative Communications MTV director Auraeus Solito, Jr., the Cruz, Diether Ocampo and Kristine Her- Management group, headed by creative “Sabay Summer Tayo” series finds an mosa try to keep in step with kids play- directors and producers Cindy de Leon all-star cast rediscovering its fun side ing patintero. And finally, Comedy King and Johnny de los Santos and produc- through the “street games” beloved by Dolphy caps the series with the station tion manager Tess Nayve. Director of every Filipino. Charo Santos-Concio ID’s tag line, “Kaya natin kahit ano, bas- photography MarkGary created the col- helps out some neighborhood boys play- ta sabay tayo!” orful images, while Ben-Hur Villanue- ing kickball. Bea Alonzo ends up on Beyond mere nostalgia, the plugs’ va, Jr. oversaw the production design. LOPEZLINK June, 2004 11

(from left) Annabelle Villanueva, Haron Dagandal, Giovanni Oliveros; (below) Margarito David, Hillmarie Nimo

Text Mo, Pangarap Ko

KNOWLEDGE Channel Foundation Inc. “Stop” and send to 2366. tional programs fills the gap his absentee way she has learned to learn—through ed- (KCFI) recently launched its “Text Mo, KCFI is a non-stock, non-profit corpo- teachers have created. Knowledge Chan- ucational television. Impossible? Not Pangarap Ko” campaign, an innovative ration which runs the Knowledge Channel nel helps realize dreams through educa- when you raise the volume and let pure SMS/MMS-based fund-raising project de- (KCh), the first and only all-educational tional television. imagination run wild. signed to teach and reach more Filipino television channel on cable in the Philip- students through the Knowledge Channel. pines. The channel was established primar- Haron Dagandal Giovanni Oliveros It features select students from public ily to help improve the quality of public War is always hardest on the children. It Who says television is an idiot box? Not schools–Giovanni, Annabelle, Margarito, school education nationwide through its aborts their childhood. It destroys their psy- Giovanni. Inspired one day by the Knowl- Hillmarie and Haron—that have access or curriculum-based programming . It is ac- che. It bursts their dreams. One such victim edge Channel’s math and science lessons, will have access to the Knowledge Chan- credited for mandated viewing to all public of the armed conflict in Maguindanao is this deaf/mute student from Pasay City de- nel. These children represent other chil- schools by the Department of Education Haron. But Haron has not allowed the war cided that he would like to work on angles dren like them who deserve to have access through a 10-year Memorandum of Agree- to ruin his dream of one day becoming a and force to create structures. Giovanni to quality education, and thus a chance to ment. To date, KCh is reaching more than civil engineer. After the peace is won, he wants to be a carpenter. uplift themselves and the country from 2.4 million students in more than 1,300 says he wants to design bridges and rebuild poverty. schools nationwide. his Mindanao. In the meantime, Haron re- Hillmarie Through these children, KCFI shows mains to be a child-at-risk, wanting to learn The mountains of Bulacan are home to the benefits of having KCh in schools and Margarito David in a situation totally unfit for learning. Hillmarie, an outstanding 12 year-old stu- appeals for support. The photo of each Margarito is an economically marginal- dent who treks for at least an hour to get to child is downloadable. ized 12-year-old Aeta, who dreams of be- Annabelle Villanueva her school. . . every single day. Mired in By texting “Child” and sending it to coming a lawyer someday. He knows that Do you know what it’s like living in to- poverty, her family owns neither a radio 2366 everyone can help these children and the only path to that dream is to study well tal darkness? Annabelle does. Yet, this nor a television set. Thus, the Knowledge other public school students like them have and get high marks. But as fate would have blind child from Palawan has let color, Channel in her public school has become access to Knowledge Channel. The SMS it, teachers assigned to that rugged part of through the Knowledge Channel, enter her her only window to a bigger world. A message allows monthly P15 to P20dona- Porac, Pampanga do not come in regularly; otherwise grey world to help shape her fu- world she would like to be an active part of tion for one year. The amount will be re- blowing whatever chances Margarito and ture. Annabelle dreams of becoming a some day by being a teacher. Knowledge flected in the monthly billing statement. To other Aeta children ever have at a better teacher someday so other children with Channel helps realize dreams through ed- end the monthly subscribtion, just text life. Knowledge Channel and its educa- special needs like her can learn the same ucational television.

Lopez finalist in CNBC’s top business leader tilt

LOPEZ Group chair Oscar M. Lopez was have demonstrated superior leadership skills the Year,” “Corporate Citizen of the Year,” one of the top 20finalists chosen for the in managing highly successful businesses not and a new ABLA award category, “China Asian Business Leader Awards (ABLA) for only in their respective countries, but across CEO of the Year.” In addition, there will be a 2004. the region as well. CEOs’ Choice Award decided via polling top A total of 5,500 companies were evaluated In its third year, the theme for this year’s executives throughout the region. of which 50businessmen were nominated. award is “Defining Success through Leader- This year, the judging process was led by a Out of 50, 20 finalists were chosen for this ship.” The premiere business event will in- team of three academicians from the University year’s awards which were on May 25, 2004 clude the main Awards event and dinner as of Chicago Graduate School of Business—pro- in Shanghai, China. The top 20finalists were well as a Summit with top CEOs to share fessor of accounting Mark E Zmijewski, dean inducted into the 2004 ABLA Honor Roll, a their views and to discuss the importance of of executive MBA programs Leon Carroll permanent list of exemplary chief executives leadership in these challenging times. Marshall, and associate dean for part time MBA in the region. The ABLA 2004 recognized individuals Programs William W Kooser. Launched in 2001, ABLA is organized and who have successfully led their companies in The judging process has been divided into presented by CNBC and TNT International today’s ever-changing business landscape and three phases. In phase one, the team of aca- Express, and co-hosted by China Business lay the foundations for their organizations in demicians has compiled quantitative compa- Oscar M. Lopez honored in the 2004 Asia Business Network (CBN). The awards is the only pre- the years to come. ny data to bring out the top performers from Leader Award Honor Roll together with Globe Tele- com President & CEO, Gerardo C. Ablaza, Jr., who miere regional business event of its kind and The awards categories include “The Asia across the Asian landscape and short-listed won two awards - “CEO’s Choice of the Year” and is a tribute to Asia’s outstanding CEOs who Business Leader of the Year,” “Innovator of over 50candidates for the next phase. “Asia Business Leader of the Year.” 12 LOPEZLINK June, 2004

SHOWBIZ NEWS BRIEFS First Gas cited for Sarah Geronimo... crush Mangrove Rehab Project na crush daw ni Mikel Campos!

masasabi diyan ni Mark Bautista na magandang ratings dahil talagang kasama rin nila sa Teen Princess? pinaghihirapan naman nila ang kani- Balita kasing crush na crush din ni lang serye. Mark si Sarah,di ba? Hay naku,may Ito nga raw si Sarah ay halos wala the best man win na lang siguro! Ha- nang pahinga dahil sa kaliwa’t UNTI-UNTI na ring nakikilala at hahaha! kanang commitment sa showbiz. nagkakapangalan ang isa sa ka- Anyway,ito palang si Mikel ay Nireregaluhan lang siya ng ka- loveteam ni Sarah Geronimo sa kakaiba sa mga ordinaryong palaran dahil sa kanyang sipag at kanyang teleseryeng Sarah: The Teen teenagers ngayon. He does things tiyaga. Di ba naman? First Gas recently won second place in the annual Princess,si Mikel Campos. daw differently compared to other *** British Gas (BG) Chairman’s awards for protecting Dahil sa kanyang role bilang si teenagers. At sa murang edad na 17, the environment with its mangrove rehabilitation pro- Cedric sa nasabing ABS-CBN series, nakakagulat na malaman na sa bawat PASENSYA na du’n ject located inside the site of its 1,000-MW Sta. Rita bukambibig na rin ng mga teleview- desisyon na gagawin niya sa kanyang sa nag-hahanap ng and 500-MW San Lorenzo power plants in Batangas ers ang namesung ng bruho lalo pa buhay,talaga raw pinag-iisipan niya kopya ng City. First Gas’ mangrove project bested 81 entries nga’t kapartner pa niya ang from various BG companies worldwide. BG Group raw mabuti bago siya magbitiw ng fi- “Pelukang Itim” Chairman Sir Robert Wilson (left) presents the plaque Pop Princess na si nal decision. ni “Pangu- of recognition for First Gas initiative to protect the en- Sarah na talaga na- Hindi raw siya basta-basta long” Eddie vironment to Richard Tantoco,First Gas Senior Vice mang hindi na nagdedesisyon na hindi muna niya Gil,huh! President. mapipigilan pa ang pinag-iisipang mabuti. Naubos ya- pag-ariba ng showbiz Masaya si Mikel sa kanyang show- ta sa mga New president for Maynilad career. biz career ngayon dahil marami raw record bars, and FPBB Aminado si Mikel, talaga siyang natututunan sa pagpa- heto’t nagpapakopya na ng marami na tinagurian na sok niya sa showbiz. Importante para ang Alpha Records. Grabe! Former Secretary of Public Works and Highways ngayong teen sa kanya ang mga ito at ang mga aral Ilang istasyon na sa FM namin na- Fiorello Estuar is now the new president of Maynilad hearthrob,na na nakukuha niya dito. papakinggang pinatutugtog ang carri- Water,replacing Rafael Alunan III. Prior to this ap- malaki ang “I realized that showbusiness er single na ito ni Eddie Gil under Al- pointment,Estuar was President of First Philippine pagkakahawig ng role niya sa Sarah Balfour Beatty (FPBB),the construction arm of the teaches us a lot of lessons in life. Be- pha Records. Lopez Group. Alunan (former Secretary of Interior The Teen Princess sa tunay na buhay. sides fame and fortune,I believe that Aba’y kung ‘yung iba’y nagpapay- and Local Government) returns to his previous assign- Una na raw dito ang pagkakaroon there’s more in this industry,” ola pa sa mga istasyon,ang ment as Consultant to the Lopez Group and retains the niya ng crush kay Sarah at pangalawa seryosong pahayag ni Mikel. “Pelukang Itim” ni Eddie Gil ay hindi presidency of First Philippine Infrastructure Develop- ang pagiging medyo spoiled brat Pero ano ba ang nami-miss ni na. ment Corporation (FPIDC) as well as directorships in niya. Mikel bilang isang youngstar Ang mga radio stations na ang infrastructure-related businesses. FPBB;s new presi- Yezzz! Crush na crush daw ni kumpara sa mga ordinaryong teenag- nanghihingi ng kopya para lang ma- dent is Benjamin K. Liboro who is concurrent Vice Mikel si Sarah dahil bukod daw sa President of First Holdings Manufacturing and Port- er na pumapasok sa school at gimik patugtog ang “Pelukang Itim” na folio Investment Group. napakabait daw na tao,sobrang lang nang gimik? nakakatawa ang nilikhang lyrics ni down-to-earth pa raw ito. Walang “I don’t think I’m missing out on Dominic James. kaarte-arte sa katawan at totoong tao anything. Whatever comes your way Kaliwa’t kanan din ang guesting ni MERALCO AT UPEEE at kahit na nga sikat na sikat na siya is yours. That’s your destiny. You Eddie Gil sa telebisyon. ALUMNI HOMECOMING ay very humble pa rin. should be thankful. Besides,this is At oo nga pala,according to Eddie “She’s very charming,simple at Meralco was a major sponsor in the UP Electrical and life I chose and I’m enjoying every Gil,“ipinroklama” na raw siya bilang Electronics Engineering (UPEEE) 2nd Alumni sobrang bait. But she’s galawgaw din moment of it!” Pangulo ng Pilipinas sa Club Filipino Homecoming held recently at the UP Diliman Cam- pala,sobrang masayahin. She’s really ‘Yun na! nu’ng Monday Morning. pus. Themed “Strengthening the Ties and Fellowship a fun girl,” puri ni Mikel about *** O,di ba... ang taray? Among EEE Alumni,” the homecoming aimed to Sarah. Speaking of Sarah,mukhang hap- “Congrats mo naman ako,Ogie!” bring together UP EEE alumni to renew their commit- Aside from this,hangang-hanga py daw ngayon ang lahat ng taong busi “Pangulo” pa ang nagpaalala sa ment to their alma mater,develop camaraderie and ex- rin daw si Mikel sa pagiging mabut- plore professional ties and develop cooperative efforts mubuo sa teleseryeng Sarah The Teen amin,kaya sabi namin,“Congrats, and partnerships with their fellow engineers. Photo ing anak at kapatid ni Sarah. Princess dahil patuloy daw ang pag- Pangulo!” shows UPEEE Alumni Association treasurer Vic Sio- Mahal na mahal daw nito ang ganda ng resulta nito sa ratings *** son of Meralco Corporate Meter presenting the finan- kanyang pamilya. game. ‘Nga pala,sa aming chika.text cial standing of the association. Ang tanong,kung ligawan kaya Palaban pa rin daw ang serye nina sa326 ay juice ko,dumarami na niya si Sarah,may pag-asa ba siya? Sarah,Mikel at Mark Bautista. Sa anginteresadong makakuha ng “Wala pa naman po kami du’n. katunayan daw ay medyo mataas daw mgaanekdota at Eddie Gil jokes sa Crush lang po muna. Wala naman po ang nakukuhang ratings nito sa mga aming mga subscribers. sigurong masama sa paghanga. E,ta- nakakaraang linggo na talaga namang Kaya du’n sa gusto ng balita o laga naman pong kahanga-hanga si ikinasiya nang husto nina Sarah. kuwentong Eddie Gil,just type OGIE Sarah,e. Yung ligawan po,wala pa po Meaning,mas dumarami pa ang at i-send sa 326 for Smart lang,ha? muna yun. Basta kami po nila Sarah, fans nina Sarah,Mark at Mikel na At take note,inalok na si Eddie Gil nag-eenjoy po kami sa pagtatrabaho handang sumuporta sa kanila kahit ng Chikka.text na maging member ni- namin,” say pa ni Mikel na super cute ano pa ang mangyari. la,kaya asahan pa ang pag-ulan ng LopezLink is published by Benpres PR Group talaga. Oh well,siguro naman deserving mga jokes mula sa “Pangulo.”(Ogie 4/F Benpres Bldg.,Ortigas,Pasig City Naku ha.. ano naman kaya ang naman sila Sarah na makakuha ng P. Diaz) Telefax: 633-3520 For feeback,please email: [email protected]