A summit meeting at Mt. Apo - Lopez Holdings Corporation

Available online at www.benpres-holdings.com
‘Banayad’ na 1Q 2008
para sa listed cos ...p.2
3rd Lopez Group hoops tourney
Who will be the next
champs?...p.10
One-of-a-kind backto-school
finds @
Power Plant Mall …p. 12
June 2008
A summit meeting at Mt. Apo
See story on p. 10
Lopez Group pa
rin sa Meralco
NANATILI ang management ng M. Lopez, Jesus P. Francisco, Christian Exchange Commission (SEC) na dapat
Meralco sa kamay ng Lopez Group Monsod, Felipe Alfonso at Cesar Virata ay iaalis sa kanya ang katungkulan na
makaraang ihalal ng shareholders ang na kumakatawan sa Lopez Group; Win- gumanap bilang secretary ng Meralco
karamihan ng Lopez Group nominees ston Garcia, Daisy Arce, Bernardino at ng pulong na iyon. Si Rosete ang as-
sa kanilang pulong noong Mayo 27. Abes at Jeremy Parulan na kumakasistant corporate secretary ng Meralco.
Sa 1.11 bilyong issued and outtawan sa GSIS at iba pang government Sapagkat nag-resign bilang corporate
standing shares ng Meralco, 968.38 financial institutions; at former Chief secretary si former Associate Justice
milyon o 86.87% ang represented sa Justice Artemio Panganiban at Vicente Camilo Quiason at gayundin si former
stockholders’ meeting in person or by Panlilio, na mga independent directors. Associate Justice Jose Vitug, si Rosete
proxy.
Hindi kinilala ni acting corporate ang naglingkod bilang corporate secre-
Nahalal sa board of directors ng secretary Anthony Rosete ang umano’y tary ng taunang pulong ng stockholders.
Meralco ang mga sumusunod: Manuel cease and desist order ng Securities and
Turn to page 6
ABS-CBN News Desk

LopezLink June 2008 LopezLink June 2008
First Gen vision unveiled
AT their annual stockholders’ meeting, First Gen
Corporation president Federico R. Lopez (FRL)
unveiled the vision for the company and the strategic
importance of last year’s acquisition of Philippine
National Oil Company-Energy Development
Company (PNOC-EDC).
“As the world heads toward a carbon-constrained
future and unprecedented coal and oil
prices, renewable energy such as geothermal will
command a considerable premium over fossilbased
alternatives. We see greater control of our
fuel strategy through EDC; fuel that is clean and
capable of enabling us to deliver outstanding value
propositions for our customers. We believe that
with our platform, First Gen is now extremely wellpositioned
to become the country’s energy supplier
of choice,” he said.
Through EDC’s geothermal power assets,
First Gen controls the largest clean and renewable
source of energy in the country. This has propelled
the company into being “the largest vertically integrated
power generation play in the country with
an unassailable presence in all three geographical
grids of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.”
Going forward, First Gen expects to use its
expertise in energy asset management to serve markets
outside the Philippines.
Competitive advantage
“Even if we’ve become the largest independent
power producer in the country today, held in
proper perspective, First Gen remains a big fish in
a small pond…First Gen has always had its sight
set on going overseas. With the purchase of EDC,
the company has now formed its own distinctive
competitive advantage that will open more doors
to us internationally. We are intent on pursuing the
geothermal potential in Indonesia. We believe that
First Gen is currently the best positioned company
to address Indonesia’s plans of developing its local
geothermal power,” said FRL.
Since its IPO, First Gen has aimed to double its
net megawatt (MW) capacity by 2011. But sheer
size alone is not its sole aim. Quality growth under
constrained legal limits is a primary requirement.
And since the acquisition of EDC, First Gen has
been looking for ways to organically growing the
company by 280 MW to 310 MW.
“There are many potential sites all over the
country wherein we can focus on drilling for more
reserves and turning this into power, especially
in areas where this is badly needed. The PSALM
(Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management
FIRST Philippine Holdings
Corporation (FPHC) chairman
Oscar M. Lopez (OML) assured
stockholders at their annual meeting
that there were never any
ghost deliveries between associ-
BIZ CALENDAR
Annual
Stockholders’
Meetings
June 12: Benpres, Meralco
Theater, 8 a.m.
June 19: First Philippine
Infrastructure Inc. (FPII),
details to be announced
ABS-CBN, to be announced
Corporation) geothermal assets likewise present
acquisition opportunities that will undoubtedly
increase First Gen’s returns from (EDC).”
Main earners
Although the 1,500-MW First Gas plants continue
to be First Gen’s main revenue earners and
net income contributors, the 112-MW Pantabangan/Masiway
hydroelectric plant and EDC’s geothermal
plants are expected to grow in importance
in the company’s portfolio.
“Quite simply, we are shaping our growth platform
along the lines of having the most distinctive
set of energy assets that are not easy to duplicate,
deliver great value to consumers, and yet still be environmentally
sustainable. Our intent is to produce
the competitively priced megawatt-hours needed to
fuel our growing economy with the smallest carbon
footprint possible. Our choices must also give us
capabilities that ultimately launch our aspirations
of becoming an international player that will bring
unique strengths and capabilities to the world
stage,” FRL said.
Both the Santa Rita and San Lorenzo gas-fired
plants have consistently been among the most
efficient in the country with record levels of reliability
and availability that far exceed benchmarks
set by the North American Electricity Reliability
Council (NERC). The net result was that the First
Gas “all-in tariffs” to its customer Meralco have
been among the most competitive from their mix
of power suppliers and this contributed greatly to
lowering Meralco’s rates to its customers.
Expansion
This year, First Gen will implement a rehabilitation
and modernization program for Pantabangan
which will not only expand its lifespan but increase
megawatt capacity by 18 MW. The first phase of 9
MW is expected in 2009 and the second phase in
2010.
FRL disclosed: “In anticipation of Luzon’s
growing power demand, we are doing feasibility
studies on the expansion of each of the hydro plants
which will come right after this upgrade. With
hydro’s unique ability to respond instantly to surges
in demand during the day, Pantabangan-Masiway is
indispensable at meeting the peaking requirements
of the Luzon grid.
“This same capability will also prove vital later
as the market for ancillary services to the grid is
established and Pantabangan once again demonstrates
its many unique abilities to service those
needs.” (CPS)
No ghost deliveries
ates First Gas Corporation and
Meralco.
Detractors have alleged that
First Gas made ghost power deliveries
to Meralco and charged the
distribution utility for the power
that was not delivered.
“When First Gas charged
Meralco for capacity fees for 1,000
megawatts during the second half
of the year 2000, this was because
1,000 megawatts was available for
dispatch,” said OML.
The capacity was not dispatched
because the transmission
line projects of the National
Power Corporation (Napocor)
were delayed for five years.
These transmission lines had
been committed to be ready by
the time First Gas was ready to
operate.
Under a take-or-pay agreement,
Meralco had to pay for the
available capacity because the nondispatch
was not the fault of First
Gas. Take-or-pay contracts are
standard in the power generation
industry. Napocor has the same
agreements with its independent
power producers (IPPs), including
Sual, Ilijan, Pagbilao, Casecnan,
Malaya, San Roque and Mindanao
Coal.
OML explained that take-orpay
undertakings are necessary
because investors cannot finance
power plants purely on equity.
Take-or-pay contracts attract project
financing from banks and other
financial institutions.
Meanwhile, FPHC stockholders
unanimously reelected
their previous year’s board of
directors. Reelected to serve in
2008-2009 are Augusto Almeda-
Lopez, Thelmo Cunanan, Jose
de Jesus, Peter Garrucho, Jr.
Elpidio Ibanez, Eugenio Lopez
III, Federico R. Lopez, Manuel
M. Lopez, Oscar M. Lopez,
Ernesto Rufino Jr., and all five
independent directors: Cesar
Bautista, Oscar Hilado, Artemio
Panganiban, Vicente Paterno and
Washington Sycip. (CPS)
Jan. 2008-March 2008 Financial Results (unaudited)
ABS-CBN
Benpres
First Gen
FPHC
Meralco
PNOC-EDC
2007
P4.141 B
P4.183 B
US$272 M
P 15.5 B
P48.20 B
P4.685 B
*Attributable to equity holders of the parent company
NAGING banayad ang financial performance ng
mga listed companies na pinamumunuan ng Lopez
Group noong first quarter ng 2008. Natatanging
umangat ang Meralco, na bagamat bumaba ng 10%
ang revenues ay nagawang tumaas ng 23% ang net
income sa P655 milyon.
Sinabi ni Elpidio L. Ibañez, pangulo ng First
Philippine Holdings Corporation, na maaaring
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. is the seventh most
admired company in the Philippines, according to a
survey by The Wall Street Journal Asia.
ABS-CBN joins others in the top ten list, including
Ayala Land Inc., Jollibee Foods Corp., Ayala Corp.,
Globe Telecom, San Miguel Corp., Bank of the Philippine
Islands, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.,
SM Prime Holdings and Banco de Oro Unibank.
In the innovation award category, the conglomerate
grabbed the third spot for TFCnow, a unit of
Benpres Holdings Corp. has unloaded its 18%-stake in
Professional Services Inc., which owns and operates
The Medical City hospital in Ortigas, for P600 million.
In a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange
(PSE), Benpres president and chief operating officer
(COO) Angel S. Ong said the shareholding was sold as
part of the company’s efforts “to dispose of its non-core
assets to pay debts.”
The company has been trying to unload its stake
in Professional Services Inc. “for some time now” but
TOTAL REVENUES Net income/ (loss)
2008
P4.257 B
P4.256 B
US$420 M
P 19.9 B
P43.64 B
P4.230 B
% change
+3
+2
+54
+29
-10
-10
2007
P281 M
P731 M*
US$34 M*
P1.06 B*
P532 M
P1.256 B
2008
P242 M
P60 M*
US$16 M*
P223 M*
P655 M
P1.204 B
% change
Banayad na first quarter
magpatuloy ang malambot na kalakarang pang-negosyo
sa Pilipinas dahil sa mahinang pandaigdigang
ekonomiya.
“The overall environment will continue to be
challenging with the global economic recession
impacting the local economy. At First Holdings, this
year will be focused on integrating and normalizing
the major acquisitions we made last year,” sabi niya.
ABS-CBN is RP’s 7th
most admired company
ABS-CBN Interactive that sells video-on-demand in
monthly and pay-per-view (PPV) subscription packages
via the internet.
ABS-CBN was the only media company that
made it in both categories.
The survey “Asia’s 200” was conducted by
research firm Colmar Brunton on behalf of the
renowned business paper and covered 2,477 executives
and professionals as respondents. (Kane
Choa)
Benpres unloads 18%
stake in Medical City
had reached an agreement on the pricing terms with the
buyer only recently, Benpres officials said. They added
that the company’s initial investment in the hospital
was only P200 million.
The stake was sold to an affiliate of Lombard Asia
III, an Asia-focused private equity fund managed by
Lombard Investments Inc.
The Lopez Group, through Meralco, still owns a
stake in The Medical City, a P5.1 billion operation and
one of the country’s most modern medical institutions.
Bayan expands wireless
landline coverage
BAyAN plans to roll out additional base stations that
would further expand coverage of the bayanWIRE-
LESS landline (BWL) service in Metro Manila
within the first half of 2008 and launch the service
in other provincial cities within the year.
The growth of the wireless landline business
contributed significantly to Bayan’s sustained business
growth in 2007.
Total revenue of P5.5 billion was 15% better than
the P4.8B posted during the previous year. Coupled
with the impact of the stronger peso, Bayan’s net
income grew 319% to P2.2B in 2007 over P526 million
during the previous year.
Revenue growth was driven by a 10% gain in
voice services, from P3.37B over P3.1B the previous
year, with wireless landline contributing more
than 20%. Data and internet business gained 27%
-14
-92
-52
-79
+23
-4
over the previous year, at P2.06B compared to
P1.62B.
Internet revenues, which cover Bayan’s DSL business,
breached the P1.0 revenue mark, gaining 60%
higher than the previous year of P627 million. International
leased lines revenues also grew 20%, which
can be attributed to Bayan’s gaining market presence
in the offshoring and outsourcing (O&O) industry.
Chief executive consultant Tunde Fafunwa
pointed out that Bayan’s core business delivers stable
revenue streams that can be funneled into building the
network infrastructure, expansion of coverage and
elevating customer service quality standards.
“We will continue our drive to ensure that quality
of service delivered to customers should be the
focus, beyond revenues and subscriber count,” Fafunwa
said. (Freyja Santos)
OML cited for role in
enhanced Euro-RP relations
(L-R) OML, Connie R. Lopez and ECCP president Hubert
D’Aboville.
BAyAN and Philippine Global
Communication (Philcom) recently
implemented the interconnection of
its facilities in Cagayan de Oro that
would allow subscribers of bayan-
WIRELESS landline (BWL) and
Philcom’s landline to make local
calls to each other without using a
long distance number as mandated
by the National Telecommunications
Commission (NTC).
“Our subscribers as well as
those of Philcom can now call
their relatives, friends and business
associates directly without
having to use a long-distance circuit,”
said Mauro Santos, Bayan
vice president for regional markets.
Bayan’s BWL service has
almost 5,000 subscribers in Cagayan
de Oro, while Philcom is
THE European Chamber of Commerce of
the Philippines (ECCP) recently honored
Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez
(OML) for his contribution to the development
of European-Philippine business
relations.
The ECCP during its 30th anniversary
celebration cited OML for his active involvement
in the trade growth between the
two sides.
“The expansion of European-Philippine
trade in both directions and the increase in
European investments in the country are
partly due to his understanding that Europe
matters and that European technology and
Bayan, Philcom interconnect
local calling in CDO
one of the biggest landline service
providers in the city.
Santos said the technical
groups of the two companies are
now conducting tests to ensure
the integration of both subscribers
into one interconnected system.
Thirty trunk lines for the interconnection
have already been installed
and operationalized, a Philcom
executive added. (Freyja Santos)
Full house in Bayan’s ‘High Stakes Night’
Breaking free of stuffy, conventional meetings, Bayan treated its Cebu subscribers to a fun night of poker, blackjack
and baccarat at the Waterfront Hotel & Casino in Mactan during its first Cebu “High Stakes Night,” proving that
they don’t play dice with their clients’ enjoyment. “High Stakes Night” is just one of the exciting events that toast
and celebrate Bayan’s
personal relationship
with its clients. With the
company’s emphasis
on customer satisfaction,
it’s a sure bet that
Bayan’s subscribers can
look forward to other
exciting events in the
coming months. (Freyja
Santos)
European partnerships make good business
sense,” the ECCP said in the citation signed
by ECCP president Hubert D’Aboville and
executive vice president Henry Schumacher.
Lopez Group companies have entered
into numerous joint venture projects with
European companies.
Philippine Economic Zone Authority
(Peza) director general Lilia de Lima was
also cited for expanding the Philippine’s
export processing zones which have become
the favorite destination of European
companies in the country. (Elaine Garcia-
Gatchalian)
Maria Ressa: ‘Our interest is to get to the truth’
Excerpted from ABS-CBN’s response
on perceived Lopez control
of news agenda
Many believe the Arroyo government
is out to silence ABS-
CBN by harassing the Lopez family.
President Arroyo’s allies, on
the other hand, accuse ABS-CBN
of reporting on the new NBN-
ZTE witness to divert attention
from Meralco. They say they are
afraid to go against the Lopezes
because of possible retaliation by
ABS-CBN.
That’s not what the facts show.
On April 29, ABS-CBN’s online
news team broke the story of the
brewing battle between Meralco’s
majority stakeholder, the Lopez
family, and its harshest critic,
GSIS president Winston Garcia.
After the first story, Garcia
said he was convinced of our impartiality
and became a frequent
guest on ANC, ABS-CBN and
a news source of abs-cbnnews.
com.
As for the Lopez family, they
know where we stand. My mandate
is to create a professional
news group with world-class
standards. yet, in our polarized
society, the idea that the Lopezes
would not “use” ABS-CBN for
its vested interests seems hard to
believe.
Track record
Again, I point to our track record:
let’s look at our coverage of the Ultra
stampede. On that day, our reporters
asked us, “How do we handle the
people angry with ABS-CBN? How
do we deal with those who are grieving
and blaming ABS-CBN?” I said,
“Put them on air.” Treat the story as
if we aren’t ABS-CBN because we
are journalists first.
So how do I manage the interests
of the Lopezes? It’s simple: I don’t
manage them because they are not
the interests of the newsroom. We
are a newsroom run by journalists,
and our end goal is to hold the
government and the private sector
accountable for the public good.
n order to do that, we journalists
have to first hold ourselves
accountable, making sure we
protect no vested interests. If we
do our jobs well, all Filipinos will
benefit. If we do our jobs well, we
will help build a better nation with
more transparent processes.
‘Critical’
Meralco chairman and CEO
Manuel M. Lopez once asked us to
“stop being so critical” because he
said that the Arroyo administration
takes it out on Meralco. If what he
said was true, I asked, why not come
out with it publicly? He told me,
“Maria, you just don’t understand.”
Finally, he said it publicly—that
he believed the reason
Meralco was being targeted was
because the government wanted
to control ABS-CBN.
When President Arroyo asked
me why ABS-CBN was “critical,”
I said that we do not consider
ourselves “critical” of the government.
We believe we demand
accountability because that is our
role as journalists.
Our coverage of the Meralco
issue is extensive and fair. ANC
aired, live and in full, the joint
congressional hearing on Meralco.
Our interest is to get to the Truth
because we are responsible to the
people. Whether we’re reporting
on the Ultra stampede, the Manila
Peninsula siege, the NBN-ZTE
scandal or the issue of high electricity
rates, we hold nothing back.
SkyCable Update
Digital cable TV in Las Piñas,
Munti and P’que
Muntinlupa, Parañaque and Las Piñas residents may
now avail of digital cable TV service that enables them
to enjoy onscreen program guides with “now and next
shows” feature, and lock channels with mature content.
Other benefits include access to additional subscription
packages like SkyCable Platinum and live sporting
events through SkyCable Season Pass.
Other digital-ready cities in Metro Manila include
areas in Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasay,
Pasig, Quezon City and San Juan. For details, send an
SMS to 0917-6310000/0918-8631000, log on to www.
skycable.com or call the 24-hour SkyCable Customer
Service Hotline at 631-0000.
Miley Cyrus
concert in 3-D
Miley Cyrus, also known
as Hannah Montana,
heats up the small screen
in “Hannah Montana &
Miley Cyrus: Best of
Both Worlds Concert in
3-D,” airing on June 21,
9 p.m., on Disney Channel
(SkyCable Channel
47). The concert will be
presented in 3-D format,
bringing a whole
new experience to
SkyCable Silver Prepaid
subscribers. Just buy a
15-day or 30-day limited
edition SkyCable Silver
Prepaid-Hannah Montana
card in participating outlets
from June 1 to 21 and get two pairs of 3-D goggles
free. Also, make sure your SkyCable Silver Prepaid is
fully loaded so the whole family can enjoy the crisp and
clear appearance of the pop sensation.
SkyCable Silver Prepaid is available in selected areas
in Pasig, Quezon City, Manila Mandaluyong and Pasay.
Call the SkyCable Customer Service Hotline for more
information. (Karen Zabaljauregui)
NLEX has innovative
safety features
A road safety audit conducted at the North Luzon Expressway
(NLEX) showed that Manila North Tollways Corporation
(MNTC) has adequately addressed safety concerns on
the 84-kilometer tollway.
The audit conducted by Mott Connell Ltd., an engineering
and management consultancy firm based in Hong Kong,
showed that there were relatively few accidents resulting in
injuries and fatalities at the NLEX compared to similar roads
elsewhere in the country.
The audit also indicated that majority of the accidents
were mainly due to driver error or vehicle fault. It recommended
preventive or corrective measures for identified
potential hazards.
MNTC regularly subjects itself to road safety audits in
line with its policy of taking a proactive approach to ensuring
transportation safety at the NLEX. It has put in place innovative
safety features that enhance the safety of motorists
along the expressway.
At the first audit in October 2000, Mott Connel recommended
the installation of signages at interchanges and pavement
marking extensions. MNTC, on its own, added more
safety features such as speed stopping lanes (SSL), rumble
strips and a Brifen wire rope safety fence among others.
The latter, considered the latest in barrier systems, can
be found at the San Fernando Interchange median area. It
is a high-tension roadside cable barrier system that absorbs
the impact of an errant vehicle, prevents it from crossing
the barrier and redirects it back to normal traffic flow. (Kit
Ventura)

LopezLink June 2008 LopezLink June 2008
PR CHALLENGE
PR CALENDAR
couch potato
French Open live on Balls TV
Tennis fans, rejoice! Balls TV presents the exclusive telecast of the
2008 French Open from Roland Garros in Paris, France. The games
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p.m.; June 3 and 5, 8 p.m.; June 6, 7 p.m.; and June 7-8, 9 p.m. Balls
TV is available exclusively on SkyCable (Channel 34).
KC paired with Richard
Gutierrez in movie debut
Shaping reputations online
IABC Intl. Conference
June 21-25, 2008
Hilton Hotel, New York City
For more info, contact Domi-
treats
nic at 750-5667/810-1631
The International Association
WE have seen the power of new Excerpt from the article:
Online, conversations are proactive communication. In order or broadcast media in the past.
of Business Communica-
media through the infamous blog Governments, corporations or happening in real time, and we to make corporate or product brand Online conversations deserve as
tors (IABC) International
that excoriated Filipino socialites any individual can be exposed in are rarely able to anticipate where identity understood, respected and much time—probably more—than
Conference is the leading
and other members of the so- online conversations made by any they will lead. It’s no longer typi- loved, managing advocacy has be- pitching stories for major business
international forum of its
called elite. In a flash, hundreds one of today’s more than one bilcal to be able to call your CEO and come a must. It is not enough to be- media or trade magazines.
kind. At this event, more than
of people from all over the world lion Internet users. That’s pretty tell her that there will be a story have consistently and responsibly, Brand, marketing and commu-
1,400 business communica-
descended on the blog’s com- impressive for a medium that did about her in the morning edition respecting corporate values, develnication professionals are facing a
tion professionals—decision
ments section to give their two not exist 15 years ago. Now it’s of the newspaper, that the media oping superb products and services, challenge that requires new sets
makers in leading industries
cents’ worth on the personalities one of the most powerful shapers relations department had the time hiring and retaining the best talent, of skills and sensitivities. Reputa-
around the world—gather
featured in the blog.
of public perception.
to review, and that they added fig- or being a good corporate citizen. tions are now built and damaged
to learn the latest develop-
The reality is that Internet The new online world is here ures that the reporter initially left Advocates
online, and companies have to
ments and best practices in
users now number more than one to stay and has become more and out.
Today, organizations are re- be able to create mutual trust and
communication and make
billion and, with a single click, more significant to building corpo- Instead, you are more and more quired to have advocates and sup- loyalty with communities. (Luis
can make or break the reputation rate reputations. It requires a new likely to be searching the Internet porters that lead public conversa- Gallardo)
connections.
of practically anyone. An article perspective for businesspeople, for news about your company, or tions—professional observers Excerpted from CW Bulletin. How Relevant is Your
from CW Bulletin explains why and brand and communication getting an alert where your com- that monitor and act on multiple Luis Gallardo is the global direc- PR Group to Your
a different perspective and new professionals. Building brands pany name is mentioned dozens of online conversations—in order tor of marketing and communica- Company?
skills are needed for communica- and shaping reputations now times. And something even more to deliver the corporate strategy tion at Deloitte. He has counseled June 27, 2008, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
tion professionals in particular requires full-time professionals serious is that that news will be through effective communication major global organizations as Intercon Hotel, Makati City
to be able to keep in step with thinking about and acting on the archived online and available for and stay ahead of trends. In order part of their corporate strategies Fee: P800 (PRSP member)
this “new online world” and do digital side, and in real time. years, just one click away. to be ahead, communicators have on brand and communication /P,1000 (nonmember)
their job intelligently and effec- From strategy to action in
you cannot manage reputa- to become specialists in social management. He can be contacted For more info, contact Ruth at
tively.
minutes
tions online without huge doses of media, just as they did with print at lgallardo@deloitte.es.
638-0010
OUR VERY OWN
HR Council
Freedom fighter releases 2nd book ‘Undaunted’ staging
MORE than a second book about to become assistant to company He relocated to the Philippines
the end of the Marcos dictatorship, president Eugenio H. Lopez Sr. to resume his professional career moved to November
A Country Not Even His Own and manager of Meralco opera- in 1986 and retired in 1996 as se-
by Steve Psinakis recounts the tions.nior
vice president of First Philip-
The staging of “Undaunted, A
author’s odyssey from the events During the martial law years pine Holdings Corp. (FPHC).
Musical on the Life of Eugenio
that inspired him to champion de- (1972-1986) while abroad in The book takes its title from
Lopez Sr.” has been postponed to
mocracy in the Philippines to the the US, Psinakis helped or- a 1988 citation by then President
November 2008. Preparations for
ensuing US reaction, including his chestrate the successful escape Cory Aquino to Psinakis in rec-
the musical will resume at a more
own arrest and trial.
of his brother-in-law Eugenio ognition of his steadfast commit-
appropriate time. Updates regarding the musical will be announced
From Greece with an Lopez Jr. from political imprisment to restore democracy in the
as they develop.
American electrical engineering onment. While engaging in con- Philippines, “A Country Not Even
Writer and director George de Jesus III brings to life the story of
degree, Psinakis found employsultancy and engineering work His Own.”
the first-generation Lopez brothers, Eugenio and his younger brother
ment in Meralco in Manila, in California, he also dedicated The book will be available
Fernando, in this original work. Eñing will be portrayed by Lopez de-
where he also met his wife-to-be, his time and resources to sup- mid-June in leading bookstores
scendant, actor and director Audie Gemora, while First Gen president
Presentacion M. Lopez. By the port the Filipinos’ struggle for nationwide. For more info, con-
and chief executive officer Federico “Piki” R. Lopez takes on the role
time he left Meralco after his 10- the restoration of human rights tact Helen Constantino at 0917of
Nanding.
year stint in 1969, he had risen and democracy.
8016407.
The rest of the cast will be announced within the next few
weeks.
Roxanne
Guinoo stars
in ‘Ligaw’
“Ligaw” tells the story of Leya
(Roxanne Guinoo), who is trying
to put the pieces of her sad,
complicated life together. Will
she succeed in her desire to put
her life in order, or will she just
open more wounds? Guinoo
will be joined by Sid Lucero
(as Billy) and VJ/singer Marc
Abaya (as Francis). “Ligaw”
also stars Ara Mina, Chokoleit,
Roxanne Guinoo with leading
Coco Martin, Erich Gonzales
man Sid Lucero
and Jaymee Joaquin, among
others. ABS-CBN’s newest daytime teleserye, “Ligaw” airs weekdays
after “Wowowee.” (Lorelie Dionisio)
‘My Girl’ starts taping!
The cast of the “Koreanovela”turned-Pinoy-serye,
“My Girl,”
has started taping, and people are
looking forward to the newest
teleserye craze! Even the stars—
Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson,
Enchong Dee, Alex Gonzaga,
Regine Angeles, Nina Jose and
David Chua—are elated. For
them, it is a chance to become closer to one another. Because of
the intense preparation of the cast, they will once again give life to
the story of love and friendship in “My Girl,” soon on ABS-CBN!
(Katherine Solis)
Pinky Webb joins
‘XXX’
Pinky Webb joins Henry Omaga-Diaz
and Julius Babao in “XXX” as the team
sheds light on illegal activities in dark alleys
and in high places. Webb also hosts
“Umagang Kay Ganda” and “Radyo
Balita.” Her exclusive report on US Marine
Daniel Smith and the Subic rape case
trial promulgation was one of the winning
elements of “Bandila,” which made it to
AFTER signing a three- as light romance to be kayo dahil sa dami ng cepcion said, “Siguro
picture contract with Star helmed by Joyce Bernal, surprises na ihahandog po ang masasabi ko
Cinema, KC Concepcion the movie is slated for an namin,” Concepcion was riyan...ipinaglaban
follows up her official August 2008 screening. quoted as telling Philip- naming dalawa.”
entry into showbiz with Concepcion’s debut pine Entertainment Por- According to the
a team-up with fellow on the silver screen is tal (Pep) in an interview agreement between
showbiz royalty Richard already creating a lot of before the big reveal. the networks’ movie
Gutierrez for her big buzz, helped along by “…Sobrang gusto lang arms, Concepcion will
movie debut.
fans’ curiosity about the namin na meron kam- do another flick with
The young stars start- pairing of a kapamilya ing mga tanging handog Gutierrez, this time
ed shooting “For the First and a kapuso. Gutierrez na talagang hindi n’yo under GMA Films.
Time” (working title) in is one of the prized male pa nakikita or hindi pa The movie, which will
Manila in late May; the talents of ABS-CBN’s nangyayari ever before.” be directed by Jose
key sequences will report- rival station, GMA-7. Asked whether her Javier Reyes, is GMA
edly be shot in Athens, “…Ang daming sur- leading man was her Films’ Valentine offer-
Greece in June. Described prise! Grabe, maloloka personal choice, Coning. KC Concepcion
DZMM, 101.9 For Life stage ‘Basketbol’ Patrol
DZMM Radyo Patrol Sais
are among those taking part in cently played with the DZMM
Trenta anchors and 101.9 For
the goodwill games.
and 101.9 For Life basketball
Life’s “Bespren” disc jocks go
“The barangay teams are team, which has won two out
up against the best barangay
no patsies. They field their best of three games held in Payatas,
players as the stations stage the
players. Some of them are even Mandaluyong and Navotas.
Basketbol Patrol tournament
collegiate or varsity players,” Basketbol Patrol is an an-
in 12 key Metro Manila baran-
said Basketbol Patrol team nual project started by DZMM
gays.
manager and DZMM executive and 101.9 For Life four years
Ted Failon, Vic Lima, Henry
producer Dingdong Marco. ago. It will run until September
Omaga Diaz, Alex Santos, DJ
Former pro Atoy Co and in other cities and campuses in
China Heart and other DZMM
actor Bayani Agbayani, who Metro Manila and nearby prov-
and 101.9 For Life employees Vic Lima and Alex Santos
are frequent DZMM guests, reinces. (K. Choa)
Teen Edition Plus update ‘PBB’ mag is
one cool read!
“PINOy Big Brother Teen Edition
Plus (PBBTEP)” is one of the most
talked-about shows on ABS-CBN’s
Primetime Bida block, and the magazine
from ABS-CBN Publishing is
expected to become just as big a hit.
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE corner
By Bheng Relatado-Rubia
Baldrige Conference: Up close and personal
ON April 22-25, 2008, more than
ing a process and in designing a
new one.
Baldrige winners received the
Feedback Report which details
the nominees for Best Newscast in the International
Emmy Awards in 2007. “XXX”
airs after “TV Patrol Sabado” on ABS-CBN.
Pinky Webb
(Kane Choa)
‘Samantha Who?’ on Studio 23
Alex, 18 Ejay, 18 Nan, 17 Robi, 18 Nicole, 17 Beauty, 16
D-Day set for 6/7
The inclusion of several half-Pinoys
in this batch is said to be one of
the reasons for this edition’s success.
Find out what makes these half-Pinoy
teens Filipino, and check out the profiles
of the other teen housemates!
800 quality practitioners from the So much to learn
We in the group had varied tion, and there were attempts the conference, and wish that their strengths and weaknesses.
Samantha Newly (Christina Applegate) lost her memory after an
Relive memorable moments in
business, education, manufacturing,
small business and health care
sectors participated in the official
conference of the Malcolm Baldrige
National Quality Award (MB-
NQA) in Washington DC, USA.
The Baldrige Award showcases
the winners’ business tools and
strategies they used in their Baldrige
journey through the Quest for
Excellence.
The Lopez Group has been
sending participants to this conference
since 2003. It is probably the
only Filipino group to do so, with
20 Lopez Group professionals
having attended the event to date.
I attended the Quest with
Ramon Pagdagdagan of First Philippine
Holdings Corp. (FPHC),
Dan Lachica of First Philec,
Rod Franco and Luigi Bautista
of Manila North Tollways Corp.
(MNTC), and Noel Bartolome and
Vince Hubert of Bayan. The timing
was very good as Baldrige was
celebrating its 20th anniversary.
The bulk of the conference
was composed of the sessions
on the winners’ best practices.
Representatives of the winning
organizations delivered presentations
according to the Baldrige
categories: Leadership, Strategic
Planning, Customer and Market
Focus, Measurement, Analysis
and Knowledge Management,
Workforce Focus, Process Management,
and Business Results.
First Philec’s Dan Lachica (right)
with Curt Reimann, the first
MBNQA executive director.
interests so we attended different made to dig further to uncover
sessions. The schedule of con- the strategies of winning organicurrent
sessions was very tight; zations, including mistakes that
concurrent presentations would should be avoided. I understood
last for 30 minutes, plus another why a Baldrige winner must prac-
15 minutes for a question-andtice their presentation in a smaller
answer session. Even lunches and room (where I took a peep) before
refreshment breaks were com- the start of the conference.
pressed to have more time for the If you’re an employee desir-
presentations.
ing change for your company,
One couldn’t help but feel the then you will certainly feel en-
participants’ hunger for informavious of what you will learn at
Lopez Group delegates (l-r) Noel Bartolome, Bheng Relatado-Rubia, Mon
Pagdagdagan, Luigi Bautista and Rod Franco with current MBNQA executive
director Harry Hertz (third from left). Not in photo: Vince Hubert.
you can replicate them in your
own environment. Unfortunately,
leaders’ passion in steering the
organization to become excellent
is one of those you can’t replicate
overnight.
Trends and insights
During the plenary, leaders of
the winning organizations were
one in saying that Baldrige is difficult,
and if one wants an overnight
success, Baldrige is not the way
to go. It is a multiyear effort, and
often, Baldrige implementation is
described as a journey.
Common among the winners
was the use of Lean Six Sigma.
At Armament Research, Development
and Engineering Center
(Ardec), all senior leaders are
at least a Six Sigma Black Belt,
and even the leadership system is
subjected to the Define, Measure,
Analyze, Improve and Control
(DMAIC) technique! In Sharp
Health Care, another winner, the
technique is used both in improv-
For them, reading the Report is
both an enlightening and humbling
moment.
Asked about the ultimate impact
of Baldrige on the organization,
the panel cited combinations
of measures, such as customer
satisfaction, employee satisfaction,
stakeholder satisfaction and net income,
but found it difficult to single
out a particular result. A few found
the question necessary. According
to them, Baldrige as a framework
is comprehensive enough to cover
different aspects of the business so
it’s much better when organizations
can measure a set of inter-related
business indicators.
The Business Excellence Office
will conduct an Oscars Application
Development Workshop
on June 18-20, 2008. Please
contact Bheng Relatado-Rubia
at 449-6005 or 449-6035 for
details.
accident. To rediscover herself, she has to rely on friends and family.
Her boyfriend Todd seems to be trustworthy, but will his trust last
when he discovers that Sam cheated on him, is an alcoholic and
has a tendency toward questionable behavior? Catch “Samantha
Who?,” the 2008 People’s Choice Awards for Favorite New TV
Comedy, every Sunday on Studio 23. (K. Choa)
Design help
for couples
Lifestyle Network’s “Get It
Together” helps couples in need
of a room makeover. Designer
Chayse Dacoda lets the featured
couple take the “Design Taste
Test” and comes up with a plan
based on their personal tastes.
Designer Chayse Dacoda
See Dacoda’s room makeover miracles and masterpieces in “Get It
Together” Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. (K. Solis)
SUMMER may be giving
way to the rainy season, but
in the “Pinoy Big Brother
(PBB)” House, things are
just starting to heat up! Isaisa
nang nagpaalam sina
Jolas, Josef at Priscilla pero
kahit malapit na ang Big
Night sa June 7, mas marami
pa ring housemates ang nasa
loob ng bahay kesa sa housemates
na-evict. Exciting!
Last Guardian standing.
Teen housemate Ejay’s
Daddy Erning became
the “Pinoy Big Brother’s
(PBB)” Guardian Big Winner
after he got 65.16% of
the text votes during the live
Guardian Big Night. He won
P500,000 and a business
franchise from Whammy
Waffles. Alex’s Mommy
Minda emerged the Guardian
2nd Big Placer, while
Nicole’s Mommy Sandy
came in third, followed by
Nan’s Mommy My Love in
fourth place.
Rona’s release. Back
in the House after a short
stay in Palawan, the teens
were confronted with the
sad reality that still another
housemate had to go. The
one-on-one boy vs. girl duel
ended up with Atenean Robi
getting a reprieve while
Rona, as evictee no. 5, had
to pack her bags and go. The
contest was rather lopsided,
with Robi getting 57.11%
of the votes against Rona’s
42.89%.
Another round. He
may have squeaked past, but
Robi once again joins the
list of nominees for eviction,
along with Nicole and Valerie.
This time it’s Valerie
who ends up being evicted,
leaving Beauty and Nicole
to represent the girls in the
House.
Last few eviction
nights. May eviction pang
magaganap sa May 31, June
1 at June 4. Mark your calendars
and be right in the
middle of the action! Which
housemates will say goodbye?
It’s your call!
Stay tuned to “PBB
Teen Edition Plus Uber” at
5:30 p.m., and “PBB Teen
Edition Plus Primetime”
after “Lobo.” you can also
watch the housemates on
Studio 23, 12 noon-2 p.m.,
and online via TFCNow
Video Stream (abs-cbnnow.
com).
the “PBB” House through “Pinoy Big
Brother Teen Edition Plus Rewind.” A
story on the hosts and behind-the-scenes
photos from the taping of the pilot episode
round out this issue’s offerings.
The official “PBBTEP” magazine
is one cool read, so if you’re a fan of
the show, pick up a copy of the magazine
now! (Sheila Quieta)

LopezLink June 2008 LopezLink June 2008
Excerpted from Lopez Group chairman
Oscar M. Lopez’s open letter to
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
published in major dailies on May 14
and 15, 2008.
THE history of the power industry can
be analyzed in terms of the swinging
pendulum, from private power in the
pre-martial law period to public power
during the martial law years. Today
that pendulum is swinging back once
more in favor of private power, especially
after the passage of the Electric
Power Industry Reform Act of 2001,
better known as the Epira law.
If there was a “Golden Age” for
Meralco and private power, it was during
the decade of the 1960s.
In 1961, Meralco had a total
generating capacity of about 300,000
kilowatts (kW); by 1972, its generating
capacity had increased fivefold
to 1,500,000 kW, all in the form of
oil-fired thermal plants. Meralco was
putting up one plant every 18 months
to keep up with the tremendous demand
for power in its franchise area.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh) sales went from
1,700 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 1961
to 5,100 GWh in 1972, or an annual
compounded growth rate of 10.6%.
By 1972, Meralco’s customer
base had grown to 612,454 from just
368,925 in 1961. And today Meralco’s
customers number more than four million.
Such a massive drive to expand
capacity had never been witnessed in
Meralco’s service area before.
Average cost of fuel oil during the
1960’s was $1.68/barrel, which translated
to an average cost for all Meralco
customers of 5.8 centavos/kWh during
this 10-year period—very cheap
power indeed. What was all the more
impressive was that all this growth
was financed without relying on
government guarantees, but solely on
Meralco’s superior credit standing in
both domestic and international bond
markets.
The government and equipment
suppliers of four major industrial
countries—the US, Germany, Japan
and Belgium—came to accept Meralco’s
Mortgage Trust Indenture (MTI)
and bonds as sole collateral for equipment
loans. In 1961, system losses
amounted to 12.56% but in 1971 this
was reduced to 7.95%.
On the other hand, let us look at
the record of public power at this time.
National Power Corp. (NPC) was established
in 1937, and it was mandated
to develop the country’s hydropower
resources.
During the 1961-72 period, of
the eight major power projects programmed
for completion in Luzon
with a total capacity of 728 megawatts
(MW), only two projects with a combined
capacity of 287 MW were completed
by NPC.
It was quite obvious that had
Meralco depended on NPC as the
main source of its power supply,
Meralco would have invariably suffered
prolonged periods of brownouts.
In fact, the Meralco franchise
area did suffer from rotating brownouts
during the years 1956-59 as a result of
the delays in the completion of the
Ambuklao and Binga hydro plants.
This “Golden Age” of Meralco
and private power ended by the early
1970s, as a consequence of the serious
trade and balance payment deficits of
the country.
In 1971, action taken by the Organization
of Petroleum Exporting Countries
(OPEC) resulted in several dramatic
increases in the international prices of
petroleum products. From a level of
$1.68/barrel in the 1960s, Meralco paid
$4.68/barrel in 1973, $11.50/barrel in
1976 and $34/barrel in 1981.
These factors—exchange rate,
inflation and fuel prices—sounded the
death knell of the old era of private
entrepreneurial power. The pendulum
would now swing in the direction of
public power. Government would now
begin to assume the leading role in major
infrastructural investments such as
in power, steel and transportation, etc.
Hand in hand with the economic
crisis came the political crisis. On Sept.
21, 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos
declared martial law. Meralco was
placed under the control of the 51st
Engineering Brigade of the Philippine
Army, in accordance with Marcos’s
Letter of Instruction No. 2 ordering
the Secretary of National Defense to
take over management and control of
all public utilities.
The rest is current history.
Why are Philippine power rates so
high vis-à-vis our Asian neighbors?
From having one of the lowest power
rates in the world in the late ‘60s, today
the country finds itself struggling
with one of the highest power rates in
the region, if not the world. What happened?
There are numerous reasons,
but let me zero in on a few of the most
important.
Firstly, our country’s drive to
develop indigenous and alternative
sources of power from the 1970s until
the present paled immensely in comparison
to our Asian neighbors. It’s a
major obstacle that holds us back from
competing effectively with neighboring
Asian countries for manufacturing
jobs.
It’s good to keep in mind that the
price of electricity is ruled predominantly
by the cost of fuels used for
power generation.
Even today, though our indigenous
fuels in the mix seem to have improved
to almost 70%, we still haven’t
narrowed the gap in our electricity
prices vis-à-vis our neighbors and our
indigenous fuels in fact appear costly.
Why?
This brings me to my second
point. It’s a sad fact that despite the
rhetoric heaped on encouraging the
use of indigenous fuels, we continue
to impose heavy taxes and royalties on
indigenous fuels, like natural gas and
geothermal steam, which together pro-
duce more than 47% of our electricity
needs.
Indigenous fue ls are made artificially
more expensive than imported
ones because of this tax and royalty
burden. Take the case of our country’s
own natural gas from Camago-
Malampaya. The power plants using
clean natural gas from our own shores
are made to look more expensive rela-
tive to power plants burning imported
coal.
By our own DOE’s reckoning, we
have potentially 10 more Camago-
Malampaya and another 10,000 MW
of geothermal potential out there. But,
if present policies continue, our power
industry will be discouraged to build
more power plants that burn either
natural gas or geothermal steam, and
it will be less likely that much of the
untapped reserves of natural gas and
geothermal steam will be brought to
market much sooner.
This treatment is sad and ironic
because in neighboring countries
like Thailand and Malaysia, natural
gas used domestically is even subsidized.
Another major reason is that the
selling price of Camago-Malampaya
gas is indexed to crude oil prices.
When we signed with Shell and Occidental
Petroleum back in 1998, crude
oil prices were only at US$15/barrel;
today the oil price has gone up to more
than eight times. yet I do not think that
the costs of producing Malampaya
have increased by anywhere close to
the same multiples.
This is an area where the President
can exert her influence to have the gas
sellers reduce their price of natural gas
in order to benefit the electricity consumers
in this country. Alternatively,
government can impose a windfall
profit tax and use the proceeds to subsidize
low-income consumers.
For the first quarter of 2008, of
First Gas’ selling price of P4.15/kWh
to Meralco, fully P2.93/kWh or 70%
is the cost of gas, and approximately
P1.61/kWh of that goes to government
in the form of royalties. On top
of all that, the consumer still pays
P0.80/kWh in the form of a 12% VAT
for power. If you add up the royalties
and 12% VAT, you will get an
amount of P2.40/kWh which may
be passed on as a welcome reduction
in the electricity bills of consumers.
But under present circumstances,
even if we use more indigenous fuels
in our power generation mix today, that
reality doesn’t lead to lower electricity
prices and is not likely to spur more
development of indigenous energy
until these structural disincentives are
corrected.
Over time, we must reduce our
reliance on imported fuels if we want
to gain a competitive edge on power
costs with respect to our Asean neighbors.
The country’s efforts will go a
long way if government paid closer
attention to removing the taxes and
royalties that gravely penalize Filipino
consumers in using their own indigenous
fuels. Much of these comes from
Marcos-era Presidential Decrees that
no longer fit the times and although
they provide revenues for government,
they serve to make already expensive
power even more so.
Lopez Group pa rin...
from page 1
OML explains power issue to PGMA Nagpakilala si Hubert Guevara, di-
Lopez Group chairma Oscar M. Lopez
ABS-CBN News Desk
rector ng Compliance and Enforcement
Division ng SEC, bilang kinatawan ng
SEC na magpapatupad ng nasabing order,
na nag-aatas din sa SEC na i-supervise ang
stockholders’ meeting.
Ayon sa parehong order, pinipigilan si
Rosete na kilalanin ang mga kinuwestiyon
na proxy votes na na-solicit pabor kina Lopez,
Alfonso, Francisco, Monsod, Elpidio
Ibañez at Francis Giles Puno, na mga kinatawan
ng Lopez Group. Gayundin, sinasabi
sa naturang order na kilalanin ang proxy
shares para sa GSIS (Government Services
Insurance System) na napawalang-bisa na
dahil sa kakulangan ng sapat na authority
ng beneficial owners.
Ang order ay dahil umano sa complaint
na inihain ng GSIS sa SEC laban sa
pag-validate ng Meralco proxies.
Gayunman, sinabi ni Rosete na walang
bisa ang order na dala ni Guevara dahil wala
itong docket number, walang petsa, walang
official seal ng SEC, pirmado lamang ng
iisang commissioner na si Jesus Martinez,
na-issue ng walang naganap na pulong ng
SEC at walang nalalamang complaint sa
Compliance and Enforcement Division ng
SEC, walang ibinigay na pagkakataon sa
Meralco upang tumugon, at dapat ay inihain
sa regional trial court imbes na sa SEC.
Bukod dito, ang kapangyarihan daw
ni Martinez bilang officer-in-charge ng
SEC ay ibinibigay “on a day to day basis”
at wala siyang kapangyarihan na mag-issue
ng order “on his own,” habang nasa ibang
bansa si SEC chair Fe Barin, nasa ospital si
Commissioner Jenny Cueto at out of town
naman si Commissioner Raul Palabrica.
Nagpahayag ng pagkadismaya si
GSIS president Winston Garcia at sinabi na
illegal ang pulong at ginawa laban sa isang
“lawful order” ng SEC. Dahil dito, maghahain
siya ng kaso sa Regional Trial Court
upang ipawalang-bisa ang results ng huling
pulong ng mga stockholders ng Meralco.
Nanindigan ang Meralco na ang pulong
ay ayon sa batas.
“We would like to assure the general
public that the stockholders’ meeting was
done in accordance with law and with the
consent and approval of the majority of our
stockholders,” pahayag ni Elpi Cuna, Meralco
vice president for corporate communication.
Mga isyu ukol sa Meralco: Ito ang totoo
Sa kanyang pahayag sa Energy Summit
noong Pebrero 2008, inatasan ng Pangulong
Arroyo ang Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) na maghain ng mga petisyon
sa Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)
upang mapababa ang singil sa kuryente.
Gayunpaman, hindi malinaw kung paano
mapapababa ang kuryente ng mga nasabing
petisyon. Bukod dito, nagmistulang pinag-iinitan
ng pamahalaan ang Meralco, ang pinakamalaking
distribution utility (DU) sa bansa na
may higit apat na milyong customers.
Hiling sa ERC
Isa-isahin natin ang mga petisyon ng
DTI:
Una, huwag daw bumili ang Meralco ng
power supply mula sa WESM (Wholesale
Electricity Spot Market) kapag peak hours
dahil mahal ang presyo ng ganoong oras.
Sa halip, dapat daw ay bumili ang Meralco
sa WESM kapag non-peak hours para mura
lamang ang presyo.
Ayon kay Jesus P. Francisco, pangulo
ng Meralco, hindi maitatabi ang kuryenteng
binibili. Hindi maaaring bumili ng kuryente
sa WESM ng non-peak hours kapag
mura ang presyo upang gamitin sa oras
na kailangan ito. Ang kuryenteng binibili
ng Meralco sa WESM ng peak hours ay
kailangan ng mga customers nito sa oras na
iyon. Kung hindi makakabili ang Meralco
sa oras na iyon, kukulangin ang supply sa
pangagailangan at magkaka-brownout.
Noong unang tatlong buwan ng 2008,
sampung porsiyento ng power supply na
kailangan ng Meralco ang binili sa WESM.
Batay sa Electric Power Industry Reform
Act (Epira), lahat ng DUs ay dapat bumili
ng di kukulang sa sampung porsiyento ng
kanilang energy requirements sa WESM.
Ang Meralco pa lamang ang tumutupad sa
probisyong ito ng batas.
Pangalawa, pigilan daw ang Meralco na
singilin ang system loss sa mga customers.
Mayroong dalawang uri ng system
loss—ang technical loss at ang non-technical
loss or pilferage.
Ang technical loss ang nawawalang
energy or init kapag dumaraan ang kuryente
sa mga linya at transformer ng Meralco.
Ito ay natural na nangyayari sa pagdaloy at
pagbabago mula sa mataas na 230,000 volts
hanggang sa 220 volts na gamit natin sa
bahay. Ang kuryenteng mula sa power generators
(halimbawa ang National Power Corporation
o Napocor) at transmission company
na pinagkukunan ng Meralco ay sadyang
kinakailangang mataas ang boltahe sapagkat
malayo ang nilalakbay ng kuryente sa transmission
lines. Maihahantulad ang technical
loss sa init na nagmumula sa mga paggamit
ng electrical appliances. Ang TV, radio o
computer ay naglalabas din ng init na hindi
naman ninanais ngunit hindi ito maiiwasan.
Ang non-technical loss o pilferage ay ang
kuryenteng ninanakaw ng mga ayaw magbayad
ng kanilang sariling konsumo sa kuryente.
Hindi tumitigil ang Meralco, kasama ang mga
operatiba ng pulisya, sa paghabol at pagdemanda
sa mga magnanakaw ng kuryente.
Noong 2007, 9.65% ang systems loss ng
Meralco. Ito ang pinakamababa sa huling 21
taon. At 6% dito ay technical loss, o ang hindi
maiiwasan na systems loss na nangyayari sa
pagpapababa ng voltage ng kuryente. 3.65%
lamang ang kuryenteng ninakaw.
Lahat ng DU sa industriya ng kuryente
ay sumisingil ng systems loss sa kanilang
mga customer. Sa Pilipinas, hindi lamang
Meralco ang merong system loss. Mayroong
140 na DU na pinahihintulutan ng batas na
magkaroon ng system loss charges. Halimbawa,
nito ay ang Cagayan Electric Cooperative,
Visayan Electric Company (Veco) sa
Cebu, Central Negros Electric Cooperative
sa Bacolod, Panay Electric Company (Peco)
sa Iloilo, Davao Light and Power (DaLight)
at Agusan Electric Cooperative sa Butuan.
Pangatlo, dapat daw ay bigyan ng diskwento
ang mga mahihirap na consumers
at gayundin ang mga power-intensive industries
sa ibinabayad sa Transco (National
Transmission Corporation) at sa Meralco.
Tulad ng paulit-ulit na ipinapaliwanag
ng Meralco, taga-kolekta lamang ito ng
Milestones in Meralco history
1961
June 30, 1961: Meralco Securities
Corp. (MSC) is formed to purchase
Meralco from General Public
Utilities (GPU). Meralco is sold at
$66.286 million.
1973
November 29,1973: Eugenio Lopez
Sr. is forced to sell Benpres’s 27%
stake in MSC to the Meralco Foundation
Inc. (MFI).
Lopez receives a P10,000 down
payment on a P150M sale, balance
“payable when able.”
(Clockwise from top):
Lopez Building in Ortigas
houses Meralco’s corporate
headquarters; Meralco
utility economics division
head Ivanna dela Peña
and president Jesus P.
Francisco; Meralco board
member Chistian Monsod;
First Gen CEO Federico R.
Lopez explains the power
rate issue on ANC; Stockholders
lining up outside
the Meralco Theater.
mga bayad sa serbisyo ng ibang taga-industriya
ng kuryente tulad ng power generators
at ng Transco, na siyang may-ari
ng mga kable or wires na nagdadala ng
kuryente mula sa power plants papunta sa
distribution facilities ng Meralco.
Kung magkakaroon ng diskwento ang
Transco, automatic na maipapasa ito sa
mga customer.
Mayroon na ring diskwento ang mga
gumagamit ng di hihigit sa 100 kWh
(kilowatt-hours) kada buwan. Ito ang tinatawag
na lifeline rates o lifeline subsidies
at mayroong higit 1.9 milyong residential
customers ng Meralco ang nakikinabang sa
mababang presyo na ito.
Para naman sa mga kumpanya sa economic
zones ng Philippine Economic Zone
Authority (Peza), mayroong Ecozone Rate
Program na dulot ng pagkakasundo ng
Meralco at Napocor. Ipinapasa ng Meralco
ang diskwento mula sa power generator sa
mga industrial customers sa ecozones.
Pang-apat, palawigin pa daw ng Meralco
ang lifeline program nito hanggang sa
mga gumagamit ng 150 kWh kada buwan.
Hindi naman isinasara ng Meralco ang
pinto sa posibilidad na magkaroon ng karagdagang
diskwento sa ilalim ng lifeline rates.
Subalit kailangan linawin ng DTI kung sino
ang magbabayad o sasagot sa diskwento. Sa
kasalukuyan, lahat ng commercial at industrial
customers at mga residential customers na
gumagamit ng higit 100 kWh ang nagbabayad
ng karagdagan para makakuha ng lifeline rate
ang mga mahihirap na customers.
Kung lalakihan ang coverage ng lifeline
subsidy, kailangan ipakita ng DTI
ang pag-aaral na nagsasabing reasonable,
katanggap-tanggap at makatarungan ang
karagdagang sisingilin sa mga commercial
at industrial customers at ibang residential
customers, upang mapondohan ang ganitong
uri ng paniningil.
Pang-lima, hiniling ng DTI sa ERC
na ipagaya sa Meralco ang rates ng Veco,
Cebeco (Cebu Electric Cooperative) at Da-
Light. Ayon sa pahayag ni Pangulong Arroyo
noong Energy Summit, ang Meralco
ang may pinakamahal na distribution rate
sa 140 DUs sa buong bansa.
Subalit itong impormasyon ay mali.
Ayon mismo sa records ng ERC, higit na
mataas kaysa sa Meralco ang distribution
1976
MSC is renamed First Philippine
Holdings Corp. (FPHC). MFI acquires
an additional 17% of FPHC
from individual shareholders.
charges ng 67 sa 129 DUs and electric cooperatives.
Samakatwid, 52% o higit sa kalahati
ng DUs at co-ops ang mas mahal ang
singil sa kanilang serbisyo kaysa Meralco.
Nasa gitna lamang ang Meralco sa halaga
ng distribution charges.
Sa ilalim ng Epira, itinakda ang prinsipyo
ng “cost of service” bilang basehan
ng distribution rate. Kasama ang National
Capital Region (NCR) sa franchise area ng
Meralco, kung saan mataas ang minimum
wage at mataas din ang kalidad ng kabuhayan
kumpara sa ibang bahagi ng bansa.
Kung mataas man ang cost of service nito,
nababawi rin ito ng customers sa kalidad
ng serbisyo na tinatanggap nila.
Mula pa noong Hunyo 2003, napako
na sa kasalukuyang halaga ang distribution
rates ng Meralco dahil walang inaprubahan
na increase ang ERC sa buong panahong
ito. Nilinaw ng Meralco sa isang advertisement
na hindi ang distribution rates ang
mahal at kailangan ng diskwento kundi ang
generation at transmission charges na kinokolekta
nito para sa mga power generation
companies at para sa Transco.
At iba pa…
Bukod sa mga petisyon ng DTI sa
ERC, meron pang ibang naglabasang isyu
ukol sa Meralco.
Ipinapasa raw ng Meralco ang kuryenteng
gamit nito sa mga customers.
Lahat ng negosyo ay nagpapasa ng
gastos sa kanilang gamit na kuryente, tubig,
telepono, internet at iba pang serbisyo
sa mga customers nila. Ang tawag dito ay
operating expenses at lehitimong bahagi ng
gastusin sa paglilingkod sa mga consumers.
Halimbawa na ang mga mall, natural
na kasama sa operating expenses nila ang
bayad para sa kuryente at natural din na
sisingilin nila ito sa mga customers mula sa
dagdag na presyo sa kanilang mga paninda.
Ang mga telephone companies din
ay natural na sisingilin ang kanilang telephone
at internet expenses sa kanilang
mga subscribers. Kahit ang fishball vendor
ay isasama sa pagpresyo ng produkto niya
ang LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) na
pang-sindi sa kanyang kalan.
Bumibili daw ng transformers ang
Meralco mula sa sister company nito na
Philec (Philippine Electric Corporation).
Ang Philec ay isang world-class manufac-
1978
February 6, 1978: MFI acquires
98% of Meralco shares owned by
MSC on installment basis. P872M
sale price with P204M down payment.
P668M balance to be paid in 23
semiannual installments between
1980 and 1991.
turer ng electric transformers. Kalahati ng
negosyo nila ay hindi sa Meralco, at nag-eexport
pa sila sa ibang bansa.
Ang Meralco naman ay may ibang
suppliers bukod sa Philec at ang kanilang
requirements ay dumadaan sa electronic
bidding. Minsan ay nananalo sa bidding
ang Philec at minsan ay hindi. Kung foreign
company ang manalo sa bidding, kailangang
magbayad ng cash ang Meralco sa
pamamagitan ng Letter of Credit, di tulad
ng Philec na nakakapagbigay ng mas maluwag
na payment terms. Walang espesyal na
pabor na ibinibigay ang Meralco sa Philec.
Bagkus, Philec ang premyadong transformer
manufacturer ngayon sa bansa na nagsu-supply
sa ibang DUs at electric cooperatives.
Mayroong insurance sa Bahamas ang
Meralco na dapat ay dito na lamang kinuha
sa Pilipinas.
Dahil sa “captive insurance” na kinuha
ng Meralco mula sa pag-aari nitong Republic
Surety, makakatipid ito ng P30 milyon
kada taon sa insurance premiums. Para sa
isang kumpanyang hindi pa nagkakaroon ng
rate increase mula Hunyo 2003, malaking
katipiran sa operating expenses ang P30 milyon.
Ang “captive insurance” model ay lehitimong
pamamaraan ng risk management.
Ang Petron Corporation at ang San Miguel
Corporation ay parehong gumagamit ng
captive insurance katulad ng Meralco.
Hindi yata matatapos ang sala-salansan
na isyung ibabato sa Meralco. Bawat sagot,
may bagong pahayag o katanungan. Ang
mahalaga, makialam at magpaliwanag.
Ang mataas ng presyo ng kuryente ay
hindi kasalanan ng Meralco. Aprubado ng
ERC ang lahat ng sinisingil ng Meralco at
ang mga kontrata nito sa power suppliers
ay napatunayang mabuti at reasonable.
At higit sa lahat, mapapagkatiwalaan
at propesyunal ang ating mga kapamilyang
mangagagawa sa Meralco. Maipagmamalaki
natin na tapat sila sa kanilang tungkulin
at naglilingkod sila sa mga customers nila
sa abot ng kanilang kakayahan.
Panghuli
Kung meron kayong masumpungan na
nagnanakaw ng kuryente, itawag sa Kuryente
Watch hotline number 632-8989 o mag-email
sa stoptheft@meralco.com.ph. Strictly confidential
ang mga reports kaya huwag matakot.
I-report mo na! (Carla Paras-Sison)
1985
MFI defaults on payments worth
P416M, equivalent to 32% of
Meralco or 13.9M shares of stock.
ABS-CBN News Desk
1986
The Presidential Commission on
Good Government (PCGG) is tasked
to track down the hidden wealth of
former President Ferdinand Marcos
and his cronies, and sequesters MFI.
The Lopez family regains control
of Meralco.
The 2008-2009 board of directors
CLOCKING in at 14 hours total, this year’s stockholders’ meeting is the “longest in
Philippine corporate history,” veteran observers say. The results of the elections
were known at 10:40 p.m. on May 27, with the canvassing of votes alone taking
SGV & Co. seven hours.
Manuel M.
Lopez, 65
years old
Director since
April 14, 1986,
he is the chairman
and CEO
of Meralco
since July 1, 2001, chairman of
Rockwell Land Corp. since 1995
and of Soluziona Philippines
since 2007. He is a director of
First Philippine Holdings Corp.
(FPHC) and First Private Power
Corp. (FPPC) since 1992; and director
of Benpres Holdings Corp.
(Benpres) and Bauang Private
Power Corp. (BPPC) since 1993.
He is a holder of a bachelor of science
degree in business administration
and attended the Program
for Management Development at
the Harvard Business School.
Felipe B.
Alfonso, 71
years old
Director since
April 28, 1992,
he has been the
vice chairman
of Meralco
since July 1, 2001. He is also the
vice chairman of the Asian Institute
of Management (AIM) board
of trustees since September 1999.
He is a member of the board of
directors of BPPC since September
2000 and Benpres since April
1997, FPPC since November
1997, and of other Meralco companies
since November 2002. He
received a bachelor of laws degree
from the Ateneo de Manila
University and a master’s degree
in business administration from
New york University.
Jesus P.
Francisco, 64
years old
Director, president
and chief
operating office
since July 1,
2001, and director
and chairman of other Meralco
companies. Francisco has also
been director and president of
Clark Electric Distribution Corp.
(CEDC) since November 2001,
president of Haribon Foundation
since February 2006, director
of FPPC since December 1992,
and Rockwell Land Corp. since
August 1995. He earned his
master’s degree in business
management from the AIM in
1971. In 1982, he completed the
International Senior Manager’s
Program of the Harvard Business
School.
Christian S.
Monsod, 71
years old
Director since July
6, 1971, consultant
of Meralco,
chairman of the
screening committee
for Gawad Haydee yorac
Award; on the board of trustees of
Miriam College, Ramon Magsaysay
Award Foundation and ABS-CBN
Bayan; and consultant of Banco
Filipino since 1996. He earned his
bachelor of laws degree from UP
and MA in economics from the University
of Pennsylvania in 1963. He
also earned his doctor of laws and
doctor of humanities, honoris causa,
from Ateneo de Manila University
in 1995 and 1993, respectively. He
was a 1975 Ten Outstanding young
Men (TOyM) awardee.
Cesar E.A. Virata,
71 years old
Director since
May 28, 2002,
he is the vice
chairman and
director of Rizal
C o m m e r c i a l
Banking Corp. (RCBC) since
October 1995, chairman and
director of RCBC Forex Brokers
Corp. since March 1999, Pacific,
and vice chairman and director of
Bankard Inc. since May 2001. He
graduated from UP in 1952 with
bachelor of science degrees in
mechanical engineering and business
administration, cum laude.
He completed his masters in business
administration at the University
of Pennsylvania in 1953.
Winston F.
Garcia, 49
years old
Director since
February 26,
2008, he is the
president, general
manager and vice
chairman of the board of trustees
of the GSIS. He also sits on the
board of San Miguel Corp., Philippine
National Construction Corp.
(PNCC), and Philippine Health
Insurance Corp. Garcia holds a
bachelor of laws degree from San
Beda College, an associate in arts
degree from Southwestern University,
and a bachelor of philosophy
degree from the
University of Sto.
Tomas (UST).
Bernardino R.
Abes, 77 years
old
Director since
May 29, 2007,
1987-1991
August 1990: Under Republic Act No.
876, arbitration proceedings start between
MFI and Benpres, with 10.6M
of FPHC shares and 4.7M of Meralco
shares partially rescinded to Benpres.
September 1991: The Supreme Court
affirms the return of the 13.9M unpaid
Meralco shares to FPHC due to
MFI’s payment default.
he is the chairman of the GSIS
since September 2004 and a director
of Petron Corp. since 2001.
He served as member of the board
of directors of Union Bank of the
Philippines from 2001 to 2005, the
Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE)
from 2005 to 2006, chairman of
the Social Security Commission
from 2001 to 2004 and also
served as secretary of labor from
1962 to 1964. He holds a bachelor
of laws degree from UST.
Daisy P. Arce, 61 years old
Director of Philippine Telegraph
and Telephone Corporation. She is
also corporate secretary of Export
& Industry Bank (EIB) and other
EIB companies since 2006. She is
the external counsel and secretary
to the Market Integrity Board of the
PSE since April 2002. She holds a
bachelor of laws degree from the
Ateneo de Manila University. She
was a partner at Quasha Ancheta
Peña & Nolasco Law Offices and
now has her own practice.
Jeremy Z. Parulan, 50 years old
A member of the board of GSISallied
Philippines First Insurance
Co. Inc. and the PNCC; and a
partner at Parulan Soncuya and
Sese Law Offices, he was admitted
to the Philippine bar in 1984.
Artemio V.
Panganiban,
71 years old
Chief Justice
from 2005 to
2006 and Associate
Justice
of the Supreme
Court from 1995 to 2005, he is
also a columnist of the Philippine
Daily Inquirer, and acts as adviser,
consultant or independent
director of several business, civic,
nongovernment and religious
groups. He graduated in Associate
in Arts with highest honors
from the Far Eastern University
(FEU) in 1956 and was the most
outstanding student in 1960. He
placed sixth in the 1960 bar exams
with a grade of 89.55%. He is also
an independent director of GMA
Network Inc. and of FPHC.
Vicente L. Panlilio, 62 years old
Director of San Fernando Electric
Light and Power Co. Inc. since
2003 and a trustee of TSPI Development
Corp. since 2004. He was
a director of Equitable PCIBank
from July 2005 to February 2006
and of the Philippine National
Bank from January 2001 to May
2005. He holds an economics
degree from UP and completed
the Advanced Bank Management
Program at the AIM.
2008
FPHC finalizes the purchase of the
9% stake of Union Fenosa and 6.6%
of Meralco Pension Fund in Meralco.
FPHC becomes majority shareholder
of Meralco with a 33.4%
stake in the company. (From “The
Meralco Ownership Story: Unlocking
the Truth,” pp. 5-6, published by
Meralco Corporate Communication)

LopezLink June 2008 LopezLink June 2008
CSRaCtivitieS
KCFI’s TEAM-Mindanao
assessment: ETV works!
By Doris Nuval
RESEARCHERS have confirmed
a link between the
improved performance of Mindanao
schoolchildren in the National
Achievement Test (NAT)
and exposure to educational
television (ETV).
In an outcome assessment
study on the Television Education
for the Advancement of
Muslim Mindanao (TEAM-Mindanao)
project, the University of
the Philippines (UP) Statistical
Center Research Foundation Inc.
found a “significant relationship
between the presence of
the Knowledge Channel (KCh)
and in the improvement of NAT
scores from 2005 to 2007.”
TEAM-Mindanao was
implemented in the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao
(ARMM), Region 9 and Region
12 from 2005 to 2007. By the time
the program ended in early 2008,
Knowledge Channel Foundation
Inc. (KCFI), USAID and other
partners were able to provide KCh
to some 78,529 students in 153
Teachers from Sulu make a pledge of commitment to use the Knowledge
Channel and maximize its benefits for their students.
updates
Help for typhoon victims
Among the worst hit by Typhoon Cosme were the provinces of Zambales,
Pangasinan, Benguet and La Union. Sagip Kapamilya is accepting
donations in cash and in kind on behalf of the victims. Please send donations
to Banco de Oro account no. 5630020111 in the name of ABS-CBN
Fondation Inc. (AFI). Routing code is BNORPHMM; fax deposit slips
to 411-0848. In-kind donations may be dropped off at 13 Examiner St.
West Triangle, Quezon City. For inquiries or other concerns, please call
Sagip Kapamilya at 411-4995 or email sagip@abs-cbn.com.
Save water before it runs out!
By the year 2025, the Philippines will not have enough water to support
its major cities. Due to lack of investment in sanitation, surface
and groundwater sources are continuously being polluted. How do
we save this precious life source? Sagip Tubig offers these tips:
•
public elementary schools in the
conflict-ridden South.
Increased NAT scores
The students’ NAT scores
and its science subcomponent
were reported to have increased
by an average of about 3 percentage
points yearly compared
to schools without KCh.
The researchers stressed that
the students’ heightened interest
in going to school is likely to re-
Recycle. Water used for bathing can still be used to flush the toilet;
rinse water used to wash the dishes can double as floor cleaners.
• Use water saving products. For example, ultra-low-flush toilets
can help save as much as half the normal amount of water used.
• Report and fix leaks. Repair leaky faucets by replacing the “washer”
of compression faucets. Check for leaks in the toilet tank by adding
food color; color will appear in 30 minutes if there is a leak. Report
significant water losses to property owners or local authorities.
Jonathan’s story
Jonathan (not his real name) ran away from home to seek help from
Bantay Bata. He needed protection from his alcoholic father, who
abused him physically. Despite his problem, Jonathan persevered in
his studies, knowing that it was his chance for a better life. Now an
incoming college freshman, Jonathan is looking forward to a brighter
future for himself and his family. There are 154 children like Jonathan
in need of educational support. Call Bantay Bata 163 and take
part in building a better future for our children.
Get your fill of ‘Busog-Lusog’
AFI, in cooperation with the National Nutrition
Council, launched “Busog Lusog: Ang Gabay
sa Wastong Nutrisyon” which airs at 7:45 a.m.
every Saturday over ABS-CBN. Hosted by
Christine Bersola-Babao and Ruben Gonzaga,
the show aims to educate the viewing public on
living a healthier life through proper nutrition
education.
flect on their performance in math
and science, “where classroom
discussions and lessons learned
are now ‘standardized’ because
of the presence of KCh.”
A focus group discussion
(FGD) also showed that the
principals, teachers and students
perceived the presence of KCh
“as providing opportunities in
learning for the students in the
rural communities to catch up
with those in Metro Manila.”
Furthermore, decreases in absenteeism
and an increase in enrolment
was noted in some TEAM-
Mindanao schools because of the
technology-based intervention.
The improvement of students’
scores and grades and the way
they perform in class is clearly
the most important outcome of
KCh-provided schools, the study
said. But more than that, “KCh
is molding better citizens,” with
FGD participants saying that the
channel “has fostered community
unity and interaction towards
self-improvement.”
Soaring high with KCh
It was reported that some
TEAM-Mindanao schools
raised funds on their own to buy
MERALCO recently treated 82 children from
Martha’s Vineyard Learning Center in Mandaluyong
to a day of fun and games, carnival rides and
puppet shows at its compound in Ortigas as part of
“Fun-tastic” Friendship Fair: Pambatang Regalo
ng Meralco.
Aside from Martha’s Vineyard, 140 children
from “Iskul ni Bobby” in Pasig and the Department
of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
in Taytay also joined the fun.
Meralco president Manuel M. Lopez (MML)
chose the activity’s beneficiaries, including
Martha’s Vineyard whose president is his wife
Maritess Lopez.
“MML really has a soft spot for children. It’s
a priority for him to spread cheer to the kids,”
87 TV sets to add to those given
to them to facilitate more classroom
viewing.
Outstanding among the project
sites was Zamboanga Sibugay
which outperformed the others in
terms of increasing achievement
scores of their students in all subject
areas and their school communities’
support for the project.
In fact, they organized the first
Knowledge Channel family day
last March, with a grand parade,
KCh Quiz Bee Challenge, and
poster making and essay writing
contests on “Soaring High with
Knowledge Channel”—a first in
KCFI history.
As a fitting end to the project,
TEAM-Mindanao member
schools developed two-year plans
which aim to sustain the ETV
project without further funding
from either USAID or KCFI.
Among the plans’ highlights are
the organization of the “Association
of KCh Schools,” maintaining
and sustaining support for the
ETV infrastructure, and raising
funds to increase the number of
TV sets for the students.
THE levels of air pollutants at
the North Luzon Expressway
(NLEX) are within the permissible
limits set by the Department
of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR), an
environmental management and
monitoring report showed.
The report by Ecosyscorp
Inc. stated that emissions of sulfur
dioxide and nitrogen dioxide
registered values within the
standards allowed by law. Car-
A woman waits for relief amidst the ruins of her home.
TMC employees
need your help
TyPHOON Cosme, which hit Northern Luzon in May, affected
more than a million people (182,930 families) in La Union,
Pangasinan, Benguet and Zambales. “The number of damaged
houses accounted for 80% of total houses in Sta. Cruz,” Zambales
Governor Amor Delloso was quoted as saying.
Tollways Management Corporation (TMC) employees based
in Sta. Cruz, Zambales were among those displaced by the typhoon,
the fourth one to hit the country this year.
TMC employees, led by Volunteer Employees of North Tollways
(Vent), is organizing an effort to gather donations for the
victims. Some of the priority needs are canned goods and rice,
clothes, blankets and sleeping mats, construction materials to
rebuild damaged homes, and cash.
To donate, please call TMC Community Relations at 580-8914
or 580-8900 loc. 8805 and look for Sonny Alba or Donnah Gianan.
Safe air quality standards
maintained at NLEX
bon monoxide levels averaged
12.2 parts per million (ppm),
also well within the limit of 30
ppm.
Lead content in the air over
NLEX also indicated that there
are no harmful effects on human
beings. However, a high level of
total suspended particulates was
noted, particularly in congested
stations due to exhaust emissions.
The environmental report
also cited improvements in the
Kids spend ‘fun-tastic’
day at Meralco
said Christopher yap, head of Meralco’s Corporate
Social Responsibility Office (CSRO).
Each day of the outreach activity was sponsored
by different divisions of Meralco. Shared Services,
including Subsidiaries, acted as hosts for Martha’s
Vineyard. They were composed of employees from
the Corporate Information Office, the legal, finance
and human resources departments, joined by Soluziona,
E-Meralco Ventures, Bayad Center and Finserve.
“It was a meaningful experience for the employees
to interact with and bring cheer to the children. It also
allowed them to get involved in the activities which
MML believes is the most relevant way to celebrate
the foundation of our company,” yap said.
Meralco celebrated its 105th anniversary in
March.
drainage systems as indicated
by an increase in the number of
culverts with flowing water.
Ecosyscorp, a private consulting
firm, was commissioned
by the Manila North Tollways
Corp. (MNTC) to conduct the
company’s Environmental
Management and Monitoring
Plan (EMMP) as part of its
Environment, Safety and Health
Management (ESH) program.
(Kit Ventura)
CSR CALENDAR
Business Response
to Social Issues:
Getting It Done
Asian Forum on Corporate
Social Responsibility on
Nov. 20-21, 2008 at Grand
Copthorne Waterfront Hotel,
Singapore
Early bird rates (until Sept. 19):
$495 (1 pax); $440 (2-3 pax);
$395 (4 or more)
The AFCSR is Asia’s foremost
conference and expo on CSR.
AFCSR 2008 will have a powerhouse
set of speakers and
delegates. It is shaping up to be
the biggest and best yet with the
theme “Business Response to
Social Issues: Getting it Done.”
Register at asianforumcsr.com/
registration/registration.htm
‘Sum of Its Parts’ poster
(above); At the exhibit
opening, from left, curators
Eileen Ramirez and Chitz
Ramirez, Lopez
Museum director Cedie
Lopez Vargas, Pat Olazo,
and artists Romulo Olazo
and Jonathan Olazo.
pakwela
Simpleng tips para
sa mga ibig magtipid
By Norman Sison
PAANO mapapagkasya ang
budget para sa pag-aaral ng mga
bata? Pataas nang pataas ang tuition
at miscellaneous fees. Pati
air-conditioning ng eskwelahan
ay nakalista nang hiwalay sa assessment.
Hindi pa kasama doon
ang mga libro, school supplies,
uniporme at sapatos.
Para huwag magipit sa ganitong
panahon, ang pag-budget
ng mga gastusin sa bahay ay
gawin buong taon. Hingin ang
kooperasyon ng buong mag-anak
upang makatipid at mapagkasya
ang anumang kinikita mo mula sa
iyong trabaho at mga samu’t saring
sideline tulad ng pagbebenta ng
Avon at Fullerlife products, tocino,
longganisa, alahas at iba pa.
Pag-isipan ang mga tips na
ito:
• Turuan ang mga kasambahay
na patayin ang ilaw, bentilador,
TV at kung anumang de-kuryenteng
gamit sa kani-kanilang
kwarto tuwing lalabas o kung
wala rin lang gumagamit.
Depende sa laki ng wattage ng
iyong mga ilaw at appliances,
ang simpleng hakbang na ito
ay makabawas ng ilang daan
mula sa iyong electric bill sa
loob ng isang taon.
• Dalasan ang pagluluto ng mga
ulam na masabaw. Mapapaghalo
sa masabaw na ulam ang
karne or isda at ang gulay upang
matustusan ang nutritional
requirements ng mga anak.
Kung magpi-prito ng karne o
isda, kailangan pang mag-gisa
o maglaga ng gulay para makumpleto
ang hain. Sa pagluluto
ng iisang beses, matitipid ang
paggamit ng LPG (liquefied
petroleum gas), na ubod na ng
mahal ngayon (higit P600 ang
11 kilograms na tangke).
• Matuto kung paano magtago ng
pagkain. Alamin ang expiration
ng lahat ng de-lata sa cabinet at
ng cold cuts sa freezer. Iwasan na
mapanisan at hindi na mapapakinabangan
ang panis na pagkain.
Tandaang higit na tumatagal ang
mga tuyo at tinapang karne o
isda kesa sariwang bili.
• Pag may espesyal na okasyon,
manatili sa bahay imbes na
lumabas. Maaaring manood
ng DVD o mag-karaoke.
Kung lalabas pa kasi’y lalo
kang mapapagastos sa pagkain,
pamasahe at bukod pa
ang pang-entertainment.
• Turuan ang mga anak sa kolehiyo
na maghanap, bumili
at gumamit ng second-hand
textbooks. Wala namang halos
workbooks ang college
students kaya paulit-ulit na
magagamit ang
karamihan ng
k a n i l a n g
mga libro.
• B u m i l i
ng mumurahing
sapatos at
damit para
sa mga
sanggol at
musmos. Ma-
Ongoings @Lopez Museum
Tracing the evolution
‘from pigment to
venerated object’
THE Lopez Memorial Museum showcases its
heritage of and unique expertise in conservation,
collection and acquisition in the exhibit “The
Sum of Its Parts.”
The essential role of museums in preserving
and promoting cultural heritage involves conservation.
As these are done mostly behind the
scenes, few museum audiences understand the
work involved.
dali namang kalakhan ng mga
bata ang kanilang mga damit,
medyas at sapatos. Hindi praktikal
na bumili ng mga mamahaling
swimsuits o swimming
trunks at rubber shoes gayong
isa o dalawang taon lang naman
gagamitin. Kung bibili
ng high quality na kagamitan,
halimbawa’y school bag, siguraduhing
magagamit pa ito ng
mga apat na taon upang masulit
ang gastos.
• Hangga’t maaari, iwasan ang
paggamit ng credit card kung
hindi kayang bayaran ang
buong halaga sa due date.
Napakalaki ng 3.5% na interes
na sinisingil ng mga credit card
at talung-talo ka sa finance
charges kung buwan-buwan
ka magbabayad dahil merong
natitirang balanse. Kung hindi
rin lang kailangan, maghintay
na lamang ng bonus bago
pagbigyan ang luho ni misis o
mister. Dapat ay disiplinahin
ng mga magulang ang kanilang
sarili para matuto rin ng tamang
values ang mga anak.
Kung gagawin ang
mga ito buong taon, siguradong
mararamdaman
mo ang pag-ibis ng gastusin
at mapapagkasya
mo na ang sweldo mo.
Mababayaran mo rin ang
iyong mga pagkakautang
at makakaipon ka pa para sa
iyong kinabukasan!
The exhibit features pieces from the collection
which have undergone or are slated to undergo
conservation. These are works by Felix Resurreccion
Hidalgo, Juan Luna, Pacita Abad, Nena
Saguil, Juvenal Sanso and Claudio Bravo. Also
included is contemporary artist Jonathan Olazo’s
installation work taking off from the work of his
father Romulo Olazo, who is known for his “Diaphanous
Series” which he began to develop in
the late 1960s through printmaking.
Through the exhibit, the viewer will be made
aware of how various agents in the art world—from
the artist, the institutions and the audience themselves—participate
in transforming a work from
pigment to venerated object.
Library exhibit
faces the
heritage question
Local recognition of our tangible and intangible
heritage is as important as international recognition.
But questions of heritage, change and
adaptation in relation to contending claims of
stakeholders have made the choice and naming
of heritage challenging. The Lopez Memorial
Museum Library “Efface” looks at this discourse
on built heritage as well as intangible culture.
100th birth anniversary
ACCORDING to her son,
Lopez Group chairman
Oscar M. Lopez (OML),
Doña Pacita Moreno Lopez
(PML), born on June 4,
1908, “was very proud of
her lineage, which was basically
Tagalog stock from
Pritil, Tondo with a dash
of Spanish blood on the
Moreno side and a strong
infusion of Chinese blood
from her mother’s De Santos
family.”
PML’s close friends,
who called her Nitang, were
often surprised to find out
that she was really a Tagalog
by birth and upbringing
because she spoke fluent
Ilonggo. Because of her
facility for languages, she
spoke Spanish, English,
Visayan and Tagalog fluently.
OML credits his mother for saving his
and his brother’s life during the last phase of
World War II when Barrio Irisan, where they
temporarily stayed, was bombed by returning
American forces.
Mother’s hunch
“When the shells started falling near our
hut, Geny (the late Eugenio Lopez, Jr.) and
I ran out of the hut and started going down a
hill where some others in our group had gone.
But my mother grabbed and pulled us to go in
the opposite direction for no apparent reason
except that that was her hunch. After the shelling
was over, we found out that a big shell had
landed at the bottom of the hill where Geny
and I were headed, instantly killing my uncle,
Nicolas Lizares, and seriously wounding his
son, Joseling…This one, we really owe to our
mother and her uncanny instinct for protecting
The “Hudhud” of the Ifugaos and the “Darangen”
of the Maranaos have been recognized by the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (Unesco) as Masterpieces of Oral and
Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001 and 2005,
respectively. Our baroque churches, Tubbataha
Reef Marine Park, the Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras,
Vigan in Ilocos Sur and Puerto Princesa
Subterranean Rover National Park are considered
world heritage sites. The recognition has brought
in funds for their preservation and promotion.
However, the same attention has not been given
to other valuable places and practices. “Efface” aims
to identify these places and practices and encourage
their awareness, preservation and promotion.
Photos of architectural landmarks such as the
Paco train station, Crystal Arcade and Divisoria,
drawn-up plans by architects such as Juan Arellano,
and texts illustrating heritage conservation are among
the images and texts presented in the exhibit.
Both exhibits are curated by the husband-andwife
team of Chitz and Eileen Ramirez and will run
until September 2008. The Lopez Memorial Museum
is located at the ground floor of Benpres Building,
Exchange Road, Pasig. Museum days and hours
are Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., except Sunday
and holidays. Entrance fee is P60 for elementary
students, P80 for high school and college students,
and P100 for adults. For more information call
631-2417 or email pezseum@skyinet.net.
tribute
Proud Tagalog lived to the full
Portrait of Pacita M. Lopez, 1968 by
Claudio Bravo (charcoal and pastel
on paper) before conservation. The
portrait is on display in Lopez Museum
as part of the exhibit ‘Sum of Its Parts.’
her brood,” OML narrated
at the necrological service
for PML who passed away
on November 26, 1996.
A very active woman,
PML enjoyed the company
of friends, playing mah
jong with one group and
pangginge with another
group. She belonged to two
dancing clubs, had weekly
calisthenics with neighbors,
went to the casinos
with friends and close relatives,
dabbled in painting,
and extensively traveled to
touch base with friends and
shop for bargains. Keeping
her charity work very
private, PML maintained
a free clinic for indigent
children and adults in their
neighborhood in Parañaque
for many years before martial law.
Abiding love
Her grandchildren, among them Lopez
Museum executive director Cedie Vargas,
recall that she was always part of their lives.
They would be pulled out to have lunch or
dinner with her at least once a week. They
would also accompany her dancing. She
even had the energy to attend the wedding of
grandson Federico R. Lopez, now First Gen
chief executive officer, the day before she had
a check up for her congested chest. Two days
after the wedding, she passed away at the age
of 88 years and six months.
Indeed, PML lived to the fullest, returning
to her Creator peacefully in her sleep—knowing
she had “the abiding love and respect of all
(her) children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren,
as well as the myriad of relatives and
friends left behind.”

10 LopezLink June 2008
LiFeLONG WeLLNeSS
A summit meeting at Mt. Apo Gear up!
By Rafael M. Alunan III
THE Meralco boardroom tussle was starting
to get heated but Lopez Group chairman
Oscar M. Lopez (OML) was in high
spirits. In early May, he had conquered Mt.
Apo, the country’s highest peak. That’s
why when he said he is in no mood to meet
with Government Service Insurance System
(GSIS) president Winston Garcia over
Meralco, we joked that perhaps he should
just say that he is ready to have a “summit
meeting,” not in some fancy boardroom
but a real summit meeting at the top of Mt.
Kanlaon—and only after they both scale
the heights on foot. No helicopters, please!
Indeed, when OML invites you to
a summit meeting these days, he really
means meeting at the summit of some tall
mountain somewhere. He conquered Mt.
Pulag, Luzon’s highest peak, early last
year. He just turned 78 in April, but his
appetite for climbing mountains is just
starting to…peak. So, he insisted he had to
scale Mt. Apo and wouldn’t take no for an
answer from his anxious subordinates who
had to make the preparations quickly.
Recon climb
But they made it clear to the boss
from the start that it was doubtful they
could do it soon. We were worried about
the steepness, the weather, the distance,
the thin air—whether the Lopez Group
chairman should and could do it at 78
with an eye disability that impaired depth
perception and affected balance.
When Rico de Manzana and I did a
recon climb last September, Pastor Emata
of Mt. Everest fame told us that this
would be no “walk in the park.” Climbing
Mt. Apo would be three times harder
than Mt. Pulag and unbelievably similar
sports & wellness
calendar
Walk the Talk
June 14 @ EL Center,
Antipolo City
Open to all Lopez
Group employees and their families.
All participants must register. Warmup
from 6 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Wear
comfortable attire and bring extra
t-shirts, towel, walking shoes and
water/refreshments. For more info,
contact Louie Martin at 631-6394.
Fontana Sprint Triathlon
(800m swim-30km bike-5km run)
June 15, @Fontana Park, Clark Field,
Pampanga
Registration fee is P500. Contact Japs
Viray for registration/accommodation
at (0918) 235-7374 and Thumbie Remigio
for race details at (0916) 385-8322.
AAV Independence Day
Triathlon
(Sprint and mini sprint)
June 15 @La Salle Zobel, Ayala
Alabang
Registration fee of P1,250 applies until
June 14. Onsite registrants will be
charged P1,750. Contract TRAP at 710-
8259 or visit www.triathlon.org.ph.
Yoga 101: Fundamental Asanas
June 10 12, 17, 19, 24, 28
@120 Perea St., Makati City
A series of six classes that explores
breathing and the alignment of basic
yoga postures. Senior teacher Hoze
Arando will highlight a specific type
of pose (“asana”) in every class and
discuss its benefits. Fee is P500/class
or P2,700 for all six classes. Familiarity
with the sun salutations is required. For
inquiries, text 0917 522 yOGA (9642)
or email info@yogamanila.com.
(L-R)
Raffy
Alunan,
Dr. Art
de Guia,
Elpidio
Ibañez
and son
Diego.
Rina Lopez-Bautista (3rd from left) with
the Filipina Mt. Everest summiteers.
to the trek to the first of several Mt. Everest
base camps at 17,000 ft. from the
jump-off point at 11,000 ft.
May 2-4, 2008 was chosen for the
climb and the preparations moved into high
gear. The Mt. Everest Team was alerted;
Philippine National Oil Company–Energy
Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC) began
chiseling the earth to cut a stairway to the
top; ABS-CBN’s Abner Mercado and his
camera crew were contacted to join OML’s
historic climb; and coordination with the
local government units commenced.
Go-ahead
A final meeting with OML on April 28
assessed the weather reports. After much
consideration and consultation with Art
Valdez, the Mt. Everest Team’s expedition
leader, and Dr. Ted Esguerra, the expedition
doctor, the go-ahead was obtained.
The climb would be in various phases:
Day 1 is departure from Manila to Davao
and Kidapawan; Day 2 is jump-off point at
7 a.m. from Site G perched at 5,000 ft. to
the nursery/ reforestation site at 8,000 ft.
and overnight; Day 3 would be from the
nursery to the summit (officially at 10, 311
ft.); Day 4 would be the return trip to Site
G at around 7 a.m. Post-climb activities included
a dip at the Lake Agco Hot Springs
By Hermes T. Miranda
THIRTEEN teams, including two from
first-timers First Gen-Energy Development
Corp. (EDC), and Asian Eye Institute
(AEI), will take part in the Lopez
Lifelong Wellness 2008 basketball tournament,
which starts at the Meralco Gym
on June 5, 2008.
There will be a short opening
ceremony at 5 p.m., followed by two
games. Lots will be drawn to determine
which teams will play on opening
day and on the following day, Friday
(at Club 650 in Libis). All succeeding
Resort and a victory dinner. And Day 5 is
the return trip to Manila via Davao.
When we got to Davao, we decided to
advance the climb by one day to take advantage
of the weather. After a quick lunch,
around 160 climbers, including porters and
security personnel, set off for the nursery
at approximately 2 p.m. from Site G at the
southeastern corner of the facility. We got
to the site 4.5 hours later with our headlamps
on welcomed by a slight drizzle.
Seeing forever
The night was nice and cool at around
7 degrees Centigrade. Woolen sweaters,
caps, socks and gloves were the fashion of
the night, apart from thermal underwear.
What I like about the outdoors is that on
a clear night you can see forever. The sky
was pulsating with life—stars and planets
that you hardly see in the city.
That was May 1. But by May 2, the
weather turned ugly and our second night
at the nursery (we should have been at
the summit had it not rained for hours)
was wet and very cold. The absence of
sun had cooled the earth and the night
had turned much colder.
One thing that favored us during the
climb and at the bivouac areas were the
Everest team’s stories about their experiences,
observations on climate change and
never-ending banter. It kept our minds away
from the trek’s rigors and our aching bones.
Because of the good weather on May
3, we decided to climb to the summit
early the next morning. We took off at
7:30 a.m. It was foggy, but the thick fog
broke momentarily, giving us a view of
Lake Venado. We reached the top at approximately
11:45 a.m.
For OML it was a dream come true.
(L-R) Mt.
Everest Team
members with
Raffy Alunan,
Angela L.
Guingona,
OML, Jake
Lopez and Rina
Lopez-Bautista.
For all of us who helped one way or another,
it was mission accomplished.
At the summit
When we got to the summit, the
heavens poured. We decided to leave as
soon as we gulped down some chow.
Fears that the trail would be washed out
were well founded. It was disappointing
because a night at the summit would
have been memorable.
The trek down was very tricky; life
threatening, in fact. Parts of the trail and
stairways were washed away by the torrential
rain. I am sure that prayers flew fast
and thick for our safe return. Thank God,
the ropes and harnesses held, keeping us
steady for the most time and our inevitable
slips from the thick mud at a minimum.
OML’s true grit and composure, despite
the challenges posed by the weather and by
age, demonstrate his leadership qualities
and winning ways. It is leadership by example
to face adversity and to conquer it.
But it is also about well-being; the knowledge
that one acquires from experience
that the impossible is not really so; and the
self-confidence that that knowledge instills
to face other unknowns.
At the top of the world
What lies ahead after being the oldest
man to climb Mt. Pulag, Luzon’s highest
peak, and Mt. Apo, Mindanao’s and the
country’s highest peak? In OML’s words,
Mt. Kanlaon is next. OML’s resume would
then show that he has climbed the tallest
peaks in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
After that, who can tell? Perhaps
Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo? Whatever it is,
OML is a proven goal-setter and achiever
many times over. He’s at the top of his
world—and it can’t get better than that.
Lopez Group basketball tourney tips off!
Who will grab the crown?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Division A
ABS-CBN (Red)
Bayan
(Red/White)
Meralco (Orange)
Soluziona
(Navy Blue)
Tollways Management
Corp.
(TMC) (White)
First Gen-EDC
(Green)
Division B
AEI (Yellow)
First Balfour
(White)
First Gen (Green)
First Holdings
(Black)
Philec (Blue)
Manila North
Tollways Corp.
(MNTC) (Blue)
Sky Cable
(Sky Blue)
games will be held at the Meralco Gym
from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays
and Thursdays.
This year’s joust promises to be
more exciting, thanks to innovations
put in place by Louie Martin of FPIDC,
Macky de Lima of First Balfour, Hermes
Miranda of Benpres Holdings and other
coordinators of participating teams, and
Chiqui Paterno of tournament manager
MPG. According to Martin, the Wellness
team may post the stats and schedules
at lopezwellness.com and gameface.ph/
mcbl.ph (check correct site) websites so
employees are updated on the standing of
their favorite teams.
Other improvements include limiting
teams to 15 members each, composed of 12
regular members and three reserves; employing
an announcer for all games; and closer
coordination between the Wellness team and
HR for sanctions on erring players.
The teams were split into two divisions,
A and B, with Division A as the
stronger of the two. Each division will
have a champion team and individual
winners, including Most Valuable Player,
Best Defender and Mythical Five.
Jrs, snrs clash in
summer chess games
The Meralco Chess Club recently held its
Juniors and Seniors Summer Games at the
Basement Canteen of the Lopez Building.
JC Andan (left photo) of Ateneo de Manila
University, one of the five winners in the
“MeralcOlympics Pawns, Bishops and
Rooks” exhibition games, topped the juniors-grade school group. Earl Cabugao,
another MeralcOlympics winner, finished first runner-up while Jonelisa Miguel was
second runner-up. Jaron Dellota, also of Ateneo, dominated the juniors-high school
group. MeralcOlympics winners Iggy Vergara and Petricia Gonzales were first and
second runners-up, respectively. Meanwhile, Rolly Sol Cruz of Retail-Customer Process
ruled the seniors group. Tied for first runner-up were Ronnie Dellota, Johnson
Maclang and Romy Aguilar. (Rolly Sol Cruz)
GEARING up for your first peak? Here’s
a list of some basic personal and group
equipment you’ll need.
Personal equipment
Trek shoes. For men, check out heavy-duty
high-cut The North Face (TNF)
trek shoes; for women, there
are lighter low-cut Columbia
or TNF models. However,
if there are porters
to carry your stuff, opt
for lighter, low-cut
shoes. Be sure to
buy one size bigger
than your normal running-shoe size.
Backpack. A 40 liter-50 liter internalframe
backpack should be enough for two
nights if you’re not assigned to carry food
and cooking items. The size of the pack depends
on the length
of your torso
between the top
of your hipbone
and the protruding
bone just
below the
back of your
neck. Also,
buy large clear
plastic bags to
use as double
liners inside
your
b a c k -
pack to
w a t e r -
proof it.
Headlamp. Try a Petzl Tikka XP or a
Tikka Plus. It must be strapped to your
head (instead of a handheld flashlight) so
your hands are free.
Sleeping pad and bag. Check out Therma-Rest
Prolite 3 sleep pads, which cost about
P5,000. Don’t buy the bulky ones. The pad
may serve as a lining for your backpack.
Bring a small sleeping bag on high-altitude
climbs like Mt. Pulag or Mt. Apo.
Trek clothes and towel. Try polyester
base layers for trekking under the hot sun,
a fleece sweater for the summit and during
sleeping, and maybe an outer shell for when
it rains. Columbia and TNF have many
models for these last two. Some climbers
bring only two sets of clothes—trek clothes
and camp clothes. The first they pull on
at the start of the day and hang overnight
to dry. yucky, but it saves weight. If you
choose trek shorts over pants, use leggings,
black preferably, to protect your legs from
thorns and sharp blades of grass.
Hydration. Get a bladder that you can
install inside your pack—Camelbak and
Platypus are just two of the brands available—and
with a hose dangling outside that
you can sip from while trekking.
Camp footwear and trek pole. These
should be sturdy and light.
Camp utensils. you’ll need a Tupperware
food canister, plastic utensils, a cup for
coffee and/or soup. There are also some
PVC alternatives and expensive titanium
models at ROX.
Trowel. A small one plastic will do, for
digging catholes.
Group equipment
Tent. Hoop tents are lighter while dome- or
tadpole-style tents are a bit heavier but are
freestanding. Make sure it’s a three-season
backpacking tent with aluminum poles and
a full-coverage rain fly.
Stove and aluminum cook set. MSR brand
stoves that use liquid white gas (lighter fluid)
are a good bet, though some brands use
compressed air (butane) canisters as fuel.
For more gear tips, go to www.backpacker.com.
Sudoku
Maglaro tayo ng Sudoku, ang bagong libangan ng bayan!
Ayusin lamang ang mga numero simula 1 hanggang 9
para ang bawat numero ay minsan lang magagamit sa
bawat row, column at kahon. Dear
Very Easy
Easy
Medium
Hard
Answer to May puzzle
Solution, tips and computer program available at www.
sudoku.com
REDISCOVER THE NORTH
Whiskered tern in
Candaba Swamp (top);
St. Peter’s Shrine
(right); Paskuhan
lantern (below)
FOR those bound for Clark—to
join a triathlon, perhaps?—there
are so many things you and your
family can do to bond or unwind
afterwards, from skydiving, offroad
driving or even an aerial
tour of Mt. Pinatubo.
The Clark Special Economic
Zone (CSEZ) was known for
decades as the Clark US Air
Force Base, home to American
pilots serving in the Pacific.
Almost the size of Singapore,
the CSEZ occupies more than
28,000 hectares. It is extremely
accessible, being only about an
hour’s smooth drive from Manila
via the North Luzon Expressway
(NLEX).
Here are some attractions you
can check out when in Clark and
neighboring towns:
St. Peter’s Shrine
Apalit, Pampanga
The shrine serves as the
permanent residence of the lifesize
ivory image of St. Peter,
reverently called “Apung Iru”
by the townspeople. The image
was brought from Spain to the
EARLy last month, our chairman Oscar M. Lopez
(OML) hied off to Davao to take a break from the
Meralco boardroom tussle. There, he held a summit
of his own, bucking less-than-ideal weather
conditions, and conquered Mt. Apo, the country’s
highest peak. Congratulations, sir!
Meralco has been in the spotlight because of
the proxy fight with state insurance company GSIS.
The brouhaha started when GSIS president Winston
Garcia questioned the “lack of transparency in the
management of Meralco” and demanded that the
company open its books. Garcia, who came under
fire several years ago for purchasing a multimillion-dollar
painting using GSIS funds and has yet to make a public report of the
status of GSIS funds invested in foreign equity markets hit by subprime woes,
has minced no words in pushing for a government takeover of the utility, using
as springboard GSIS’s four board seats and 33% ownership of Meralco. As if
on cue, the undying high-power-rates boogeyman was resurrected.
OML responded through an open letter to Pres. Arroyo on May 14 (see
p. 7) where he presented solutions to the problem of high power rates; for
example, using more indigenous fuels in the power generation mix and correcting
“structural disincentives.”
Things heated up during the annual stockholders’ meeting at the Meralco
headquarters on May 27 in what is already touted as the longest stockholders’
meeting in Philippine history. Lopez Group nominees won 5-4, with two
independents rounding out the 11-person board. However, the next day, SEC
ordered Meralco officials to explain why they defied a last-minute cease and
desist order to “to exclude management-solicited proxies” in the vote.
As we go to press, it was reported that Meralco was asked to file its
response by noon of May 30, to be followed by a hearing at the SEC at 2
p.m. on the same day. We’re keeping an eye on this issue and will provide
more updates next month.
In other news: Following its impressive 2007 financial performance,
ABS-CBN makes a comeback in The Asian Wall Street Journal’s list of most
admired companies in the Philippines, ranking seventh overall. The Kapamilya
network was the only media company deemed deserving of inclusion
in the list by the 2,477 executives and professionals surveyed by research
firm Colmar Brunton; the company also copped an Innovation Award for its
internet TV services on TFCnow. Kudos!
Congratulations also to those who auditioned for “Undaunted” in April
and May. Our newest singers/actors will get several extra weeks of practice
before the curtain rises on this special presentation, so expect a smashing,
rip-roaring show, everyone, this fourth quarter! The third Lopez Group basketball
tournament happening in June also promises to be the most exciting
ever, with a couple of first-time participants and improved rules and innovations.
Will the Meralco team still be able to hold on to its crown?
Finally, parents on the lookout for special treats for the kiddies this school
year may take a tip or two from this month’s Power Plant Mall Finds section.
Lessons are so much more interesting with the perfect school stuff. So, with
your midyear bonus in hand, head on over to Power Plant before everyone
beats you to all the good buys!
ooOoo
I live in Bulacan and am an Easy Tag subscriber for two years now. I
was wondering if there’s a way for me to use the Easy Tag in SLEX and
other tollways because my family always goes on road trips in the south.
Thanks.—G. V.
The Easy Tag is currently for use in the NLEX only, but negotiations are
under way for SLEX and other tollway systems. For your info, the Easy Tag
Come along to
Clark!
Philippines in a religious voyage.
Mt. Arayat National Park
Arayat, Pampanga
The 3,564-feet high mountain
at Barrio Bano, Arayat features a
natural park complete with swimming
pools, recreational halls and
picnic huts. Experience the cool
breeze and natural spring water
that falls from the mountains. The
park is only two kilometers away
from the town proper of Arayat.
Candaba Swamp
Candaba, Pampanga
A bird sanctuary and a haven
for bird watchers, thousands of
wild ducks migrate here during
winter in China.
Paskuhan Village
San Fernando, Pampanga
Paskuhan Village has all the
elements of traditional Filipino
heritage under one roof, aiming
to depict Philippines Christmas
all year round. It is a major trade
and tourism center not only in the
region but also throughout the
country.
Accommodation in Clark
is never a problem. Stay at the
Holiday Inn Clark, the Mimosa,
Montevista or Fontana Villas for
premium service for very reasonable
rates. Also recommended
are Blue Bianco Suites, Marlim
Mansion, Oasis Hotel or Clarkton
Hotel.
LopezLink June 2008 11
Rosie
is also available at the following stations: Petron Express Center-Marilao,
Petron Express Center- Balagtas, Shell NLEX-Balagtas and Caltex Mega
Station-San Fernando.
ooOoo
I’d like to subscribe to Foodie magazine but it’s not included in their
subscription form yet. Help!—Gigi
Sunshine Laserna of ABS-CBN Publishing replies: “Since Foodie is a
new title, we needed to have the special rate approved by our finance department.
The subscription rate for Lopez Group employees has been approved
and we have already updated the subscription lineup.”
ooOoo
During the Sunday Rockwell bazaar a few weeks ago, I walked around to
check other stalls out and stumbled onto these all-natural cleaning products
which weren’t expensive! And better for the environment and health of
kids! Bought a couple of bottles. My maid loved the smell so I googled to see
where I could buy more. The link above is the seller’s sister’s blog apparently
and all the info is in there (http://heart-2-heart-online.com/2007/11/05/
messy-bessy/). Is the Rockwell bazaar a regular thing like in Salcedo Village?
Please publish the calendar of the next Sunday Rockwell bazaar.—Chiqui
Malou Pineda of Rockwell Power Plant Mall says Krie Lopez is the
brains behind the Messy Bessy products. As for future Sunday Souks, please
watch for announcements. you may also call Power Plant Mall at 898-1702
for information.
ooOoo
Glad to know that two of my favorite journalists, Marites D. Vitug and
Glenda Gloria, have joined ABS-CBN. Looking forward to the improved
Online and ANC. More power!—Tina S.
We’re excited about having them onboard too! Watch for more of our
newest kapamilya in an upcoming issue of LopezLink.
ooOoo
Please feature the Meralco issue especially with regard to the question
of high power rates. I paid my bill last week and it reached almost
P1,000—and to think I have only lights, a fan, ref, TV and PC, which I
hardly use simultaneously, anyway. Am I in for more bad news?—Lizzie
The Meralco issue is covered comprehensively in this edition of LopezLink.
We hope our features answer your question about your electric bill as well.
ooOoo
Kudos to SkyCable’s Balls TV! I am happy to see that they are airing triathlons.
It was my first time to see current men’s No. 1 Javier Gomez at work.
Wow! Chased down a pack after T2, the likes of Andrew Johns and Brad
Kahlefeldt who were already flying on the run. But Gomez is in a different
league. He ran the fastest 10k in a triathlon I have ever seen. Unbelievable.
Do you have the sked of the Tour de France this July? –Ricardo
According to Karen Zabaljauregui of SkyCable, Balls TV’s (SkyCable
Channel 34) has prepared a tentative schedule for Tour de France 2008.
Catch the daily highlights on July 13-14, 18, 20, 22, 26-27 at 8 p.m.; and the
10 stages on July 5-6, 13-14, 18, 20, 22-23, 26-27 at 8:30 p.m. Do keep an
eye on Balls TV for the updated schedule. Happy viewing!
ooOoo
If you have questions, comments, opinions, suggestions and reactions
about anything and everything about the Lopez Group, please send
them to Dear Rosie through fax no. 633-3520 or to DearRosie@benpres-holdings.com.
Maraming salamat!
Easy Trip it!
EASy Trip is the new tag for use
in the NLEX which motorists
will soon be able to use in all expressways—that’s
NLEX, Skyway,
South Luzon Expressway
(SLEX), Coastal Road and
the Southern Tagalog Arterial
Road (Star) Tollway. Wow!
Easy Trip is available
at the introductory price of
P1,008—from the original price
of P1,680—until July 30, 2008, and will be preloaded
with P500.
The tags are available at the following gas
stations along the NLEX from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
Petron Express Center-Marilao, Petron Express
Center-Balagtas, Shell NLEX-Balagtas and Caltex
Mega Station-San Fernando. Top-up is through
any Bancnet ATM or credit cards or over the counter
in any of the aforementioned gas stations.
For more info, call 631-2345 or visit www.
easytrip.ph.

1 LopezLink June 2008
What’s newBy
Sheila Quieta
from ABS-CBN Publishing this June
‘Metro’
highlights
Pinoy design
Bea Alonzo, the star
of “Maging Sino Ka
Man: Ang Pagbabalik”
who graces Metro’s
June cover, describes
her alter ego Jackie
Madrigal as “more
independent.” Offscreen,
the circumstances are
similar for the actress who
has learned to deal with
life’s ups and downs alone— she makes decisions on
her own, including living a life that fans can look up to. Also in
this issue: Pinoy fashion by the young Designers Guild, Cebu’s
brightest talents and the country’s most celebrated designers;
post-summer makeup, and how two women changed their life
with one decision.
Back-to-school fun with ‘Chalk’
The end of summer is the perfect excuse to go back-to-school
shopping! Put together the perfect wardrobe on a budget. Find
out where you can buy notebooks, pencil cases and other items
that will keep you in step with the trends. Meet future campus
heartthrobs in the roundup of college freshmen to watch.
ROCKWELL POWER PLANT FINDS
ready
Are you
for school?
By Norman Sison
Red sneakers
(P595), Spin
Editorial Advisory Board Boo Chanco / Danny Gozo
Executive Editor Rosan Cruz
Contributing Editors
Carla Paras-Sison (Benpres) Marlene Ochoa (MNTC)
Maite Bueno (Meralco) John Rojo (Bayan)
Estela de la Paz (First Gen) Juno Chuidian (SkyCable)
Kane Choa (ABS-CBN) Sheila Quieta (ABS-CBN Publishing)
Nicole Carlos (FPHC) Vienn Tionglico (Rockwell)
Rafael Alunan III (Wellness) Vanessa Suquila (LGFI)
Circulation Lucy Torres (Tel. 449-2468)
Editorial and Layout Mousetrap Publishing
LopezLink is published by Benpres PR Group
4/F Benpres Bldg., Ortigas, Pasig City
Telefax: 633-3520
For feedback, please email
rcruz@benpres.com.ph
Cover girl Toni Gonzaga
talks about how she has set
herself apart in showbiz.
Plus, profiles on Karen
Pamintuan, Joaquin Valdes,
Apl.de.ap and more!
Kris gets personal in ‘K’
Kris Aquino opens the pages of her diary and recalls the day
when she received the phone call saying that their mother had
cancer. But there’s plenty to celebrate in the newest issue of
“K,” which contains photos of Baby James’s first birthday
party. Cuties Enchong Dee, Puma de Borja, Carlo Guevara,
Donnie Geisler and Marvin Raymundo also talk about why they
love their moms. Lastly, “K” offers a behind-the-scenes look at
“Deal or No Deal—Around the World,” when Kris shared the
stage with US host Howie Mandel.
Toni, Kim and more in ‘StarStudio’
StarStudio Magazine cover girl Toni Gonzaga shares the story
of how she made her showbiz dreams come true. Also, get an
exclusive look at Kim Chiu’s debut and see Gerald Anderson’s
gift to the debutante! Celebrate Gay Pride month with John
Lapus and Aiza Seguerra, who share their stories about coming
to terms with who they are. And don’t miss the feature on the
entertainment news team of “TV Patrol”—Mario Dumaual,
Phoemela Barranda, Ginger Conejero and Marie Lozano. We
also bring you photos of your favorite celebrities at work and
at play!
IT’s time to get the kids back to school!
And in case you still haven’t shopped for
school stuff, we have some suggestions
that you might want to check out at
Rockwell Center’s Power Plant Mall.
The write stuff
you can get notebooks and pens
anywhere, of course, but if you want really
good-quality stuff, Office Warehouse at
the food court (Level P1) is one place to
go. Who says the shop is all office stuff?
They carry the imported Mead brand (no,
not made in China), among others. Mead
has 11x8.5” notebook refills (P193.50),
8.5x11” notepads (P172), pocket
notebooks (P102), plastic notebook file
folders (P120), spiral notebooks (P120
for size 11x8.5” and P275 for size
9.5x6”).
Office Warehouse also carries
the German-made Schneider pen
brand. They have permanent
markers (P30), sign pens (P49.50-
P155) and retractable pens (P49-
P125).
For the road
When it comes to bags, you’d want
them to last—unless it’s your delight to
Backpacks (P2,190) and waist bags (P1,090),
The North Face
Nalgene water bottles (P790-P890), The
North Face
spend on school stuff year in and out.
Drop by The North Face. No, the shop
isn’t on Mount Everest (Level R2).
you’d be interested in their allweather
backpacks (P2,190) and their
waist bags (P1,090). Also, check out their
one-liter Nalgene water bottles (P790-
P890). They’re made of super breakresistant
polycarbonate plastic. This is one
plastic bottle an environmentalist would
probably allow to be utilized. If their
stuff can withstand the rough outdoors of
camping, then they can survive the rigors
of your kid’s handling. But then again,
Get the newest issues of your favorite magazines at leading
bookstores and magazine stands nationwide. Exclusive to
Lopez Group employees within Metro Manila, use your office
address and get a full year subscription discount up to 50% off
cover price. For inquiries, call ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. at
455-9434.
kids are known to break even Guinness
world records, aside from their parents’
sanity.
For the little ones
For the little tykes, including those
who are going to have their single most
memorable or terrifying day of their
lives—school day 1—stroll to the other
end of Power Plant and you’ll find Spin, a
shop for boys.
They have very affordable socks
(P199), sneakers (P595, depending on
size) and polo shirts (P535), among other
kiddie wear. For Good Samaritans who
want to help women battling breast cancer,
Spin also offers boys’ shirts made by
breast cancer support group I Can Serve.
A quarter of the proceeds from the sale
of the shirts will go to the foundation’s
benefit.
Socks
(P199) and
polo shirts
(P535), Spin