FPSC: Bullish on solar energy

March 2009
Run for a cause
on March 8 (Sunday), 5:30 a.m.
@ the Quirino Grandstand.
Sign up now!
Details on page 10
Available online at www.benpres-holdings.com
FPSC: Bullish
on solar energy
AFI launches ‘Kapit
Bisig sa Ilog Pasig’
THE future’s bright for First Philec Solar
Corporation (FPSC) and its trailblazing
incursion into the sunrise industry of solar power.
An 80-20 joint venture between First
Philippine Electric Corporation and SunPower Philippines Manufacturing Ltd.
(SPML), FPSC came about after a series
of fortuitous events. First Sumiden
Circuits Inc. (FSCI) chief
Dan C. Lachica was
introduced by
a common
...page 2
PHOTO BY: RYAN RAMOS
Lopez Group hauls
in the Anvils ...page 4
Best gift ideas
for new grads
from Power
Plant Mall
…page 12
friend to a senior executive of SunPower,
which was then looking for somebody to
outsource its wafer slicing operation.
“For the past three years, our mandate
was to expand the manufacturing businesses, both electrical and electronics. We
were always on the lookout for other opportunities,” Lachica says.
Their then-prospective partner, SPML,
is the subsidiary of SunPower Corp.,
which was cofounded by Stanford University electrical engineering professor Richard Swanson. The 25-year-old, California,
USA-based company today is known for
designing and manufacturing the world’s
highest-efficiency solar panels.
Off and running
After edging out more established competitors, FPSC—as the JV company came
to be called—the JV agreement was signed
and the project was off and running.
Lachica, a Silicon Valley alumnus, was recalled by First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPHC) from FSCI where he
was seconded and came onboard as FPSC
president and chief executive officer.
FPSC’s wafer slicing facility within the
315-hectare First Philippine Industrial
Park in Sto. Tomas, Batangas was inaugurated on June 18, 2008, with Lopez Group
chairman Oscar M. Lopez and guest of
honor Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes
among those in attendance.
Turn to page 6
Lopezlink March 2009
SK Y president Eugenio
Lopez III encourages
employees to touch people’s
lives by offering a positive
change through SK Y’s
groundbreaking products
and services.
SKY braces for the big change
IN 1992, SkyCable revolutionized household entertainment
when it offered cable television
to Filipinos. In 2006, it introduced SkyCable Prepaid, giving
subscribers more flexibility without missing out on the best cable
shows.
The company also strengthens family bonds through SkyVoice, which uses Voice over
Internet Protocol (VoIP). Another groundbreaking offering
is SkyBroadband, the fastest
residential broadband internet
service.
The company has consistently
been at the forefront of bringing
change in cable television and
communications. Proof of this is
the ongoing expansion of digitalready areas and the impending
AFI gets Pasig River
rehab under way
A major push for the rehabilitation of the Pasig River is now
under way with the launch of
“Kapit Bisig sa Ilog Pasig,” a
multi-sectoral cleanup drive
spearheaded by ABS-CBN
Foundation Inc. and the Pasig
River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC).
AFI managing director
Gina Lopez said during the
project launch at the Makati
Park and Garden that the project aims to achieve zero toxic
input into the river and its 47
major and minor tributaries,
esteros and creeks.
“No matter how much
money you spend to clean it,
the river is still going to be
dirty,” Lopez said. “We have
to change the way we look at
the river. We should use the
media to awaken the consciousness and the reverence
that people should have for the
Pasig River.”
A study by the PRRC
showed that 60% of the garbage dumped in the river
comes from households, while
industries contribute 35%.
The “Kapit Bisig sa Ilog
Pasig” proponents will create “clean river zones,” areas along the river where
the discharge of toxic waste
will be minimized or eliminated using facilities for the
treatment of solid and water
wastes. To this end, some
1,100 informal settlers living
on the banks of the river will
be relocated to Calauan, Laguna, with private sponsors
providing housing, education
and health facilities and livelihood assistance. Another
batch of 4,040 settlers will
also be relocated.
Power firms cited for 10 safe years of operations First Gas Power Corporation (First Gas) and FGP Corpora-
tion (FGP), subsidiaries of First Gen Corporation, bagged the “Ten
Years No Lost Time” Award for having 10 safe years of operations.
Both firms earned the recognition from the Department of Labor and
Employment’s Bureau of Working Standards (DOLE-BWC) after logging 1.5 million “safe man-hours/no lost time incident” from Oct. 25,
1998 to Oct. 25, 2008. First Gas operates the 1,000-megawatt Sta.
Rita combined cycle power plant, while FGP operates the 500-MW
San Lorenzo combined cycle plant. DOLE-BWC director for Region
4 Maria Brenda Villafuerte (3rd from left) hands the plaque for the
award to First Gen executive vice president and COO Richard Tantoco
(4th from left). Also in photo are (from left) Chito Panzo, senior manager for environment and chemical services; and Cesar Aguilar, senior
manager for quality assurance. (Joel Gaborni)
Lopez stressed that, in addition to the media, the support
of the private sector and local
government units was needed
to help ensure the project’s success. “Kapit Bisig sa Ilog Pasig”
aims to raise at least P700 million to acquire the technology
and meet operational expenses
needed to clean the Pasig River
within seven years.
Seven Metro Manila mayors have pledged support for
the “Kapit Bisig sa Ilog Pasig”
project: Feliciano Belmonte Jr.
of Quezon City, Alfredo Lim
of Manila, JV Ejercito of San
Juan, Marides Fernando of
Marikina, Jejomar Binay of
Makati, Ben Hur Abalos of
Mandaluyong, Sigfrido Tiñga
of Taguig and Vicente Eusebio
of Pasig.
Goldilocks Bakeshop, Manila Water Co., Maynilad
Water Services Inc., the Metropolitan Manila Development
Authority, the Department
of Science and Technology
(DOST), Vice President Noli
de Castro, and Department
of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) Secretary
Lito Atienza also vowed to
help.
“Just imagine, if we succeed
in cleaning the Pasig River,
this can be a model for all the
endangered river systems in the
country. We’re sending a signal
to everybody else that you need
to revere the river because…it
is your life,” Lopez said.
Shown in photo on page 1
are (L-R) QC Mayor Sonny
Belmonte; Pasig Mayor Vicente Eusebio; National Housing Authority general manager
Arch. Diogracias Tablan; AFI
managing director and PRRC
executive director Gina Lopez;
Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay;
and MMDA technical consultant
Martin Ongpin.
launch of new services like high
definition (HD) TV and videoon-demand (VOD).
With all these developments
came the need for the brand to
gather its services under one
corporate identity—SKY. SKY
remains steadfast in living up to
its new corporate tagline—“It
changes you”—by bringing progress to Filipino households.
SKY recently cascaded its
new direction through a general assembly in Mandaluyong.
The event brought together executives and employees under
the battle cry “Change Begins
with Me,” which reiterated the
company’s new direction. More
than just a cable TV provider,
SKY has ventured into offering telecom-related products
aimed at bringing progress to
Filipino households.
In order to effectively carry
out this change, SKY employees must live up to the challenge of extending high-quality
customer service to subscribers
and understanding that SKY is
more than just a company, but
a catalyst for nation building.
(Arlene Torres)
Meralco to comply with
ERC order on refund
MERALCO will comply with the Energy
Regulatory Commission (ERC) decision ordering the power company to refund its customers the over-collection on its Currency
Exchange Rate Adjustment (CERA).
Meralco vice president and head for utility economics Ivanna de la Peña said that the
distribution utility will comply with the order
which modifies the pace of the refund implementation.
“We feel that the refund will now be manageable with respect to our cash flow,” De la
Peña said.
The ERC said that Meralco must refund the
amount of P3.92 billion through a 4-centavo/
kilowatt-hour reduction in customers bills
starting March 2009.
The commission in its order added that it is
cognizant of the fact that requiring Meralco to
refund the amount of P3,924,922,762.58 would
result in substantial and tremendous impact on
the utility’s financial resources. Thus, the ERC
deemed it “reasonable to recalculate the amount
and the period of CERA refund in order to
cushion its impact on Meralco’s financial viability.” (Meralco Corporate Communication)
Lopezlink March 2009
FIRST Philippine Holdings
Corp. (FPHC) bought back
another $5 million worth of
floating rate notes (FRNs), reducing the amount of its outstanding notes maturing October 2009 to $16.1 million.
FPHC has been paying
down balances on its $52M
FRNs since last year, supported by the P4.3 billion raised
from the sale of Series B perpetual preferred shares issued
in April 2008.
Until the end of 2008,
net proceeds of the Series
B shares allowed FPHC
to reduce the principals of
dollar-denominated debt by
$39.45M. FPHC incurred
obligations when it increased
its stakes in core investments
such as Meralco, and for new
strategic investments in electronics/electricals manufacturing.
The company remains current on all interest payments
due. (Angelo Macabuhay)
Bayan partners with Verizon
for int’l roaming service
Mesala lowers
BAYAN has partnered with
Verizon Wireless for an international inbound voice roaming service to serve the needs
of US-based Filipinos who
cannot receive CDMA service
while in the Philippines.
“Verizon Wireless customers travelling to the Philippines
can now make and receive calls
on the Bayan CDMA network
within the service areas of bayanWIRELESS landline,” said
Tunde Fafunwa, chief executive
consultant of Bayan. “We are the
first network in the country to offer CDMA-based international
mobile roaming services, further
proof of our commitment to giving Filipinos their voices back.”
Verizon Wireless has the
largest number of customers in
its industry, numbering around
80 million. With the partner-
ship, Bayan taps a large segment
of Verizon Wireless subscribers
who want to keep in touch with
their American contacts while in
the Philippines. (Freyja Santos)
Signing the contract to launch an
international roaming service are
Marvic Molina, VP of Bayan
Global; Kirby Coo, Bayan head
of business development; Michael
Burns, Verizon Wireless director
of international roaming; and Jeff
Herrigel, Verizon Wireless manager of international roaming,
inter-carrier services.
interest rates
MESALA reduced the interest rates for special savings
deposits by 0.25% beginning
February 2, 2009.
The revised rates are as follows:
Term/ Rate per/ Tax
Amount annum
exempt
90 days
P100,000 P990,00 3.75%
P1,000,000 P4,990,000 4.00%
P5,000,000 and up 4.25% 180 days
P100,000 P990,000 4.25%
P1,000,000 P4,990,000 4.50%
P5,000,000 and up 4.75%
1 year
P100,000 P990,000 4.50%
P1,000,000 P4,990,000 4.75%
P5,000,000 and up 5.25% 2 years
P100,000 P990,000 5.75%
P1,000,000 P4,990,000 5.90%
P5,000,000 and up 6.05%
Solons respond to movie industry’s call
UPDATES
IT Company of the Year
CyberPress Inc., the country’s only organization of IT reporters, chose Bayan as IT Company of the Year during
the first CyberPress IT Choice Awards. The company’s
bayanWIRELESS landline service was one of the biggest telco success stories in 2008, allowing Bayan to gain
majority vote among 31 CyberPress members. Receiving
the award from CyberPress president Jing Garcia and
DOST executive Maribel Dario are (shown in photo from
left) chief executive consultant Tunde Fafunwa and VP
for corporate brand and communications John Rojo.
Family Ties now in Belgium
BAYAN recently signed a contract with 3D Telecom
SARL allowing the latter to distribute the Bayan Family
Ties service to the Belgian market. The expansion follows
the successful launch of Bayan Family Ties in France
and Italy still under 3D Telecom SARL, a provider of
telecommunications products and services in France and
Italy. Bayan Family Ties offers a fixed monthly rate of
29.99€ for unlimited calls to the Philippines. Overseas
Filipinos who avail of Bayan Family Ties also get a free
Bayan Phone service upon subscription. (Freyja Santos)
FPHC pares dollar debt
THE Philippine Motion Picture
Producers Association (PMPPA), the Movie Producers Importers Distributors Association
of the Philippines (MPDAP) and
the National Cinema Association of the Philippines (NCAP)
called on lawmakers to pass a bill
that will significantly reduce the
amusement tax on local films.
Accordingly, the Amusement
Tax Bill (HB 5624), which will
reduce the amusement tax on local films from 30% to not more
than 10%, was filed and later
approved by the House of Representatives in January. The bill
is an adoption of the Amusement Tax Bill earlier passed by
the Senate. The Senate version
was authored by Sen. Bong Revilla.
According to PMPPA president Orly Ilacad, there has
been a significant decline in the
number of films produced locally.
“In the 1990s, 160 films
were produced annually. In the
year 2000, only 80 films were
produced. It dipped further in
2007 where only 47 films were
produced,” Ilacad said.
Aside from the rising cost of
production and rampant piracy,
the 30% amusement tax levied
Meralco, Cainta team up to address public safety
Meralco recently
signed a memorandum of agreement
(MOA) with the
municipality of
Cainta in its campaign to strengthen
public safety and
eliminate electricity pilferage.
The agreement
was inked at the
Meralco Business
Center in Cainta.
Meralco committed to minimize, if not eliminate pilferage of electricity and at the same time
ensure the welfare and safety of its customers and the public. The Cainta municipal government, on the other hand, agreed to take part in the program to serve the best interest of its
constituents. Photo shows (l-r) Meralco president and COO Jose de Jesus, chairman and
CEO Manuel M. Lopez, Cainta Mayor Ramon Ilagan and municipal administrator Atty.
Crispino Pablo. (Meralco Corporate Communication)
Physicists win 3rd Gawad Haydee Yorac
Dr. Chris and Dr. Marivic Bernido.
RESEARCH Center for Theoretical Physics president Dr. Christopher Bernido and principal Dr.
Ma. Victoria Carpio Bernido
will be conferred the 3rd Gawad
Haydee Yorac in March.
The partnership of the physicistresearcher-educators from Jagna,
Bohol to build a nation through
science, research and a new method of teaching founded on excellence and values won the judges’
approval over nominations received
from different parts of the country.
In the 1990s, the couple, then
University of the Philippines physics professors— director and assistant, respectively, of the UP National Institute of Physics—moved
to Jagna, a little over one hour away
from Tagbilaran, Bohol.
There they established the Central Visayan Institute Foundation
(CVIF), the home of the Dynamic
Learning Program. It included a
research center in physics, the Research Center for Theoretical Physics; the high school department that
strengthens the science focus of its
students; and the Education Research Center for continuing development of the learning program.
Marivic Bernido captures their
nation building approach in these
words to their students: “We
want you to be good in science,
in math, in the languages but all
these are useless if your character
is not well-developed…”
The research center has been
hosting physics workshops, drawing experts from all over the world,
including two winners of the Nobel
Prize for Physics, Gerard t’Hooft
(1999 winner) and Frank Wilczek
(2004 winner). The workshops
have been connecting departments
The Grove by Rockwell
of physics in the Philippines with
that of the global community.
The innovative “Learning Physics
as a Nation” is beginning to revolutionize high school education in the
country, with over 30 high schools
in different provinces of Regions 1
to 12, ARMM, CAR, Caraga and
NCR already using it.
The Gawad Haydee Yorac was
established by Meralco in cooperation with the University of
the Philippines. The late Haydee
Yorac was a former Meralco legal counsel and multi-awarded
UP alumna, law professor and,
among other positions, chairman
of the Presidential Commission
on Good Government (PCGG).
Ease and comfort for young professionals
THE Grove by Rockwell, Rockwell Land’s latest development—
and its first, exclusive residential
development beyond Rockwell
Center—aims to be an urban
oasis for the young professional.
Located along C5, near Ortigas
Avenue, The Grove by Rockwell
will be just a short drive away from
Makati, Ortigas and Taguig.
The combination of aesthetics
and amenities found in the 5.4-
hectare The Grove by Rockwell
will make you feel like you are
living in a resort within the
city.
The central waterfall, koi
ponds and multilevel pools
provide the perfect scenery for
a morning run along the jogging trail that surrounds the
property. Cap a hectic day with
a cocktail by the pool deck underneath the palm trees. Over
the weekend, invite friends and
family over for a roast at the
barbecue pavilion, or enjoy a
date amidst the alfresco dining
cluster. Finally, find time for
yourself and head to the wellness center for spa treatments.
Visit The Grove by Rockwell’s model units at Power
Plant Mall or call 793-0088.
You may also log on to www.erockwell.com. (Vienn Tionglico)
on films also added to the problems of the industry. And as locally produced films continue
to decline, cinemas also suffer.
During the hearing conducted
by the House Committee on
Local Government, NCAP
president Ric Camaligan said
that from 1,500 cinemas, there
are only 620 cinemas in operation in the country today. (Ernestina Magboo)
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Free subscription to
TFCnow!
SkyBroadband, in partnership with TFCnow!,
offers free download and online video streaming of shows from ABS-CBN. TFCnow! is the
exclusive video content website from ABS-CBN
Interactive, which provides access to ABS-CBN
programs via the internet. Subscribers who sign
up for the service until April 2, 2009 will receive a free two-month subscription to videos
from TFCnow! and access to an online archive
of ABS-CBN programs. Also available is the
Power Block subscription plan bundle with
SkyBroadband, SkyCable and SkyVoice. Call
the customer service hotline at 631-0000 for
details on how to avail of the free 15-day trial
or log on to www.skybroadband.com.ph. (Arlene
Torres)
Extraordinary deals from
SkyCable Platinum
Great news! Until April 5, 2009, SkyCable
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(A. Torres)
Did you miss an issue of LopezLink? Access our archives at www.benpres-holdings.com/disclose.asp!
Lopezlink March 2009
PR
BIZ CALENDAR
CHALLENGE
THE Lopez Group won another Grand Anvil at the 44th
Anvil Awards of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines
(PRSP), through Energy Development Corporation (EDC).
EDC’s communication plan
for Northern Negros, “Harmonizing Environment and Technology,” bested over 200 entries
and gained the approval of the
25-member board of jurors as the
best public relations program in
2008. The program allowed EDC
to gain community acceptance for
its Northern Negros Geothermal
Project inside the Mt. Kanlaon
Natural Park.
EDC chairman Oscar
M. Lopez and president Paul
A. Aquino led the team that
received the Grand Anvil in
ceremonies on February 20. The
EDC program was announced
as the Grand Anvil winner after
receiving an Anvil Award of Excellence earlier in the evening.
The Lopez Group last won
the Grand Anvil in 2005 for
the exemplary integrated communication program of Manila
North Tollways Corporation,
which helped with the implementation of new toll rates at
the North Luzon Expressway.
Five other Lopez Group
communication entries received Awards of Excellence
and another five received
Awards of Merit.
These are Lopez Memorial Museum’s Conservation
Program (Excellence, PR
Programs); ABS-CBN Studio
Tours and Museum (Excellence, PR Programs), Kapamilya Services (Merit, PR
Programs) and online publication e-Frequency (Merit, PR
Tools); EDC’s Privatization
Program (Excellence, PR Programs), 2007 Annual Report
(Excellence, PR Tools), and
Geothermal Power audiovisual
presentation (Merit, PR Tools).
Also taking home awards
were Eugenio Lopez Foundation’s publication, “The Power
and the Glory” (Excellence,
PR Tools); Bayan B2BIZ
Outsourcing and Offshoring
Report (Merit, PR Tools); and
Lopez Group Foundation’s
Bridges, a report on Business
Excellence and Social Responsibility (Merit, PR Tools).
In addition, the group
received four Awards of Recognition for the 2007 Meralco
Annual Report and for Bayan’s
Wireless Landline PR program,
Biggest Bill Loser electronic and
interactive media campaign, and
www.bayan.com.ph website.
Awarded annually by the
PRSP, the Anvil Award symbolizes excellence in public
relations and is awarded by
a multi-sectoral jury to outstanding public relations programs and tools implemented
in the past year. A record 234
entries were received in 2008,
with 104 receiving Excellence,
Merit and Recognition awards.
(Carla Paras-Sison)
PHOTO BY: RYAN RAMOS & JULIA NAVASERO
Another Grand Anvil for Lopez Group
1
2
3
4
5
6
1. (L-r) EDC president Paul
A. Aquino; Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez; EDC
SVP for environmental and
external relations Agnes de
Jesus; NNGP resident manager
Gino dela Cruz; and environmental superintendent Erwin
Magallanes.
2. Anvil Awards juror and Supreme Court spokesperson Atty.
Midas Marquez with EDC’s
Toni Nieva and Dave Devilles.
3. Lopez Museum director Cedie
Lopez-Vargas, Rosan Cruz and
Prof. Maita Reyes with their
two Awards of Excellence.
4. ABS-CBN’s corporate communications division (l-r):
Internal communications officer
Cristina Tan; PR manager Kane
Choa; writer Jan Enriquez;
Studio Tours tour administrator
Aaron Domingo; corporate communications head Bong Osorio;
Studio Tours manager Rogy
Panganiban; and public affairs
officer Edgardo Wenceslao.
5. LGFI president Rafael M.
Alunan III, program associate Vanessa Suquila and project
consultant Dario Pagcaliwagan.
6. Bayan corporate brand and
communications manager Freyja
Santos, VP
John Rojo, chief
executive consultant Tunde
Fafunwa, marketing head for
Bayan Business
Anne David,
and corporate
brand web officer
Julius Conanan.
Welcome to the blogosphere
By Norman Sison
IF the workshop’s theme were
to be summed up in two words,
it would have been “Blogging
101.”
With guidance from two of
the country’s top Internet marketers, participants were given
a step-by-step course on basics
such as how to make a blog and
writing their first entry.
Boo Chanco, PR Council
head and SVP for corporate
communications of Benpres
Holdings Corporation, point-
ed to last year’s election
of US President Barack
Obama as an example
of the need for businesses to enter the
blogosphere.
Importance of social media
success
“The
of the Obama campaign for
the White House has, once
and for all, underscored the
importance of social media
in winning hearts and minds
of people for whatever purpose,” he told an audience of
the various PR and corporate
communications practitioners
of the Lopez Group in a workshop dubbed “Every Business
Should Have a Blog.”
“I firmly believe that it is
our obligation to harness all
available technology as best
we can in carrying out our
corporate
communications
functions,” Chanco stressed.
The objective of the workshop, held by Chanco’s department at Rockwell Center,
was to update participants on
the latest PR strategies and
the dynamics of marketing for
the internet community.
PR and marketing guru
Brad Geiser, cofounder of the
GeiserMaclang
Marketing
Communications, maintains
that having a bad corporate
blog is “often worse” than having no blog.
“Limited exposure means
your organization can be blindsided from a medium you are
unfamiliar with and there will
be little you can do to defend
yourself,” he told workshop
participants.
But blogs are also more
than just online outlets
mouthing company press releases, Geiser said. It’s about
giving the company a human
face and voice. Instead of the
usual bland company news,
blogs can sometimes discuss
everyday goings-on at the office, such as the day’s canteen
menu.
Beauty of blogs
One beauty about blogs,
according to Geiser, is that
they’re easy and inexpensive
to maintain. But they can also
be tricky, he cautioned. “Are
you willing to answer tough
questions online or practice
transparency?”
Professional blogger Jayvee
Fernandez, who also gave a
presentation at the workshop,
recommended that corporate
bloggers maintain a presence
in Web sites that have heavy
traffic to generate Internet
presence such as Digg, Facebook and YouTube.
He also pointed to why
blogs exist in the first place.
“For the most part, they
don’t report the news—they
recall experiences,” said Fernandez, cofounder of BlogBank
Inc., the country’s leading
advertising platform for blogs
and online viral campaigns.
If anything, Chanco said,
the workshop is a big step forward into the realities of the
21st century.
“From there, our imagination should bring us to
new levels of achievement
in our task of spreading the
good word about the Lopez
Group.”
The Art of Public Speaking
March
7,
8am-5pm@
Filipinas Heritage Library,
Makati
The course aims to help
participants manage fears
and anxieties related to
public speaking and ensure
a connection to the target
audience. Fee is P3,000.
For reservations, call Jen
Bascoguin @ 892-1801 or
0917-8009857.
CEO Excel
Awards
IABC/Philippines
is
accepting
nominations for the CEO
Excel Awards 2009. Deadline is on March 9. Fee is
P10,000 per nomination.
For more info, contact
the IABC Secretariat @
750-5667 or iabc_philippines@yahoo.com
Syd Field Screenwriting
Seminar
March 14-15 @ AIM,
Makati
For the first time in Asia,
author and screenwriter
Syd Field conducts a
screenwriting master class
focusing on the art and
craft of visual storytelling, and updating classic
storytelling conventions.
Fee is P15,500. Contact
415-2272 loc. 3988 or
0928-5549188 for more
info.
Europa
Awards
The European Chamber of Commerce of the
Philippines is accepting
nominations for achievements of excellence-driven
Philippine and European
organizations. Deadline
for submission of entries is
on April 8. For more info,
contact Elaine GarciaGatchalian @ 845-1324 or
egarcia@eccp.com.
LAA
2008
Cycle
The Business Excellence
group is
accepting
n o m i n ations for
the 2008 cycle. There are
six categories. Companies
that need help in developing a nomination may
participate in the clinic
on March 6. Deadline for
submission of entries is on
April 17. For more info,
contact Bheng Rubia @
449-6005 or MRRubia@
fphc.com.
couch potato
Lopezlink March 2009
Bugoy, Pokwang release solo records
treats
The superhero for all
seasons!
Luis Manzano will soon
breathe life to an over-thetop superhero in “Komiks
Presents Mars Ravelo’s Flash
Bomba” on ABS-CBN.
Despite a physical disability,
Roldan Legazpi (Manzano)
was able to study martial arts and
strengthen his upper body, eventually
learning to walk using his hands. As
Flash Bomba, his trademarks are his
outsized hands and feet. Other memLuis Manzano
bers of the cast are Roxanne Guinoo,
Sid Lucero, Lito Pimentel, Nanette Inventor, Alan Paule,
Empoy and Rio Locsin. For updates, log on to http://komikspresents.multiply.com. (Lorelie Dionisio-Piravalasamy)
Lifestyle Network’s colorful
2009
In “Style Her Famous,” a participant receives a crash course
in hair, makeup, clothes and accessories under the supervision of makeup artist Jay Manuel. Learn new fashion tricks
every Saturday at 8:30 p.m. (replays on Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
and Thursday, 10:30 p.m.). For food lovers, Jamie Oliver
cooks up fresh, simple food for good times with family and
friends in “Oliver’s Twist.” Catch it Mondays and Fridays at
8:30 p.m. (replays on the same days, 1:30 p.m.). “How Clean is
Your House?” is the US follow-up to the UK’s home makeover
show with a difference. Hygiene experts Kim and Aggie keep
you company every Friday at 9:30 p.m. (replays on Thursday,
2:30 p.m.). Don’t miss these exciting shows, only where your
life and style blend—the Lifestyle Network, Channel 52 on
SkyCable. (Katherine Solis)
Chat with your fave artists
Chat with your favorite musical artists and icons on
www.myx.tv to get the latest updates and stories straight
from the stars themselves. At 3 p.m. on the Wednesdays
of March, get to know more of singer Julianne on March
4, musical icons The Dawn on March 11, up-and-coming singer Diane Elise on March 18 and crowd favorite
6Cyclemind on March 25. Also, tune in to MYX, the
No. 1 music channel in the Philippines, on SkyCable
Channel 23 for more information and updates. MYX is
available on SkyCable Gold, SkyCable Silver and other
quality cable operators nationwide. (K. Solis)
Kris, Boy share showbiz
explosives daily!
Get your daily dose of showbiz news and lifestyle as
ABS-CBN’s first primetime entertainment news show,
“Showbiz News Ngayon” (SNN), makes primetime viewing hotter! Hosted by the undisputed King and Queen
of Talk, Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino, “SNN” will feed
us with up-to-date intriga, unknown celebrity facts, behind-the-scenes drama and inside information. All
these delivered to you fresh, hot
and fast! Hold on to your seats
as showbiz explosives are about
to blow as Kris and Boy deliver
you news by the minute and
by the hour on “Showbiz
News Ngayon,” weeknights on ABS-CBN
Primetime Bida. (L.
Kris Aquino
Dionisio-Piravala& Boy Abunda
samy)
FROM being a sanitation
worker in Bicol to being the
2nd Star Dreamer in “Pinoy
Dream Academy Season 2,” Bugoy
Drilon has now become one of
Star Records’ freshest artists
as he comes out with his first
solo album, “Bugoy: Paano Na
Kaya?”
Though not the big winner
in “PDA,” the farmer’s son has
proven his talent to the thousands of fans who have made
his song “Paano Na Kaya”
(written by Ryan Cayabyab)
number one in most of the
radio stations in the country.
The song was also nominated
as Song of the Year in his targeted radio stations.
Other tracks in the album
include “Simulan Mo Isang
Pangarap” (also by Cayabyab);
“Kung Pwede Lang Sana,” “Lahat ng Yan” and “Muli” (Vehnee
Saturno); and “Bakit Ba” (Jonathan Manalo).
The Most Promising Male
Performer in the 2008 Asian
Entertainment Awards, Bugoy
attributes his success to his avid
followers and supporters.
“Taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa kanila sa pagsuporta nila sa akin. Maraming
salamat sa paniniwala nila sa
talento ko,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pokwang has
entered the recording scene
with her Star Records album
titled “Pokwang… Ang Album
Na May Puso.”
“Hindi man ako kasing husay
nina Sarah Geronimo, Rachelle
Ann Go at Sheryn Regis, pero
kung ano ‘yung taas ng boses nila,
ganun kataas ang pangarap ko na
makapagpasaya ng mga tao,” she
said.
Grab a copy of Bugoy’s and
Pokwang’s albums, available
in all record bars nationwide.
For updates, log on to www.
starrecordsph.multiply.com or
www.starrecords.ph. (Lorelie
Dionisio-Piravalasamy)
The biggest and grandest
Spyro Gyra, Dianne Reeves in town for jazz fest
CATCH the March performances of the most exciting international and local jazz artists as they
come together in the Philippine
International Jazzfest 2009 spearheaded by ABS-CBN’s Cable
Channel and Print Management
Group (CCPMG), with flagship
brands Lifestyle Network, Velvet,
Metro and Metro Society.
Now on its fourth year, the
festival features 14 international
jazz artists and 30 local artists.
International guests include
Spyro Gyra, Dianne Reeves,
Mike Stern, Ivan Lins, Hiromi,
Viva Brasil, Chieko Fukuda,
Amir Gwirtzman, Marcel
Worms, Laurence Elder and
Sacbe. Three of the international artists are Pinoys—Eddie K, Charito and Charlie
Green. Some of the featured
Filipino artists meanwhile
include Tots Tolentino, Nyko
Maca + Playground, Sinosikat?,
Cookie Chua, The Jerks, Wally
Gonzales, Jun Lopito, Johnny
Alegre Affinity, The Company,
Chillitees and Skarlet.
On March 1-2, 2009, don’t
miss Festival Nights featuring
Humanfolk, Gospel Concert
and Spyro Gyra, Hiromi, Dianne Reeves and Mike Stern at
the Rockwell Tent. The festival
ends on March 4 with Sponsors Night at the Mandarin
Oriental’s Captain’s Bar. Featured artists are Charlie Green,
Charito, Ivan Lins, Viva Brazil
and Escola Samba de Manille.
For more updates and information, tune in to Lifestyle
Network (SkyCable Channel
52) and Velvet (Channel 53),
or check out Metro and Metro
Society. (K. Solis)
DZMM on air on radio, cable, web and ABS-CBN
Jump-start your day with ‘Gising Pilipinas,’ ‘Todo-Balita’
DZMM continues its expansion with DZMM TeleRadyo
programs “Gising Pilipinas” and
“Todo-Balita” gaining viewership on ABS-CBN by delivering the earliest live news telecast
in the Philippines.
“Wherever you are, as long
as there is access to the radio,
TV or internet, you have access
to DZMM,” said station manager Angelo Palmones.
The new programs have been
providing early risers with a
roundup of the biggest news
stories, live reports from
field correspondents and
amusing quips that spice up
every morning since the simulcast began in late 2008.
The tandem of Cheryl
Cosim and Alvin Elchico
signs on at 4:30 a.m. to report on the latest national,
metro, sports and showbiz
stories on “Gising PilipiHost Cheryl Cosim with ‘Kabayan’ Noli
de Castro; Neil Ocampo makes his first
nas.”
on-cam appearance
Following them is Neil
Ocampo’s
“Todo-Balita”
from 5 a.m. to 5:15 a.m. Neil
MOVIES
@the
makes his first TV appearance
on ABS-CBN as he never
went on-cam before, even for
DZMM TeleRadyo.
With DZMM’s entry in
ABS-CBN, its programs can
now be heard or seen in five
platforms: on the radio over
DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, on
cable via DZMM TeleRadyo,
on the net through audio
streaming at www.dzmm.com.
ph or through TFC Now! at
www.abs-cbnnow.com, and on
mainstream TV via ABS-CBN.
(Kane Choa)
Sarah, John Lloyd tandem back in ‘You Changed My Life’
STAR Cinema brings back
one of the most exciting young
actors in the country, John
Lloyd Cruz, and pop princess Sarah Geronimo in “You
Changed My Life”! Helmed
by Cathy Garcia-Molina, the
movie is now showing in over
a hundred cinemas nationwide
as Star Cinema’s post-Valentine offering for 2009.
The first movie of the Sarah-John Lloyd tandem, last
year’s “A Very Special Love,”
was a phenomenal success.
“We were surprised but
very happy that the SarahJohn Lloyd team-up generated a big number of followers
and supporters, considering
that ‘A Very Special Love’ was
their first film together,”
said Roxy Liquigan, Star
Cinema’s advertising and
promotions director.
As the sequel to “A Very Special Love,” moviegoers can expect a more funny and romantic
story in “You Changed My Life.”
Another Cruz, dance sensation
Rayver Cruz, who’s is rumored
to be one of Sarah’s admirers,
will also appear in the film; his
character will surely add more
zing to the flavorful love story
of Laida Magtalas (Geronimo)
and Miggy Montenegro
(Cruz).
Don’t miss this
surefire blockbuster
film as it invades
over a hundred theaters
nationwide!
(L. Dionisio-Piravalasamy)
John Lloyd and Sarah
Lopezlink March 2009
executive
F E A T U R E
How
solar
works
SOLAR power is converted
into electric energy when the
energy of the sun strikes
a silicon surface that has
gone through a wafer fabrication process, or a thin
film layer on a substrate,
the two common
technologies for the
manufacture of solar
panels.
Thin film has a flat
base of glass, silicon or
some other substrate
material on which layers of chemicals are applied to approximate the
effect one gets from a processed silicon
wafer. In a wafer fab, on the other hand, the devices are
fabricated directly on the silicon wafer.
Photons from the sun hit the solar panel surface, and
because of the devices that are fabricated on that surface,
electrons are generated. Electric current is made up of moving electrons. The photons from the sun excite the device
and generate electrons which produce the current. That’s the
physics behind it,” FPSC chief Lachica explains.
How many panels does one need to run a household on
solar?
Say it takes 225 watts to power up a computer. Solar panels, depending on the technology, can go from 10 watts to
300 watts. Assuming one’s panel is rated for 100 watts and is
85% efficient, it will take three solar panels to supply enough
power to run just a PC.
To be able to harness the power of the sun, first, you need
to find a flat and even location on your house that also receives
enough sun. This is where the solar installation will go.
“If you’re generating solar power during the day, your
installation will be useless at night. But you can still buy in
what we call the off-grid situation, where you can use that
solar-generated power at night if you have a battery,” Lachica
expounds. “In other words, during the day you’re using the
energy from your solar cell and at the same time charging a
battery which you will use at night.”
At night, “you can hook up to the Meralco line, and use
an inverter and meter that feed the surplus of whatever you
generate during the day to Meralco. The net effect is you will
have lower power cost because you are supplying your own.”
FPSC MILESTONES
By Carla Paras-Sison
DAN C. Lachica, managing
director of the electronics division of First
Philec Corporation, was on the
lookout for opp o r t u n it i e s
to expand
the manufacturing
business
of the
L o -
Clockwise from top left: Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez (2nd
from right), assisted by First Philec president Arthur de Guia, FPSC GM
Chito Angco and FPSC president Dan Lachica, delivers FPSC’s first wafer
shipment to SunPower VP Greg Reichow on June 18, 2008; The debonding
station; At the groundbreaking ceremony on January 21, 2008; The FPSC
building at the FPIP, Batangas; The employees bond during a wellness activity; and automated wafer cleaners.
FPSC... from page 1
The fledgling venture, for which
First Philec and SunPower shelled out
an estimated $76 million, is “the first
large-scale silicon wafer-slicing company in the Philippines” and currently
employs 450 people. In the short term,
FPSC aims to churn out 240 million
silicon wafers a year for two SunPower
plants using 100 saws “to support approximately 720 megawatts of solar
energy.”
What do wafers have to do with
solar power? And what exactly does
FPSC do?
“Solar power falls under the category of renewable energy, meaning energy generated from natural
resources—such as sunlight, wind,
rain, and geothermal heat which are
naturally replenished,” Lachica explains. “Under this classification, you
will have wind, water, solar. Why is it
solar power? Because you take the light
energy from the sun and convert it to
electric energy, to voltage and current.
First Philec Solar Corporation (FPSC),
IT may have been in existence for less
a company that will provide wafer slicing
than two years, but the newest addition
services in the Philippines.
to the Lopez Group of companies is without a doubt on its way to setting more
milestones and breaking records. The
company’s sparkling performance thus
far bears this out:
2007
In April, First Philec Corporation
managing director Dan Lachica is in
talks with an executive of SunPower
Corporation, which is then looking for
a wafer slicing service provider.
On October 1, First Philippine Electric Dan C. Lachica, Greg Reichow (seated) and other
Corporation enters into a joint venture FPSC executives during the signing of the joint
agreement with SunPower to establish venture agreement.
•
•
2008
•The
“The Philippines is in a good position to reap the benefits of solar power
because we enjoy lots of sun; unlimited
supply of solar energy. We’re well positioned. We just have to ensure that
the legislation and the technology are
in place.”
Silicon ‘loaves’
SunPower’s photovoltaic or PV
products currently have 23% efficiency,
the highest among solar companies
that use the silicon wafer technology,
Lachica notes. This means that “if you
have the equivalent of 10 watts captured from the sun, that solar cell will
produce 2.3 watts.” Thin films panels
in comparison have a lower efficiency,
generally in the low to mid-teens.
FPSC basically provides a service,
slicing silicon “loaves” into wafers
that it sells to SunPower. SunPower,
in turn, assembles the wafers into
solar panels or grids of wafers. Buyers range from residential customers,
commercial establishments like Target or Wal-Mart, and resorts, but for
now, power plants make up the bulk of
high-demand customers.
“It’s still expensive to set up a
system in the Philippines. You have
to install an off-grid system which is
practically useless at night unless you
have a battery. However, the demand
will be spurred by the Renewable Energy Act,” Lachica says, as it will allow
connection to the grid.
The Renewable Energy Act, among
others, “provides the legal and institutional framework necessary for
harmonizing policies on the swift
development of renewable energy
technologies.”
Learning from Sumiden
Being a startup company, Lachica
and his group started out in 2008
knowing next to nothing about wafer
slicing. With the help of SunPower,
the FPSC team learned the ropes as
soon and as fast as they could. Thus,
the crew often fell back on the systems
that served them well in First Sumiden.
“We introduce the concepts
used in Six Sigma. For example,
when you have a problem, most of
the time people will talk about the
FPSC building breaks
ground at the First Philippine Industrial Park, Batangas on January 21.
Lopez Group chairman
Oscar M. Lopez and DOE
Secretary Angelo Reyes, lead
the inauguration of the new
FPSC plant on June 18.
In December, FPSC is among
the top suppliers of silicon
wafers to SunPower in terms
of volume and quality. These At the FPSC building inauguration with (front row) FPHC
include three Chinese and president Elpidio Ibañez, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes,
three Japanese suppliers.
OML, Lachica and Reichow.
•
•
symptoms. That’s not the Six Sigma
approach. You identify the root
cause and that’s what you’ll resolve,
because if you’re just trying to fix
the symptoms, the problems will
recur,” Lachica says.
“Calibrating and getting everybody on the same page so that
everybody’s marching to the same
tune, and of course explaining why
you’re doing things and what results
you’re after help a lot. Communication, communication, communication
is important.”
Growing pains aside, how does the
FPSC chief see the company faring in
the next few months?
Building up FPSC
“This year, the challenge is funding,” Lachica admits. “Because of the
financial downturn, cash is king. In
order to grow, we need cash to pay
for equipment, to pay for materials.
The banks are very conservative and
rightly so. What we need to do is come
up with a project that’s very attractive
and even to a certain extent, bite the
bullet.”
From an industry standpoint,
FPSC is “healthy,” Lachica notes.
Growth projections for the solar power
industry, despite having been flattened
a bit, remain in the rosy double digits
at 30%.
“That’s why from our standpoint,
we’re still bullish about pursuing projects, we’re still bullish about expanding
because the demand is there. Plus, you
have President Obama in the United
States giving the solar industry a shot
in the arm by extending the income
tax credits.”
TEAM
meet the
Leveraging on its partnership with
SunPower, Lachica hopes to build
FPSC up into the biggest, if not the
only local Filipino solar company. The
strategy is to branch out higher into
the value chain to solar panel assembly
and installation. Also in the pipeline
is an overseas venture, specifically in
Malaysia; SunPower is expected to increase its demand for silicon wafers for
its soon-to-rise 1.2-gigawatt facility.
“The name of the game in the solar business is lowering the cost per
watt,” Lachica sums up. “To achieve
grid parity, the price has to go down
to 20 cents per kilowatt-hour. Right
now, it’s probably at 30-plus cents.
The projection is by 2013, we will have
accomplished that. But what’s in the
horizon, we want to build up FPSC
to full capacity, we want to set up our
Malaysia operations, we want to find
other customers.”
THE wafer slicing learning curve was shorter, Dan C. Lachica (seated, 4th from left) proudly says, because of its composite team “from different cultures, different backgrounds.” Standing, l-r: Erick Perlas, Robert Ison, Benz Dimanalata,
Carol Nipales, Mel Estabillo, Camille Gargantiel, Arnold Francisco, Ainee Santo, Rose Ramos. Seated, l-r: Lanie
Gomos, Darin Valley, Raul Sinocruz, Lachica, Chito Angco, Genie Salvana.
Lopezlink March 2009
executive,” Lachica recalls
with pride.
As was done in FSCI,
Lachica schedules
weekly
bible
studies with
employees,
“ u s i n g
the Word
of
God
to instill
corporate
v a lue s.”
A n d
t h e
Dan C. Lachica:
Riding high as the sun rises
pez Group when in 2007 he was referred to
SunPower Corporation, which was searching
for a wafer slicing service provider.
Chairman Oscar M. Lopez had repeatedly discussed his desire for the manufacturing sector to grow to be a core business.
US-based SunPower is the world’s fifth
largest manufacturer of solar power systems,
including solar cells and solar panels.
“In the early stages of negotiation, we
were able to edge out other local manufacturers who were interested in the SunPower
joint venture because of the credibility of the
Lopez Group, as well as the track record of
First Sumiden (Lopez Group member First
Sumiden Circuits, Inc. or FSCI manufactures flexible printed circuits),” says Lachica.
Exceeding all metrics
SunPower did not regret choosing the
Lopez Group as Lachica, now president and
chief executive officer of First Philec Solar
Corporation (FPSC), harnessed the troops
and led the joint venture in exceeding all
metrics, not least of which is successfully
starting up the solar wafer slicing facility
one month ahead of schedule and less than
budget.
With a wealth of business excellence tools
earlier applied in FSCI, Lachica and the
FPSC team established quality management
systems from scratch, beginning with planning all the way to accountability and monitoring. Because of this deliberate choice to
apply best practices from the start, the FPSC
building was completed in record time despite unexpected challenges such as the spike
in steel prices and the rains that came early in
2008.
The FPSC building broke ground on
January 21, 2008 and was finished in four
months. FPSC was running qualification
wafers for SunPower by May, although its
contract required start of operations only in
July.
Symbolic first shipment
“During our inauguration on June 18,
the chairman (Lopez) gave our symbolic
first shipment of wafers actually sliced by
the plant to Greg Reichow, SunPower senior
workforce has responded favorably.
“We asked them to work through Christmas and New Year because we had to fill the
gap caused by the temporary shut-down of
one of SunPower’s Japanese suppliers. We
found that our people are resilient and flexible and can step up when called upon,” says
Lachica.
Growing the business
FPSC managers and executives helped
by distributing lechon meal to the employees, that is, literally serving the meals in all
shifts.
Lachica and his crew look forward to
growing the photo-voltaic or PV business as
the sun rises on the Philippine solar power
industry. While semiconductors and electronics manufacturers are experiencing declining, if not negative growth globally, the
current estimate for solar this year is a 30%
growth, down from the original projection of
50%.
“We want to build up the company to full
capacity, then set up our operations in Malaysia where SunPower will build its third
wafer fabrication facility, and find other
customers as well,” he says.
Employee focus, commitment
Lachica gives full credit to the FPSC employees: “We could not have done this without the employees. To execute a project of
this complexity in a crunched schedule and
difficult circumstances requires focus, dedication, and commitment. We also received
support and cooperation from SunPower and
I believe we have established a good model
for joint ventures.”
And for LopezLink readers, he quotes
Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have
for you,” declares the LORD,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give
you hope and a future.” Lachica says our job
is to believe in God’s word.
“We read the papers and watch the news
on TV and all see many companies closing
and thousands of jobs lost. Let’s not focus
on the world economy. Let’s focus on God’s
economy,” he concludes. All’s well! The future is sunny.
CSR ACTIVITIES
Lopezlink March 2009
KCFI shoots for Samsung Hope grant BayaniJuan spirit
lives in Calauan
KCFI president Rina LopezBautista at the launch of the 2009
Samsung Hope campaign.
KNOWLEDGE
Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI)
has been chosen as one of
the beneficiaries of Samsung
Hope, Samsung’s corporate
philanthropic initiative aimed
at helping underprivileged
youth.
Hope
has
Samsung
awarded over $2.2 million to
54 organizations, benefiting
over 600,000 children and
people with disabilities since
2003. Samsung aspires to
go beyond technological innovation to improve people’s
quality of life, with emphasis
on empowering the youth to
reach their highest potential.
KCFI is dedicated to bringing quality education to Filipino schoolchildren through
its flagship project, Knowledge
Channel (KCh). KCh is the
first and only all-educational
channel in the Philippines
with curriculum-based and life
skills programming accessible
primarily to the public basic
educational system through
broadcast and new media. It is
available to 2.9 million elementary and high school students
in nearly 2,000 schools across
the Philippines, but there are
still thousands more students
to reach in many parts of the
country.
Log on to www.samsunghope.org to cast your vote and
give KCFI more chances of
obtaining the grant from Samsung. Join KCFI’s journey in
providing quality education to
our public school students. All
it takes is a few clicks! (Skye
Male)
Ekslusibong, Eksplosibong,
Exposé: BK vs dynamite fishing
By Ana Terrese Junio
BANTAY Kalikasan (BK) upon
receiving reports of rampant
dynamite fishing in Manila Bay,
tapped ABS-CBN’s investigative
news program “XXX (Ekslusibong, Eksplosibong, Exposé)” to
keep an eye on this environmental crime. Seaborne operations
last August 2008 resulted in
the apprehension of a number of
violators. On January 24, 2009,
“XXX” aired the actual blast
fishing incidents in Manila Bay.
Using a telephoto camera, the
“XXX”-BK team surveilled the
fishermen’s illegal acts for several
days. The fishermen sold dynamited fish of varying species and
sizes in a Parañaque wet market.
The team obtained fish samples
BAYAN ACADEMY
CALENDAR
THE following certificate
training programs will
be conducted at the 2/F
Cinderella Bldg., EDSA,
Quezon City:
Management Development Series
March 5-6: Marketing
March 12-13: Operations
March 18-20: Human
Resource
March 24-26: Finance
March 27-28: Business
Planning
Strategic Planning and
Management
March 9-11
Cash and Treasury
Management
March 23-24
Fee is P2,000 per
participant per day. For
more info, contact KC
Villanueva at 920-5203 or
at mcesvillanueva@yahoo.
com.
through a test buy operation.
The samples were submitted to
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources (BFAR), which confirmed that the samples were dynamited fish because the internal
organs were ruptured.
The “XXX”-BK team, with
operatives of the Philippine
Navy, tried to apprehend the illegal fishers caught on tape, but
failed because of the speedier
boats used by the culprits. The
team presented the video footage to the Philippine National
Police Maritime Group (PNPMG) which ordered the apprehension and confiscation of the
boat used by the fishermen.
“XXX” also received information about a resident of Navotas City who sells crude dynamite
to fishermen engaged in illegal
fishing. An “XXX” asset was
able to buy 50 pieces of blasting
caps and
a sack of
a m mon ium nitrate
from the
man. These
pieces of
ev idence
prov ided
suff icient
grounds for the Regional Trial
Court of Manila to issue a search
warrant. The suspect confessed
and has been detained.
“Dynamite fishing not only
kills small fishes, it is also destroys their habitat—the coral
reefs,” said BFAR director
Malcolm Sarmiento.
BFAR fishery law enforcement officer Angelito Arnaco
said “cases of blast fishing are
also rampant in Cebu, Bicol,
Leyte and Cavite. But Palawan
is recently considered a hot
Now showing: FUSE
THE courses of the Foundation for
Upgrading the Standard of Education
(FUSE) on literature, physics, science,
chemistry and English are now airing on
Knowledge Channel. FUSE, organized
in 1994 by Dr. Lucio Tan, Sen. Edgardo
Angara and Rep. Salvador Esudero III, is a member of
Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI).
XXX footage of dynamite fishing
spot because the resources are
abundant and blasting has just
started there.”
On February 3, 2009, “TV
Patrol” featured another BK
operation in Naic, Cavite where
fishermen were caught and apprehended as they employed
buli-buli or hulbot-hulbot (trawl
fishing), where purse seine nets
are used to drag schools of fish.
“Napakalaki ng pinsalang dulot ng dynamite fishing sa ating
coastal and marine resources.
Hindi agad natin nakikita ang
pinsala nito sa lupa pero sa ilalim
ng tubig, sinisira nito ang mga
coral reefs, pinapatay nito ang
mga maliliit na isda, nilalason nito
ang karagatan” a BK officer said.
BK is committed to go
against destructive illegal fishing activities and urged authorities to strictly implement the
law and be vigilant in preventing further exploitation of our
coastal and marine resources.
MMLDC ‘SAILS’ with ASM-Manila
MERALCO
Management
Leadership
Development
Center (MMLDC) and Associated Ship Management Services (ASM-Manila) forged
a partnership agreement for
MMLDC to conduct three
batches of a leadership development program designed
for officers of ASM-Manila.
Called Sharpening Aptitudes
in Leadership or SAIL, the
three-day program aims to
enhance Filipino seafarers’
leadership skills in communication, motivation, coaching
and discipline. It also teaches
them modern and practical
techniques on how to handle
people concerns, which are
adapted to “life and work” at
sea.
“MMLDC will consistently be at its best in delivering
quality learning solutions to
continuously delight our par-
ticipants. We will ensure that
the officers can become more
effective leaders once they can
get back to their respective
assignments on the ship,” said
Vivien Arnobit, MMLDC
director for academic services.
For more information on
MMLDC programs, call 6328111, email mmldc.academic.
services@meralco.com.ph, or
visit www.mmldc.org. (Peng
Young)
WHEN I first
saw 105-year
old Lola Isabel,
she was sitting
in front of a
dilapidated
shanty made
of
salvaged
plywood and
yero. This is the
place that she,
together with
her mentally
ill son, calls
home. The 2sq. m. house
serves as their
Lola Isabel cries on Gina Lopez’s shoulders
living room,
the spirit of BayaniJuan lives
kitchen, dining
on among the residents. Lola
area and bedroom.
Lola Isabel’s house is just Isabel, who has no source of
one of more than a hundred food or livelihood, regularly
box-like shanties lining the receives food from her kindly
Calauan resettlement site in neighbors.
Laguna, a 107-hectare gov- In the same BayaniJuan
ernment relocation site for spirit as that of Lola Isabel’s
ABS-CBN
informal settlers from Metro neighbors,
Foundation Inc.-Sagip KaManila.
The living conditions in pamilya (AFI-SK) recently
Calauan are sadly deplorable. distributed food packs and
The residents lack necessities clothing to the residents of
such as sanitation and wash- Calauan.
ing amenities, electricity, food AFI-SK also provided
source and potable water. They five sewing machines to the
also lack crucial opportunities residents. With these sewlike schools and teachers, live- ing machines, the livelihood
issue of residents like Lola
lihood and employment.
Despite the poor condi- Isabel is gradually being adtions in the resettlement site, dressed. (Faizza Tanggol)
Coloring books
for a cause
Ang Batang Makulay coloring books,
published by Ateneo de Davao
University, are now for sale at P200
per set. Proceeds from the sale will
go to Bantay Bata 163. The books
feature the works of Cotabato-born artist Kublai PonceMilan. Ponce-Milan, who holds a degree in Fine Arts from the
University of the Philippines, produced these works “to create a
spark in Mindanao, to start the fire burning so that the young
will strive harder and move forward.” For orders and inquiries,
call Frieda Dador at 411-0856 or visit Bantay Bata at AFI, Mo.
Ignacia St., Quezon City. The coloring books are also available
at Bantay Bata-Davao. (Freda Dador)
MMLDC and ASM-ISN officers at the MOA signing (seated, l-r):
Alberto Gomez, ASM managing director; Vivien Arnobit, MMLDC
academic services director; Capt. Rene Dzicki, ISN training manager;
and Capt. Teodoro Moro, ISNTC-Manila president.
ONGOING EXHIBITS
Conservation issues
tackled in forum
@Lopez Museum
the works of Kiri Dalena, Egay
Navarro, Rica Concepcion and
Agnes Arellano alongside masterpieces by Juan Luna and Felix
Resurreccion Hidalgo, National
Artists Vicente Manansala, J
Elizalde Navarro and Benedicto
Cabrera, and Jose Tence Ruiz
and Danilo Dalena. Until April
4, 2009.
Students from UPLB.
Lopezlink March 2009
NOSTALGIA
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat
it.— George Santayana
March 14, 1903
Meralco is incorporated. Its 106th
anniversary celebration, dubbed
“106 Intensity,” kicks off on March
21, 2009.
600 UP studes view
exhibits
FR. Pedro Galende (standing), director of the
San Agustin Museum in Intramuros, shares
his thoughts on China’s conservation laboratories during the second Conservators Forum
held at Lopez Memorial Museum. Also presented during the forum were the results of
Lopez Museum’s survey of museum employees, which offered data on the trainings received by conservators practicing in the Philippines, additional training they wish to have,
and the materials and equipment they use and
need, among others. The data indicated the
need for pooled procurement and accreditation of the group; afterwards, two committees
were formed to deal with the issues, with the
28 forum participants signing up for one or
both committees.
SPECIAL
For three Saturdays, Lopez Memorial Museum welcomed students from the University
of the Philippines-Los Baños, who viewed the
Artist as Storyteller, Amorsolo as Co-author
and Keeping the Faith exhibits. A total of 600
students from the Laguna campus of UP came.
The Amorsolo exhibit is part of the Amorsolo
Retrospective project, which aims to take another look at the country’s first National Artist
through a multi-venue exhibition of his finest
works. Keeping the Faith meanwhile is part of
the annual project Zero
In undertaken by a consortium of private museums composed of Ateneo
Art Gallery, Ayala Museum, Bahay Tsinoy, Lopez
Memorial Museum and
Museo Pambata.
Exhibits
Keeping the Faith: Acts of
Mediation: A showcase of
feature
A comic strip by Fernando Amorsolo
Artist as Storyteller, Amorsolo as Co-author: A
survey of the results of Fernando Amorsolo’s
collaboration with early 20th century Filipino
writer-editors. Also includes works by Ikoy
Ricio, who created sculptures and paintings
based on Amorsolo’s illustrations for Philippine Readers. Until April 4, 2009.
The Lopez Memorial
Museum is at the ground
floor, Benpres Building,
Exchange Road corner
Meralco Avenue, Pasig
City. Museum days and
hours are Mondays to Saturdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., except Sundays and holidays.
For more information, call
‘Barricade, book of slogans, erased slogans and 631-2417 or email adisolation room’: Installation art by Kiri Dalena
min@lopez-museum.org.
Where the
PROBABLY next only to weddings, graduation day is one of
the proudest, and relief-inducing
moments of a parent’s life. Never
mind that the baby you once held
in your arms is stepping out to join
the dog-eat-dog “real world”—at
least 15 years of education have
somehow armed your bright-eyed
youngster for the battles ahead.
But what awaits young graduates today as the world flounders
in a financial quagmire? More
to the point, what are his or her
prospects in the Philippines,
where thousands of workers
have already joined the ranks of
the unemployed and hundreds
more are joining them every day?
Consider some headlines
from the past few weeks: “39,000
lose jobs in 4 months—DOLE
chief,”
“Government
fears
60,000 IT job losses,” “Asian
tourism set for rocky ride in
2009,” “Corruption may worsen
during crisis,” “’Hundreds’ lose jobs
daily—RP official” or “Experts warn of
more layoffs in RP.”
On the other hand, there are pinpoints of light at the end of the tunnel
with such headlines as “Manufacturers
ready for growth in ’09,” “Citibank to
expand KPO operations in RP” and
“RP nurses still in demand—BoN.”
In addition, for those who have
already been made redundant, a Labor
official has announced, the government
has safety nets in place in the form of
retraining programs and a P7-billion
nest egg for “emergency jobs.”
The truth is that somewhere, sometime, companies will still be hiring to
replace employees that have resigned
or retired; and enterprising souls will
think of products or services that will
prove to be a necessity in the new,
tighter economic environment. (After
all, don’t crises beget opportunity? Taipan Henry Sy, for example, is known
for opening new SM malls when times
are particularly difficult.)
March 1919
Ining’s Ateneo AB graduating class of 1919
Eugenio “Iñing” Lopez Sr. graduates cum laude from
the Ateneo de Manila.
March 1923
Iñing graduates from UP College of Law, passes
the bar exam and enters Harvard for graduate
studies in law.
March 14, 1969
The Meralco Building
today
The new Meralco Building
is inaugurated in Pasig. The
Bolshoi Ballet performs at the
Meralco Theater for five nights
from March 22 until April 1.
March 25, 1991
The Lopez Group puts up SkyVision and SkyCable,
the leading cable TV operator in the country.
Source: Mercy Servida, head librarian, Lopez Memorial
Museum Library
jobs are
There are sectors that are fairly
“recession-proof,” and will generate
jobs for those who are truly looking for
one.
The business process outsourcing
sector is expected to grow 20% this year,
crisis notwithstanding, and remains a
viable option for fresh graduates looking to get some work experience.
While notorious for low salaries,
working for the government is always
a safe bet for those aiming for job security.
The worldwide web is still a minefield of opportunity, being “the primary
channel for communicating with customers and building brand identity”
for many organizations. If you have an
interest in, and talent and training for
website design (and adept in applications like HTML, Cascading Style
Sheets and Flash ActionScripting),
then try your luck in this lucrative market, even if only on a part-time basis.
The well hasn’t run dry for future
educators, as they continue to be in de-
mand during these times. (The
salary is another story.)
The police academy
is also recession-proof,
in part because the crisis
is likely to spark a surge in
crime.
Other hot jobs can
be found in the energy,
healthcare and environmental sectors.
A word of advice:
Every year they say jobs
are scarce—heck, they
probably said it a decade
ago when your uncle was
fresh out of college, and
maybe even when your dad
graduated 30 years ago. It’s
not all true. If you’re prepared to check in a bit of
your pride and unrealistic
expectations at the door, then
we can guarantee that—to paraphrase the “X-Files”—the jobs are
out there. Good luck!
10
Lopezlink
LIFELONG WELLNESS
sports & wellness
March 2009
Record number of walkers join Hacienda Escudero WTT calendar
IT was only the second month
of Lifelong’s Walk the Talk
(WTT) 2009 series, but the
attendance swiftly went up
from only 100-plus in January to over 600 employees and
their friends and families in
February.
The activity held at the
Hacienda Escudero in Tiaong,
Quezon on February 21, 2009
generated so much buzz because
of the participants’ excitement
over the venue.
Negotiations between the
Lifelong Team and Hacienda
Escudero to conduct the walkathon at the estate started as early
as January. Pre-registration of
participants was also conducted
to establish the size of the crowd
that will be handled.
Registration started as early
as 5 a.m. at the participants’
respective buses while they
enjoyed a light breakfast. Another registration at the venue
was held at 7 a.m., followed by
warm-up exercises.
The eight-kilometer walk,
led by Wellness head Rafael
M. Alunan III alongside 80
Days program manager Galo
Garde, started around 8 a.m.
Wellness Team members
such as Rico de Manzana
and Louie Martin were also
present. While Walk the
Talk activities are intended
for adults, this one became
an exception when many kids
also walked their way to the
finish line. The walk ended
about 10 a.m.
After the walk, participants had breakfast at the
hacienda’s clubhouse. Several
employees, especially those
who brought along their children, paid to take a dip in the
pool. Meanwhile, 20 lucky
employees had the chance to
get a glimpse of Villa Escudero courtesy of management.
STEVEN is every parent’s
dream child, a straight-A student who excels in sports. He is
also a miracle boy.
Ten years ago baby Steven
was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a life-threatening condition
wherein the “bile duct between
the liver and the small intestine
is blocked or absent.” On top of
that, he had cerebral hypoxic
encephalopathy and a lacerated
nasal septum. Doctors gave him
only two years to live.
Yet, only a few weeks later,
after undergoing treatment, the
boy was completely cured using
umbilical cord stem cells.
“Stem cell therapy gave Steven a new lease on life,” said Dr.
Michael J. Tolentino in an Asian
Eye Institute-sponsored lecture
Gene therapy and stem cell therapy:
Is it ready for prime time?
Dr. Tolentino, a graduate of
Harvard Medical School and
currently research director of the
Center for Retina and Macular
Disease in Florida, discussed the
scientific basis and background
of gene and cell therapy and the
latest breakthroughs in the technology.
Dr. Tolentino has been a
part of 29 human clinical trials of retinal diseases and is,
according to Dr. Roland E.
Houle of Restoring Sight International Foundation, “eminently qualified to lead research
where there is no cure.” He is
also Steven’s father.
According to Dr. Tolentino,
stem cells have the ability to self
renew and to make exact copies
of itself. There are many kinds of
stem cells: umbilical cord, fetalderived, embryonic, induced,
hematopoietic or bone marrow,
and dental pulp stem cells. They
can also be produced by cloning, as was done by the team
supervised by British embryologist Ian Wilmut in 1996, which
cloned Dolly the lamb.
Used in regenerative and restorative medicine, gene therapy
and stem cell therapy have the
potential to restore vision in the
blind, and even restore function
in patients with cardiac failure, cerebral
palsy, Alzheimer’s,
dementia, paralysis
and stroke. One
promise of regenerative and restorative medicine is to
isolate, harvest and
store stem cells to
replace damaged
cells.
Dr. Tolentino is Oscar Lopez flanked by ophtamologist father and
recognized as an ex- son Dr. Mike (left) and Felipe Tolentino.
pert in his field and as an author exciting new treatment for macuand researcher has over 83 jour- lar degeneration and diabetic
nal publications. He has several retinopathy.
patents, including Laser Induced
Gene Therapy and siRNA Inhibition of Angiogenesis which is an
LOPEZ Lifelong Wellness’ Stress Management
Programs (SMPs) for 2009,
which were set to start in early February, were postponed
due to problems with the
venue. The former MNTC
office located at the second
floor of Benpres building
where SMPs like ballroom
and yoga/meditation were
held is not available anymore.
Lifelong is still looking for a
eleventh year, he will receive
new venue, especially bea pension of P30,000 per year
cause belly dancing and Krav
for the next 10 years. If he deMaga have been added to the
cides to reinvest the amount of
list of activities. Lifelong will
P30,000/year until age 60, he
keep participants updated
will receive P15,368,076.71.
regarding this matter. (B.
To learn more, contact the
Sandoval)
author at 0928-4783305 or
sunshinephme1958@yahoo.
com and let her help you create your abundance for the next
generation.
Renowned stem cell therapy expert in Manila
FINANCIAL
wellness
Create abundance
for the next generation
By Susan Ariola
ISN’T it that the best gift parents can give to their children is
education? Without education,
one has a slimmer chance for a
bright future. Remember Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves
inheritance to his children’s
children….” That is why parents
strive hard to provide for their
children’s education.
But there is one thing majority of the parents unknowingly
neglect in providing for their
children, and that is protecting
their ability to earn. Puzzled?
Let us explore.
What will happen to the family once the provider, the parent,
dies too soon? Will there be an
inheritance for the family? Yes,
and most probably it will be used
to pay for debts. Otherwise, the
inheritance will be wealth if the
parent was properly protected.
If the parent lives for a
long time, he should have
passive income so that his
grown-up children can devote their resources to raising their own family. Such is
the importance of financial
education to the parents and
to the children.
There is a scheme that
will make this scenario possible—Cocolife’s “Buy Term,
Invest the Difference.” For example, for a 13-year-old child,
you invest P26,205.33 for the
next five years. Starting on the
SMPs postponed
MARCH
6-8: Weekend retreat,
7: Everyday Vegetarian
Cooking Class, 2pm-
5pm, Yoga Manila Alabang
@ Ayala Alabang Village.
Learn vegan recipes from
Frieda Colet Lim. Fee is
P1,200 with advanced
reservation. For info, call
0917-522-YOGA or email
info@yogamanila.com.
8: ‘Takbo
Para sa
Kalikasan,’
5:30 a.m.
@ Quirino Grandstand,
Manila. Proceeds will go to
the rehabilitation of the La
Mesa Watershed. Contact
Rowena Sayat @ 415-2272.
15: Run for Their Lives:
The Rotary Gift of Life
Charity Run, 5 a.m. @
Grander technology from Germany,
and the ultraviolet sterilization system of Tanwing from Australia.
You can be a distributor of Aquabest Purified Drinking Water in your
area for only P6,500. For more info,
call 379-2863 or visit the Aquabest
store at 8 Walnut St., Marikina East
Subdivision, San Roque, Marikina
City. (Lanie Caimol)
 Very
Easy
 Easy
 Medium
 Hard
Fort Bonifacio Global City.
Visit www.extribe.com.ph.
22: The DV Ilocos Sur
Triathlon, 1.5k swim-40k
bike-10k run, 6 a.m. @
Cabugao-Vigan, Ilocos
Sur. Contact Triathlon
Association of the Philippines (TRAP) @ 710-8259
or Rick Reyes @ 09165046513.
28: Walk
the Talk
@ La Mesa
Watershed, Quezon City.
Companies are advised
to provide a list of their
participating employees
for accommodation in the
shuttle service. Contact
Rico de Manzana @
449-6122.
Answer to February puzzle
Solution, tips and computer program available at www.
sudoku.com
travel
GRIFFIN SIERRA
RECOMMENDS
Hong Kong
WE
havethree or four significant milestones
to be thankful for this month. The first is for
the Lopez Group harvesting 10 awards in
PRSP’s 44th Anvil Awards, including the
coveted Grand Anvil Award for Energy
Development Corporation’s (EDC’s) “Harmonizing Environment and Technology”
communications plan. This is the second
Grand Anvil for the Group, the first time
being in 2005 courtesy of MNTC.
The second is graduation day, when we
thank all the children for completing their
studies and, of course, the parents who made
this achievement possible. Graduation 2009 is bittersweet for the
graduates however as they seek to join the workforce at a time when
many companies are closing down or cutting jobs, and the world at
large is facing a deepening financial crisis. But, in fact, every year the
same old record is played before each batch of graduates—it’s a dogeat-dog world out there, your 14 years of schooling wasn’t enough,
jobs are hard to come by, ad infinitum.
The situation is not as bad as it seems, with some sectors actually
thriving despite the meltdown. As First Philec Solar Corp. (FPSC)
president Dan C. Lachica put it, “Let’s not focus on the world economy. Let’s focus on God’s economy.”
Lachica has every reason to be optimistic. FPSC, our cover feature
this month, is the Lopez Group’s new venture into renewable energy,
specifically the sunrise industry of solar power. With the application
of the same best practices and quality management methodologies
that reaped accolades for First Sumiden Circuits Inc. (also headed
by Lachica), the company has been performing extremely well, so
much so that the president is already looking beyond the horizon to
expanding to regional markets and related products.
Finally, we are thankful that our PR group took the very important step of acquainting its members with Internet strategies, with
emphasis on its significance as a PR tool in today’s information-obsessed world. If you are not familiar with blogging, tagging, plurking
or Twitter, check out page 4.
ooOoo
I’m planning for a short break during the summer and was wondering if Lopez Museum will again have its bookbinding workshop. It’s
something I’ve always wanted to take up, so I’m preparing (financially) for it already. If not, what are the workshops on offer?—Lowell
From Mary Ann Pernia of Lopez Museum: “As part of its advocacy to teach techniques that hinge on preservation and conservation, Lopez Memorial Museum will once again offer bookbinding
Nusa Penida, Bali
29: 4th Pinay in Action
All Women’s Run,
1.6k-5k-10k, Mall of Asia
Grounds, Pasay City. Visit
www.pinayinaction.com.
Be an Aquabest partner for P6,500
state-of-the-art reverse osmosis technology from the US, which removes
bacteria, viruses, parasites, pathogens,
pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals and
inorganic materials, and primes the
water to retain the maximum amount
of oxygen possible.
In addition, Aquabest Purified
Drinking Water undergoes a more
complex form of purification, the
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.
Makiling West Wing,
Laguna. Fee is P1,000/day
inclusive of all meals and accommodations. For queries,
email Atty. Leny Oxales @
acoxales@fphc.com.
Need extra income?
PEOPLE always need clean water for
drinking, which is why putting up a
water refilling station is a no-brainer
in these uncertain times.
Aquabest Purified Drinking Water is said to be one of the
best and purest brands of bottled
water available in the Philippine
market. This is because it passes
through a 24- to 28-stage
Lopezlink March 2009 11
Soque tops Dasma Masters Cup ESAP veteran
Danny Soque of Operations topped the Dasmariñas Masters Cup held
at the Dasmariñas Sector in Cavite. He garnered a score of 7.5 points
in eight games. Bilibid veteran Edson Gonzales of Alabang Business
Center placed second while Brando Banzuela of Admin placed third.
The other participants were Mon Pesebre, Ben Larga, Rolly Sapalasan,
Tito Beros Jr., Willy Abud and Bong Masa. For more photos and chess
activities, log on to meralcochess.blogspot.com. (Raul Sol Cruz)
Don’t keep the good news to yourself. Pass on your copy of LopezLink! For your comments and suggestions, please text 02-382-0139 (Bayan Wireless Landline).
THIS summer, take the kids on a
well-deserved vacation. Check out
Griffin Sierra Travel’s top picks:
Hong Kong, shopping mecca
Hong Kong is a great destination
for shopping; prices are cheaper compared to Japan, North America and
Europe. Upscale shopping malls are in
Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui
and check out the ladies’ night market
at Mongkok and Silk Road at Stanley.
The skyline of Hong Kong is one
of the best in the world. Drop by the
Lugard Road Lookout, Lions View
Point Pavilion, the viewing terrace at
the Peak Galleria and the Peak Tower
Sky Terrace. Also, check out Victoria
Harbour, one of Hong Kong’s greatest assets. You can catch the spectacular harbour view at the Tsim Sha
Tsui Promenade and a magnificent
symphony of lights.
If your family is into the traditional, visit Lantau Island, which
features the world’s tallest outdoor
seated bronze Buddha, along with the
Po Lin Monastery and Tai O village
on stilts. For a treat that everyone will
appreciate, head to Hong Kong Disneyland, where the magic begins the
moment you set foot inside the gates.
Picturesque Bali
If the hustle and bustle of Hong
Kong is not for you and your family, then grab your shades and slip on
your flip-flops because the world’s
best beaches are waiting for you.
Bali in Indonesia is so picturesque
and immaculate it could almost be a
Dear Rosie
workshops with Loreto Apilado of the Cottage Industry Technology
Center this May. We will keep you posted as to the final schedule and
fee, as well as that of the other workshops we will be offering. Thank
you.”
ooOoo
For Ms Ariola: How can an ordinary employee without a stock portfolio or a fat savings account such as myself cut costs and save “painlessly”? Would appreciate your ideas. Thank you.—Sonny C.
Ariola offers the following suggestions: Step 1—List down your
monthly expenses from Day 1 to Day 30. Step 2—Identify the wants
and the needs. Wants are things you can live without (like soft drinks,
cigarettes and the like), while needs are those you can’t live without
(like food, shelter, education). Step 3—Eliminate or delay the wants;
buy the needs, but before doing so canvass for the best price. By doing
this, you can generate savings, no matter how small. It is not how
much you save that is important, but the habit or discipline to save
that you develop by cutting down on unnecessary expenses.
ooOoo
I was happy to see more PR articles in the February issue, all touching on very timely topics. More, please!—Emil
We hope you’ll enjoy our story on our very own social media intro,
“Every Business Should Have a Blog” in this issue. Thanks for keeping an eye on our PR page and keeping us on our toes!
ooOoo
Thanks for featuring us in the Feb issue. To chess fans, please log on
to meralcochess.blogspot.com. Regards.—Rolly
ooOoo
Is there an ongoing laptop plan for Lopez Group employees? I’m in
the market for an affordable unit for my kids’ use. Thanks.—Ellen
Adtel Inc. happens to be offering a low-cost but high specs notebook called @DVANCE. On top of that, it offers flexible payment
terms and a gift to Lopez Group employees who avail of a unit. For
more info, see our Promos & Offers column on page 3.
If you have questions, comments, opinions, suggestions and reactions about
anything and everything about the Lopez Group, please send them to Dear Rosie
through email DearRosie@benpres-holdings.com or send text to bayanWIRELESS
landline number 02-3820139 (for Globe, add
2963 + 02 +3820139).
Summer destinations
painted
backdrop. It has rice
paddies tripping
down hillsides,
volcanoes soaring up through
the clouds, dense
tropical jungles,
long
sandy
beaches, warm
blue water, crashing surf and friendly
people who don’t just have a culture
but actually live it. In Bali, spirits come
out to play in the moonlight, every
night is a festival and even a funeral is
an opportunity to have a good time.
The island has a unique blend of
modern tourist facilities, wonderful
shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud
of having preserved their unique
Hindu culture, and this is reflected
in their day-to-day life.
Some of the best surfing beaches
in the world can be found on the
western side of the island, while the
eastern side is a haven for families,
with beautiful white sand beaches
and gentle seas. Bali has world-class
scuba diving, snorkeling and wonderful day trips out to Nusa Penida
for beach sports and coral viewing.
Saving a bundle
Griffin Sierra Travel offers reasonably priced airfare and hotel packages
for Lopez Group employees. Instead
of spending your hard-earned money
on pricy hotels, increase your spending mileage by saving on this major
expense.
On offer is a 3D/2N Hong Kong
package for $359++ per person,
which includes round-trip economy
airfare via Hong Kong Express and
transfer in the hotel shuttle bus, and
hotel accommodation with breakfast. Travel must be completed on or
before March 28, 2009.
Also available is a 4D/3N Bali package for $548++ per person. This includes
round-trip economy airfare via Singapore Airlines and seat-in-coach airport
transfer, and hotel accommodation with
breakfast. Travel must be completed on
or before March 31, 2009. Both packages are valid for two passengers traveling together.
For more info, call Jacqui of Griffin
Sierra Travel Inc. at tel. no. 898-2451
or email sierra@info.com.ph. (Pauline
Cala-or)
DFA: Green is still in
THE Department
of Foreign Affairs
has announced that
non-machine readable (or green) passports will be valid
until the stated date
of expiry. Until then,
there is no need to apply for the
new, machine-readable passports.
The agency issued the clarification
as erroneous information regarding
the validity of the green passports
started circulating. Machine-readable passports have been in use in
the country only since July 2007.
(Source: http://dfa.gov.ph/?p=3060)
12
Lopezlink March 2009
What’s new
from ABS-CBN Publishing this March
By Sheila Quieta
Hot summer with Cristine in ‘Metro’
Cristine Reyes relates how it feels to be the current “It Girl” and
fantasy girlfriend of Filipino men. In “Men of Summer,” 20 gorgeous guys bare their stories and accomplishments (among others).
Shine with a feature on how to wear the new metallics and learn
how to pick out the asymmetrical dress for your body type. Get
gorgeous with features on mesotherapy, painless body waxing,
bronzers and the best sunscreens. Go on a sojourn to Bhutan with
Tristan Choa or head north to the rice terraces, and celebrate 15
years of excellence with The Filipino Channel.
Three Bs in ‘SSM’
StarStudio Magazine throws the spotlight on two fabulous females: Dr. Vicki Belo and Bebe Gandanghari, formerly known as
Rustom Padilla. The third “B” is not a woman, but is just as interesting: Baron Geisler, who tells the story of how he is rebuilding
his life. Take a closer look at two of the most talked-about movies
this year: “You Changed My Life” and “When I Met You.” Also,
find out what showbiz talk show gals Phoemela Baranda, Bianca
Gonzalez and Ginger Conejero have to say about hot showbiz
issues in “When Girls Talk.”
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 ABSCBN Publishing Inc. at 455-9434.
HOT PICK
‘Underage’ on ‘Your Song
Presents’ on ABS-CBN!
“Your Song Presents Underage” is the initial
offering of ABS-CBN’s “Your Song Presents” which will feature the adaptations
of well-loved Pinoy teen flicks from the
‘80s.
Matt Evans, Melissa Ricks, Empress
Schuck, Lauren Young, Valeen Montenegro, AJ Perez, Rafael Rosell, William
Lorenzo and Sylvia Sanchez all give life to
important roles in the story.
Under the direction of Manny Palo,
the story will revolve around three young
sisters (Melissa, Empress and Lauren) who
grew up in the province, about to face a
whole new world. “Underage” was released
by Regal Films in 1980 and was considered
the launch pad of Dina Bonnevie, Snooky
Serna and Maricel Soriano as young-adult
actresses. Don’t miss “Your Song Presents
Underage” as it premieres on March 1 on
ABS-CBN after “ASAP ’09.” (L. DionisioPiravalasamy)
Salute to the grads of 2009
ROCKWELL POWER PLANT FINDS
By Lisa Gomez
GRADUATION day is one of the biggest milestones in
anyone’s life. And as on any special occasion, the graduate
deserves unique gifts on this day.
iPod nano-chromatic
The iPod nano-chromatic proves that the best gifts come
in small packages. Choose from a wide range of unique and
funky colors that will suit your graduate’s personality. You can
view movies in any direction on the iPod nano-chromatic
since graphics and videos can rotate 360 degrees. Plus, the
slim design makes it very handy! The iPod nano-chromatic
comes with 8GB memory (P8,990) and 16GBb (P11,990).
iTouch
This new addition to the iPod family has a touch
screen, is wi-fi compatible and has practically almost all
Editorial Advisory Board
Executive Editor
Contributing Editors
Carla Paras-Sison (Benpres)
Maite Bueno (Meralco)
Estela de la Paz (First Gen)
Kane Choa (ABS-CBN)
Angelo Macabuhay (FPHC)
Rafael Alunan III (Wellness)
Circulation
Editorial and Layout
Boo Chanco / Danny Gozo
Rosan Cruz
John Rojo (Bayan)
Arlene Torres (SkyCable)
Sheila Quieta (ABS-CBN Publishing)
Vienn Tionglico (Rockwell)
Vanessa Suquila (LGFI)
the applications one may find in the iPhone. The exciting applications and games will keep your graduate busy
while enjoying the summer break or while job-hunting!
The iTouch comes with 8GB memory (P14,490), 16GB
(P18,990) and 32GB (P23,990).
MacBook Air
Give your graduate what everyone wants—a MacBook
Air (P107,990), the thinnest notebook computer. It features a
larger hard drive, a slimmer battery pack, faster performance,
a built-in iSight camera and a whole lot more! (All Apple
products are available in Power Mac Center at the R3 Level)
My Phone
With the My Phone’s (P8,690) dual-SIM feature, you
can keep in touch with everyone in your phone book. It
also features a touch screen, FM radio, 2GB memory and
weighs only 120 grams!
Canon 1000D
The Canon EOC 1000D has a 10.1-megapixel
CMOS sensor, 7-point AF System, high ISO noise reduction function, auto lightning optimizer, 2.5” LCD
with live view shooting and an EOS integrated cleaning
system—definitely a photographer/ photographer-to-be’s
dream come true! (The My Phone and Canon 1000D camera
are available in AV Surfer at the R3 Level.)
Lucy Torres (Tel. 449-2468)
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
Available online at www.benpres-holdings.com
MyPhone, assorted
Cross pens
(L-R) MacBook,
iPod nanochromatic
MP3 player,
iTouch phone,
Canon 1000D
DLSR camera,
‘The Purpose
Driven Life’ by
Rick Warren, and
Samsonite luggage
Samsonite
Samsonite is known for sturdy bags that do not sacrifice style. Their new model is classic yet modern at the
same time. The large-sized luggage sells for P18,000 and
the smaller-sized luggage sells for P13,750.
Cross pens
If you want to give your graduate something that he
will surely use, Cross pens are the gift to give. The prices
of these special pens range from P7,000 to P10,000. You
can even personalize the pen to make it more special!
‘The Purpose-Driven Life’
“The Purpose Driven Life” (P225), a best-seller written by
Rick Warren, will answer one of the graduate’s most
important questions: What is my purpose? This
book will help your graduate realize and discover
things about him and his purpose after graduation.
(Cross pens and “The Purpose Driven Life” are available at National Bookstore at the Archaeology area.)
At Power Plant Mall, you will never run out
of gift ideas. The mall has big and little treasures to
offer for each occasion, so start your gift-shopping
at Power Plant Mall—where fashionable Manila
shops.