APRIL 2011 www.lopezlink.ph
www.facebook.com/pages/lopezlink www.twitter.com/lopezlinkph A tale of two buildings: The historic properties of FPRC ALTHOUGH First Philippine Realty Corporation (FPRC) isn’t one to blow its own buildings hold much of the Lopez family’s history and legacies and are silent testimonies of horn, it manages two of the most historic and beloved structures that belong to the Lopez the family’s resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Group—Benpres Building in Ortigas and Eugenio Lopez Center in Antipolo City. These Turn to page 6
Amb. Manuel M. ABS-CBN summer Are we ready for Lopez takes charge of station ID: ‘Bida ‘The Big One?’ Pinoys in Japan…page 3 Best’!…page 4 …page 10
Lopezlink April 2011 BIZ NEWS NEWS Lopezlink April 2011 Lopez Holdings First Balfour MML takes charge of Pinoys in Japan AMBASSADOR Manuel M. pino casualties,” Amb. Lopez bags int’l. award Lopez has been busy marshal- said. He added that Filipinos in ling the resources of the Philip- Tokyo, Osaka and the western ventures pine Embassy in Japan to secure regions of Japan are relatively for corporate and extend help to the Filipinos safe. The embassy is focusing on affected by the twin disasters the Filipinos in the northeast. into housing that struck the country. Teams from the embassy are governance A 9.0 magnitude earthquake now ferrying Filipinos out of rattled Sendai on the afternoon Fukushima prefecture, site of Seated, l-r: Giovanni Vachelli, Art de Guia, Wong Jeong Lee, Dan Lachica, Jay Lopez and Bon Asis; Standing, l-r: Erwin Jallorina, Esmer Amis- LOPEZ Holdings Corporation their performances in 2010 in of March 11, triggering a tsu- the stricken Fukushima Dai- tad, Milet Sabella, Raul Sinocruz, Bibo Waga, Sung Joon Kim, Gene Kim, Seon Jong Lee, Ju Young Lee, Yongsu Park, Butch Tansengco and Miguel won a Titanium Award for Cor- the fields of finance, corporate development nami on the coast of Miyagi on ini nuclear power plant. More Trinidad porate Governance during The governance, social responsibil- Honshu Island. Of the estimat- than a hundred nationals have Asset Corporate Awards 2010 ity, environmental responsibility As part of its effort to - ex First Balfour has also entered pand its business and leverage into a joint venture with the ed 225,000 Filipinos who live in been safely billeted at a Cath- held in Hong Kong’s Four Sea- and investor relations. Japan, a little over a thousand are olic Church in Kichijogi, the sons Hotel on March 1, 2011. In 2009, Lopez Holdings, its engineering and construc- Asiatic Group of Companies tion capabilities, First Balfour (AGC). The two companies based in Miyagi province, which Lighthouse Ministry in Yo- First Philec sub puts up Lopez Holdings was the sole as Benpres Holdings, received was hit by the powerful tsunami. kohama City, the Franciscan has diversified into residential recently held the groundbreak- Titanium Award winner from honorable mention ranking in On Sunday, March 13, a team Church in Roppongi in Tokyo Amb. Lopez talks with Filipino nationals staying at the Wesley Center property development. ing ceremony for a subdivision at Minami Aoyama. To date, the Philippine Embassy has relocated the Philippines, and one of the the awards’ “One of the Best in from the embassy travelled to the and at the Wesley Center at two Titanium Award for Cor- Corporate Governance, Philip- The company is presently called The Cambria in Bay, La- some 139 Filipinos from Fukushima prefecture. tearing down a six-story build- guna. The Cambria is an 876- northeast region, which includes Minami Aoyama. new wafer-slicing plant porate Governance winners, the pines” category. Sendai City, to ascertain the con- According to Amb. Lopez, The Philippine Embassy re- “We are staying,” Amb. Lo- ing to give way to the construc- unit townhouse-type develop- other being Thailand’s Bangchak The Asset Corporate Awards dition of the Filipinos there. more buses will be sent to Fu- mains open in Tokyo even as pez said. “The Philippine Em- THE First Philec Group, The resulting JV company, The plant will have a capac- Corp. which resulted in First Petroleum. Assistant corporate are given out by Hong Kong- tion of its P4-billion, three- ment in a 7.6-hectare former through its subsidiary First known as First Philec Nexo- ity of 400 megawatts and will Philec Solar Corporation, the building development, Prima steel fabrication facility owned “We are sending a team there kushima if necessary. “We are 25 foreign missions have shut bassy is open and will remain secretary Amie Amado and based The Asset Publishing and to contact local authorities and fully committed to remain here down or moved out of the capi- open to serve the needs of our PV Ventures Corporation, lon Corporation (FPNC), employ about 500 workers. country’s first large scale sili- SAVP Rosan Cruz received the Research Ltd., an integrated Residences, located across Sto. by First Balfour. has entered into a joint ven- will operate the new facility, FPNC is the latest addition con wafer-slicing company. Domingo Church on Que- The event was graced by First our own community leaders to serve the needs of Filipinos in tal in the wake of radiation con- people here in Japan, especially award. multimedia company that and to inquire if there are Fili- Japan,” he stressed. cerns. those affected by the disaster.” ture with Korean solar com- which will locate in a 3.5- to First Philec’s investments in The production facility, which The Asset gave Platinum, “serves the elite community of zon Avenue. The first of the Balfour president and COO pany Nexolon Co. Ltd. to hectare space at First Philip- the photovoltaic or solar indus- aims to support about 720 Gold and Titanium awards to leading corporate and financial three buildings, to be called Anthony Fernandez, AVP for build a wafer-slicing facility pine Industrial Park (FPIP) in try. In 2008, it inked a similar megawatts of solar energy, is leading Asian companies for decision makers in Asia.” Brisé, aims to cater to start-up Administration Joselito Yanga, in Batangas. Batangas. deal with US-based SunPower also located in FPIP. families, yuppies, students and former Strategic Business Plan- overseas Filipino workers. The ning head Vik Apuzen, AGC ABS-CBN widens lead, most cost-efficient in February affordable residential condo- president Paul Tanchi and VP ABS-CBN Corporation wid- ABS-CBN primetime tele- slots. “Mara Clara” (34.9%) compared to ABS-CBN and minium project will be con- Engr. Rommel Ramirez, and The ened its lead over rival TV sta- seryes “Mara Clara” (34.9%), topped the list followed by TV5. First Gen attributable net income up 319% structed in phases over the next Cambria project manager Engr. tions in February with a 41% “Mutya” (31.8%) and “Imortal” “Mutya” (31.8%), “Noah” (30%), ABS-CBN generated net four years. Amador Pastor. (Dolly Pasia) FIRST Gen Corporation re- from the sale of electricity Vulcan reduced its debt by in comparison to 2009’s total audience share on primetime (6 (26.4%) have beaten GMA’s “Pilipinas Got Talent” (28.6%), income of P2.9 billion for the ported sharply higher attrib- by $222.1M or 22% to $1.2B 40% or P5.5B, from P13.8B to interest expense of $112.1M. p.m.-12 mn). “Dwarfina” (17.8%), “Machete” “TV Patrol” (26.7%), “Imortal” first nine months of 2010 as it utable net income to parent of in 2010 from $1B in 2009. P8.3B. Part of the proceeds from First Data from Kantar Media/ (17%) and “I Heart You, Pare” (26.4%), “Rated K” (23.9%), sustained into the third quarter $70.2 million for 2010, up by For 2010, First Gas plants First Gen’s total debt de- Gen’s P15.0B rights offer last TNS show that ABS-CBN im- (16.2%) nationwide. “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (22.5%) the strong growth momentum 319% from $16.7M posted last delivered stable earnings of creased by $115.1M or 10%, January 2010 was used for loan proved its primetime audience GMA Network lost its and “Goin’ Bulilit” (21.3%). in regular advertising revenues year. First Gen’s consolidated $130.1M. from $1.2B in 2009 to $1.1B repayments. share last month to enjoy a 10- primetime leadership in Feb- Overall, ABS-CBN remains in the first semester. This profit revenues likewise jumped by There was a notable increase in 2010. Other than its sched- First Gen’s consolidated net point lead over GMA Network’s ruary in Mega Manila, the the country’s number one TV level is more than double the net $222.1M or 22% to $1.2 bil- in equity in net earnings from uled debt amortizations, First income in 2010 increased by 31% and more than twice the area that includes viewer-rich network with a 36% audience income of P1.3B in the first nine lion in 2010 from last year’s associates, namely EDC and Gen also bought back and re- $26.0M or 27% to $121.0M, audience share of TV5’s 16%. Metro Manila and which the share for the month of Febru- months of 2009. (Kane Choa) $1.0B. FG Hydro, in 2010. The in- tired $74.0M in face value of compared to the net income of Leadership in primetime is im- Kapuso network considers its ary, higher than GMA’s 35% First Gen chairman Federico R. Lopez (2nd from left) with other “The substantial increase crease was coupled with lower its convertible bond in 2010 $95.0M in the previous year. portant for a TV network because stronghold. “Mara Clara” (28%), and TV5’s 13%. SKYCable officials of the Philippine Solar Car Challenge Society Inc. Photo from it has the most number of viewers. “Mutya” (23.5%) and “Imortal” Industry sources say ABS- in earnings was driven by the interest expenses at Red Vul- and paid off its P5.0B bond. The company’s net income at- www.topgear.com.ph/ strong operating performance can Holdings Corporation, the The paydown of debt at First tributable to the parent compa- February’s figures show that “TV (22.1%) trounced “Dwarfina” CBN continues to be the most statement on of the First Gas group, First company that directly owns Gen resulted in lower interest ny of $70.2M is net of minority Patrol” continues to be the most- (21.4%), “Machete” (20.2%) and efficient for advertisers especial- Gen Hydro Power Corpora- 40% of EDC. In 2010, Red expenses in 2010 at $104.2M, interests. watched news program with an “I Heart You, Pare” (20.6%). ly on primetime wherein most Aksyon TV tion and Energy Development First Gen backs First Balfour president Anthony Fernandez (left) and AGC president average rating of 26.7% nation- On the top 10 list of most- of the ad placements are made, THE current channel capacity Corporation (EDC). These Paul Tanchi lower the time capsule during the groundbreaking wide against “24 Oras” (20.5%) watched TV programs nation- while GMA’s core primetime ceremony and “Willing Willie” (11%). wide, ABS-CBN secured nine offerings are less cost-efficient of SKYCable is full; hence, we developments were comple- are unable to immediately ac- mented by the positive effects Lopez Group ventures PHL entry in commodate carrying Aksyon of the company’s deleveraging TV and comply with the NTC program,” First Gen president “must-carry” rule. Giles Puno said. SKYCable’s iRecord to revolutionize TV viewing solar-car race We are working on increasing The reliable dispatch of First into hydropower FIRST Gen Corporation, drum up support for the devel- SKYCable has launched the and even pause them using the tinola. “But with the DigiBox been trained in the use of the channel capacity which may take Gas’ 1,000-MW Santa Rita first PVR (personal video- re “timeshift” feature. But it does iRecord, it becomes so much PVR. They’re ready and able to some time due to dependencies and 500-MW San Lorenzo THE Lopez Group is poised agreement between the host lo- track record can be tapped to through its chairman Federico R. opment of renewable energy in to break ground on a new ven- cal governments and the proj- undertake massive infrastruc- Lopez (FRL), is backing anew the country. corder) service in the country. not require tapes or CDs, as easier for them to watch their assist callers who might require on the technical end. At the natural gas-fired power plants The SKYCable DigiBox - iRe files are saved onto the device’s favorite shows that they might troubleshooting help, as well as same time, we are looking at were the main contributors ture—hydropower. ect sponsor. Its scope covers ture projects without having the Philippine bet in the World The first Philippine-made solar The Baltingon project, a new construction and operation of a to draw from government re- Solar Challenge in Australia, car, Sinag, finished 12th among cord is a device that empowers 320-GB hard drive. sometimes miss because of their equipped to elaborate on other workable solutions to address to the increase in revenues subscribers to select and record The DigiBox iRecord is a hectic schedules. Now, they can features of DigiBox iRecord.” the concerns of Aksyon TV, such SAVE THE DATE hydro reservoir and power plant new hydro reservoir and a new sources.” contributing an initial P2.5 mil- 40 entries in the 2007 race. In complex in Nueva Ecija, is ex- hydroelectric power plant in When completed, the Balint- lion to send the country’s repre- 2009, Sikat I was toured around shows or segments of their fa- breakthrough that will appeal to enjoy their chosen shows, or The DigiBox iRecord also as replacing one of the free-to-air enjoy the most of their sub- April 19: ABS-CBN pected to boost Luzon’s water General Tinio, and will be for ingon project will irrigate an sentatives to the biennial race. the country in a road show that vorite programs for immediate tech-savvy or generally preoccu- even just some parts or sequenc- allows special features on play- UHF channels, with NTC’s con- scriptions,” Montinola said. payment date of P2.10 supply and electric capacity. purposes of power generation, additional 15,000 hectares of Sikat II, built by Philippine was also supported by First Gen. or later viewing. pied subscribers, said SKYCable es, uninterrupted and whenever back mode of recorded shows. sent. The SKYCable DigiBox dividend per share “We have taken keen inter- irrigation and domestic power farmlands that would be able to Solar Car Challenge Society Sikat II, the new solar car, is The device is similar to the Corporation’s head of Market- they please. This service definite- “It’s a one-of-a-kind service While we are committed to iRecord is currently available April 22: Energy De- est in this project because of supply. provide livelihood to more than Inc. (PSCCSI) and a team being put together by PSCCSI TiVO, the first and widely used ing, Rodrigo Montinola. ly revolutionizes TV viewing!” that we’re selling to consumers. comply with the must-carry to Metro Manila subscribers velopment Corp. annual its potentially far-reaching Nueva Ecjia Governor Au- 9,000 families and fisher folk in from De La Salle University and 22 engineering students PVR in the US. It can record “Consumers addressed are “The Filipino viewer has been Subscribers will be delighted rule, we need some time to work with postpaid accounts. Enjoy meeting and payment date contributions to the develop- relio Umali described the part- the host community. The proj- (DLSU), is the Philippines’ and seven faculty members of any scheduled program in the the working class, the very busy waiting for this,” he added. “We to have the power to view con- around the technical limitation the wonders of the DigiBox of P0.16 dividend per ment not only of Nueva Ecija nership with the Lopez Group ect will also generate additional second entry to the competi- the DLSU’s mechanical engi- channel lineup, much like the ones who can’t always catch up are ready. Several prototypes of tent that appeals most to them while being mindful that replac- iRecord by calling 631-0000 share and General Tinio, but for the as a “model that should be megawatts of power in the Lu- tion among solar-powered cars neering and electronics depart- tape-using VCR formats of on the schedules of free TV or the PVR have been tested since at their fingertips. And they ing a paid channel would render or logging on to mysky.com.ph. April 28: First Holdings entire country,” said First Gen replicated on a national scale, zon grid, and a solution to the from all over the world. ments. When completed, it is the 1980s and 1990s. It can cable because of their demand- last year. SKYCable’s technical can expect more services from some dissatisfaction among our (K. Choa) payment date of P1.00 chairman Federico R. Lopez. where private investors that seasonality of bulk water supply FRL currently serves as chair expected weigh in at about 180 also record live TV broadcasts ing responsibilities,” said Mon- support team members have SKYCable that will make them paying cable subscribers. dividend per share The project is set to start posses the required financial to as far as the National Capital of PSSCI, a non-stock, non- kilograms, some 20 kilograms with the signing of a tripartite and technical capabilities and Region. profit group formed in 2007 to lighter than its predecessor. Did you miss an issue of LopezLink? Access our archives at www.Lopezlink.ph
Lopezlink April 2011 KAPAMILYA COUNCILS Lopezlink April 2011 HR COUNCIL PR CHALLENGE couch potato Be the best this summer with ABS-CBN! Of social media and CEOs treats SOCIAL media use remains NO matter who you The music video captures how ABS- ner Angeline Quinto and Vincent fairly low among Asian com- are or where you are, CBN and its stars are inspired by Filipi- Bueno featuring rapper J.O.L.O. panies, with only 40% turn- ‘Elisa’ found! there are passions that nos who strive to be the best that they aka J-Dot. It was written by Love ing to sites like Facebook and ABS-CBN proudly brings you are raring to go out and can be. Rose de Leon and Niño Anglo, with Twitter for corporate mar- “Nasaan Ka, Elisa?,” its Philippine this summer is the per- ABS-CBN believes that despite the music arranged and produced by Mar- keting purposes compared to TV adaptation of “¿Dónde Está fect time to unleash post-global recession and other chal- cus Davis. 79% globally. your enthusiasm and do lenges that our country has faced, the The 2011 summer SID was jointly In its survey, PR firm Bur- Elisa?” The story revolves Vhong what you love most. resilience of our people will never falter. created by ABS-CBN’s Marketing team son-Marsteller also found around the Altamira clan, Navarro whose lives change when This is also the inspira- With a renewed sense of optimism, our headed by Cookie Bartolome and Zita that only 12% have corporate Elisa (Melissa Ricks), tion for this year’s ABS-CBN summer sta- nation will continue to pursue excel- Aragon, and Creative Communications blogs versus 33% worldwide. the daughter of Mariano tion ID (SID)—actualizing your potentials lence in any endeavor. Management headed by Robert Labay- Bob Pickard, Burson- Altamira (Albert Martinez) and displaying your talent as an individual The song “Bida Best sa Tag-Araw” is en, Johnny de los Santos, Ira Zabat and Marsteller Asia Pacific chief Kim Chiu and Dana Altamira (Agot or as a group, community or nation. performed by “Star Power” grand win- Patrick de Leon. (Kane Choa) executive, observed that “the Isidro), disappears. Many The SKYCable team comes out in full force to meet OML: (l-r) Lito Mapolon, division head of Opera- Asian multinationals are far tions; winner Eduard Santos, product evaluation and standards engineer, Operations Support Services; Melissa Ricks suspects come to light—Eli- Kapamilya Fiesta Collection for more tentative and circum- It is this characteristic with the limelight. You don’t chairman emeritus OML; Paul Abastillas, VP-HR; Caesar de los Reyes, manager of Bench and Support. sa’s parents, uncles, cousins, ‘ASAP Rocks Cebu’ ABS-CBN’s Regional Maja spect with respect to social that has dissuaded many see them expressing industry fellow students, and former and present Altamira Santos, a licensed electronics and communications engineer, graduated from Mapua Institute of Technol- media than their Western from joining the social me- opinions. They tend to keep to Network Group now offers its own line of apparel, ogy and has been with SKYCable since 2000. employees. Who’s the real culprit? Join the nation the Kapamilya Fiesta collection! Inspired by the counterparts.” dia bandwagon. Additionally, themselves and run the busi- in looking for the “Desaparecida.” Catch “Nasaan region’s people, places and festivals, the Kapamilya Salvador: This could be due to a myr- Asian companies are more ness.” Ka, Elisa?” on ABS-CBN! (Kane Choa) Fiesta shirts are available at Fiesta Favorite Stores iad of reasons, depending on hierarchical, with senior- One way to convince them in SM City Cebu and Iloilo, Robinsons Place Iloilo, Hotter SKYCable supervisor is industry and location, but at ity taking precedence over to take the social media plunge New ‘Mula sa Puso’ SM Kultura in Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao and the core, it is cultural. While creativity—with the result is to show them what other leads Cagayan de Oro, Robinsons Department Store Cebu than ever joining Facebook or starting that the ones least equipped CEOs are doing. and Island City Mall in Tagbilaran, Bohol! Limited a blog helps a company be- to take charge of strategic As Pickard pointed out, JM de Guzman, A sexier first Lopez values star come more accessible to its moves such as developing a “benchmarking is the most edition ASAP Rocks Cebu shirts were also on sale at Lauren Young and the Sugbu Grounds at the South Reclamation Project Maja Sal- public, the downside is that social media presence end up powerful tool.” LOPEZ Group chairman that I am writing them these will deal with them always in a Enrique Gil will during the “ASAP Rocks” special in Cebu on March vador was it also becomes extremely running the show. “We have a lot of Asian emeritus Oscar M. Lopez personal notes. I want them compassionate way, being un- reprise the roles of 27. (Aaron Domingo) revealed in exposed to direct and public On the other hand, even companies in our portfolio Gabriel, Via and the photo (OML) chose Eduard Santos, to know that the messages do derstanding, and with broth- criticism. more of a rarity in Asia are that are communicating over- Michael in the re- shoot for a product evaluation and stan- come from me. While I have a erly or sisterly love.” “Social media is agile and blogs run by CEOs. seas for the first time. You make of “Mula sa the new dards engineer from SKYCable team working with me to take According to him, this results nimble and opens a conver- “There are few superstar teach them that they must Puso.” The three ABS-CBN Corporation, as the first Lopez care of the technical side, I per- in a good bond among team sation that makes people feel CEOs with a big personal- communicate in these mar- will portray the Tony, Lynda and TJ anchor Interactive values star. sonally read all the replies and members. He also considers his important to the brand. But ity,” said Joe Nguyen, head kets in the ways that consum- roles first played mobile ser- Santos was chosen from I am happy to know that our office as his second home, mak- it can also be fluid and out of of Internet research firm ers there want to be reached,” by the vice called among 400 entries received in people can see the importance ing him feel comfortable and control. The risk of losing face ComScore’s Asian operations. he said. late Rico Studio 23 newscasts Hotshots. response to OML’s invitation to of aligning personal and corpo- allowing him to attain his goals creates a dampening effect on “CEOs of Asian compa- Excerpted from http://busi- Yan, Asked if write about how Lopez Group rate values,” OML said. easily. adoption,” Pickard said. nies are not that comfortable nessmirror.com.ph/index.php. Clau- STUDIO 23 recently launched a covered the executive, legislative and Sec. Cito Lorenzo, who was linked she thought employees apply the Lopez val- In his entry, Santos said he is Santos, 41, a licensed elec- dine Barretto and Diether Ocampo in the origi- noontime newscast and a series of judicial branches of government. It to the fertilizer fund scam. she was sexy, ues at work. able to apply the Lopez values at tronics and communications nal version of the soap aired in 1997. Also in the news advisories to provide Kabarka- was Jumilla who got an exclusive Meanwhile, TJ Manotoc returns the star of OML has been writing a work “by simply thinking that I engineer, graduated from NTC Memorandum Circular 01-02-2011 cast are Dawn Zulueta as Magda, Eula Valdes da viewers with updates throughout on the return of former Agriculture to Studio 23 as the anchor of “Bilis “ M i n s a n blog, called Oscar’s Summit, am the owner of the company.” Mapua Institute of Technology as Selina, Ariel Rivera as Don Fernando and DJ the day. Balita” news advisories every day at Lang Kita Iibigin” replied, “Iba- since January 2011, and has He said this attitude spurs him and has been with SKYCable Durano as Ysmael. Watch for the return of “Mula Tony Velasquez and Lynda Ju- 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. On primetime, iba naman ang meaning ng sexy. been inviting employees to read to do his best in different ways, since 2005. New rules on smartphone sa Puso,” still directed by Wenn Deramas, soon on milla bring with them more than 20 “Bilis Balita” airs every Monday, Siguro ang sexy para sa akin yung it via weekly emails. He writes including exceeding targets OML said he found it diffi- ABS-CBN! (K. Choa) years of newsgathering experience as Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at pag may confidence ka, kung about his personal experiences, daily, avoiding absences, being cult to choose the top 30 entries the anchors of the Filipino-language 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. It will air three kaya mong dalhin ang sarili mo.” thoughts and other nuggets of punctual and aiming for higher out of 400, and then narrow Internet bills out Two ways to get on ‘The newscast “iba-BALITA Ngayon” that times within Philippine Basketball Hotshots is a mobile service wisdom which he believes em- goals: “’Di pwede ’yung pwede the candidates down to eight. airs weekdays at 11:30 a.m. Association games on Wednesday, where a subscriber could down- ployees can learn from, as he na, dapat pwedeng-pwede!” The eight finalists had lunch HAVE you ever inadver- mission (NTC) is address- ers attempting to access the Price is Right’! Velasquez has produced special Friday and Sunday nights. load MMS pictures of Kapami- champions the practice of Lo- Santos added: “As a ka- with OML and received the tently run up a smartphone ing these and similar cases Internet through their cellular Be a studio player on “The Price is Right” by tex- reports for ABS-CBN’s “Krusada” Studio 23 is also airing the new lya stars. Key in HOT ON to pez values across the Group. pamilya, I always think of ev- book “OML at 80,” which con- bill amounting to hundreds of of smartphone users being phones that accessing shall be ting JOIN PIR
Lopezlink April 2011 Lopezlink April 2011 The nerve executive feature center of Oscar R. Lopez Jr.: Clockwise from left: The ELC pool the the Lopez Group from where a view of Ortigas Center Solving training can be seen; The atrium of EL Center; President Oscar R. Lopez Jr. turns over FPRC’s donation to Tahanan ng Pagmamahal orphanage; Taking part centerBy Carla Paras-Sison conundrum in relief operations in Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Antipolo after typhoon Ondoy The Oscar R. Lopez family: Javier, WHEN First Philippine Marty, Josef, Cary, Yvette, Jaime Realty Corporation (FPRC) (partly hidden) and Carlos. A TALE... possession, but sadly, Don Eñing the supervision of then Lopez As of press time, there are The entire newspaper - of enue generating were improved took ownership of and man- from page 1 passed away while waiting for Group chairman Oscar M. plans to further improve EL fice moved into the new office upon. Fire exits were made to agement control over Eugenio the opportunity to return to his Lopez. Luckily, the foundation Center, but most efforts are be- in February 1971, but because comply with building standards Lopez Center in 2003, FPRC The world will remember beloved country. had not suffered much from its ing directed toward the repair of the political climate in the and a building committee, com- president Oscar “Cary” R. Don Eugenio “Eñing” Lopez Sr. After the 1986 revolution, the years of being unattended, and of slight damage to the land country, printing was shut down posed of representatives of the Lopez Jr. didn’t overthink the IT started life some 40 years ago as the Manila Chronicle for his countless achievements Lopez family was reunited and the work was done without hit- incurred during typhoon Ondoy in 1972. The newspaper would different tenants, was formed to additional assignment. Building, address Escarpment Road, Pasig, Rizal. At six sto- in business and his courageous their assets unfrozen, including ting any major hurdles. Some in 2009. However, Don Eñing’s never again return to the build- address issues and concerns.” The training center located ries, it was tall enough to be a prominent part of the Ortigas stand against a dictator. However, the property where the founda- revisions to the original plans legacy continues to delight and ing, even after the dictatorship Yes, the building is an old on Sumulong Highway on the skyline, and there it held court for more than two decades. one of his most notable legacies tions of Don Eñing’s would-be were made in order to allow for serve the business community, was overthrown. one—and, at six stories, it’s highest hill in Antipolo City Benpres Inc. president Don Eugenio “Eñing” H. Lopez Sr. stands atop one of Antipolo’s retirement home stood. the functionality of the center, much like the man himself who After the EDSA Revolu- dwarfed by the surrounding had been in operation since had the new structure built to house the printing press and highest hills—Eugenio Lopez “There were discussions such as increasing the number had dedicated his life to excel- tion, the building was renamed buildings—but it occupies the July 20, 1997, serving the train- operations of The Manila Chronicle, the newspaper he had pur- Center or ELC. about what to do with my of rooms and including a cha- lence and service to the nation. Benpres Building and remained same land area as Tektite Towers ing requirements of companies chased from Bert Villanueva in September 1947. The sprawling structure, lo- grandfather’s unfinished house pel, a mini theater, and a lecture Historic marker in the under the Lopez Group of com- and has been a part of Ortigas Formal dedication midst of modernity within and outside the Lopez cated on 10 hectares of Lopez in Antipolo,” relates FPRC room that seats 150 people. panies. In 2003, FPRC took over since the 1970s. It has seen a Group. It had a reputation for Ambassadors, press attachés, local publishers and editors property, was originally meant to president Oscar R. Lopez Jr. The center was inaugurated When Escarpment Road the management of the property, lot and like most old structures, good food, modern multime- graced the formal dedication of the building on April 2, 1971. be the retirement home of Don “The idea to finish and use it on July 20, 1997, Don Eñing’s (now Meralco Avenue) in Or- and set it up so that it housed the it has quiet dignity and a sense dia equipment and complete Grainy black and white photos published in the paper the next Eñing and his wife, Pacita. Con- as the family rest house was birth anniversary. Since then, tigas was nothing but a lot of Lopez Museum and Library and of solid reliability. It also serves facilities, including a gym and manager in ABS-CBN Corpo- are hard, most corporations cut bookings that pepper its peak day captured Foreign Sec. Carlos P. Romulo, Manila Times struction began in the late 1960s, considered but it seemed like ELC has been the venue of empty space and not the bustling its amazing laboratory and col- as home for some of the Lopez swimming pool. It was a good ration before joining First Hold- back on training,” Lopez said. season calendar. publisher Joaquin “Chino” Roces, Philippines Herald publisher but before it could be completed, such a waste not to share the many Lopez family events, and hub of commerce it is today, one lection of art and literature. It had Group’s offices; in fact, 19 of the product in a good location. ings, was originally looking at a To address occasional re- “We’re doing a little better Sebastian Ugarte, Sen. Doy Laurel and Rep. Jose Laurel Jr. President Ferdinand Marcos fantastic view with others. even a few family weddings. Its man had the foresight to know to undergo some renovations, 20 building tenants are all mem- “We thought it would be five- to six year-horizon to turn duction in corporate training, now. The marketing group has hobnobbing with members of the Lopez family led by Don declared martial law. Don Eñing Other suggestions included a main purpose, though, remains that it would one day be one of though. Lopez remembers that bers of the Lopez Group. There an easy job. The center could E.L. Center’s finances around. FPRC opened E.L. Center been increasing clients and our Eñing and his eldest son Geny (then the paper’s publisher) and his wife were forced to leave health farm or restaurant. At to provide a venue for a wide the major commercial areas in they had to make sure that the are plans for constant renovations sell itself. But when we took He and his team have had to go for wedding receptions, family first quarter, which is a tradition- and Manila Chronicle editors and staff. Eleven foreign publish- the country to escape the per- that time, corporate universities range of corporate training for the metro. Having realized this, building was secure and sound. and improvements to be done on over, we saw things that we back and redo their projections weekends and private parties. ally lean time, has picked up in ers from Europe, the US, Asia and the Middle East had also secution of a vicious ruler. They had been gaining popularity as members of the Lopez Group he created what would be the “When we took over Ben- the old Manila Chronicle build- didn’t see before,” said Lopez, to reflect market dynamics. By accommodating other cre- the last couple of years,” he said. flown in for the event, among them Denis Hamilton, chair- were separated from the rest productivity tools, and with the as well as unaffiliated clients. home of one of the most revo- pres Building in 2003, modern- ing to upgrade the service and concurrent vice president for The other property FPRC ative events such as concerts By and large, most of E.L. man and editor in chief of Times Newspapers Ltd. of their family, and neglected rebuilding of the Lopez busi- The center runs on a skel- lutionary newspapers, the now- ization was not a top priority. functionality of the structure. Administration in FPRC is handling, Benpres Building and a tango or ballroom danc- Center’s clients are referred by By this time, the paper’s editors were at loggerheads with by their friends and business ness units, that seemed to be eton staff of 10 that swells up defunct The Manila Chronicle. It was more important to make The next time you’re in the parent First Philippine Hold- in Ortigas Center, is doing ing demonstration, FPRC has satisfied customers. The center Pres. Marcos over issues of corruption, cronyism and the grow- associates who feared retribu- the best fit. It was decided then to 50 when there is a need for The Manila Chronicle Build- sure that our tenants did not Ortigas Center area—and espe- ings Corporation. better. It’s profitable because been able to get more bookings, has had to turn down clients ing power of the military. Don Eñing’s brother, Fernando, had tion from the government. The to convert the structure into the it. These hardworking people ing was supposed to have been dread coming into the building cially if you work in the build- Among these factors were it’s full, but still not sufficient as well as additional exposure, requiring more than the 38 also resigned his post as Marcos’ Secretary of Agriculture some family’s assets were seized and Lopez Group training center.” maintain ELC’s 38 rooms and the new base of operations for with the thought that they were ing—take a closer look. Benpres the steadily increasing cost of to cover E.L. Center’s upkeep. for the center’s lean months. rooms on offer. four months earlier. Construction was resumed Looming threat Don Eñing’s eldest son Eugenio all its modern training facilities, the paper and its staff, and work entering a building that was Building bears witness to decades repair and maintenance, and “The nice thing about the “We’ve also tried to get Lopez hopes LopezLink Jr. (Geny) imprisoned; construc- in 1995, undertaken by Engi- ensuring that the center not only on the structure began in 1969. almost 40 years old.” of the Lopezes’ pioneering entre- competition from other, newer center is that it’s not too far away long-term commitments from readers and others get to ap- The looming threat to press freedom must have been on Don tion on the couple’s retirement neering and Construction Cor- runs smoothly, but that visitors Pristine and efficiently designed, He adds: “The first thing that preneurial spirit, business excel- training centers. Suddenly, it from the city. At the same time, satisfied clients,” said Lopez. If preciate what the center has to Eñing’s mind then, for in his speech during the inauguration, home came to a grinding halt. poration of Asia (ECCO-Asia, to the center are guaranteed a it occupied a 1.3 hectare lot, and was done was to think about the lence and nationalism, and the was a challenge to get people it’s more than a stone’s throw successful, such arrangements offer. “E.L. Center is unique. “The Threat to a Free Press,” he said: “We must and we will fight The land remained in the family’s now First Balfour) and under comfortable stay, a relaxing mix its six stories offered up 12,000 building’s occupancy and focus employees’ dedication, loyalty and to come to E.L. Center. away, so people do think twice will lead to steadier usage of Tell us what you want and to the last this danger in the Philippines, as we believe that the of business and pleasure. square meters of floor space. on function and safety. Spaces hard work—reasons enough for it Lopez, who worked for 10 about going there. The other the center throughout the year we’ll do it. We can customize freedom of the press is the only guarantee for the preservation MEET THE TEAM that were unused or non-rev- to stand proud among giants twice years as information technology challenge is that when times and complement the one-off packages to meet your needs.” of our liberties…. Now, on the occasion of the dedication of this its size. (Mary Ann Barbieto) Heriberto Comsti Ola Magno Lolit de Castro building, we reiterate our pledge to continue this crusade which SPOTLIGHT is so dear to our hearts. And in this undertaking we shall draw VP and General Manager Property and Finance and Purchasing inspiration from the people in whom sovereign power resides.” Eric has taken on various as- Facilities Manager Manager After Ondoy The Manila Chronicle was forcibly shut down less than 20 signments in different Lopez Ola initially joined First Lolit was assigned to months later. Group companies since com- Balfour as property and FPRC’s Comptroller- Revival ing on board in 1993. These facilities manager, ship group in June 2006. EL Center: Anatomy of a restoration A year after its revival in 1986, the paper once again operated include stints in Maxidata, handling Benpres However, she first joined from this building but later on transferred its base, this time to Kimberly Leather Inc., Building and Eu- the Lopez Group in IMMEDIATELY after Ondoy in Morales recommended that soil nailing In the last two months of 2010, the (mechanically stabilized earth) walls port and reinforce the soil. Themani- Bonifacio Drive in Manila where the printing press was located. First Philippine In- genio Lopez Cen- 1982 through First September 2009, FPRC coordinated and shotcreting the affected area would necessary backfilling was done to start while Peter Ground prepared the area mani plant was also recommended At about this time, its old home was renamed Benpres Building. dustrial Park, First ter. She started at Holdings. She with the local government of Antipo- be the best solution and design for the the restoration work. Dividing the area where soil nailing will be done. since it reproduces immediately and “Benpres” is derived from the combined names of Don Eñing’s Electro Dynamics the JAKA Group as a market researcher right now handles lo City and the Department of Public restoration. Shotcreting is the process of into four tiers, First Balfour started to To reinforce the area where the provides nutrients for the vetiver parents, Benito and Presentacion. By then, the once short and Corp. and First out of college, and had moved up to property FPRC’s account- Works and Highways to remove the injecting cement into the affected area. work on the preparation of the MSE building is standing, 126 horizontal plants. lonely building in Ortigas Center started having new modern Philippine Hold- manager in charge of the management and ing, treasury and eroded soil along Sumulong Highway. nails and 12 vertical nails with a depth The entire process to restore the buildings as neighbors. Ortigas Center had spruced itself up from ings Corp. He assumed his current position maintenance of buildings like JAKA Plaza, purchasing de- Clearing operations were undertaken of 15 meters each were installed at area may seem simple, but the work backwoods to sleek business district in the ensuing 14 years. But in August 2007. Before joining the Lopez MACRIMA and Splendido Suites by the partments, where she also supervises several with the help of First Balfour; while the upper portion of the site. To fill in was actually completed after nine the Lopezes restarted their many other businesses, from ABS- Group, he was affiliated with the Vicente time she moved to the Lopez Group in 2003. staff members. Prior to First Holdings, she these were ongoing, the assessment of the gaps that were possibly created by months. CBN to First Holdings, from Benpres Building after EDSA 1. Puyat Group and the Alfredo Ramos She also put in a stint with Colliers Interna- had stints in Radiowealth Finance Co. as the soil and possible restoration work the erosion, the completed areas were The restoration work undertaken Today, a plaque of the National Historical Commission Group. Eric is a business management tional Philippines Inc. as senior audit group an accounting clerk, and in Herdis Group for EL Center were also done. immediately shotcreted. by management in the wake of On- honoring Don Eugenio H. Lopez greets visitors to the historic graduate of Ateneo de Manila University. officer/senior property manager. Ola holds a and International Corporate Bank as an ac- Since it continued to rain after The finishing touch was the plant- doy strengthened the foundation structure that is Benpres Building. The building also serves as the He also completed the Business Manage- bachelor of arts and letters degree, major in countant. Lolit completed her BS Account- Ondoy, the affected area was covered ing of kakawati and vetiver, which of EL Center, and is also a step to nerve center of the Lopez empire and is home to 19 Lopez Group ment and Practice course at the Asian Insti- behavioral science, from the University of ing degree at the Polytechnic University of with plastic sheets to lessen any ero- before after were specifically identified for this prepare the center to be earthquake- companies, including Lopez Holdings Corp. and First Holdings. tute of Management. Santo Tomas. the Philippines. sion or soil movement. Engineer Emil area since their roots would help sup- ready. (Ola Magno)
Lopezlink April 2011 CSR ACTIVITIES MUSEUM/VALUES Lopezlink April 2011
ONGOINGS NOSTALGIA Summer events for children art form of Paete, Laguna Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to ABS-CBN puts up repeat it. —George Santayana Teaching the best April 1, 4-8 and using papier mâché and as- 11-12—Huit for sembly, by putting together April 3, 1877 helpline to Japan Tag-init with Ikoy a variety of materials using Benito Lopez is born to Kapitan Eugenio and Ricio from 8:30- recycled materials. Some of Marcela Lopez math, science classes IN keeping with its promise 10 a.m. The chil- the toys created during the of being in service to the dren will learn to workshop will be sold. The April 13, 1904 KNOWLEDGE Channel Filipinos worldwide, ABS- work on dots and proceeds will go to Knowl- Fernando Lopez Foundation Inc. (KCFI) and CBN has put up Kapamilya forms, perspective, edge Channel’s programs is born to Benito Sun Life Financial Philip- Helpline to aid those who portraits, textures, for Filipino schoolchildren. and Presentacion pines recently turned over to need help in contacting their embossing, junk art Fee of P1,000 covers paints, Hofileña Lopez. The the Department of Education loved ones in Japan after the the Japan-based individuals’ and sculptures. Ex- brushes and taka. younger brother of (DepEd) 10 new episodes of devastating earthquake and condition and then update amples of Ikoy Ricio Plataporma’s life-sized tracing of a mural by National Artist Eugenio H. Lopez “K-High” for algebra. Exhibit tsunami that struck the coun- the family members in the w o r k s Vicente Manansala, which they based on an archival photo Sr. would eventu- “K-High” is an original pro- try. Philippines. If the volun- of French Impressionists, post- Last month of ally become Vice duction of KCFI, coproduced ABS-CBN set up the teers are unable to contact Impressionists, Art Nouveau and ippines’ workshop outputs of their jail visits in President of the with Sun Life Financial Phil- nerve center wherein a group the person, they forward the Australian aborigines will be used. ‘Extensions,’ ‘Loob at creative writing, music and photography. Visit Philippines ippines and Sun Life Founda- of social workers from ABS- information to the Depart- Fee of P3,500 for all eight sessions the Lopez Museum website (www.pezseum. tion, that aims to bring real-life CBN Foundation Inc. han- ment of Foreign Affairs and includes materials. Labas’ blogspot.com/) to see what Rock Ed has in store April 19, 1930 perspectives in the application dles the calls and provides the Philippine Embassy in April 16—Gawa/Laro toy making This is the last month to catch Extensions, an during the last day. Oscar M. Lopez is born to Eugenio Sr. and of math and science subjects. crisis counseling to callers Japan. workshop with Pilipinas Street exhibit featuring multimedia work by Maya For inquiries, call Fanny at 631-2417. Lopez Pacita Moreno Lopez DepEd Secretary Armin Lu- who are worried about their The Kapamilya Helpline Plan and Boysen Paints. The work- Muñoz, Pilipinas Street Plan and Plataporma, Memorial Museum and Library is located at the istro said that the best math loved ones in Japan, while numbers are 411-0011 and shop will teach taka, a traditional and Loob at Labas, which features Rock Ed Phil- ground floor of Benpres Building. April 15, 1945 and science classes are those employee-volunteers moni- 411-0012. The website is Eugenio Sr. and his family return Manila that bring into the classroom tor the message boards on- www.abs-cbn.com/kapami- LOPEZ VALUES IN ACTION after the war. The patriarch begins the work experiences from real life. line. lyahelpline. of restoring the family business “The difference is in the per- Those who contact the Kapamilya Helpline has spective we present the subject helpline leave the contact received almost 2,000 requests April 30, 1998 matter,” Luistro said, sharing numbers of their loved ones since it was put up on the day First Gas and Shell sign a gas supply memo- that in his rounds in some 100 in Japan. The volunteers call the disasters struck on March randum of agreement public schools in the country, he these numbers to check on 11. (Kane Choa) Top 8 finalists: Lopez Source: Mercy Servida, head librarian, Lopez saw that there is a big difference KCFI chairman Oscar M. Lopez and KCFI president Rina Lopez-Bautista (2nd and 3rd from left), with Memorial Museum Library between students who learn and Sun Life Financial Philippines president Riza Mantaring, turn over episodes of ‘K-High’ for algebra to students who just listen to their Education Sec. Armin Luistro teacher, content to get good treating them with utmost respect, inculcating grades. “’K-High’ is one of KCFI’s ecutive director Rina Lopez- Other KCFI original premiere Sponsor a scholar values star contest unity, harmony and fairness in everyday dealings, “K-High” follows the ad- major offerings in helping Bautista. programs are “K-Hub,” “Agham EARLY this year, chairman emeritus Oscar drilling group, and now as a kapamilya, I stood to ensure efficient utilization of our geothermal inspiring younger siblings, respecting the knowl- ventures of five high school address severe gaps in learn- “K-High” is one of KCFI’s Aralin,” “Faculty Room” and “Gab M. Lopez (OML) invited employees to share by my moral values. Several years ago, I was steam to supply the power plant. In this way I edge, experience and wisdom of the older, always students to demonstrate fun ing, particularly in math and premiere educational programs to Go.” “K-High” episodes can with PAAFI in an email how they applied the Lopez values once bribed by a contractor. They wanted me can reciprocate the best things that the company open to suggestions and opinions vital to the ways to apply science and math science. With ‘K-High,’ we’d created to provide learners be viewed on the Knowledge in their work in their respective companies (see EDUCATING a child doesn’t 6,000 children. The scholars to favor them in the bidding. I immediately provided for my family. company’s growth. …I would always apply…the lessons in everyday activities. like students to develop a with more engaging and effec- Channel or online at kchonline. related story on page 5). Here are excerpts from stop at just paying tuition fees are recommended by parish declined the offer and confronted the contrac- Kimrey Gomez, ABS-CBN: When I came Lopez values by appreciating and loving what I Each episode is unified by a so- love for learning and excel tive approaches to gaining new ph. It will also be aired Satur- the entries of the top eight finalists as selected by and miscellaneous fees. Money priests, social workers and tor. I told him that he cannot buy my dignity on board last year, I was firmly convinced that do, and realizing that by doing so, I am serving cial issue to help develop critical in math and other subjects,” knowledge, particularly through day mornings over Studio 23. OML and the Oscar Summit team, led by win- is needed for transportation, parishioners, and monitored and my love for EDC. I also informed my boss the only way for our team to succeed in our role EDC, my family and my country the way God thinking in students. said KCFI president and ex- the use of educational media. (Charlene Tordesillas) ner Eduardo Santos. Read the full text at www. school supplies, uniforms and by PAAFI; PAAFI’s social about this and he was pleased with the deci- as stewards of accounts receivables is to fully en- wants me to. lopezlink.ph. baon, which adds up to hun- workers also check up on the sion I made. gage our clients—agencies and advertisers—and Edgardo Cadungog, EDC: I am blessed as Eduard Santos, SKYCable: I apply the Lo- dreds of thousands for the 14 scholars at home and in school Pedro Abellano, EDC: …I treat the com- such should be on a regular basis. We use the a kapamilya in the Lopez Group of companies. Five schools pez values in my daily work by simply thinking or so years that the child is in to ensure that they receive the pany as if it is my own and I am mindful in my simple pyramid of engagement as our guide, I value working in EDC as I value serving the ‘Bayanihan’ spirit that I am the owner of the company. In this way school. This is why, despite the necessary support from their bearing to show people from outside that we where the base is communication, in order to needs of my family. Reading the Lopez values, I receive you will do all the best you can to do all your free tuition offered in public parents and teachers. are respectable and professionals working in a build confidence, cooperation and ultimately was able to evaluate my work attitude and per- work, not just by completing it but by exceed- electrifies remote school schools, poorer families choose PAAFI accepts pledges of prestigious company. It becomes inherent to us benefit as the tip. formance to check where I could start to comply ‘Gift of ing your target every day, by not being absent, to forgo their kids’ formal edu- P5,000 annually for six years to be upswing in our duties to uphold our vi- Edgardo Tadias, EDC: …I will be a brother with the expectations of EDC, as a member of THE only way to reach this particular school bayanihan spirit of the group for improving not being late and always aiming for the higher cation. (total donation P30,000) to see sion at Fluid Collection and Recovery System and a sister to my colleagues in this company… the management. Knowledge’ on top of the mountain near the Sierra Madre the quality of education in the country. The goal. As what we say in Tagalog: “’Di pwede ‘yung Phil-Asia Assistance Foun- a scholar through grade school; is through a makeshift tram or a steel-box solar panel switch-on in the school is part of pwede na, dapat pwedeng-pwede!” FIVE schools in Iloilo City and dation Inc. (PAAFI) supports for four years (total donation cable car, and lately through a four-by-four the 100th commemoration of the birthday of Jenie Chan, ABS-CBN: We may come from Pampanga now have access to over the financial needs of elemen- P20,000) for a scholar in high vehicle. Or, like the schoolchildren, you can Tan Yan Kee and the 25th anniversary of the different Lopez companies, but there is a common 3,000 curriculum-based educational tary, high school and college school; or for just one year of trek for kilometers up the steep and slippery Tan Yan Kee Foundation. mindset amongst us that distinctly distinguishes programs every day. students who express a desire education per scholar. Donors road to the school, which for the past years has Those who attended the school’s blessing us from employees of other companies—it is our These schools include Severo to finish their studies. Since may also give one-time cash had no steady supply of electricity. and solar panel switch-on were Jay Lopez of firm belief that each of one of us is a valuable con- Abeto Elementary School, Cala- 1986, the nonprofit charitable donations. Through the coordination of Lopez Group First Holdings, Dan Lachica of FPSS, Dr. Art tributor to achieving the social purpose of every paran Elementary School, Navais- institution founded by Ro- You can help a child go Foundation Inc. (LGFI), Sun Power Philip- de Guia of First Philec and Mitos Santisteban Lopez business—service. Knowing that we are Borres Elementary School and Do- berto M. Lopez has worked a long way in life. Call Fe at pines Manufacturing Limited, a subsidiary of of LGFI. (Dulce Festin-Baybay) part of an organization committed to the better- nato M. Pison Sr. Memorial School with generous donors in the 415-9297 or Diane at 631- SunPower Corporation, a Silicon ment of Filipino society, the drive to consistently in Iloilo City, and Assumpta Tech- Off the Streets, Off to School 3114 for info on how you can Valley-based manufacturer of solar pursue excellence, and create and implement pio- nical High School in San Simon, program to help more than donate. Pampanga. They were formally cells, solar panels and solar systems, neering projects becomes second nature. recently donated five high-efficiency Christopher Santos, ABS-CBN: As I write connected to Knowledge Channel CALENDAR via satellite dish in February. solar panels for the solar roofs of the my copy and produce my plugs even for a niche The connection turnovers were Tan Yan Kee Elementary School in audience, I confidently believe that…my words marked with simple rites with their Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya through a BAYAN Academy offers the following certificate training could reach even a single consciousness of youth partnership with the Department of courses this month: and influence him or her to move and make a respective sponsors: the Marikina April 25-30, May 2-7 Shoe Exchange for the Iloilo Education, the Tan Yan Kee Foun- —Grassroots Entrepreneurship and change. That suddenly trickles my nationalism dation and First Philec Solar Solu- Management and integrity even as it seeps through the air- City schools and the Assumption April 27-28 Alumnae Association for As- tions (FPSS). —Whole Brain Approach to Customer Service waves and feeds my audacity for social justice (Standing, l-r) Paul Abastillas (SKYCable HR); Jay Lopez; Lito Mapolon (Operations); Jenie Chan (ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.), Eduard Santos (SKYCable); sumpta Technical High School. The donation, through the For rates, call Carol Arcaya at 426-3140 or 928-5576. Bayan with my daily copy. chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez; Caesar de los Reyes (SKYCable); Kimrey Gomez (ABS-CBN, Regional Office Headquarters); a representative from EDC; (C. Tordesillas) initiative of FPSS which installed Jay Lopez (center) with Harry Tan, vice chairman of Tan Academy reserves the right to change course dates. Gonzalo Roque, EDC: Since 1992, when Christopher Santos (ABS-CBN), Jonas Uy (EDC); Dine Luaurena (ABS-CBN) and Cedie Vargas (HR Council). Seated, EDC representatives. Not in photo are the panels, was made to express the Yan Kee Foundation I was hired by PNOC-EDC to work for the Gonzalo Roque Jr. (SCM Sector); Pedro Abellano (SFO sector); Edgardo Tadlas (NNGP); and Edgardo Cadungog (SFO Sector), all of EDC.
10 Lopezlink April 2011 LIFELONG WELLNESS TRAVEL Lopezlink April 2011 11 sports & wellness Sudoku calendar Maglaro tayo ng Sudoku, ang bagong libangan ng bayan! THE February 22 earthquake in New Zea- Preparing for Ayusin lamang ang mga numero simula 1 hanggang 9 para land was still making newspaper headlines Kenyans rule APRIL ang bawat numero ay minsan lang magagamit sa bawat row, when March 11 happened. The Philippines, 6: Forum on Laughter and column at kahon. along with other nations, rushed to the aid of Wellness (Meralco Mini Japan as it reeled from the most destructive Dear Rosie natural disasters it had suffered in decades, Eduard Santos best summed up what the Lopez values mean to Theater, Ortigas). Contact ‘The Big One’ which also majorly damaged a nuclear plant. him when he wrote that he considers his colleagues as kapamilya, DZMM run Benjo Sandoval @ 631-6394 treating them with compassion and understanding. The engineer KENYAN runners dominated male 10k race and the top two 9: 5th Lifelong Badminton This early, the 9.0-magnitude quake is being described as “the world’s costliest natural di- from SKYCable, OML’s pick for Lopez values star in a contest he ran the DZMM Takbo Para sa Ka- spots in the women’s 10k race. Tournament (Club 650, saster,” even as the physical and economic toll on his blog last month, had lunch with the chairman emeritus—and runungan fun run on March 13 at Janette Agura of the Philip- Libis). Contact B. Sandoval @ continues to rise as the days go by. received his very own copy of “OML@80”—on March 25 along with the Quirino Grandstand in Ma- pines completed the women’s top 631-6394 the seven other finalists. 9: New Balance Raising Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. nila, where an estimated 4,000 three. Lopez (OML), in his blog entry dated March 21, Let us take the opportunity offered by the coming Holy Week to Hope, participants converged to run for ABS-CBN chairman Eu- 3k, 5k, 10k (Dasmari- observed: “Tragedies like this unite people from contemplate the momentous events of the last few months—political the benefit of 25 young Filipino genio Lopez III, ABS-CBN ñas Village). Fee: P400-P600. all nations as we all face the unfolding drama not as Japanese or Filipino unrest, violence, displacements, the series of natural calamities, and the scholars. Manila Radio Division head Register via iCanServe or American but as one humanity. [Japan’s] pain and suffering is also the staggering number of human lives that have been lost. Let us continue Josphat Kiptanui led the 25k Peter Musngi and former Vice Foundation (contact Carla world’s as we have all viewed the transpiring events, of giant waves wiping to pray for the quake-stricken nations; let us pray for the countries in the race winners from Kenya with President Noli de Castro were Paras-Sison/0917-8093565), out whole villages, with the same horror and sense of helplessness.” Middle East that host our kapamilyas; and let us pray and work together ABS-CBN chairman a time of 1:19:53. Filipina Joan among the celebrities who took Carewell (Jane Beate/815- OML urged readers to share their ideas on how to help the people for a country that can, finally, provide financial and emotional security Eugenio Lopez III takes Banayag ruled the female cat- part in the fun run. This is the 1294) or Natasha Goulbourn of Japan, in consonance with the Lopez values of unity, social justice for those who were forced by recent events to return home. part in the special 25k egory with a time of 1:44:43. 12th year of the annual fun Foundation (Margie and nationalism. Incidentally, our chairman emeritus is marking his 81st ooOoo race held in commemora- Kiptanui’s compatriots also run of DZMM, which is also Laciste/897-2217) birthday on April 19. Happy birthday, OML! Ang ganda at may makukuhang lesson ang teleseryeng “Mana Po,” tion of DZMM’s 25th took the top three places in the celebrating its 25th year on air. 16: Hungduan Climbathon, We take our hats off to Amb. Manuel M. Lopez for his and the Phil- naiiba sa lahat. Mapapaiyak at mapapatawa ka, nawawala ang kap- anniversary 21k (Mt. Napulauan, ippine Embassy’s swift response to our Japan-based compatriots’ cry for aguran at sakit sa karamdaman. Maraming salamat, ABS-CBN, from Hungduan, Ifugao). Fee: assistance in the wake of the twin disasters. Amb. Lopez, who took office TFC subscribers in Marianas Island—Angel P1,200 until April 10; P1,500 only a couple of months ago, nevertheless acted with admirable authority ooOoo What to do: Beat the heat with ICE! Very Easy and dispatch in locating or relocating hundreds of our countrymen to I am a librarian from Mandaue. I would like to subscribe to your food until April 15. Contact Easy safety. He reiterated his commitment “to serve the needs of Filipinos in magazine.—Helen Duck-cover-hold HERE’S an exciting way to beat [email protected] or Medium Japan.” An estimated 225,000 Filipinos are based in Japan. According to ABS-CBN Publishing’s Cherry Pineda, you may call the heat—ICE from Meralco [email protected] Hard ABS-CBN, too, helped ease the worries of thousands of our country- Filbars at 571-8043 or email [email protected] to subscribe. Thank Management and Leader- men when it set up its Kapamilya Helpline several hours after the tem- you for interest in our magazine! ship Development Center blor and tsunami struck. As of this writing, more than 2,000 individuals ooOoo (MMLDC)! In infrared combat have emailed the site to ask for help in locating their family members Any updates on the badminton tournament? I hope you will publish experience (ICE), also known THE devastating 9.0 magni- from 7 in Quezon City, almost Answer to March puzzle and friends in Japan; Kapamilya Helpline also extends assistance to those the winners’ names. Thanks.—Jing as laser tag, players try to score Solution, tips and computer tude earthquake in Japan and 8 and 9 alongside Marikina with relatives in the Middle East. Comments like “Thank you very much The finals of the 5th Lifelong Wellness Badminton Tournament will points by tagging targets using program available at www. the tsunami that came in its River and Manila Bay, 8 at for your help! It is because of you that I was able to contact my mom and be held on April 9. Watch for the results in our next issue! a handheld infrared-emitting 30: SKYATHON 2011 sudoku.com wake on March 11 have forced west of metropolitan Manila - thank God she’s okay. Continue the good work and more power. You ooOoo device. Infrared-sensitive targets Filipinos to confront a grim and 7 in other areas. Boracay Beach Run, 5k, really are a Kapamilya” surely strike a chord with anyone who has loved Gusto ko po maging player contestant sa “Price is Right.” Sana po ay Duck-cover hold. If you’re are worn by each player and are reality. A high-magnitude temblor 10k (Station 1, Boracay), 5 ones in distant places (and that’s most of us Filipinos). magkaroon ako ng chance. Thank you.—Yeng at home or at work during an sometimes integrated within the arena in which the game is GRIFFIN SIERRA As early as 2004, the Met- “could immediately damage am. Fee: P700-P800. Call On March 24, Myanmar was rocked by a 6.8-magnitude quake. To join “Price is Right,” see our story on page 4. Incidentally, you may earthquake, quickly open the played. Laser tag has evolved into indoor and outdoor styles of RECOMMENDS Almost a hundred people were killed by what CNN described as a now catch the show every Saturday starting this April. With the new ropolitan Manila Earthquake 38% of homes, a third of pub- 810-3602 for 3D/2N package nearest door for easy egress, play. It uses no physical projectiles, making it a painless activ- “relatively shallow quake, which can be very destructive.” We pray for schedule, “Price is Right” can better serve the majority of its viewers. Impact Reduction Study lic buildings, and cause more reservations and 570-8330 then duck under a sturdy ity. For more info, call 632-8111 or email mmldc.marketing@ Myanmar even as we reiterate that the Philippines needs to be on alert (MMEIRS) had projected that than 50,000 deaths” in Metro for race details or visit www. If you have questions, comments, opinions, suggestions and reactions desk or table and hold on to mmldc.org. (Bernadette Berdin) finishline.ph for The Big One. The warnings have been out as early as the 2000s, and a “big earthquake…unlike any Manila. More than a mil- it or cover your head with while we can’t be 100% prepared for it—there is after all still no technol- about anything and everything about the Lopez Group, please send tragedy seen or imagined in lion people will be rendered your hands. Stay away from ogy that can predict when quakes will strike—we can at least educate them to Dear Rosie through email DearRosie@benpres-holdings. Metro Manila” was imminent homeless, fires will break glass windows and cabinets and prepare ourselves and our loved ones. com or [email protected] or be a friend or fan on Facebook. after research indicated that out, water supply will be cut and other pieces of furniture Looking at the world clearly “active phases of the (West) off and kilometers of electric that may drop or fall over. By Mandy Navasero Valley Faults are approach- cables will be cut, leaving If you happen to be out- ing and that the estimated much of the population with- THE gift of sight is immensely The personal New destinations Awesome Olango side, move to an open area, Some of the most beautiful migrant magnitude will be around 7 or out electricity. making sure to avoid trees, precious. Thanks to modern care, techni- Check out Griffin’s exciting destinations this Holy more.” An earthquake advisory cataract surgery, which I had cal screening Week: shorebirds visit the Olango Bird power lines and concrete Sanctuary in Cebu every year. The The West Valley Fault, for- was issued by Lopez Group recently, I count myself among and clear Mauritius. $1,375 per person for 4D/3N inclusive structures. If you’re in a car, birds come from Siberia, China, Ko- merly known as the Marikina Foundation Inc. (LGFI) and those blessed with this de- explanations Mauritius: of round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations. stop, leave the vehicle and go A slice of heaven on earth rea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and New Valley Fault, runs from the Lopez Lifelong Wellness light. were such By Leanne Mae Alvarez Add-on tours and activities available. to a safe area. Hong Kong Disneyland. 2+1 and 3+1 promos Zealand. Olango Island is one of the Sierra Madre in Bulacan and (LLW) on March 17 in the Be ready with a Go-bag at I was experiencing cloudy that when it favorite wintering places of migrant crosses parts of Metro Manila face of renewed fears that vision and changes in color was time for FOR tourists looking for clear waters, The best golf courses are at Belle Mare from $371 per person inclusive of airfare, airport all times. Put several basics transfers, hotel accommodations and Disneyland birds when they migrate during the and Laguna and extends to “The Big One” could strike perception. I had been wearing surgery, I was warm weather and great food, Mauritius is Plage and Le Paradis. For those who want in a backpack tickets. Book for two and the third person is free winter season in the Northern Hemisphere. Shown in pho- Tagaytay. Areas lying right on the best place to relax and chase those wor- a taste of the great outdoors, try hiking anytime. that you glasses since I was 45, and I got not scared. or book three persons and the fourth is free. to taken in March 2011 is a Far Eastern curlew (Numenius ries away. Located in the Indian Ocean, this at the Réserve Forrestière Macchabée. the fault line include several LGFI and LLW in the can just used to it. One day I was in the I trusted my Guam. $385 per person for 3D/2N inclusive of madagascariensis), described by Wikipedia as probably the tiny island off the coast of Southern Africa Tourists can also challenge themselves subdivisions in Marikina and past two years had conducted pick up if front seat of my car having dif- surgeon Dr. round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, airport world’s largest sandpiper at 25 inches. As of 2006, there were enchants anyone who lays their eyes on it. by climbing the island’s highest points: Quezon City. several disaster preparedness you need ficulty reading a text message Robert Ang transfers. only about 38,000 individuals in the world, the web-based en- Dr. Ang checks the author’s eyes after surgery Mauritius was discovered by the Portu- Mount Malartic and Mount Limon. If “It’s already 200 years forums for the Lopez Group. to evacu- when my friend, who was 84, and the staff, Palau. $545 per person for 3D/2N inclusive of cyclopedia also said. Its International Union for Conservation guese in 1505. Since then the island has you plan to visit anytime between May after the last movement. So Experts such as Dr. Mahar ate quickly. read the text out loud from and I surrendered all my fears photographers like me, but for round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, airport of Nature Red List status is Vulnerable. (Ralf Nabong) there’s a very high prob- Lagmay of the National where she was seated at the to God. I was given a choice anyone—whatever profession been colonized by the Dutch, the French and October, stop by the Hippodrome transfers. This part of your survival and the British. The island was also inhab- at Champ de Mars where you can watch ability that this will move in Institute of Geological Sci- kit should at least include back—without glasses! I asked of different lenses (to replace one is in, whatever one’s social Cambodia. $690 per person for 4D/3N inclusive ited by Chinese workers, Arab traders and quality horse racing. of round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, Photo safari, outreach in one the future but we can’t say ences, Dr. Ted Esguerra of the first aid supplies, medica- what she did to her eyes to be my cloudy lens), and Dr. Ang class may be, whatever the life- the exact time. Based on our Philippine Coast Guard, and able to do that. Her answer: recommended the special lens style. African slaves, all contributing to the is- The island’s famed cuisine is a fusion of all meals, guides, entrance fees, Khmer tradi- A group that joined Mandy Navasero’s recent Batanes photo tion, battery-operated radio land’s ethnic fusion and cultural diversity. Creole, French, Indian and Chinese influ- tional massage, air-con land transportation. Tour safari also took part in an outreach program. Author Erlinda assessment, the fault is ripe Manila Observatory and Red with extra batteries, flash- cataract surgery. suitable for a photographer. It As for me—a chronicler, for movement,” Philippine Cross officials were on hand to It took two years for me to was an easy operation; I was adventurer and explorer who Mauritius has great climate all year ences. Don’t forget to try out the Mauri- includes visit to Angkor Wat, Cheong Khneas, Panlilio read aloud “Tong-Its,” a story by Sylvia Mayuga, to light, some water and food, Tonle Sap Lake, Elephant Terrace. grade schoolers at Sabtang Elementary School. The Gig and the Institute of Volcanology and discuss safety precautions and gather my guts and decide in sedated and unconscious, and exploits nature, mankind and round, especially from November to April. tian camaron in hot sauce. Tourists should and toiletries. At work, India. $1,184 per person for 6D/5N inclusive of Amazing Sampaguita Foundation Inc. (GASFI) Read-Aloud Seismology deputy director analyze the effects of global favor of surgery. I was scared felt no pain. The next day I circumstances to share and Although cyclones are likely to hit the is- never leave the island without tasting fara- keep a flashlight, whistle round-trip airfare, five-star hotel accommoda- is part of Navasero’s immersion Bartolome Bautista said in a show the world in images—I land from January to March, these are also tas, Dholl Puri (wheat pancakes stuffed warming and natural calami- and bottled water in your a glitch may occur during the could already see better than I tions, all meals, air-con land transportation, program with Ivatan children in report that came out in the ties. operation, and there goes my had in years. am excited to use these new the best months to go diving! Just check with ground peas, served with curry sauce) desk in addition to a small the skies first before you take the plunge. and Gateaux Piments (chili cakes). tour fees and elephant ride. Tour includes Delhi, collaboration with GASFI and Philippine Daily Inquirer. Read a summary of the profession. Cataract surgery is re- eyes to turn moments and survival kit. (Source: www. June to August is the best time to surf, and Call Griffin Sierra at 898-2451 to 57 Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, elephant ride. Indian Books Across the Seas. Book slots The intensity of a West Val- MMEIRS at www.pdc.org/ I decided to have the sur- ally life-changing in a very memories into pieces of his- phivolcs.dost.gov.ph) October to April is the best time for big- or email [email protected] and culinary tours and spa retreats also available. for Batanes photo safaris on April ley Fault quake would range mmeirs/html/mmeirs-home.jsp. gery at Asian Eye Institute. dramatic way, not only for tory, personal and collective. Contact Griffin Sierra at 898-2451 to 57. game fishing because big fish feed close to ask for promo rates to Mauritius this 9-12, 19-24; or May 6-9 and 13- (L.M. Alvarez). the shore during these months. summer! 16 at email mandynavasero@ya- Don’t keep the good news to yourself. Pass on your copy of LopezLink! Be a Facebook fan, sign up in http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lopezlink/86834229052. hoo.com or call 899-1767.
12 Lopezlink April 2011
By Cherry Pineda What’sfrom ABS-CBN Publishing new this April ‘Metro’: In living color shares her thoughts on life, love and her recent trip to Af- rica. In the beauty section, blue represents the ocean in a Celebrate the vibrant hues of summer with Metro! Three colors list of environment-friendly products and blue-themed take center stage: green, blue and red. Metro presents the latest makeup and skincare. Finally, see red—the color of pas- ald Anderson and Kim trends and eco-friendly fashion as cover girl KC Concepcion sion—as advocates (including Heart Evangelista, Marc Nelson, Chiu (Sexiest Young Rovilson Fernandez, Gang Badoy, Nikki Gil and Wanggo Gal- Celebrities). Exclusive laga) share why they support their particular causes. photo shoots with top photographers and interviews complete this special anniversary package. Find out who else made the Bask under the sum- annual StarStudio Sexiest Stars list! mer sun with ‘Chalk’! ‘Vantage’: Celeb photos by Mark Cover girl Erich Gonzales opens her bag of tips on how to make this Nicdao season more fun, such as trying out “Vantage,” featuring the celebrity photographs of Mark Nicdao, skydiving and extreme water sports! comes with eight different covers showcasing the fashion and Know the best things to pack from entertainment industry’s crème de la crème: Kris Aquino, Sarah our must-have summer piec- Geronimo, John Lloyd Cruz, Jeri- es and check out Aranaz bags cho Rosales, Solenn Heusaff, Mar- to complete your look! Learn ian Rivera, Cristine Reyes, and Bea the secrets of faking that per- Alonzo, Anne Curtis, KC Concep- fect tan because, who knows, cion and Angel Locsin. “Vantage” one of our 20 hottest boys of has a limited run—only 150 num- summer might be nearby! bered copies were printed per cov- er—and are exclusively available in ‘StarStudio’ goes sexy Fully Booked branches. The regular edition is available in newsstands StarStudio celebrates its 11th anniversary with a feature and bookstores. (Katherine Solis) on 2011’s sexiest stars. The magazine conducted a poll with showbiz website www.push.com.ph to choose the Get the newest issues of your favorite Sexiest Man, Sexiest Woman and Sexiest Young Celeb- magazines at leading bookstores and rities in showbiz. This year’s winners were Piolo Pascual magazine stands nationwide. (Sexiest Man), Angel Locsin (Sexiest Woman) and Ger-
ROCKWELL POWER PLANT FINDS Q Power the place to go for casual but stylish shirts, Club at the R2 Level offers a For those sneakers and bags. wide range of brands to choose with active from. North Face, one of the kids, Q Power Michael Antonio most famous travel brands, is Station offers For women who have parties available here. Check out items more exciting lined up during the summer from their new collection, like machines and break, Michael Antonio’s the Rolling Thunder trolley, entertain- new store at the Archae- a carryall which can be ment. Playing ology wing has a converted into a trolley in a is essential to a child’s growth and development variety of strappy flash! and this doesn’t have to end when the school heels and year ends. Q Power allows your kids to play and chunky wedges develop their imagination. to match your killer dress! By Lisa Gomez Gymboree Looking for Wellness Concepts APRIL is the time when all the activities and a place where Trying to get fit for the beach? Press fun of summer really start. Head to Power Plant your child can Wellness Concepts has a brand-new exercise For those Mall and there will be never a dull moment enjoy while machine called the Power Plate, which has a vi- staying during the summer break! you’re shopping? brating base on which you can perform various in for the Drop them poses; cap this with a relaxing massage. Trainers summer, check out the newly renovated Press Editorial Advisory Board Boo Chanco / Danny Gozo off at Gymboree play school, where are on hand for P1,200 per session and for Café. Go to that little corner by the cinema and Executive Editor Rosan Cruz the classes and playtime develop your P10,000 for 10 sessions. find comfort food, scrumptious desserts and Contributing Editors child’s motor skills, social skills and fruit and ice cream shakes! Carla Paras-Sison (Lopez Holdings) John Rojo (Bayan) self-esteem. Your toddlers will experi- The Spa Maite Bueno (Meralco) Susan Ortiz (SkyCable) ence being in a “school” where they’ll The Spa introduces April events Estela de la Paz (First Gen) Sheila Quieta (ABS-CBN Publishing) be able to play and interact with other Barre 3, a combination Get a chance to win a 3D/2N stay at the Bel- Kane Choa (ABS-CBN) Vienn Tionglico (Rockwell) kids! of yoga and Pilates laroca in Marinduque by shopping at Power Hazel Velasco (FPHC) Dulce Baybay (LGFI) moves. Now, getting fit and fab doesn’t Plant Mall’s Summer Sale on March 31-April 3! Benjo Sandoval (Wellness) Fred Perry Circulation Lucy Torres (Tel. 449-2468) have to mean sweating it out in the Every single-receipt purchase (worth P2,000 and Editorial and Layout Mousetrap Publishing Looking for gym—you can head over to The up for all stores and P3,000 and up for Rustan’s casual shirts, Spa for the same fit and fab results! Supermarket) entitles you to a raffle ticket! -Ex LopezLink is published by Lopez Holdings shoes and bags perience the beach in the city at the Rockwell Corp. PR Group that you can either Travel Club Tent on April 15-17 and April 29-May 1; find 4/F Benpres Bldg., Ortigas, Pasig City Telefax: 633-3520 pack for your sum- Find the right summer essentials and other knickknacks to For feedback, please email rcruz@lopez- mer trip or a trip bag or lug- complete your summer trip! Also, you’re in- holdings.ph. to the mall or the gage to pack vited to an Easter Luau at the Rockwell Tent Available online at www.Lopezlink.ph beach? Fred Perry’s everything you on April 24! For more details, check out www. new and bigger store at the R1 Level is want to bring. Travel facebook.com/PowerPlantMall.