K Channel @15: Making the future of learning
Transcription
K Channel @15: Making the future of learning
www.lopezlink.ph NOVEMBER 2014 First Balfour: Celebrating 45 years of excellence in engineering and construction. See story on page 2. http://www.facebook.com/lopezlinkonline www.twitter.com/lopezlinkph Students from Hamtic Central School in Antique wave their Knowledge Channel flags during the ceremonial turnover at their school K Channel @15: Making the future of learning happen today By Gellix Mercader FIFTEEN years ago, two young, idealistic executives envisioned a world where children could be given access to education, wherever they may be, amidst whatever circumstance they are in. It was a vision rooted in a deep desire to help Filipinos in empowering themselves and uplifting their families from poverty—through education. Turn to page 6 Photo by Alex Dimasacat EDC’s Burgos wind project gets $315M infusion…page 2 ‘LizQuen’ stars in ‘Forevermore’ …page 4 Yule cool! …page 12 Biz News Lopezlink November 2014 EDC secures $315M financing The foundation of excellence: First Balfour celebrates 45 years for Burgos wind project in engineering and construction FIRST Balfour Inc. has built its name on a strong foundation of excellence in engineering and construction that has lasted for 45 years. It was established on November 28, 1969, the last of the three companies put up by Eugenio Lopez Sr. that year alone (the other two were Philippine Electric Corporation and Philippine Petroleum Corporation). Then known as Philippine Engineering and Construction Company (PECCO), First Balfour “provided engineering services in the varied fields of industrial design” and “acted as a general contractor in the construction industry.” The company started as a spinoff of the former power plant construction and design unit of Meralco. It was established to support the growing construction needs of the then fluourishing electric power industry. By 1976, following its expansion to such fields as power transmissions, oil refineries and industrial plants, PECCO changed its name to Engineering and Construction Corporation of Asia, or ECCO-Asia. The 1990s saw the beginning of a renaissance of sorts for First Balfour, padding its profile with a slew of big-ticket projects—the P305-million PLDT Eastern Visayas and Eastern Mindanao digital microwave backbone project, the 215-MW Bauang Power Plant in La Union, the 66MW Apo Cement Diesel Power Plant in Cebu and the 72-MW Panay Power Plant in Iloilo. Aside from being the main civil works contractor for the 1,000-MW Sta. Rita power plant and its 230-kV overhead transmission line in Batangas, First Balfour also built the Manansala in 2003, its first high-rise residential condo project for Rockwell Land. The company later took on the power supply and electrical works of the LRT Line 1 capacity expansion project as well as various pipe laying and sewage treatment plant projects. The late 2000s witnessed the company’s solid performance as it successfully delivered two major projects. In 2006, the company’s joint venture with the Makati Development Corporation bagged the coveted St. Luke’s Medical Center project in Bonifacio Global City after a tough competitive bidding among local and international contractors. A year later, it received a subcontract to build bridges for the Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway. In 2008, the company’s joint venture with DMCI was awarded a P3.6-billion design and build contract for the LRT-1 North Extension project connecting the LRT 1 to MRT 3. By 2011, First Balfour was on the cusp of bigger and better things, heralded by its move to a two-building facility situated on a sprawling compound in Sucat, Parañaque. A year after, the facility was recognized and awarded by the Philippine Green Building Council as the first Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence-certified building in design. This was followed by an expansion program that saw the company venturing outside of its core construction business to four new divisions: geothermal projects, plant including equipment rental, tunnel construction and concrete. Through all these changes, First Balfour continues to tower over the competition, largely due to the extreme professionalism of its workforce. As an affirmation of this professionalism and commitment to continued business improvement through its people, the company was recognized as the first engineering and construction company in the country to receive the Investors in People bronze certification in 2013. Not surprisingly, customer satisfaction, commitment to excellence and commitment to people, shareholder and community are listed as the company’s core values. Says Dr. Fiorello Estuar, First Balfour vice chairman and CEO: “It is probably another distinguishing feature of First Balfour. We enter into a project with customer satisfaction as an objective. Our people are focused on that goal: delivering the projects on time, on budget with quality and safety.” First Balfour remains one of the few select construction firms to have maintained a triple certification (International Management System) under the standard ISO 9001:2008 for quality, ISO 14001:2004 for environment and OHSAS 18001:2007 for safety and occupational health. (Dolly Pasia) ENERGY Development Corporation (EDC) signed a $315million financing agreement with a group of foreign and local banks for the construction of the 150-MW Burgos Wind Project (BWP) in Ilocos Norte. The facility, which consists of US dollar and Philippine peso tranches, will mature in 15 years. Eksport Kredit Fonden, Denmark’s export credit agency, guaranteed a part of the dollar loan component. The mandated lead arrangers for the foreign tranche are Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, DZ Bank AG, ING Bank NV, Malayan Banking Berhad and Norddeutsche Landesbank Gironzentrale. The local tranche, meanwhile, was arranged by PNB Capital and Investment Corporation and SB Capital Investment Corporation among a syndicate of local lenders, namely BDO Unibank Inc., Land Bank of the Philippines, Philippine National Bank and Security Bank Corporation. “This fresh loan is a sign of confidence from funding insti- tutions in EDC’s ability to execute a strategic business plan for our wind project amidst intense competition in the renewable energy industry. With construction in full swing, we are confident that we will meet our target commissioning date and avail of the feed-in tariff,” EDC president and chief operating officer Richard Tantoco said. The BWP aims to be the first wind project to avail of the feed-in tariff (FIT) which the Department of Energy will grant to 200 megawatts of wind projects on a first-tocommission, first-served basis. Its entire electrical output is intended to be sold under the FIT system pursuant to the Renewable Energy Act of 2008. Once operational, the BWP will be the largest wind farm in the Philippines comprising a total of 50 large-scale Vestas V90-3.0-MW wind turbines and ancillary plant to be supplied and constructed by Vestas. The project also includes a 115-kV transmission line connecting the wind farm from the Burgos substation to the Laoag substation of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, as well as the expansion of the switchyard/ substations. FPH affiliates score victory in solar wafer-slicing deal LOPEZ units First PV Ventures Corporation (First PV) and First Philec Nexolon Corporation (FPNC) recently won an international arbitration against the Korean solar wafer company Nexolon Co. Ltd. First PV and FPNC initiated arbitration proceedings against Nexolon with the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) on March 22, 2012. In an award dated October 3, 2014, an arbitral tribunal constituted by the ICC ordered Nexolon to pay First PV around P2.09 billion as payment for its shares in FPNC, which the award directs First PV to transfer to Nexolon upon receipt of Nexolon’s payment. The award also ordered Nexolon to pay FPNC roughly $24.8 million in damages and pre-award interest. The ICC award gave Nexolon until November 2, 2014 to First Balfour booth among PhilConstruct Mindanao’s best First Balfour joined over a hundred exhibiting companies in PhilConstruct Mindanao 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier in Davao City. The company’s booth was named as the event’s Best Booth Awards second runnerup, following Cemex (first runner-up) and Boysen (champion). (D. Pasia) pay the Lopez Group units. Failure to meet the deadline would make Nexolon liable for post-award interest of 8% per annum on the sums it has been ordered to pay. “First PV and FPNC are considering the options to pursue the enforcement of the award. Based on reports, it appears that Nexolon is currently subject to corporate rehabilitation proceedings in Korea,” First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPH) said in a disclosure. First PV is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Philippine Electric Corporation, a subsidiary of FPH. With Nexolon, it set up FPNC as a 70-30 joint venture company in 2011 to slice silicon wafers for the Korean firm. First PV owns 70% of the shares of FPNC. FPNC put up a solar waferslicing plant in First Philippine Industrial Park in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, months before First PV and FPNC sought arbitration due to breaches by Nexolon of their joint venture agreement and wafer slicing supply and services agreement. Biz News Lopezlink November 2014 Dispatch from Japan AMML welcomes participants of Japan-PH teen ambassadors program Presentation of gifts to Amb. Manuel M. Lopez and Maritess L. Lopez by Sendai Nika Senior High School students AMBASSADOR Manuel M. Lopez (AMML), with spouse Maritess L. Lopez and officials of the Philippine embassy, recently welcomed the 20 Filipino and 20 Japanese participants of the AEON 1% Club Foundation JapanPhilippines Teenage Ambassadors program at a party in their honor at the Philippine embassy in Tokyo. The Teenage Ambassadors program is an annual cultural exchange program between high school students of Japan and another country sponsored by the AEON Group. This was the first year the Philippines was chosen as the partner country for the program. The AEON 1% Club Foundation and concerned Philippine agencies including the Department of Foreign Affairs and the National Youth Commission agreed that Sendai Nika Senior High School, located in the Tohoku region, and the University of the Philippines Integrated School will participate in the program. In the first leg of the program, the 20 Japanese high school students visited Manila from July 28 to August 4, 2014. The second leg involved the visit of the 20 Filipino high school students to Tokyo and Sendai from September 29 to October 6, 2014. At the welcome party, AMML thanked AEON for organizing a project that promotes friendship and understanding between Filipino and Japanese youth. He also expressed appreciation for AEON’s donation of more than ¥100 million to victims of last year’s typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines. Top AEON executives led by AEON honorary chairman and adviser Takuya Okada, AEON 1% Club chairman Naoki Hayashi, AEON chairman of the board Hiroshi Yokoo and president Motoya Okada attended the welcome party. (Excerpted from tokyo. philembassy.net) ABS-CBN CDO is 1st Agora awardee for marcomm ABS-CBN chief digital officer Donald Patrick Lim was named the first awardee of the Agora Award for Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Communications given by the Philippine Marketing Association. Lim, one of the country’s founding fathers of digital marketing, was cited for revolutionizing digital advertising in the country. In his acceptance speech at the 35th Agora Awards, Lim paid tribute to his mentors, including ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo SantosConcio who taught him that “the greatest marketers are the greatest storytellers.” “In ABS-CBN, Charo taught me that everything starts and ends with a story. And no matter how great you are at storytelling, at the very end, you have to put the Filipinos at heart. Everything I create in the digital space, anything I do in ABS-CBN will always be in the service of the Filipino,” said Lim. Lim is also the founding president of the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines. He joined ABS-CBN in June 2013. Now on its 35th year, the Agora Awards is the beacon of Filipino marketing excellence that spotlights admirable qualities of versatility, innovativeness and ingenuity. Through the Agora, the Filipino is hailed as a world-class market- Promos & offers ABS-CBN CDO Donald Patrick Lim er endowed with a proven flair of out-of-the-box thinking and trailblazing achievements. (K. Choa) SKY PayPer-View: Pacquiao vs. Algieri for P999 ON November 23 at 8 a.m., SKY Pay-Per-View will air Pacquiao vs. Algieri at The Venetian Macao live and commercial-free. Expect actionpacked viewing entertainment in the comfort of your home with the HD coverage of SKY KidZania Manila to open in 2015 KIDZANIA, one of the world’s fastest-growing family edutainment centers, is set to open a P1-billion interactive, kid-sized city in the Philippines next year. KidZania Manila, currently being developed in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, is a first-of-its-kind KidZania founder Xavier Lopez and KidZania indoor play center Manila governor Maricel Pangilinan-Arenas that allows children to freely explore a kid-sized world development around the world. and choose from over 100 role- KidZania Manila will be playing activities in different es- operated by Play Innovations, a tablishments sponsored by real subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corbrands. It is expected to cater to poration. Maricel Pangilinan600,000 visitors annually. Arenas, president and chief Originally from Mexico, executive officer of Play InnovaKidZania has become a global tions, will also head KidZania phenomenon, with 16 locations Manila as its governor. in 13 countries. It also has more In the Philippines, KidZathan 12 facilities currently under nia will incorporate maritime activities and other activities that will promote care for the environment. Aside from building more facilities, KidZania founder Xavier Lopez said they are also planning to expand KidZania by selling merchandise and creating a children’s community. “We’re trying to create merchandising, we’re trying to sell educational toys. Role playing, educational, souvenirs. Second, we’re also trying to build kind of a community of children. We want children to be KidZanians, to be part of one nation. Third, we’re also trying to do some interactive stuff. At the end we want to have a good educational experience,” Lopez said. KidZania Manila is set to open in early 2015. (Excerpted from www.abs-cbnnews.com) ABS-CBN wins People’s Choice Stevie ABS-CBN Corporation was named the winner of the People’s Choice Stevie Award for Favorite Company in the Media & Entertainment category after earning the Gold Stevie Award in the same category at the International Business Awards (IBA). The only Philippine media company to be recognized by the awards competition, ABS-CBN received the highest number of online votes and beat the other Stevie winners in the category. ABS-CBN won the Gold Stevie Award for its business achievements in the past year: its supremacy in terms of TV ratings and box office sales for Star Cinema movies, increase in revenue, groundbreaking business ventures such as ABSCBNmobile, theme park Kid- Zania Manila and TV home shopping channel O Shopping, its public service initiatives and the success of its Philippine TV’s 60th anniversary celebration. It received both the Gold Stevie and People’s Choice Stevie awards at a banquet in Paris, France last month. More than 23,000 votes were cast in this year’s People’s Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Companies, a feature of the IBA, the world’s premier business awards competition. All organizations honored in the IBA’s Company of the Year category were included in the voting for the People’s Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Companies, in which the general public voted for their favorite companies. Pay-Per-View for P999. Also available for the same price in standard definition. World, Arirang, CTS, Channel M, YTN) for P199/month; Korean Pack 2 (KBS World, Arirang, CTS, Channel M, YTN, MBC) for P900/month or Screen Red for P50/a month. Arirang, KBS World, Channel M and Screen Red. Add to your basic plan any of these Korean packs or channels via SKYcable Select: Korean Pack 1 (KBS Check out BabyFirst TV, a funfilled TV network made just for tots and their parents. Introduce your child to basic building blocks like colors, numbers, Ride the Korean wave, enjoy BabyFirst TV K-Pop! Experience the best of Korean on SKYcable drama, reality TV and pop culture 24/7 on SKYcable with Select Follow us @lopezlinkph on Twitter and Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/lopezlinkonline ABS-CBN Integrated Corporate Communications OIC Kane Choa (left) and Stevie Awards president Michael Gallagher at the International Business Awards In May, ABS-CBN bagged a Grand Stevie Award at the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards and was the only Filipino company to receive the highest honor given to five companies in the region. It also won a Gold Stevie Award in the Services Company of the Year category. (Kane Choa) animals, art, music and more. Plus, BabyFirst makes it more convenient for parents to choose the best program for their kids through color-coded content. Get BabyFirst through SKYcable Select, available via the following add-on packs: Kids Pack 1 (P199/month), Kids Pack 2 (P249/month) or Family Pack (P350/month). (Dino Quizon) For more info, call the customer service hotline at 381-0000 for Metro Manila, CAMANAVA and Rizal, or log on to www.mysky.com.ph. Councils Lopezlink November 2014 couch potato treats ‘Forevermore’ Enrique, Liza team up for tale of first love Host Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo with ‘Bet on Your Baby’ contestants Want to bet on your baby? Parents of toddlers all over the country are invited to try their luck in “Bet on Your Baby” for a chance to win the jackpot prize of P1 million and a house and lot. To register, send your baby’s cutest and most bibo video to [email protected]. The video, in .mp4 format, should not exceed one minute and 15MB. Only one entry can be sent for each baby. Play and have fun with the entire family in “Bet on Your Baby,” weekdays at 5 p.m. before “Pure Love” on ABS-CBN! Top 3 couples of ‘I Do’ known Only three couples are left inside the “I Do” village as the sixth couple got eliminated. Couple Christian and Chelsea, who got the most number of “I Don’t” votes, was the last couple to be eliminated as the show nears its end. After Christian and Chelsea left, the council named the “power couples” who will compete with each other to get their happy ending: Jimmy and Kring, Chad and Sheela, and Chris and Karen. The three couples will continue to do different challenges as they learn more about themselves and their relationships. (Excerpted from www.abs-cbnnews.com) ABS-CBNmobile exclusive: Lee Min Ho’s ‘Faith’ Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano Jane Oineza and Marlo Mortel earned praise from netizens for their touching performance in “Maalala Mo Kaya” recently. In the episode titled “Bonnet,” Oineza took on the role of Rovil, an optimistic cancer patient. Mortel, on the other hand, portrayed the character of Paolo, whose happygo-lucky perspective on life changed when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Oineza is best known for her performances in the “Manika” and “Bimpo” episodes of the long-running drama anthology. (Excerpted from www.abs-cbnnews.com) Liza’s character, Marie “Agnes” Calay, the “Strawberry Jam Queen” of La Trinidad, Benguet. Xander and Agnes’ relationship starts after an intoxicated Xander crash-lands his parachute into a strawberry truck. To teach him a lesson, his parents make him pay for the damages he caused by making him work at the farm under the guidance of Agnes and other strawberry farmers. A new batch of Filipino artists with extraordinary voices takes center stage in the ongoing Season 2 of “The Voice of the Philippines.” But this time, the judges have a “steal” option, adding spice and excitement to the competition. Back in Season 2 are apl.de.ap, Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo and Lea Salonga, with Luis Manzano, Robi Domingo, Alex Gonzaga and Toni Gonzaga. The four coaches will assemble 14 artists to form a team by the end of the blind auditions. During the battle rounds, the coach will pit two of his or her artists against each other and choose only one who will move on to the next round. Other coaches can “steal” the losing artist; if two or more coaches like the losing artist, the artist, just like in the blind auditions, gets to choose which coach or team to transfer to. The new season of “The Voice of the Philippines” will showcase artists with notably refined artistry representing various fields and ages, including a nurse, a bus vendor, a farmer, a chemist, a Zumba instructor and a former recording artist. (Kane Choa) Concert for a cause MYX Mo! to transform Big Dome into sing-along party MYX, which kicks off its 15th anniversary celebration this month, brings together the best and the brightest in the Pinoy music scene in MYX Mo! 2014 happening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on November 11. MYX will turn the Big Dome into one big sing-along party with an all-hits playlist from artists like Rico Blanco, Christian Bautista, Yeng Constantino, Sponge Cola, Don’t let this go ABS-CBN P.O. goes Disney CATCH the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra as it takes the audience back to the experience of happy ever. “Disney’s Tale as Old as Time” will take place at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo on November 8 and 9. The show will also include Disney’s “Frozen” and “Tangled” as well as classic favorites “Beauty and the Beast,” “Cinderella,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King” and many more! For ticket inquiries, call Ticketworld at 891-9999. (Laurice Sta. Maria) Angeline Quinto, Kamikazee and more. Check out the complete lineup and details on myxph.com! Tickets are available at popular prices via TicketNet outlets and www.ticketnet.com.ph. MYX Mo! 2014 proceeds will be used to rehabilitate a learning haven as well as purchase story- Darryl releases debut album under Star Records “THE Voice of the HR Updates books and other reading materials for the students of Osmeña Elementary School. It is one of several schools affected by typhoon Yolanda in Samar. Rehabilitation is ongoing and Programa Genio already has teacher training and feeding programs in place. (Katherine Solis) Philippines Season 1” finalist Darryl Shy enchants listeners with his folk-pop, soulful rendition of four timeless hits, including OPM favorites “Ang Pag-Ibig Kong Ito” and “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako” and classics “Desperado” and “Danny’s Song.” The self-titled debut album of Darryl, a Star Records exclusive contract artist, also features an original track titled “Home” and the instrumental versions of “Desperado” and “Ang Pag-Ibig Kong Ito.” The album is available in record bars nationwide for P199. The tracks can also be downloaded via iTunes, Amazon.com, Mymusicstore.com.ph and Starmusic.ph. (A. Domingo) On his birth anniversary Fete to raise funds for advocacies of ‘Kapitan’ “Forevermore” is produced by Star Creatives, the same group that brought viewers “Princess and I” and “Got to Believe.” Joining Enrique and Liza in “Forevermore” are Sophia Andres, Yves Flores, Kit Thompson, Zoren Legaspi, Lilet, Marissa Delgado, Joey Marquez and Almira Muhlach. It is codirected by Ted Boborol. (Aaron Domingo) ‘TVP’ spices up Season 2 with ‘steal’ option Lee Min Ho portrays a warrior from the past with magical powers in the telenovela “Faith” shown exclusively on ABS-CBNmobile. Fans are now enjoying the colorful and action-filled drama, especially since anyone can watch it anytime and anywhere using a smartphone equipped with an ABS-CBNmobile SIM. “Faith,” which has never been shown before in the country, is a joy to watch because it is dubbed in Filipino. (Anthony Alcantara) Jane, Marlo praised for ‘MMK’ stint ENRIQUE Gil and Liza Soberano, the newest Kapamilya love team, star in ABS-CBN’s primetime romantic drama series “Forevermore” directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina. “Forevermore” is a tale about first love that blossomed between two different people. Enrique plays the role of Alexander “Xander” Grande III, the rebellious and irresponsible unico hijo of a hotel magnate who crosses paths and falls in love with Lopezlink November 2014 Clockwise from top: Star of Fame winner Jane Chua (5th from left) is awarded by (l-r) SKY HR Systems and Services head Paul Abastillas, Special Projects and Airtime head Jaja Suarez, COO Ray Montinola, ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio, chairman Eugenio Lopez III, SKY CFO Eloi Balmoris and president Carlo Katigbak; Hosts Dennis Bunye of SKY and Toni Gonzaga; Katigbak addresses the STAR Awards attendees Star Awards 2014 SKY shows them ‘wow’! By Dimpy Jazmines ONE of the most awaited events in SKY is the annual STAR Awards Night. This affair is the grand culmination of the company’s STAR Awards process which gives honor and recognition to its top-performing and most deserving individuals and teams. With this year’s STAR Awards, SKY marks the sixth annual staging of the program. The highly-anticipated event was held at the Metrotent in Metrowalk, Pasig in September. By all indications, this year’s STAR Awards was the biggest and grandest that the program has produced in its six-year history. In terms of nominations received by the program alone, the SKY organization has gathered a record number of 80 total nominations nationwide from its employees, coming from 60 the year before. Aligned with the thrust of SKY to deliver “wow at saya” to its customers, this year’s STAR Awards had the theme “Show them wow!” In this special event, the “wow” of the STAR Awards was truly felt in the inspiring messages of chief operating of- ficer Ray Montinola, president and chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak, ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos-Concio and chairman Eugenio Lopez III. Aside from the regular award winners, special recognitions were also given during this year’s STAR Awards to SKY’s Yolanda Heroes—employees who helped set up viewing stations in the typhoon Yolanda-affected areas— and Zamboanga Heroes—the company’s team that helped uplift their community’s spirit after the Zamboanga siege. Preparations under way for annual HR summit THE Lopez Group HR Council is now preparing for the HR Summit to be held at the ABS-CBN Compound in Quezon City on November 27. ABS-CBN will be the host of the summit, which is now on its 13th year. The HR Summit is an annual whole-day event that brings to- gether HR practitioners, leaders and guests from the various Lopez Group companies as well as the Lopez Group companies’ presidents and CEOs. The summit is also an opportunity for the attendees to be educated about today’s relevant HR topics and trends, learn from and be inspired by the invited CEOs and speakers, and interact with fellow HRs from other Lopez Group companies. More details will be given by the HR Council regarding this highly-anticipated HR event in announcements soon. (D. Jazmines) THE Lopez Group honors Eugenio “Geny” Lopez Jr., also known as “Kapitan,” on what would have been his 86th birthday (November 4) through an event called “Manila in the Mood.” The November 3 gala dinner at the Raffles & Fairmont Makati Hotel aims to raise funds for underserved communities in 15 provinces helped by ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc., which is also marking its 25th anniversary. Gina Lopez now serves as the chair of the foundation established by her father. “What an opportune time to have a celebration of an institution which he began... and to raise funds for something he deeply believed in, which is the preservation of the beauty of our country and the alleviation of poverty as well,” Lopez says. ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez is the honorary chairman for the event. Auction of gift items Original artwork, fashion, jewelry and toys will be ready for bids. Dining, fitness and personal grooming certificates as well as travel weekends to Paris, New York, Buenos Aires, Delhi, Hong Kong and Tokyo are perfect stocking stuffers. A number of items are now available for pre-bid on www. GreenInitiative.com.ph/catalog-of-prizes or call Alyza Raymundo at 0917-8242247. “Manila in the Mood” will also offer an evening of nostalgic music and dance. Featured performers include Mel Villena’s APM Band, Jose Mari Chan, Pilita Corrales, Menchu Lauchengco, Richard Poon, Isay Alvarez, Robert Seña, Sandra Viray and friends from the Mesala hikes amount for auto transfer MERALCO Employees Savings and Loan Association Inc. (Mesala) recently announced the revised amounts for automatic transfer to members’ savings deposits. In a memo dated October 3, 2014, Mesala president Antonio Valera outlined the new provisions for automatic transfer of savings deposit to capital contribution. These will take effect beginning January 1, 2015. For those who have been members of Mesala for over 10 years, the maximum quarterly transfer has been increased from P20,000 to P50,000. For those who have been members for 10 years or less, the ceiling has also more than doubled, from the current P12,000 to P25,000. To avail of these benefits, a member must have elected a fixed capital contribution as this will determine his capital contribution ceiling. Failure to do so signifies that the current amount is automatically the capital contribution ceiling; thus, the member will be ineligible for a quarterly transfer. Depending on the length of membership, the aforementioned new maximum quarterly transfer amounts are now the default rates for all members. A member who wants a lower amount for transfer must accom- What’s your drool-worthy Kapamilya Christmas recipe? WHAT are your Christmas food memories made of? Your mom’s steaming arroz caldo with fall-off-thebone chicken chunks? Grandpa’s homemade ham prepared months in advance of the grand family Noche Buena? Paella (with tutong!) chock-full of the juiciest seafood, or maybe lechon de leche so soft it falls apart with the nudge of a fork? Share with us your favorite Christmas recipe and get a chance to win a prize that you’ll enjoy for a year! To join, visit the LopezLink Facebook and look for the Ka- ABS-CBN network. In addition, Archie Lacson and the Penthouse Dancers will swirl in a medley of tango, foxtrot, cha-cha and boogie moves to the big band sounds of Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Tito Puente. F o r more info, contact Mary Rose Adeva at [email protected] or 4152272 local 3753. pamilya Christmas recipe contest update highlighted on the page. Reply by posting your family’s super awesome Christmas recipe. If you want to make us drool even more, attach a photo of the finished product for plus points! For more bragging rights, your winning recipe will be published in an upcoming issue of LopezLink. And the biggest prize? A one-year subscription to ABS-CBN Publishing Inc.’s FOOD magazine worth about P2,000! This contest is open to Metro Manila-based Facebook friends only. Recipes may be posted until November 17, while one lucky winner will be selected on November 21. plish a request for quarterly transfer form, which must be submitted to the Mesala office at least two business dates before the following credit dates in 2015: January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. Additionally, he or she must have the amount to be transferred to the savings deposit at least 30 days before the credit dates. Meanwhile, for the fourth quarter of 2014, Valera said the special savings deposit rate remains at 2.50% per annum, which is still “very competitive” compared to similar products from commercial banks. (Yiessa Borbon) November 15: 50th Anvil Awards deadline for entries. Entry fee: P10,000 (PRSP members) and P12,000 (nonmembers). For more info, call the PRSP secretariat at 623-9479 or email anvil@ prsp.ph November 27: 13th HR Council Summit, ABSCBN Compound, QC. Details to be announced Lopezlink November 2014 Lopezlink November 2014 By Carla Paras-Sison The Lopezes—Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez, Connie R. Lopez and KCFI president Rina Lopez Bautista (5th, 6th and 7th from left)—with (l-r) DepEd Usec. Rizalino Rivera, Bayan Academy’s Prof. Ed Morato, KCh consultant Dr. Fe Hidalgo, DepEd Sec. Bro. Armin Luistro and Usec. Alberto Muyot at the launch of LEEP in April What is LEEP? PEDAGOGY. What is this word from Knowledge Channel’s Learning Effectively through Enhanced Pedagogies (LEEP) training program, seemingly new to our ears, that creates an innovation in education? And how does it make an impact on the lives of teachers and learners? The word “pedagogy” is derived from a Greek word which means “to lead the child,” says Madeline Marasigan, Knowledge Channel’s educational leadership officer. With this perspective, teachers serve as guides to students as the latter embark on a journey of learning. “Pedagogy is usually referred to as the art, science and craft of teaching and learning. In LEEP, teachers are exposed to strategies, practices and approaches that have a positive impact on student learning,” Marasigan adds. With a significant paradigm shift, classes now are more learner centered compared to the former setup where teachers control learning. Numerous researches have shown that students learn most effectively when they understand what they are learning, why they are learning it and how they will be able to use their new learning. The enhanced pedagogy used by teachers helps students construct their own learning. More than just depositing facts and figures, students also develop higher-order thinking skills which are more practical and relevant in real life. It does not indicate that the role of the teacher is unimportant, only that it has evolved from being a direct giver of knowledge to that of a facilitator of learning. Through LEEP, teachers are exposed to activities and trainings that will help them become better equipped in leading their students in their journey, and helping them develop a lifelong love for learning. Milestones 1999 Sky Foundation is incorporated and Knowledge Channel (KCh) goes on air 2001 The foundation rolls out its first original series, “Kasaysayan TV,” and “Pamana” L-R: KCh staff conducts a session with students; Students at work during an activity in LEEP; Teachers collaborate on a group project in their LEEP workshop; KCh staff discusses a topic with teachers in Batanes; Preschool students watch KCh K CHANNEL... from page 1 Pedagogy defined KCFI launches Text Mo, Pangarap Ko and Lakad Mo, Pangarap Ko As both Rina Lopez Bautista and Carlo Katigbak were then with SKYcable, they realized that they had the tools to reach more and teach more learners using educational media. Indeed, what better way to provide access to a growing population of 20 million students from around 40,000 public schools in an archipelago of 7,107 islands than to use the most influential and most widely used medium of all—television. It was also a solution that could help the Department of Education (DepEd) deliver quality basic education to learners—not just the ones in schools but also out-of-school youth and even adult learners. Driven by the common dream of helping Filipino children receive a fighting chance in life, they embarked on a journey that would bring together different stakeholders in education to work towards the noble goal of giving the gift of knowledge to schools. First broadcast With the support of then Lopez Group chairman Oscar Bautista receives the Parangal Lingkod Sambayanan from the Ateneo de Manila University in recognition of the cable-and-satellite education television initiatives of KCh M. Lopez and ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III, they established Sky Foundation, which later became Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI). With the mission of delivering educational media to schools through cable television, Knowledge Channel (KCh) made its first broadcast on November 6, 1999. While Katigbak stayed on the business side of cable, Bautista put together a dedicated team that shared their vision. The team solicited support from donors. They traveled across the country to provide schools with cable connection and satellites so teachers can teach using shows on KCh. They went as far north as Itbayat, Batanes, to as far south as Tawi-Tawi, at times risking their lives as they would be caught in the crossfire in conflict-stricken areas. But to the KCh team, nothing could be more fulfilling than to see the faces of children as they marveled at the new learning from watching KCh. The gift of knowledge meant more than just connecting schools. It brought a new spark of life to impoverished children and communities. A satelKo” program on production and business skills 2006 Buhisan Elementary School, Cebu gets the first KCh rural area satellite connection 2003 Sky Foundation changes its name to Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) 2004 Global Philanthropists Circle holds a learning visit in KCh schools 2005 Makes its first foray in ARMM through Television Education for the Advancement of Muslim Mindanao (TEAM Mindanao) Holds Lakad Mo, Pangarap Ko 2: Nationwide Na ‘To!, with more than 8,000 participants nationwide Bautista shares KCFI’s experiences in using science and technology for education at the United Nations’ Annual Department of Public Information Nongovernmental Organizations conference in New York 2007 Launch of the “Salam” miniseries on peace education and the “Negosyo Ko, Asenso lite they installed on a school building’s rooftop even became a symbol of hope to a barrio infested with rebels, which later became a zone of peace because of the fearless efforts of a principal who used education as a weapon against violence. Support for the cause The initial success of KCh paved the way for more wellmeaning individuals and companies to support the cause and connect even more schools. To date, KCh is being used by more than 3,000 schools and has been proven to be an effective tool in improving student performance, reducing dropouts and enjoining parents and community leaders to be more involved in school affairs. It, too, has evolved its offering and is now accessible through its website, KCh Online, and through portable media libraries that can easily be connected to laptops, desktop computers and LCD TVs. With this, KCh’s educational media content has also evolved from videos to a wider and more dynamic set of multimedia learning materials. With more than 1,100 shows being aired daily, KCh foundation’s 10th anniversary and the first Knowledge Channel Outstanding Stakeholders’ Awards Night 2010 2008 2002 Rina Lopez Bautista: Her ‘baby’ is now a lady Former US Pres. Clinton cites KCFI as a pioneering distance learning program during the Clinton Global Initiative meeting De La Salle Alumni Association confers on Bautista the La Sallian Achievement Award for Distance Learning 2009 KCh utilizes transmedia, the technique of telling a story or story experience across multiple platforms and formats using current digital technologies Launch of the Take a Step campaign to mark the Launch of the Out-ofSchool Youth and Mature Learners Alternative Learning Institute alternative learning project Holds Lead the Change: An Evening of Discussion for Action with leaders from business, government and civil society remains the only curriculumbased television channel that has steadfastly worked with the DepEd in its task of providing free quality education for all. In 2007, the channel became the DepEd’s model for what could have become the country’s largest public educational media network that would deliver lessons to all schools via television and the Internet, a testament to the brilliant strategy that was conceived eight years earlier— truly an idea ahead of its time. Forging ahead Entering its 15th year, KCh is forging ahead by bringing what could only be thought of as the future of learning to Filipino learners today. Having seen the real state of public schools across the country in hundreds of visits—especially the difficulty of teachers in teaching and students in learning—the team has resolved that what matters most in education is the process that happens between the teacher and the student, and how they use the materials and space around them to achieve true learning. Aligned with the DepEd’s new K+12 curriculum, KCh its four-point initiative as a public-private partnership offering for education 2011 KCh rolls out KCh On-Demand for ALS Turnover of new episodes of “K-High” to the Department of Education (DepEd) 2012 Conducts the first Learning Effectively through Enhanced Pedagogies (LEEP) training in Guimaras Rolls out KCh On-Demand for K+12 and the Superintendents’ Leadership Program for education leaders 2013 Bautista facilitates meeting of Pres. Aquino with international civil society organizations together with Peggy Dulany Rockefeller and KCFI chairman Oscar M. Lopez. KCh submits to the President Start of first LEEP service training program for teachers and principals on effective teaching pedagogies 2014 Official launch of LEEP at the DepEd headquarters in Pasig launched a landmark initiative that would help teachers not only improve their teaching approaches but, more importantly, make them effective facilitators of learning. Creative ways to engage students Dubbed as LEEP, or Learning Effectively through Enhanced Pedagogies, the program consists of a threeday training workshop given to selected public school teachers and principals who would echo and implement what they learn to their schools. There, they are trained in new and creative ways to engage students and make learning effective with the use of KCh materials. A portable media library with hundreds of videos and games and other learning materials is also gifted to each school. A unique feature of the program is the use of electives from KCh advocacies like peace, disaster preparedness, financial literacy and others as themes of LEEP sessions. Since 2013, KCh has trained more than 3,000 teachers from over 800 schools nationwide. LEEP was developed by the KCh team and headed by former Education Sec. Fe Hidalgo who joined KCh after her 50-year stint as a teacher and DepEd official. The combination of effective teaching and learning approaches with the use of KCh’s multimedia learning materials provides a powerfully rich and positive learning experience for any learner. It radically does away with old and traditional approaches and puts the learner at the center of the classroom or the learning process and uplifts the role of the teacher from a mere source of knowledge to a facilitator of learning—one that not only transmits knowledge but also transforms it. More passionate and driven With the increasing number of schools expressing their interest in the program and the growing number of spon- sors providing support, there is good reason for the KCh team to be even more passionate and driven. Bautista underscores the importance of strategic collaboration in the sustainability of a social enterprise like KCh. Because of the necessary accountability to different stakeholders with different interests, she believes engagement is key. Corporate, individual and multilateral donors will look for where the funding went, the impact on beneficiaries, project milestones and measurable results. Beneficiaries like teachers and principals will look for what’s in it for them and how such an intervention can help without burdening them with more work. Volunteers, who come and go as part of the KCh team, will be looking for psychosocial fulfillment. Journey of hope The last 15 years have indeed been a journey of hope and looking forward—for every learner to be their best selves, be truly empowered by their education and be rooted out of poverty. Hence, the KCh team is continuously finding ways to make learning effective, using creative teaching approaches and multimedia learning materials that are engaging and fulfilling for the learners. From “reaching more, teaching more,” Knowledge Channel brings the future of learning to learners today by making “every space a learning space” and “learning best with KCh.” AS Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) turns 15 this month, its president and cofounder Rina Lopez Bautista looks back on all the years spent in KCFI’s evolution, and looks forward to innovations that may yet spur a revolution in education. In the beginning, Bautista and her team campaigned for the Gift of Knowledge, encouraging corporate and individual sponsors to cable a public school to give students access to Knowledge Channel (KCh), its curriculum-based all-educational channel available on cable and by satellite. The project brought KCh to the remotest areas in the country, as far as Batanes in the north and Tawi-Tawi in the south. This taught Bautista how dogged determination will yet lift Filipinos out of poverty. In both urban and rural schools, students would eagerly flock to the audiovisual room to view KCh. Subsequent National Achievement Test scores would prove how learning greatly improved with the aid of television-assisted instruction. Most of the transformation in KCh happened in the last four years, as technology progressed to widen access points beyond cable and satellite. OMLALI The foundation entered the Alternative Learning System (ALS) space through the Outof-School and Mobile Learners Alternative Learning Institute (OMLALI), with seed funding provided by First Philippine Holdings Corporation and Lopez Holdings Corporation. Mobile teachers received access to a wealth of online resources to help them teach better. The project reached 1,500 teachers, K Channel interactive exhibit on November 6-19 Know the story behind the story of the first and only curriculum-based educational television channel in the Philippines through pictures and an interactive display putting into account the 15 years of Knowledge Channel’s efforts in producing multimedia learning resources for teachers and learners, plus the foundation’s advocacy in uplifting lives through quality education. Joining the exhibit is the Lopez Group, showcasing snaps of their involvement in disaster relief and preparedness. and OMLALI content produced for out-of-school youth is now being made available to other ALS target learners such as those in jails, mountains and urban learning centers. The on-demand technology used for OMLALI of preloading videos into portable media devices is now also being offered for the K+12 public schools and day care centers. In addition, the adoption of the K+12 curriculum meant all content produced and the KCh program grid had to be realigned to be consistent with the new curriculum. Rina Lopez Bautista is all smiles with kids from Porac, Pampanga during a turnover Shift in focus The past two years has seen a slight shift in focus to training the gatekeepers of education. Currently, two training modules are ongoing: one for superintendents of Department of Education Divisions called Superintendents Learning Program (SLP) that runs for one week a month for 12 months; and another for teachers and principals called Learning Effectively through Enhanced Pedagogies (LEEP) that runs for three days, where each school head is provided KCh’s portable media library. SLP has enrolled about 162 out of 200 superintendents and assistant superintendents targeted. LEEP has benefited 3,000 teachers and principals from more than 800 schools. Both of these programs are proving to be transformative, where the ultimate beneficiaries are the students and the country. Bautista attributes the staying power of KCh to “faithfulness and persistence” to its mission of serving the public education system as well as to “continuously learning and evolving.” The KCh team has had to adapt to changes not only in technology, but also in the dynamics of finding funding in a resource-challenged world. ‘Just keep on plodding’ “Early on when things got rough, my dad (Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez) would say, ‘Just keep on plodding.’ We hear that from him all the time. So I realized, for you to be able to achieve something, you must continue (working) despite the challenges,” recalls Bautista. She has also had to undergo continuous reflection. “You always have to think: Is this still the right mission to have? Is this still the right way to go about it? Are there other ways to achieve the same goal? Because there could be so many different ways to get from point A to point B.” Going forward, KCh can be expected to continue to work toward relevant public education as it strives to reach that critical mass of learners who will make system improvements irreversible and permanent. The challenge continues Bautista says the challenge continues for all. “We persist because we must. This has been the Knowledge Channel’s commitment for a brighter, more discerning populace that has no opportunity other than the public education system.” Her message to LopezLink readers: “I am deeply grateful for the trust given by our donors and stakeholders, most especially the management and staff of the Lopez Group of companies, specifically ABS-CBN, SKYcable, Lopez Holdings and First Philippine Holdings, and their affiliates and subsidiaries. The Knowledge Channel continues to reach, teach and improve more lives because of you. “Maraming-maraming salamat sa inyong lahat! Sana patuloy ang inyong pagtitiwala sa amin at patuloy ang pagsuporta ninyo sa aming mga proyekto lalung-lalo na sa LEEP na nagbibigay ng bagong buhay sa mga guro ng ating mga mag-aaral.” Have you ever wanted to be a teacher? HERE’S your chance! Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) is inviting all Lopez Group employees to volunteer as teachers for a day on November 11, 2014. Employee-volunteer teachers will conduct a session on Disaster Preparedness Life Skills called 4K: Kaalaman, Kahandaan, Kaligtasan, Katatagan for selected public schools (Grades 5-6) along the Pasig River. This training session is culled from the Learning Effectively through Enhanced Pedagogies (see sidebar story) model of disaster risk reduction and management. KCFI will schedule a two-hour training session for employee-volunteers prior to the event. For queries, get in touch with Marie Nery at 910-2023 or 910-3181. (Niña de Sagun) CSR activities Lopezlink November 2014 The buzz word is ‘sustainability’ LOPEZ Group Foundation Inc. (LGFI) recently sponsored a sustainability forum with around 50 members of the CSR, HR and PR councils from the Lopez Group of companies. The main speakers were First Philippine Holdings Corporation chief sustainability officer Agnes de Jesus and LGFI’s Dario Pagcaliwagan. After explaining why there was a need for everyone to familiarize themselves with sustainability development (SD) and reporting, LGFI president and HR Council head Cedie Lopez Vargas turned over the microphone to De Jesus, who explained how SD promotes the coexistence of nature, business and people and how it allows meeting man’s present needs without limiting the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Bulakeños get some TLC from DZMM OCTOBER 19 was a day to remember for the residents of Sitio San Isidro, Brgy. Tung- kong Mangga, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan as DZMM’s Teaching, Learning, Caring Residents have their eyes checked by the DZMM TLC medical team (TLC) public service on wheels brought them medical assistance, readership promotion and literacy enhancement. The DZMM TLC team kicked off the mission by distributing hot porridge to the residents, while Dr. Ted Esguerra discussed disaster and security awareness, focusing on typhoons and crime. Right after his lecture, Radyo Negosyo’s livelihood program demonstrated siomai and candle making to help the residents augment their income. OML Center welcomes PARR fellows from Malaysia By Luigi Toda and Perlyn Pulhin THE OML Center recently welcomed the Pan-Asia Risk Reduction (PARR) fellows from Malaysia to the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). The PARR fellowship program offers unique research, training and educational opportunities to Asian researchers, practitioners and policymakers to enhance their capabilities for advancing and applying knowledge on critical issues of global environmental change, or GEC, and risk reduction in the Asia-Pacific. Through the financial and management support of the OML Center, the program brings together research and practice-policy fellows from Malaysia and Indonesia for a one-month fellowship residency in UPLB and the Manila Observatory. The UPLB fellows, Nurfashareena Muhamad (Science) and Md. Azizul Bari (Policy), both from the Universiti Kebangasaan Malaysia, will be supervised by Dr. Nathaniel Bantayan and Dr. Decibel Faustino-Eslava, respectively, with the support of other professors and researchers from the university. The program is anticipated to provide a sound basis for translating social vulnerability components into geospatial parameters and experience on loss and damage assessment, focusing on Mt. Makiling as the study area. Muhamad will conduct vulnerability assessment using geographic information systems to process sociodemographic data into geospatial variables. Bari, on the other hand, will apply Damage and Loss Assessment Methodology for assessing loss and damage in disaster-affected areas and for determining necessary financial resources for reconstruction and recovery. The results of both approaches will be used as decision-making support tools for disaster risk management in the study area and may be replicated to support development planning and policy in the home country. Towards noon, doctors and nurses offered free medical and dermatological consultation and dental extraction, and complimentary eyeglasses for residents 40 years old and above. Also, a brand-new wheelchair was given to a 22year-old woman suffering from cerebral palsy. On the other hand, the children enjoyed reading, coloring and drawing activities. “Traffic angel” Tina Marasigan read them a fable entitled “Tiktaktok at Pikpakbum,” a story about siblings who fight over the smallest things. This taught the children to love their brothers and sisters as they can depend on one another through thick and thin. As the session ended, their small tummies were filled with delicious cupcakes. The DZMM team left the area with grins on their faces as they had aided a total of 1,490 Bulakeños that day. Calendar BAYAN Academy offers the following certificate training courses this month: November 12-27: Grassroots Entrepreneurship and Management Trainers’ Training For rates, call Carol Arcaya at 426-3140. Bayan Academy reserves the right to change course dates. Ongoings Nilo Ilarde’s Nested White Cubes, 2013 888 trees for WTT’s 8 years Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez (2nd from right) leads the tree planting event at the First Philippine Industrial Park in Sto. Tomas, Batangas on October 4. Planted were 306 royal palms, 282 Indian trees and 300 molave. The 888 trees symbolize the eighth anniversary of Walk the Talk, the regular wellness activity of the Lopez Group organized by the HR Council, led by Cedie Lopez Vargas, with Lopez Lifelong Wellness. (Mark Amurao) PHOTO BY G. MERCADER/N. DE SAGUN L-R: FPH sustainability expert Agnes de Jesus (standing) explains the workshop procedure to participants; and LGFI president Cedie Lopez Vargas gives her welcome remarks De Jesus also said that by adopting the sustainable development business model, Energy Development Corporation has been able to harmonize business, environment and people. In her summary, facilitator Faith Bacon of LGFI reported that the participants, who were divided into five groups for a brief workshop, expressed their need for more forums of this kind even if there are already existing programs as there is still the need for alignment; to know what is relevant in collecting and setting up a database since sustainability should be integrated in the processes of the companies; and, most important of all, to communicate and cascade the concept and importance of sustainability at different levels up to the rank and file. (Dulce Festin-Baybay) Museum/Values KCh, Unilever boost hand washing awareness Some 400 students from Mandaluyong Elementary School made a pledge for a better life with cleaner hands as Knowledge Channel (KCh) conducted classroom-based sessions to further deepen their understanding of proper hygiene and cleanliness on Global Hand Washing Day on October 15. With partner Unilever, KCh has educated 1 million students through a video demonstrating the nine steps of proper hand washing. In addition to being aired nationwide on KCh for a year, the video will also be available on www. kchonline.ph and installed in KCh portable libraries. (Gellix Mercader and Niña de Sagun) Bayan Academy, CMDC launch Year 4 of mentoring micro-entrepreneurs Citi Microenterprise Development Center (CMDC) has opened its doors to a new batch of student micro-entrepreneurs, signaling Year 4 of a successful partnership between Citi Philippines and Bayan Academy for Social Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Development Inc. CMDC, formally launched in 2011, has nurtured nearly 1,300 high-potential microentrepreneurs. It offers a two-week course on Grassroots Entrepreneurship and Management in addition to being the home of the Citi Small Business Advisory and Coaching Services. Photo shows Bayan Academy’s Riva Galvez Tan (rightmost) with Citi Philippines CEO Batara Sianturi (center) and Corporate Affairs director Aneth Ng-Lim during the opening ceremonies of CMDC Year 4. They are joined by 44 micro entrepreneurs from five participating microfinance institutions who are ready to scale their micro businesses. Art languages according to ‘Disagreements’ THE ongoing generative exhibit Articles of Disagreements turns the spotlight on art languages that will unearth different forms of art writing and anecdotes of criticism in Philippine art history, our own historiography, the local art education infrastructure and how we position ourselves in Western critical languages. Guest curated by Sidd Perez and Lian Ladia of Planting Rice, the exhibition features works by guest contemporary artists Nilo Ilarde, Buen Calubayan, Maria Cruz and the collective Tito & Tita. Lopezlink November 2014 On the shelf Works of Juan Luna, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, Alfonso Ossorio, Nena Saguil and Fernando Zobel from the museum’s collection will be augmented by works of Mars Galang, Raymundo Albano, Bobi Valenzuela, Jose Tence Ruiz and Rodolfo Paras-Perez, along with the writings of Marian Pastor Roces, Patrick Flores, Emmanuel Torres, Joy Dayrit, Leo Benesa, Galo Ocampo, Guillermo Tolentino, Napoleon Abueva, Victor Edades and Purita Kalaw Ledesma. Perez said of their curatorial objective: “There are a lot of questions if art criticism exists in Philippine art history. We gathered text that pertains to art criticism and art language and put together not just academic texts but also scrapbooks, poetry, sculptures, photographs of archives of previous CCP directors and documentation of performances of Asia-Pacific Biennale. We’re trying to map all of these connections to Filipino art practice in the wider regional field.” The exhibit also features a writing laboratory that elicits discussions and written contributions on generating narratives that make up the body of texts of Philippine art history, art criticism and broad art writing. Articles of Disagreements is ongoing until December 20, 2014. ‘Uod at Rosas’ screening on November 15 ON November 15, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., the museum will hold a screening and discussion of the film “Mga Uod at Rosas.” This 1982 film starring Nora Aunor, Lorna Tolentino and Johnny Delgado was written by novelist and screenwriter Edgardo M. Reyes, who also wrote “Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag.” The screening will be followed by an open forum with the film’s director, Romy Suzara, and producer Teddy Co. By Dulce Festin-Baybay and Dolly Pasia Short films screening with Tito & Tita on November 27 Film collective Tito & Tita, one of the featured artists in the ongoing exhibition Articles of Disagreements, will screen their group’s short films as well as individual projects that have gained recognition in the Philippines and abroad. Budding filmmakers are invited to submit their own works for screening on November 27, 1 p.m-5 p.m. (source: ediaartkitchen.tumblr. com) Discussion on archives, alternative art practices on November 29 For the third run of Café of Letters: Reading Group, Merv Espina will discuss the use of archives in alternative art practices on November 29, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Espina is the cofounder of the institute of Lower Learning or iLL, an experimental art and education initiative based in Saigon and Manila; program director for Green Papaya Art Projects, the oldest artist-run creative interdisciplinary platform in the Philippines; and cook-janitor of WSK, a media art kitchen and festival. For more info, call Thea Garing or Tina Modrigo at 631-2417 or email lmmpasig@ gmail.com. 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, except holidays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Avail of unlimited access to exhibitions and library resources by signing up for the Lopez Museum membership program. Members can borrow books from the lending section and get discounts on lectures, workshops and services for only P1,500. ‘Street-Bound: Manila on Foot,’ by Josefina P. Manahan THE author of “StreetBound” is a keen walker and has discovered numerous things around the city through her daily jaunts. She took note of what she experienced and wrote a guide for city dwellers like her. With this book, readers will experience how every block and city comes alive, revealing delightful surprises and unexpected treasures. Binondo, the Quezon City Circle and even Paco Park will be seen with new eyes. It’s just what every Manileño needs: a refreshing perspective of the city. (Paolo Arago) Members can now borrow Street-Bound at the Lopez Museum Library. Call Ethel or Paolo to inquire about the membership program. Tatay Toto at 88: Still the erection technician THE son of a Japanese merchant and a Filipina mother from Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, Yoshito Haraoka—also fondly known as Luisito H. Sarrol or Tatay Toto—has such a sensitive job description that to this day and at his age, his expertise is still sought after in the construction industry. It was on August 21, 1995, Tatay Toto clearly remembers, that he reported for work at the office of ECCO-Asia (then a member of the Lopez Group of companies), not knowing that the man who recruited him, former AG& P president and later president of ECCO-Asia Ricardo Reyes, had just passed away. But there was no turning back for Tatay Toto. ECCO-Asia officials Anthony Mabasa, vice president; Ricky Yatco, Finance manager; and Ed Vizconde, Operations manager, asked him to report to Ruben Pajarillo, project manager, who in turn appointed him supervisor of Erection. Tatay Toto’s stints included working at the Panay power plant, First Gas Batangas diesel power plant, the San Lorenzo power plant, the Subic-Clark- Tarlac Expressway bridges and, presently, the geothermal power plant projects of Energy Development Corporation, a client of First Balfour, where he still serves as consultant. Very enriching experience Tatay Toto finds his years with the Lopez Group “a very enriching and rewarding experience.” “I was already an experienced Fabrication and Erection technical man before I joined this Lopez-led company. I got this know-how from my previous employments. In fact, I was able to rise through the ranks to become a supervisor and eventually project manager even if I was not an engineer,” relates this widower of 18 years who has six professionally successful children and 11 grandchildren, some of whom are based in Japan. But it was when he joined First Balfour that he was able to apply his previous knowledge and skills and learn new things, thereby enriching his experience. “I was able to feel that the company valued me as human capital. It showed me my worth as a valuable professional in the company. My superiors were so accommodating to my suggestions and recommendations on matters of our projects and on the nature of my work. The management and the company implemented policies that are beneficial not only to its human resource or workers, but also to the community, economy and society. Managers and supervisors treated each other and the employees well, as if they were their family.” Supportive company president This Tatay Toto saw when they experienced difficulty in a bridge project. Despite its relatively small contract value and budget with very limited time, the company president remained supportive. “Materials that were needed so badly were sent immediately in order to meet the project timetable and the deadline of completion. During critical periods, even Mr. Oscar Lopez made it a point to visit us personally and talk with us during very light moments…just to know how we were coping and to know our needs. He was there not just to follow up on the status of the project but also to check on our welfare. He was indeed a hands-on employer and company owner, being the chairman of the board.” Tatay Toto also saw that the company’s projects provided jobs to the residents of the community and helped improve the local economy without sacrificing the environment. Here he saw the Lopez Values at work, particularly unity, nationalism, and employee welfare and wellness, among others. Although he is still active with First Balfour, Tatay Toto is currently preparing his papers as a Japanese national with plans of retiring in the near future. At age 88, he is still a valued consultant for technical erection in the Lopez Group’s construction company. Still, he wants to trace his roots in Japan, a plan which during World War II had to be shelved due to the animosity towards Japanese nationals, to the extent that his mother and uncle thought of changing his name to hide his real ancestry. Chief sugar boiler father At one time, Tatay Toto points out, his Japanese father was the chief sugar boiler of Central Santos Lopez owned by Doña Rosario Lopez in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. “I want to see the place (in Japan) where my father was born and where he spent his childhood and part of his adulthood,” says the well-liked Tatay Toto. “I want to live also where he lived. I am already old and I want to spend my retirement with my children and grandchildren in the land of my father and my ancestors.” For new and regular employees of First Balfour and the Lopez Group of companies, Tatay Toto’s advice is for them to work hard for they also benefit in terms of their jobs. “Let us be honest with the company—not just with ourselves—in earning a living as honest work for honest pay goes a long way. Let us also pray for the continued growth of the company for as it grows, we also grow, financially and professionally. Dito sa First Balfour at sa mga kumpanya ng Lopez, kapag lumalago at sumusulong ito, kasama tayong nakikinabang sa paglago at pagsulong.” 10 Lifelong Wellness Lopezlink November 2014 Diabetes and your eyes By Charizze Henson and Audrey Trinidad HR Council head Cedie Lopez Vargas (6th from left) and FPIP president Edwin CoSeteng (rightmost) with the WTT committee Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez FPIP VP Jun Lizardo The EDC team is ready to conquer the park A refreshing buko break caps the trek Holding high the FPIP banner DID you know that diabetes can also affect your eyes? Diabetic retinopathy is one of the many complications of diabetes. It occurs when high levels of blood sugar damage the blood vessels that supply blood to the retina. In some people, these blood vessels swell and leak fluid, while in others, abnormal new blood vessels grow in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy can develop in anyone, especially those who have been suffering from diabetes for more than 10 years. Asian Eye Institute’s retina and vitreous disease specialist Dr. Patricia Grulla-Quilendrino explains: “The longer they have diabetes, the more they are likely to develop the condition. However, other factors like poorly-controlled blood sugar level, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level and smoking also increase a person’s risk.” As diabetic retinopathy progresses people usually complain of seeing floaters (spots floating in vision), having blurry or fluctuating vision and experiencing difficulty in recognizing colors. If left untreated, it can cause vision loss. “This is why we strongly encourage diabetic patients to take prevention seriously,” Dr. Grulla-Quilendrino says. “They should monitor their blood sugar and manage their diabetes by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Most people are not aware that obesity is one of the risk factors for diabetes. “Since diabetes is a lifelong condition, it is also important for diabetic patients to undergo annual comprehensive eye exams,” she adds. Asian Eye offers comprehensive eye exam, screenings and treatment for diabetic retinopathy. Kapamilya discounts apply: 50% off on consultations, 25% off on diagnostic examinations, treatments and surgeries, and flexible payment terms of up to six months. For more info, call 898-2020. 6-week diet to get you into your Christmas party dress An employee tends to his contribution to the almost 900 trees planted that day All smiles FPIP hosts 8th Walk the Talk anniversary By Gerbs De Castro BLESSED with good weather in the midst of the rainy season, a huge throng of around 600 consisting of Lopez Group employees, family members and friends displayed their all-out support for the walking advocacy of Oscar M. Lopez (OML) to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the Walk the Talk (WTT) series at the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) compound in Sto. Tomas, Batangas on October 4. Registration started around 6 a.m. as the number of participants continued to mushroom as time ticked by. Each registrant was provided with a portable raincoat, while taho vendors were already stationed to cater to the early patrons. Institutionally hosted by FPIP, the program proper began at 7:30 a.m. with SKY employee brand manager Dimpy Jazmines and FPIP community relations officer Marco Amurao performing the emceeing chores. After the invocation by Amurao and the flag ceremony, FPIP’s VP for Corporate Services Jun Lizardo led all participants in the recitation of the Lopez Credo and Values. Welcome remarks were provided by FPIP president Edwin CoSeteng and HR Council head Cedie Lopez Vargas. Loudest cheers for OML OML, chairman emeritus of the Lopez Group, drew the loudest cheers as he took to the stage and delivered his inspirational speech. He gamely announced that if he could join each WTT event for at least 10 more years, he would definitely do it. Before trudging more than six kilometers of well-paved concrete, the participants were once again “treated “ to the traditional stretching and exercise portion led by Trini Trinidad of Whiplash and “Miss Saigon,” and the Rockwell Club, to jumpstart them for the long walk ahead. August Villalon from Energy Development Corporation’s Emergency Response team discussed environment, safety and health reminders with the walkers for a safer journey. During the walk proper, the participants saw the new developments and structures inside the compound, which incidentally were not yet up during last season’s WTT anniversary held at the same venue. Other features that were offered by host FPIP was a tree-planting activity along the route coupled with fresh buko refreshments. Hearty Japanese meal As the walkers arrived at the finish line, they were treated to a hearty Japanese meal as well as an entertainment number from “It’s Showtime” “Kalokalikes” Raymond John “Bamboo” Alternado and Santie Felix “Coco Martin” Celso courtesy of ABS-CBN. To further highlight the anniversary, as always, company and individual awardees of the WTT were given recognition. Awarded were those who earned perfect attendance for both individual and company categories as well as companies that consistently had the biggest number of contingents. Just like any other WTT anniversary, prizes were raffled off, ranging from Baron antennas, travel organizers and thermos bottles to an Orbitrac Chair exercise machine, Samsung DVD player and a Samsung Series 6 32” LED TV, Shimano bicycles and a 2,500-watt generator. As the event closed its curtains, regardless of whether someone won a prize or left empty-handed, the loads of priceless smiles generated by this momentous event just depicts how valuable a WTT event really is: a venue for camaraderie, family bonding and wellness rolled into one! ANY weight-loss plan at this time of year needs to be simple and has to provide plenty of energy so you can cope with all the festive planning and shopping. Six weeks before Christmas, start choosing from these low-cal but tasty menus that you can mix and match each day. (Of course, you’ll still need to exercise.) Breakfasts. Porridge with semi-skimmed milk and a handful of blueberries; two poached eggs on granary toast; a smoothie from a banana, a blueberries, low-fat yogurt and a mug of milk, and two toasted crumpets, spread thinly with jam; two slices mixed grain seeded bread, toasted, with two tablespoons cottage cheese and a teaspoon of jam if you fancy; fruit juice; and a bowl of Special K with skimmed milk, topped with chopped banana. Lunches. Minestrone/noncreamy soup, wholemeal roll with a handful of grapes or an apple; wholemeal roll with half a tin of tuna, chopped peppers, low-fat mayo and mixed salad leaves; fruit salad; any sandwich or roll with less than 400 calories; jacket potato with cottage cheese and chopped red pepper, no butter; and two rich tea biscuits. Dinners. Grilled chicken with green beans, spicy tomato salsa and avocado salad; seared tuna Follow us @lopezlinkph on Twitter and Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/lopezlinkonline steak with anchovy and boiled egg salad; chicken and mixed veg stirfry; poached salmon with crème fraiche and dill, steamed asparagus and broccoli; cod baked in tinfoil with lemon; and Mediterranean oven-roasted vegetables. Snacks. A handful of nuts or a small banana; two oatcakes with peanut butter with a cup of tea, no sugar; low-fat yoghurt, plus an apple or tangerine; banana and small fromage frais pot; and carrot with low-fat hummus. (Excerpted from www.mirror. co.uk) Sports & Wellness calendar NOVEMBER 8: Walk the Talk, 5K (Rockwell Center, Makati), 6am. Contact Dimpy Jazmines at cmjazmines@ skycable.com 15: Sunpiology Run with the Stars, 500m/3K/5K/ 10K (BGC, Taguig), 3pm. Fee: P350-P900. Register at www.sunpiology.com 23: Heroes Run, 3K/5K/ 10K/21K (Phil. Army Grandstand, Taguig), 4:30am. Fee: P400-P750. Contact 736-1459 or 8459555 loc. 6464 Interactive Lopezlink November 2014 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. Very Easy Easy Medium Hard Answer to October puzzle Solution, tips and computer program available at www.sudoku.com Eats Bottle it up! THERE’S a top chef in the kitchen! Or, to be more accurate about it, a top chef ’s concoction. A year ago, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. chief Gina Lopez tapped a handful of celebrity chefs to contribute recipes for a line of natural, clean and healthy bottled gourmet goodies. Now marketed under the G Stuff brand, these treats do not contain white sugar or white flour, chemicals or other preservatives—perfect for those who keep an eye on the provenance of their food. What’s more, you not only eat healthy, you also help our kapamilya in the small, far-off communities that produce the various ingredients that go into G Stuff products. As Lopez put it: “Every time you buy from G Stuff, you are integrating your energies with us as we form this beautiful web of life, which will make this country a much better place to live November 8 has become one of those dates when you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing. On the surface most of us were carrying on as usual, at work or elsewhere, even looking forward to the weekend, but a part of our attention was elsewhere. For when November 8 dawned, thousands of our countrymen were in a struggle for their very lives as typhoon Yolanda vented the full force of its 230-kph winds and torrential rains on Samar and Leyte. Yes, it has been a year, and the rebuilding and rehabilitation process continues, home by home, bridge by bridge, school by school. Thus far, the Lopez Group, through Energy Development Corporation and ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc., has built more than 20 typhoon-resistant classrooms in Leyte on top of spearheading the repair of several others. Not to be overlooked in the Leyte rebuilding and rehab efforts are our very own Yolanda Heroes. These individuals, teams and even whole organizations were given their unsought but well-deserved turn in the spotlight during the September Lopez Achievement Awards ceremony. Again, congratulations, kapamilya! November is also the anniversary month of Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) and First Balfour. Doing this month’s cover feature reminded us of KCFI’s beginnings as Sky Foundation in 1999 and, especially, our adventures as part of its TEAM Mindanao in the early 2000s. KCFI president Rina Lopez Bautista recalls the evolution of their flagship project Knowledge Channel and how they are bringing the future of learning to Filipino students today. First Balfour, meanwhile, turns a venerable 45. If KCFI is a “lady,” then the Lopez Group construction company is in its middle age, stable and steady. Incidentally, First Balfour recently collaborated with KCFI for its major CSR activity this year—sponsoring the latter’s Learning Effectively through Enhanced Pedagogies program for 15 public schools in Ilocos Norte. Meanwhile, keeping in mind that holiday parties are not all about consuming copious quantities of the most sinful treats, we put in…. It’s good for you. It’s good for the country. It’s good for the community. It’s good for everything.” Here are some of our G Stuff picks which you can give away as Christmas presents or stock in your own pantry. What: Chef Myrna Segismundo’s Carabao Cheese and Pepper Dip, P240 for 200g Who: Chef Myrna, who owns Restaurant 9501 in ABS-CBN, also serves as the chair of National Food Showdown. She believes that it is best to “grow your own food.” As a product of a cooking competition, she endeavors to inspire youth to better them- 11 Dear Rosie together some alternative edibles from your favorite Pinoy chefs and foodies. These offerings are available at G Stuff, the hip new store of Gina Lopez. Healthful yet gourmet—why not give it a try, for yourself, or as gifts this Christmas? Not to be outdone as holiday preps get under way in our Christmas-crazy nation, Power Plant Mall is unveiling some major game changers of its own. We suggest you get over there ASAP. Seriously! ooOoo They really should give ANC for free on Destiny. Why is it a premium channel?—Stella, via Twitter Response from Destiny Cable Marketing manager Angelica Cortez-Jose: “ANC is included in Destiny Cable’s digital basic channel lineup. To be able to enjoy ANC (together with other channels that are available on the digital lineup such as E!, RTL-CBS Entertainment, Knowledge Channel, MYX and Hero TV), the subscriber must have the Destiny Cable Digibox installed on his TV. Please refer to www.destinycable.com.ph digital for the digital channel lineup.” ooOoo I’m from Leyte. Maraming salamat sa tulong niyo. More blessings to come.—Lorenz, via Facebook ooOoo I hope LopezLink features @myHEROnation next year because it will be their 10th anniversary, and include the ABS-CBN Acquisitions team also!–‘Kira,’ via Twitter Sounds interesting. We’ll look into that! ooOoo Sa pagbabalik ng ‘The Voice Season 2,’ sana mas matitindi at magagaling na artists at performances pa ang aming matunghayan. Galing ng Pinoy sa pagkanta di matatawaran!—Dux 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 [email protected] or [email protected] or be a friend or fan on Facebook. selves through the culinary arts. What: Chef Sandy Daza’s Special Gourmet Tuyo, P340 for 200ml Who: Chef Sandy of Wooden Spoon restaurant says his mission is “to explore the delights and curiosities of Filipino cuisine.” With just a wave of his signature wooden spoon, this well-known chef, newspaper columnist, cookbook author and son of cooking expert Nora Daza has already influenced millions of his viewers and readers to fall in love with cooking. What: Chef Gilbert’s Red Onion and Honey Dressing, P285 for 350ml and P350 for 500ml; Wafu Dressing, P310 for 350ml and P350 for 500ml; and Davao Goat Cheese Dip, P350 for 150g Who: Chef Gilbert Pangilinan of Kai may be reserved and quiet, but his dishes are screaming with exquisite taste. He developed his mastery of cooking when he earned an associate’s degree at the Culinary Institute of America. His exciting Japanese menu is key to the success of Kai. He comes up with delicious recipes after long, silent walks on beaches. What: Chef Glenda Barretto’s Coco Jam, P170 for 200g Who: Chef Glenda of the Via Mare chain of restaurants has thrived in the culinary business long before everyone considered being a chef as a career. For Chef Glenda, cooking is a form of art. She has been successful in transforming mundane meals into extraordinary and refined dishes. Her ultimate goal is to bring Filipino recipes inspired by raw ingredients from local communities abroad. The first G Stuff store opened at Power Plant Mall on October 28 last year. Now, it has branches in Trinoma and Alabang Town Center. For more info, email [email protected] or visit www.gstuffph.com. (Source: www.gstuffph. com) Sssh, Rockwell’s Secret Menu is back! ROCKWELL’s Secret Menu is ready to join the holiday cheer! On December 6 and 7, chefs and owners of participating food establishments will be sharing some alltime favorite dishes to offer on the dining table during holiday dinners and gatherings. Restaurants such as Pinkberry, California Pizza Kitchen and Cupcakes by Sonja invite everyone to visit and have a taste of their delectable treats. Don’t miss this very special weekend! For more info, call 898-1702. 12 Lopezlink November 2014 What’s new By Bebeth Timbol from ABS-CBN Publishing this November This issue is filled with exCelebrate love with the ‘Metro looked. citing features such as Ferragamo’s 2014 collection, the Weddings’ Best Weddings issue Fall/Winter Paris menswear Spring/Summer Couples share their personal stories and photos from their special day, from the beautiful dresses to the romantic settings. This is our first double cover, showcasing the unique and heart-warming journeys of bride-to-be Heart Evangelista and Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon. The issue is also filled with the latest trends for gowns, accessories, makeup and design for that dream wedding. 2015 collection of Kim Jones for Louis Vuitton, Jonathan Anderson for Loewe, Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent Paris and Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy. turns 19! ‘Vault’ revels in the wonder of ‘FOOD’ FOOD celebrates its 19th anniversary with a towering six-layer time chocolate cake with salted caramel Watches take center stage in Vault’s Time Issue—from primitive sundials to the first mechanical clocks that appeared in the early Renaissance to this year’s generation of digital smart watches. This issue is a tribute to the genius minds that crafted the theories and instruments that measure time as much as it is a paean to the men and women who have reveled in the idea of mastering it. ‘Metro Society’ ‘Metro’: Ageless style in focus picks ‘women RUFFA Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati play lead in Metro’s parody/tribute to the second season of their reality show “It Takes to watch’ Gutz to be a Gutierrez.” This month is all about ageless style, with a guide to look your best at any age as well as different ways to update your wardrobe. This special issue also features the Women of Now 2014, a notable list that includes Sen. Pia Cayetano, Mylene Dizon, Olivia D’Aboville, Rachelle Ann Go, Janine Gutierrez, Camie Juan, Kelsey Meritt and Hindy Weber Tantoco. In the Metro Society Anniversary Issue, Tootsy Angara, Heart Evangelista and Shalani Romulo share their passions, work ethics and family values, and what it feels like to be recognized as style icons in a world where fashion is often over- Yule be cool! Rockwell Power Plant Finds frosting and dripping with decadent caramel sauce. Fifty of the best holiday food gifts were handpicked for the annual Presents Perfect edition—there’s something for every taste and budget! For those who want to make their own gifts, there is a special feature on easy and practical recipes for savory and sweet homemade items. Get the newest issues of your favorite magazines at leading bookstores and magazine stands nationwide. To download, users on Android devices must download the Zinio app from the Android Market. The app is also available through the iPad App Store. PC and Mac users can access Zinio at zinio.com. You may also subscribe to your favorite ABS-CBN Publishing magazines or purchase current and back issues by logging on to http://store.abs-cbn.com/categories/Magazines/Current-Issues/. By Nikki Nava IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas, don’t you agree? Power Plant Mall whets your appetite for the holidays with these quirky (but equally fun!) celebrations. Rockwell’s Holiday Fairs Join us at the Rockwell Tent from November 7-9 and November 28-30 and find the perfect gifts for your loved ones at Rockwell’s Holiday Fairs. Whether you like them personalized, artisan, handmade or do-it-yourself, these unique products will all be available at Rockwell’s bazaars. For inquiries, contact 0915-5660656. Editorial Advisory Board Executive Editor Mike Lopez / Boo Chanco Rosan Cruz Contributing Editors Carla Paras-Sison (Lopez Holdings) Estela de la Paz (First Gen) Kane Choa (ABS-CBN) Bebeth Timbol (ABS-CBN Publishing) Dimpy Jazmines (Wellness) Hazel Velasco (FPHC) Arlene Torres (SkyCable) Vienn Tionglico (Rockwell) Dulce Baybay (LGFI) Fernando Diaz de Rivera (EDC) Circulation Editorial and Layout Lucy Torres (Tel. 449-2468) Mousetrap Publishing LopezLink is published by Lopez Holdings Corp. PR Group 4/F Benpres Bldg., Ortigas, Pasig City Tel. no. (63-2) 449-2345 For feedback, email [email protected] Follow us on Twitter: @lopezlinkph Available online at www.Lopezlink.ph Oh men! Calling all men: it’s your time to pamper yourselves this November! If you’re feeling sporty, head on over to Adidas and Nike Stadium at the R2 Level and get a pair of their latest kicks. If you want to treat yourself to a classic, pick up a polo shirt at Fred Perry. If you’re feeling a bit more formal and want to dress up, you can’t go wrong with Kenneth Cole. Fred Perry and Kenneth Cole are located at the R1 Level. Candy cravings Made in Candy, Asia’s first independent candy kitchen, has candy artisans who sculpt contemporary handmade candies using traditional methods that carry unique pictures and messages that would delight even those who are not sugar addicts. Visit Made in Candy at the R2 Level—you know you can’t resist! Japan Culture Day There is nothing that brings people to- the Japanese do! gether quite like Japanese food does. It doesn’t matter if it’s raw or cooked— if it’s Japanese food, it’s going to satisfy. Have a tempura-katsudon-sushi-sashimi celebration at Sumo Sam at the R2 Level and celebrate Japan Culture Day like ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1’ Katniss Everdeen returns in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” on November 20! Catch Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore and the rest of the cast in this blockbuster. Head straight to the Power Plant Cinemas at the R3 Level to see what happens next in District 13!