Asian Eye broadens market base
Transcription
Asian Eye broadens market base
OCTOBER 2012 http://www.facebook.com/lopezlinkonline www.lopezlink.ph www.twitter.com/lopezlinkph Asian Eye broadens market base ESTHER’S mother started to go blind five years after retiring from her job. Esther’s sister, an engineer, decided to work parttime so as to be able to personally tend to the older woman as her eyesight worsened. By the time she died at age 80, the mother was totally blind and had been bed-ridden for several Turn to page 6 ABS-CBN Publishing publishes Enrile memoir …page 3 Fans await explosive ‘Walang Hanggan’ finale …page 4 Fresh encounters @ Power Plant Mall …page 12 BIZ NEWS Lopezlink October 2012 Survey says according to Kantar Media. Kantar Media TV diaries data (July 29 to August 4) show ABS-CBN registered its highest audience share of 73% in Legaspi with a majority of local residents tuning in to its shows and enjoyed a 60-point lead over GMA’s 13%. ABS-CBN also obtained a 72% audience share in Iloilo, higher by 58 points than GMA’s 14%. “ABS-CBN maintained its dominance in these regions because of good content, improved signal and local pro- gramming. Viewers appreciate our local productions…apart from our top-caliber TV offerings,” said ABS-CBN Regional Network Group head Louis Benedict Bennett. ABS-CBN also announced the building of 10 new relay stations and the enhancement of the TV and radio coverage of its existing regional stations. “…These new relay stations will also receive locally produced shows, something the rival networks don’t have,” said Bennett. Bayan-Globe joint use deal gets NTC nod THE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has approved Bayan Telecommunications Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc.’s joint use of the mobile phone frequencies assigned to the Lopez-owned company. The agency allowed Bayan and Globe’s joint use of the 10 megahertz (MHz) of frequencies assigned to Bayan in the 1800 MHz spectrum for the provision of CMTS (cellular mobile telephone system) service. “The primary purpose of the joint use is to improve efficiency and decongest the networks of the telcos to improve their services and comply with the quality of service prescribed by the commission. Due to the rising incidence of mobile communications complaints on blocked calls or grade of service, drop calls and signal quality, and in line with the NTC mandate... the NTC has granted the telcos’ requests,” the NTC said. Globe welcomed the NTC approval of its deal with Bayan. “We are pleased with the decision of the NTC and rely on the validity and legality of the NTC order with regard to the joint use agreement with Bayan,” Atty. Froilan Castelo, head of Globe Corporate and Legal Services Group, said. In its application to the NTC for approval, Globe said the joint use agreement will allow the company to address increasing demand for voice, SMS and mobile data services, and for Bayan to be able to offer mobile telecommunications services nationwide. Also, the NTC allowed the joint use of Smart Communications, Smart Broadband and Sun Cellular operator Digital Mobile Philippines Inc. of its frequencies. NTC director Edgardo Cabarios said approving the joint-use of frequencies by telcos will provide better quality of service for consumers. (Excerpted from www.abs-cbnnews. com) Statement of AMML in support of Foreign Sec. del Rosario ABS-CBN president and ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’ host Charo Santos-Concio is inducted into the CMMA Hall of Fame VACC, CMFR also cite ‘Kapamilya’ shows ABS-CBN most awarded TV network in 4th CMMA ABS-CBN received the most number of awards in the radio and TV categories of the 34th Catholic Mass Media Awards. ABS-CBN bagged a total of nine recognitions for TV that included Best Drama Series for advocacy-series “Budoy”; Best Comedy Program for “TODA Max”; Best News Magazine Program for “Patrol ng Pilipino” episode “Monasteryo”; Best Children’s and Youth Program for “Wansap- EDC reaffirms commitment to international expansion ENERGY Development Corporation (EDC) welcomed the discussions between Pres. Benigno Aquino III and Chilean Pres. Sebastian Piñera during the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference Leaders’ Summit in Vladivostok, Russia. The two Adtel installs solar system in Zambo Adtel Inc. recently installed a 10-kilowatt roof-mount solar system at the branch of Emcor in Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur. In lieu of a generator set which has high operation and maintenance costs, Emcor has adopted green technology in all its new branches. Emcor is a 100% Filipino-owned retail business corporation with stores in the Visayas, Mindanao and Palawan. (Japs Batara) leaders had earlier expressed keen interest in establishing a deeper partnership in geothermal energy development between the Philippines and Chile. EDC reaffirmed its commitment to develop geothermal resources outside the country, specifically in Chile, where it has been awarded three geothermal exploration concessions by the Chilean Ministry of Energy. While it decided not to pursue the Calerias and Longavi projects because these were deemed not commercially viable, EDC aims to pursue the best available geothermal sites in Chile. EDC plans to undertake preliminary survey work in its geothermal exploration concession areas of Newen, San Rafael and Batea. The company also plans to pursue other concession areas in its bid to develop the first geothermal power plant in Chile.EDC has four pending applications for geothermal concessions in that country. Lopezlink October 2012 Dispatches from Japan ABS-CBN tops nationwide TV viewing, 12 key areas ABS-CBN Corporation continued its domination nationwide, including 12 key regional areas with huge TV viewing population, hitting as high as 73% in terms of audience share. The strong performance of ABS-CBN in these areas helps drive ABS-CBN’s leadership in national TV ratings among urban and rural homes nationwide. ABS-CBN’s average audience share reached 43% nationwide on total day viewership in August, or 12 points higher than rival GMA’s 31%, NEWS The company also has a pending application for preliminary survey rights in Indonesia and is looking to develop geothermal projects in Peru and Kenya. “We are now expanding our international resources so we can better understand the local settings to complement our more than 35 years of technical expertise developed in the Philippines,” EDC president and chief operating officer Richard Tantoco said. EDC has set up local offices in Chile and Indonesia and is looking to set up an office in Peru. “We recognize that developing a geothermal project takes a lot of time and resources, and has an element of risk in terms of finding the geothermal resource. But with our technical expertise, solid track record and strong financial position, we remain confident about EDC’s long-term prospects in the international arena,”Tantoco added. (Maria Francesca Mendoza) anataym”; Best News Program for “TV Patrol Weekend”; and Best Station ID for “Pinoy Summer Da Best Forever.” Special citations were also given to “Dahil sa Pag-ibig” in the Best Drama Series category, “Failon Ngayon” for Best News Magazine Program and “Matanglawin” for Best Children’s Program. For the radio categories, nine awards were given to ABS-CBN’s AM radio station DZMM. “Maalaala Mo Kaya” hosted by ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio was formally recognized in the CMMA Hall of Fame for the Best TV Drama program, while DZMM’s radio program “Dr. Love” was acknowledged as hall of famer in the Best Radio Counseling Program category. ABS-CBN also earned recognition in the music category as its music video “Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas” for travel web- OUR VERY OWN site Choose Philippines won as the Best Music Video and Juris’ “Dahil Sa’Yo” under Star Records won as Best Secular Song. ABS-CBN bagged 22 awards compared to TV5 with five and GMA-7 with two. Out of the 22 recognitions, nine came from DZMM while its rival DZBB got none. Meanwhile, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, via its publication Philippine Journalism Review Reports, commended “Failon Ngayon” for its episode that explained every item on water bills consumers have to pay for. The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) Awards also recognized “Failon Ngayon” and host Ted Failon for their campaign against corruption. Investigative program “XXX” was named Best Television Show, while “XXX” anchor Julius Babao received VACC’s nod as Best Television Show Host. ‘Commonness’ wins best biz column “COMMONNESS,” ABSCBN Corporate Communications head Bong Osorio’s weekly column in The Philippine Star, was recognized in the Best Business Column category of the 34th Catholic Mass Media Awards. Osorio was a former ad man whose resume includes some 30 years in leading ad agencies, such as J. Walter Thompson, Ace Compton and the then startup agency Campaigns, where he stayed for 18 years. He holds a degree in communication arts from the University of Santo Tomas, where he also teaches advertising and PR. I would just like to add my voice of support to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario in the light of recent events. In my two years as Ambassador to Japan, the foreign secretary had displayed the highest sense of patriotism and dedication to duty. In my own experience, the foreign secretary showed he was a hands-on official who was quick to respond and be in Tokyo to help in our efforts to move Filipinos away from the dangers of nuclear contamination in the wake of the Fukushima disaster. His support during that emergency following the earthquake, tidal wave and nuclear meltdown made our work here easier. The foreign secretary was always at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to defend our national interest and ensure the safety of our countrymen overseas. He has not hesitated to fly to the riskiest places in the Middle East to personally lead operations to assure the safety of our OFWs in such hot spots as Libya and Syria. He has also stepped up efforts to protect the rights of our overseas workers, using diplomacy to assist our workers obtain justice and get concessions from host governments. I have no doubt that the secretary is effectively leading our country’s diplomatic efforts in these critical and dangerous times. His principled defense of our national sovereignty deserves the support of all Filipinos so that we speak with one voice in the world community. The foreign secretary has always been a dedicated and hardworking official of the Aquino administration. For these reasons I am expressing my full support to Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and hope that he will continue to lead our country’s diplomatic efforts for the years to come. Published by ABS-CBN Publishing Enrile releases autobiography SENATE President Juan Ponce Enrile launched his autobiography, “Juan Ponce Enrile: A Memoir,” at the Peninsula Manila on September 27, 2012. The event was attended by Pres. Benigno Aquino III, other top government officials, business leaders, media executives, family members and personal friends. Published by ABS-CBN Publishing, the 772-page autobiography was written in a period of four years, and from about 2,000 pages was edited to its final form by journalist Nelson Navarro. The book reveals littleknown details of Enrile’s youth as well as stories from his perspective behind the scenes during key moments in Philippine history. DESPITE the intermittent summer rains, around 30,000 to 50,000 guests filled Yamashita Park in Yokohama City to take part in the Philippine Festival Barrio Fiesta (PBF) 2012 on September 1-2, 2012. PBF 2012 was organized by the Filipino community in Japan with the cosponsorship of the city of Yokohama with the support of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. At the opening ceremony, Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez (AMML) commended the Filipino community and expressed appreciation to the sponsors and local officials who contributed to the success of the event. AMML said the PBF aims to promote greater appreciation and understanding of Filipino culture and traditions in mainstream Japanese society and the wider international community. He said that the fiesta also aims to get the Filipino community in Japan to know and appreciate each other better. As of 2011, there are more than 210,000 Filipinos in Japan, with around 128,000 residing in East Japan. (Excerpted from http://tokyo.philembassy.net) Sen. Enrile with journalist Nelson Navarro, who edited the 2,000 pages to its final form; (above) The author with Pres. Aquino He wrote about his humble beginnings in Cagayan as an illegitimate child, his experiences as a guerrilla, his family life and his rise to being one of the country’s most powerful government officials. It also narrates Enrile’s relationship with Ferdinand Marcos, Cory Aquino, four succeeding Phil- ippine Presidents and other personalities from business and politics. Some highlights include the origins of United Coconut Planters Bank, the people behind the sale of San Miguel to Danding Cojuangco, how Enrile called the Imelda-Qaddafi agreement on Mindanao a betrayal of the nation, the last-minute secret deal Marcos supposedly struck with the Americans at the height of the EDSA revolt and many more. “Juan Ponce Enrile: A Memoir” is available in National Bookstore and Fully Booked branches nationwide. (Katherine Solis) Lessons of martial law must be taught—OML ‘Barrio fiesta’ in Yokohama a success Amb. Manuel M. Lopez (center) is joined by MOFA director general Kunio Umeda and PBF 2012 chair Jenavilla Shigemizu at the opening ceremony of the barrio fiesta AS Filipinos marked the 40th anniversary of the declaration of martial law last month, Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez (OML) observed that the country is now in “a new and well deserved era of political and social change.” Speaking at the launch of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s autobiography “Juan Ponce Enrile: A Memoir,” OML spoke about the importance the lessons of the past, especially those that extracted a steep price in their learning. “The lessons of martial law must be continuously taught, nurtured and never forgotten,” he said. “I know what most of you are wondering about as you listen to me now. What is the patriarch of the Lopez family doing here appearing chummy with the implementer of martial law? Why did ABS-CBN publish his autobiography when the network was the earliest casualty of the martial law regime? “I know it is not easy to understand. Even for me, I most likely wouldn’t have thought this day possible. Perhaps with the passage of time… all 40 years of it… I try to view things from as many perspectives as possible. And I have realized that it helps to see, as well, the humanity of those of us who lived through that horrible time including those from the opposite side of the street… “Johnny wrote that even he was a victim of the Marcos dictatorship… He also wrote about how his life was placed in danger as a military clique under General Ver plotted to assassinate him weeks before People Power finally erupted in 1986… “Still, I have not answered why this Lopez would even want to have anything to do with the martial law administrator of Mr. Marcos. Not too many of you know that Johnny and I knew each other way back when we were both students in Harvard in the mid-‘50s. John- ny was working on his master’s at the Harvard Law School and I was also studying for my master’s in public administration at Harvard’s Littauer School, now known as the Kennedy School of Government. “We knew and appreciated each other as ordinary human beings, way before we had taken our respective roles in our country’s political and economic life. I suppose that makes a difference because we can go beyond the caricatures the public may have of who we became later in our lives… “As to why ABS-CBN is publishing Johnny’s book, I know Gabby made that decision in the exercise of a media entity’s obligation to present as many sides as it possibly can, on matters, events or anything that is of public interest…” First Balfour project ‘exceeds expectations’ New QC reservoir inaugurated THE 111 million-liter N. Domingo Reservoir of the Manila Water Company Inc. (MWCI) was recently inaugurated. Located on N. Domingo St., Quezon City, it replaces the old San Juan Reservoir which had a maximum capacity of 92 million liters. It will serve the cities of Quezon City, San Juan, Mandaluyong and Makati and is expected to cater to as many as 107,000 households. The inauguration was graced by First Balfour CEO Dr. Fiorello Estuar and president Anthony Fernandez, MWCI president and CEO Geraldo Ablaza Jr. and representatives from the local government of Quezon City, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and DCCD Engineering. The two-year construction of the water facility accumulated almost a million safe man-hours. Through the project team’s dedication and hard work, First Balfour was able to guarantee a project turnover that exceeded expectations. Follow us @lopezlinkph on Twitter and Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/lopezlinkonline Meanwhile, the company’s redesigned corporate website is now viewable at http://www.firstbalfour.com. It has a fresh new look and a user-friendly format that offers quick and easy access to information about First Balfour, its projects and the career opportunities it offers. (Dolly Pasia) Lopezlink October 2012 couch potato KAPAMILYA ‘This Guy’s in Love with U, Mare!’ When Lester met Mike met Gemma HOW long can an avenging gay man pretend to be a straight guy just to win the heart of the girl who stole his ex-boyfriend’s heart? For the first time, Toni Gonzaga, Luis Manzano and Vice Ganda join forces for the comedy movie event o f the treats ‘Walang Hanggan’ finale Viewers are excitedly counting down to the last few weeks of “Walang Hanggan” this October. Aside from reigning in the nationwide TV ratings every night, “Walang Hanggan” extended its success to different media platforms—becoming top trending topics in Twitter and Facebook; reaching platinum status for its official soundtrack; and coming up with the licensed “Walang Hanggan” “infinity ring” sold by Karat World. Adding to the show’s success is the award-winning cast, which includes Coco Martin, cited as the Prince of Television by the Box Office Entertainment Awards, and Paulo Avelino, the 2012 Gawad Urian Best Actor. Kim and company poised to conquer prime time “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” top billed by Kim Chiu, Xian Lim, Enchong Dee and Maja Salvador is all set to air on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida this October. “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” is a compelling story about family, love, power, rivalry and acceptance. The new TV drama’s powerhouse cast also includes Janice de Belen, Cherry Pie Picache, Ariel Rivera, Ronaldo Valdez, Pilar Pilapil and Eddie Guiterrez. It is directed by Don Cuaresma and Jojo Saguin. Watch for the grand premiere of “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida! Hero TV’s brandnew anime “Hetalia Axis Powers” premieres on Hero TV October 5 at 7pm. “Claymore” will premiere on October 22 at 7:30pm. Other exciting anime are Season 2 of “Di-Gata Defenders” beginning October 28 at 8:30am and 6pm and “Toaru Majutsu no Index” beginning October 9 at 7:30pm. “Shiki OVA” begins on October 14 at 12am, 12 noon and 9pm. “Naruto Shippuden Season 4,” “Working!!,” “AI Football GGO,” “Major Season 4” and “Vampire Hunter” also kick off this month. In addition, Hero TV’s Dubber’s Cut will air behindthe-scene features of the voices behind “Shiki.” (Katherine Solis) Aside from Toni, Luis and Vice, also part of “This Guy’s in Love with U, Mare!” are Edgar Mortiz, Buboy Garovillo, Gladys Reyes, DJ Durano, Karla Estrada, Carla Martinez and Tessie Tomas. Completing the cast are Jayson Gainza, Eagle Riggs, Ricky Rivero, IC Mendoza, Dang Cruz, Cecil Paz, Manuel Chua, Ricci Chan, Lassy, Tess Antonio and Edward Mendez. “This Guy’s in Love with U, Mare!” premieres in cinemas nationwide on October 10, 2012. One ‘Kapamilya’ Go caps record-setting ‘Sama Saya’ 2012 WORLD-CLASS Filipino entertainment with a thousand thrills, unforgettable experiences, engaging interaction with Filipino celebrities and exciting launches and surprises for the whole family. This has been the tradition of TFC’s annual One Kapamilya Go that started in 2008 and has continued yearly to become the most successful sustained TFC-produced event in North America. It also marked the climax of the summer season-long events campaign called TFC Sama Saya 2012 in the US. On September 16 at California’s Great America theme park in California, the event drew a crowd of almost 11,000, following the record attendance it set in 2011 with the first Filipino backto-back One Kapamilya Go concerts. “Every year, we face the challenge of how to keep up with the legacy of Filipino excellence that Filipinos in the US have come to associate with One Kapamilya Go. It’s like…preparing for an annual family reunion…How do you make it worth the family’s time?,” said Ricky Resurreccion, One Kapamilya Go’s project lead who also heads TFC North America’s Ad Sales and Trade Marketing. ‘X Factor Philippines’ Final three vie to become first ‘X Factor’ grand winner IT’S going to be a toss-up among the Boys, the Girls and the Groups as Gabriel Maturan of Dipolog City, KZ Tandingan of Digos City and Daddy’s Home of Metro Manila made it to the final three of the country’s biggest musical event, “The X Factor Philippines.” The final musical showdown at the PAGCOR Grand Theater in Parañaque will also witness the battle of judge-mentors Martin Nievera, who mentors the Boys; Charice for the Girls; and Gary Valenciano for the Groups. The stage is set for the final three. Who among Gab, KZ and Daddy’s Home will emerge as Game 1: UST vs Ateneo Catch Game 1 of University of Santo Tomas vs Ateneo live on October 6, 2012 at 3pm. Watch the game in high definition on Balls SkyCable Channel 167 or online via live streaming at http:// uaapsports.studio23.tv. year, Star Cinema’s “This Guy’s in Love with U, Mare!” Under the direction of Wenn Deramas, “This Guy’s in Love with U, Mare!” bares the complicated and hilarious love triangle of Gemma (Toni), Mike (Luis) and Lester (Vice). Just when Lester has decided to move on after his breakup with longtime boyfriend Mike, he suddenly discovers the real reason for their separation—Mike has a girlfriend, Gemma, and they are about to get married. L-R: Gab, KZ and Daddy’s Home the first “The X Factor Philippines” grand winner? Be sure to put your favorites at the top by voting for them on October 6. Vote after their performances by texting XF<space>GAB/ KZ/ DAD and send to 2331 for Globe and Sun subscribers and 231 for Smart and Talk ‘n’ Text subscribers. Don’t miss the country’s biggest and grandest musical event of the year, “The X Factor Philippines,” with KC Concepcion as host, as it holds its final performance night on October 6 after “MMK,” and the final results night on October 7 after “Sarah G Live” on ABSCBN. Julia Montes and Coco Martin This year’s “add-ons” included a meet and greet with the “Walang Hanggan” cast, the launch of TFCtv, the North America TFCKat finals, the auditions for “The Voice Philippines,” the launch of the global anti-piracy campaign which is a partnership between the Philippine Optical Media Board and TFC, and the screenings of “A Mother’s Story” and Cinema One Global’s “Six Degrees from Lilia Cuntapay.” “One Kapamilya Go is really the work of a village guided by Global COO Raffy Lopez: the North America team which I head, the team from Manila led by ABSCBN Corporation channel head Cory Vidanes, our partners, sponsors, media, subscribers, fans…,” said ABS-CBN North America managing director Olivia de Jesus. “It is a true annual Kapamilya tradition that TFC North America will take pride in celebrating for many generations to come.” (Nerissa Fernandez) Jericho’s crowning glory JERICHO Rosales recently launched his newest solo album, “Korona,” on “ASAP 2012.” Released under Star Records, the album features seven alloriginal alternative OPM songs. These include “Kasama Ka,” “Halaga,” “Pusong Ligaw” which was cowritten by Butch Elizalde and “Bumuhos Man ang Ulan” produced and arranged by Gabriel Valenciano. Also included are “Dahil sa Pag-ibig,” the theme song of Jericho’s drama series of the same title where he costarred with Piolo Pascual, another version of “Paboritong Tag-ulan” where he duets with Julianne, and the carrier single “Paboritong Tag-Ulan” which was written by Jericho and composed by album coproducer and Star Records audio and content manager Jonathan Manalo. “Korona” also highlights Jericho’s revival of a Freddie Aguilar hit, “Kamusta Ka, Aking Mahal,” and Sugarfree’s “Makita Kang Muli” which was the theme song of ABS-CBN’s 2005 drama epic “Ang Panday” that starred Jericho. “Korona” is now available in all record bars nationwide for P199. Digital tracks can also be downloaded via www.mymusicstore. com.ph. Jericho Rosales COUNCILS Lopezlink October 2012 HR COUNCIL RENE Espinosa of First Philec Solar Corporation (FPSC) was adjudged as the first People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Idol on September 13, 2012 during the fellowship night of the 49th PMAP Annual Conference in Cebu City. Espinosa has been an administrative clerk at FPSC since January 2008. FPSC is a subsidiary of First Philec, the intermediate holding company of First Philippine Holdings Corporation’s (FPH) manufacturing ventures. The search for the PMAP At the Lopez Group economic, political briefing Idol started with the elimination round that brought together 22 singing hopefuls at the PMAP Center in Mandaluyong. Rene Espinosa, the first PMAP Idol, with From among them, First Philec VP-HR Beth Nasol and FPH the top five finalists VP-HR Beth Canlas were chosen. Espinosa beat the finalists from oth- Group’s history. He will repreer PMAP member companies, sent FPSC in the FPH Group namely JG Summit, Philippine Music Icons 2012 which will Long Distance Telephone Co., hold its qualifying round at the Pagcor and EEI Corp. Rockwell Tent on October 9, Espinosa was also part of 2012 and the grand finals at the “Undaunted,” the 2010 musi- Music Museum on November cale which featured the Lopez 13, 2012. (Ross Hamo Jr.) FB contest winners go to ‘ASAP’! C O N GRATULATIONS to the winners of the Lopez Values Stars Recommenda-Lopezfriend Facebook contest! The top referrers for this cycle are L-R: Winners Hazel Velasco, Lucy Torres and Isabel Hazel Velasco of First PhilCortez PR CHALLENGE COMPTROLLERS’ CIRCLE FPSC’s Espinosa is first PMAP Idol PhOTO BY LUCY TORRES 4 ippine Holdings Corporation, first place; Isabel Cortez of First Philippine Industrial Corporation, second place; and Lucy Aure Torres of Lopez Holdings Corporation, third place. Velasco, Cortez and Torres and their “plus ones” won slots to watch “ASAP 2012” live and tour the ABS-CBN studios courtesy of ABS-CBN Studio Tours & Shop. Keep the Lopez Values Stars sign-ups coming and get a chance to win awesome prizes! ‘Invest in industry’ DR. Norio Usui, senior country economist of the Philippine Country Office, Southeast Asia Department of the Asian Development Bank, encourages Philippine investments in manufacturing and heavy industries. Speaking at the annual economic and political briefing that precedes the Lopez Group’s five-year strategic planning conference and annual budget conference, Usui said manufacturing and heavy industries have the capacity to employ millions of workers who may be unskilled or semiskilled. He said the local economy’s growth over the last five decades has depended mostly on the services sector, which cannot employ the vast majority of the labor force. “BPO (business process outsourcing) employment cannot solve all the problems. BPOs are biased toward the educated labor force. But only 30% of the labor force finished college. The rest are high school graduates, fit for strong industry, manufacturing—to be factory workers. But there are few employers in this category,” Usui explained. With stagnant industrialization, Usui predicts job opportu- nities will remain limited and, without jobs, poverty will persist despite continued growth in the local services sector, as well as receipt of higher remittances from overseas workers. “BPO employment is only 1.4%. Unemployment is 7.1% while underemployment is 19.1%. Manufacturing has the highest labor productivity such that investments in this sector result in the highest gains for the population. Productivity is how much value one worker can produce,” Usui said. Midterm elections to push back legislative agenda Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, speaking in the same forum, said the midterm elections in May 2013 signal a slowdown in legislation and infrastructure spending, although “there will be an increased injection of cash assets as candidates spend money to sustain their political campaign.” Nonetheless, Enrile listed proposed amendments to the 1986 Constitution, which he believes are needed to correct its deficiencies. Among the proposals are as follows: the restoration of police control to local governments; a uni- cameral system of Congress; election of senators by region; return to the two-party system; and the designation of the acting chief justice to convene the Judicial and Bar Council. “We have too many [political] parties, and they are all meaningless parties…What we have now is not principled politics, but one of expediency, opportunism and individual survival,” he said. In addition, Enrile, together with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., presented to Pres. Aquino a joint proposal for constitutional amendments to “grant Congress and the Chief Executive greater flexibility to modify limitations or restrictions on foreign ownership, so as to attract foreign investments to the country.” Pres. Aquino ordered his economic team to study the impact of the proposed amendments. Still pending in Congress are the following bills: power sector reforms, in particular the proposal to use the royalty tax from Malampaya to reduce the cost of electricity; the reproductive health bill; the sin tax bill; and the Freedom of Information bill. (Carla Paras-Sison) Swim or sink, for times are a-changing By Bong Osorio Excerpted from the author’s The Philippine Star column, “Commonness,” the 34th Catholic Mass Media Awards’ Best Business Column awardee THE task of identifying key issues that will affect a company falls on corporate communicators. And in today’s fast-paced environment where information travels faster than before, corporations are finding that communications are “important to both their product marketing and to reengineering their credibility.” …Companies have integrated corporate communications in their businesses and the functions have several aspects such as investor relations, public relations, corporate affairs, internal communication, government and community relations. Essentially, there are seven functions in communicating with your target stake- holder groups. Here’s a quick review of what you can do. Media relations and monitoring. …More than just counting the times that your company was mentioned in media, corporate communications people start their day by reading nine broadsheets, 14 tabloids and several online sites to track issues that may have an impact on the company. Summaries of positive, neutral and negative impact, reports and write-ups are collated, which are blasted to executives and made available as well to employees who may have a need for them. Monitoring is done daily so that the concerned parties may be able to respond or address the issues, if necessary…. Publicity and promotion. Organize press conferences to launch new products, programs or corporate social responsibility projects. With regularity send out press materials to the traditional media platforms and… build relationships with the bloggers who are on the lookout for content…. To be in step with development on the online front, launch a social media newsroom…. Learn the power of social media and the knowledge and skills they bring since it is paramount to being an “in-step” talent. Help your leaders with these new tools, figure out what’s right for them and push them out of their comfort zones. But as you do this, be fairly warned that all the fancy new tools in the world can’t hide bad content…. Issues and crisis management. Conduct media trainings for your executives on understanding media, messaging, handling media interviews and crisis response planning. Be sure to track issues reported in the media and, if available, monitor feedback to determine if the company is vulnerable on an issue. And when needed, issue a statement to the public through the media. Reputation management. Wilcox and Cameron define reputation as the track record of an organization in the public’s mind. Publicize your achievements and awards won, build the credibility of your executives, announce new executive appointments and share all the good things your company has done. Call center operations. Take care of your call center agents who may be handling phone calls 24/7/365. They are your frontline people who may get different kinds of calls. They should be able to engage these callers in meaningful conversations and ensure that they get off the call feeling happy and satisfied. Public affairs. Connect your other stakeholders such as those in the academe, the community and the government. Maintain good relations with your community and barangay, engage them in various activities and address their concerns. Internal communications. …Good internal communications can lead to higher employee morale and an increase in productivity. Communicate with your internal publics via a company intranet site, which can report the latest corporate and internal news, features on employees, run promos, upload podcasts and videos to create a virtual community among the employees… … Remember that the public is changing, the competition is changing, the company is changing and the market is changing. It’s time that you as a corporate communication custodian start to reinvent yourself. As Bob Dylan wrote in one of his songs, “…You better start swimmin’ or you’ll sink like a stone, for the times they are a-changin.’” DON’T FORGET October 10: Lopez Achievement Award ceremony, Rockwell Tent, 4pm October 19: Content Marketing Workshop, AIM Conference Center, Makati, 9am- 6pm. Call 896-0639 or email [email protected] November 1: Deadline for entries for the PRSP’s 48th Anvil Awards. Call Ruth Sarmiento at 3875104 or email anvil.prsp@ yahoo.com November : 11th HR Summit and Fellowship, Rockwell Tent, 7:30am (Summit); 6pm (Fellowship) Lopezlink October 2012 Lopezlink October 2012 EXECUTIVE FEATURE By Carla Paras-Sison Clockwise from left: The Asian Eye team, with president Ben Liboro and Mrs. Liboro, at the Sinag Kalinga Foundation, Quezon to do cataract screening for the elderly; Asian Eye staff and doctors prepare for the arrival of employees who will undergo eye exam at First Philippine Industrial Park; the Asian Eye CSR team listens to the stories of the beneficiaries of the cataract surgery mission at Pangarap Foundation; this little boy now enjoys doing various activities with his improved vision; satisfied with her new, clear vision is actress Kristine HermosaSotto with Asian Eye’s LASIK surgeon Dr. Robert Ang; and an Asian Eye optometrist checks the vision of a Girl Scout from the Philippine Christian Foundation in Tondo AsiAn EyE... from page 1 years. Esther, who is now at the same age when her mother started losing her eyesight, fears she will suffer the same fate after reading that she is also at risk to develop the condition. According to Alwin Sta. Rosa, vice president and general manager of Asian Eye Institute, statistics show that an estimated 72% of Filipinos, 60 years old and above, will develop cataracts. Globally, the World Health Organization Prevention of Blindness and Deafness Programme lists cataracts among the top causes of blindness, along with glaucoma and agerelated macular degeneration. Although still considered an infant nation, the Philippines has a growing elderly population that is at risk of developing these eye conditions. The UN agency further estimates that “up to 80% of the world’s blindness is avoidable.” “In the Philippine setting, we have accepted that older people eventually become blind, that they become unproductive New services at Asian Eye Ortho-K contacts for kids and adults with active lifestyles among children and is suitable for adults who are not qualified or ready for LASIK surgery. Ortho-K uses gas-permeable contact lenses that you can wear at night while you sleep. Since the contact lenses are gas permeable, it allows more oxygen into the eye, reducing risks of irritations, dryness and allergies. The lenses are more resistant to bacteria and safe to wear even in a dusty environment. It can also stop the progression of nearsightedness As we age, we inevitably experience some deterioration in the eye function. In presbyopia, the natural lens of the eye becomes less flexible and loses its focusing ability. This results in difficulty in reading small print or seeing at very near distances, thus the need for reading glasses. For some, this affects both style and lifestyle. Asian Eye breaks ground in the treatment of presbyopia with new laser technology from Technolas. It is the only eye care facility in the Philippines with the Supracor and Intracor technologies for bladeless procedures that reshape the cornea for both distance and near vision. Supracor and Intracor lasers are also suitable for post-cataract patients who wear glasses for reading. Asian Eye Institute now offers Orthokeratology or Ortho-K, a revolutionary process that temporarily reduces or eliminates nearsightedness and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea without surgery. Supracor treatment: Freedom from reading glasses ALWIN Sta. Rosa, vice president and general manager of Asian Eye Institute since March 2012, is tasked with managing the premier outpatient facility’s market. To accomplish this, he believes the values of business excellence, teamwork and integrity come to fore. “It is important to espouse the value of team effort not only at the staff level, but also among after a certain age,” observes Sta. Rosa. “As a result, there are warm bodies, usually young people, who are not able to go to work because their blind loved ones need to be assisted.” But with the proper and timely medical intervention, the visually impaired person can still do things on her own again, while the caregiver can go back to work and be an income-generating partner of the family, Sta. Rosa adds. More so because, in the past decade, more Filipinos have been able to access top-notch eye care through Asian Eye that is comparable to eye care centers of the US, Europe and Singapore. “When we were established, one objective of Mr. (Oscar) Lopez was to deliver world-class eye care and make it available to as many Filipinos as possible,” says Asian Eye president Benjamin K. Liboro. “Asian Eye has developed a very strong reputation, but as a premier eye center for the premium market.” Asian Eye’s ‘captains of the OR’ the clinical and diagnosis stage up to the surgery stage. She also ensures that operational policies and patient safety practices are well adhered to, equipment is well maintained and skills and competencies are updated by caregivers and doctors alike. MEET THE TEAM FLORDELIZA Arca, Kristina Manalili and Dr. Mary Jocelyn Ang are the “captains of Asian Eye’s surgery room.” Flordeliza Arca, RN OR Head Arca is responsible for the delivery of patient care and the efficient running of day-to-day operations in the OR. She also formulates and implements systems and procedures to improve service delivery. Kristina Manalili, RN Patent Services Manager Manalili ensures that a high level of service, safety and quality of care are delivered by the nurses, ophthalmic associates, optometrists and doctors from Why Asian Eye is for you Asian Eye’s main clinic at the Phinma Plaza in Rockwell Center was inaugurated on September 18, 2001. Its satellite clinics are located at Trinoma, Quezon City, which opened in 2007, and at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, which opened a year later. The flagship itself now spans three floors in Rockwell and includes more diagnostic rooms, a VIP lounge, a refreshment lounge and an optical shop. The eye center, which just celebrated its 11th anniversary, is now setting its sights on serving approximately 150,000 middle-market households in Dr. Mary Jocelyn Ang Anesthesiologist Dr. Ang is the team member in charge of OR management. She is primarily responsible for determining the suitability of patients for surgery. She also ensures that patient safety policies and procedures are followed. Asian Eye’s new MDs Dr. Patricia Grulla-Quilendrino and Dr. Emerson Cruz are the second-generation young specialists who are Metro Manila and its environs. This segment includes mostly professionals, entrepreneurs and the like “who are enrolled in health plans and who generally use their health plans to access medical care.” “Transparency in our fees is one of the factors important to our patients,” says Maribel Relatado-Rubia. “We are more transparent in detailing the different types of fees involved in a surgery in our quote. Some people in the retirement industry have noted this as one of our advantages over big hospitals.” “This also allows us to help people,” Liboro adds. “If they say, ‘I can’t afford that,’ then we can discuss how to help, how to make it affordable for them.” Aside from Philhealth and senior citizen discounts, clients may avail of treatment at Asian Eye using their Citibank, BDO, BPI or RCBC Bankard cards. Also honored are the cards of local and international HMOs such as Asianlife, Maxicare, Avega of Intellicare, Vanbreda, Prestige International and Emergency Assistance Japan. Thus, whether one is an entrepreneur, an employee holding a company-issued health card or even a self-employed creative who pays Philhealth P100 every month, he or she can look forward to different payment options. As an innovation especially for Lopez Group kapamilya, Asian Eye brings and conducts complete eye examinations and medical lectures on eye care right in their offices or sites. Thus far, the center has brought this service to First Philippine Industrial Park in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Just recently, it conducted a medical lecture and a among Asian Eye’s “doctors of the future.” resident trainees and in the top 4 in 2009. Dr. Patricia GrullaQuilendrino Prior to joining Asian Eye in July 2012, Dr. Grulla-Quilendrino was affiliated with University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, where she completed her residency training in ophthalmology from 2007-2008 and became a medical retinal fellow in 2010 and surgical retinal fellow in 2011. Dr. Grulla-Quilendrino has been recognized as a diplomate by the Philippine Board of Ophthalmology in 2008 and, in the same year, ranked in the top 3 in the ophthalmology proficiency examination given by the department to ophthalmology Dr. Emerson Cruz, DPBO Dr. Cruz finished his medical internship at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, where he completed his residency training on comprehensive ophthalmology and became the chief resident in 2009. He passed the Philippine Board of Ophthalmology oral and written diplomate exam in 2010. Dr. Cruz completed last year his fellowship training at Asian Eye under Dr. Robert Ang for clinical and research, cornea and refractive surgery. He is an international member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the International Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. free basic eye exam at the Energy Development Corporation headquarters. “We can customize a package that suits the number of employees on-site and their specific needs based on their profiles,” notes ophthalmologist Dr. Juan Ma. Pablo Nañagas, who is currently Asian Eye’s medical and research director. “Optical companies also offer this, but it’s really just refraction. What we do are complete eye examinations, so we are able to check even for glaucoma, cataract and retinal problems.” Eye on the future As it ventures to capture the bigger, wider middle market segment, Liboro envisions the next few years as a potential growth period for Asian Eye. In the medium term, Asian Eye aims to boost its Trinoma and Mall of Asia facilities by opening three to five more satellite clinics. For now, the focus remains on expanding in Metro Manila despite several overtures to bring the Asian Eye brand to some of the larger provinces. “Apart from clinics, we are building up the technologies and products that we have on offer. Soon, we’ll invest in a femtosecond cataract laser technology that will, for the time being, complete our laser offerings,” Liboro says. “We also acquired the Technolas laser technology that can also address presbyopia or the SPOTLIGHT loss of the lens’ flexibility, thus the need to wear reading glasses. We are still the only center equipped with a laser treatment to eliminate dependency on reading glasses of people in their 40s to 60s. And so far, our refractive specialist is still recognized as the ‘ophtha’ that has the most extensive experience on this Technolas technology from Germany. Asian Eye is equipped to take care of eye concerns for all ages, from newborns to people in their 90s.” Significantly, based on feedback gathered by its doctors in conferences here and abroad, Asian Eye remains up to date when it comes to the technologies and services it offers. While a sea of change has taken place with the departure of two members of the original medical team, the institute considers this as a “natural process of attrition” as well as an opportunity to transfuse new blood into a formidable lineup that has pretty much remained unchanged through a decade. Dr. Emerson Cruz and Dr. Patricia Grulla-Quilendrino (see sidebar) lead the secondgeneration Asian Eye doctors “who will be our doctors of the future,” Liboro affirms. “We’re looking at two or three more that we’ll be bringing in to represent certain subspecialties. If we can do that, that will give us the ability to meet the needs of our physical expansion.” The eral pioneering and change management projects in private, government and nongovernment institutions, including the modernization of the Philippine elections in the early 1990s. He was designated by then Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Christian Monsod as the director-in-charge of the Comelec Modernization Project. He also worked as lead consultant of new faces of Asian Eye doctors. We have organized ourselves into teams to develop that ‘team mentality.’ Being able to watch each other’s practice leads to mutual benefits and should be something to look forward to,” says Sta. Rosa. He adds, “Integrity is important because Asian Eye is the custodian of so many important records—remember Asian Eye has plenty of highprofile patients. We receive and develop a lot of proprietary information as well so we need to secure our practice. Also among ourselves, trust is paramount to be able to work with each other in the best and most productive way possible.” Performance excellence Prior to his posting in Asian Eye, the certified public accountant and Technology Management master’s degree holder from the University of the Philippines (UP) served concurrently as assistant vice president for Comptrollership and Business Excellence officer of First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPH). This was where performance excellence surfaced as his strong suit, being responsible for industry studies, business excellence, corporate valuation, knowledge management, performance monitoring, corporate accounting and corporate planning support in FPH. Before joining FPH in 1997, Sta. Rosa handled sev- Asian Development Bank for Change Management, Knowledge Management and Policy Reform and was a lecturer in Miriam College for Management Information System and Electronic Data Processing. Setting standards Dr. Juan Ma. Pablo Nañagas, Asian Eye medical and research director, is in charge of monitoring the performance of doctors, setting standards and managing the institute’s substantial research portfolio. For this work, he values integrity the most. “There’s a lot of temptation, especially in ophthalmology, to do unethical practices. What we foster in all our doctors is that we can earn a decent living without doing anything unethical to increase incomes,” says Nañagas, an ophthalmologist himself and former director of UP-Philippine General Hospital. Nañagas, who graduated from and taught in the UP College of Medicine, served as Undersecretary of Health, handling the portfolio of health facilities, standards and regulations from 1992 to 1995 under then Health Secretary Juan Flavier. Return to Asian Eye He joined Asian Eye in 2005 as administrator and assistant medical director after a short stint as director of a hospital in Cambodia. In 2007, he joined construction firm First Balfour Inc., a subsidiary 150 Eyes wraps up Vision screening for Asian Eye’s cataract mission at the Aeta community in Zambales L-R: Dr. Juan Ma. Pablo Nañagas, Maribel Relatado-Rubia and Alwin Sta. Rosa ASIAN Eye Institute has completed its 150 Eyes cataract surgery mission, the CSR program it launched last year in celebration of its 10th anniversary. The program’s name is inspired by national hero Jose Rizal, himself an ophthalmologist, whose 150th birth anniversary was also marked last year. The cataract surgery mission treated 150 eyes of deserving individuals from the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission Aeta resettlement community in Zambales, Pangarap Foundation resettlement communities in Cavite and Pasay, Philippine Christian Foundation resettlement community in Tondo, and BayaniJuan in Calauan, Laguna. “150 Eyes is our way of contributing to the United Nations’ of FPH, which needed an infection control officer at the time it was building St. Luke’s Medical Center in Global City, Taguig. He returned to Asian Eye in March 2010 as medical director and was appointed in June 2012 to work concurrently as research director. Maribel Relatado-Rubia, head of Business Development and Marketing at Asian Eye, provides critical support for the institute’s growth strategy, through appropriate market studies and communication management. The main value that helps her at work is patient focus. “Patients put us in charge of their most precious asset: their eyes. It is our role to meet both their physical and economic needs. Toward this end, we can customize our services to make them accessible to a broader segment of the market. In this way, we are more responsive to the needs of our patients, and of our fellow Filipinos who need excellent eye care,” says Rubia. Part of Oscars Examiner team The UP Mass Communication, major in Communication Research, and Technology Management master’s degree holder joined FPH in 2002 as part of the Lopez Group Business Excellence team. She was exposed to the business excellence framework and the difVISION 2020 program, where the government is mandated to lessen the incidence of blindness among its citizens. This is a part of the private-sector contribution to the program,” said Maribel Relatado-Rubia. In the past year, Asian Eye conducted the screenings for qualified patients, while its medical team carried out the operations in the Rockwell Center clinic. Its partner organization, Cataract Foundation Philippines Inc., was in charge ferent facets of program management such as marketing, resource development, administration, assessments and awards management, using systems thinking. As part of the Oscars Examiner team, she performed Baldrige-based assessments on different companies and, later on, took the responsibility of designing simplified assessment systems for some Lopez Group companies. In 2006, she became part of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Quality Award pool of trained assessors assigned to do evaluation of applicant companies in the manufacturing, government and service sectors, using the Criteria for Performance Excellence. In 2010, she was assigned to Asian Eye to head Market Research and Communication, and later on, Marketing. She took short courses on Strategic Brand Management and on Health Facilities and Hospital Management at the Asian Institute of Management. In August 2012, her responsibilities evolved to include Business Development. Dubbed by Asian Eye president Benjamin K. Liboro as “the new faces of Asian Eye,” the three UP alumni, Sta. Rosa, Nañagas and Relatado, are working as a team to make world-class eye care available to as many Filipinos as possible, one market segment at a time. of providing intraocular lenses. “We’re getting closer to the vision of OML to reach all Filipinos,” noted VP and general manager Alwin Sta. Rosa. “Aside from reaching more clients by targeting a new market segment, we have our CSR programs, such as 150 Eyes, for those who cannot afford treatment.” Asian Eye is planning to continue 150 Eyes as an institutional program, pending “new agreements moving forward,” Sta. Rosa added. CSR ACTIVITIES Lopezlink October 2012 Gina Lopez: After Manila, Pasig River rehab goes to QC First Balfour ties up with KEITECh First Balfour and Kananga-EDC Institute of Technol- ogy (KEITECH) recently held a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing at the One Corporate Center in Ortigas, Pasig City. The MOA signing, graced by First Balfour president and COO Anthony Fernandez and KEITECH Educational Foundation Inc. president Paul Aquino (2nd and 3rd from right), intends to tie up the two companies in augmenting the manpower requirements of First Balfour and create employment opportunities for KEITECH graduates. Established by Energy Development Corporation in 2009, KEITECH is a TESDA-accredited, post-secondary technical and vocational training center in Kananga, Leyte. Also in photo are First Balfour CEO Dr. Fiorello Estuar (extreme right) and EDC VP for Steam Field Operations Rico Bersamin (extreme left). (Dolly Pasia) EDC, First Gen donate books to nature lovers ENERGY Development Corporation (EDC) and First Gen Corporation are donating copies of the books “Rafflesia of the Philippines” and “Generations” to universities and other institutions, groups and individuals who are seriously committed to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. “Rafflesia of the Philippines” presents the latest taxonomic information on the 10 Philippine species of rafflesia, the largest single flower in the world. “Generations,” which is published by First Gen, shows photographs of majestic mountains, natural rivers, streams and volcanoes as well as the flora and fauna in First Gen power plant sites across the country. It has become “our own mission to inspire current and future generations of leaders at our companies and the communities we touch and to feel the same passion he [Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez] has—and now we have—for nature and the environment,” First Phil- ippine Holdings Corporation chairman Federico R. Lopez explained during the tribute to his father, where the books were launched. A third book, the EDCbacked “Philippine Native Trees 101,” is a guidebook replete with photos and descriptions of native Philippine trees. It is for sale at the office of Hortica Filipina Foundation Inc. in New Manila, Quezon City and the Miriam College Environmental Studies Institute. For more info, call 0917-4650281. FOLLOWING the significant changes on the surroundings and the lifestyle of residents along the esteros revived by Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP), the campaign for the rehabilitation of Pasig River is set for an aggressive push to spur local government units in cleaning their own esteros. This year, KBPIP is focused on the waterways in Quezon City, which empties most of its trash into the San Juan River. The San Juan River, meanwhile, contributes over 40% of the filth that flows into the Pasig River. “If we clean San Juan River, we’ll clean half of the Pasig River. If we have to clean San Juan River, we have to clean Quezon City,” said Gina Lopez, managing director of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. that operates KBPIP. KBPIP patterns much of its rehabilitation efforts after Estero de Paco in Manila. The vicinity didn’t suffer from flooding during the onslaught of rains brought by the monsoon winds in August because water could flow easily. Also, based on the barangay blotter, a 40% reduction in crime incidence was recorded in seven out of 16 barangays near the estero. According to the City of Manila, the value of land near Estero de Paco has also gone up and might benefit the ABS-CBN Foundation managing director Gina Lopez at Estero de San Miguel landowner of up to P2 million in 20 years. A survey sponsored by KBPIP of 7,000 households living within 200 meters from Estero de Paco revealed that 100% are getting more exercise, 97% have a greater sense of community pride, 97% are satisfied with their lives, 89% feel less sick and 89% feel safer in their community. Eighty-five percent of them also claimed they have lower medical expenses due to their cleaner and healthier environment. “Cleaning the esteros reaches far beyond the economic effect. It goes into the very way they feel about themselves, the way they feel about each other,” Lopez stressed. “The Quezon City experience is really important because it sets the template for other cities. More gifts with a cause Gateway, Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-la Plaza Mall). In high spirits Havaianas, P1,195/pair Infinity wine, P500/bottle Step up and show your school spirit with the limited edition Havaianas+University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) collection, the official licensed UAAP flip-flops. These are available at All Flip-Flops branches (Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street, Glorietta 3, Greenbelt 5, SM City North EDSA Annex, SM Mall of Asia, SM Marikina, SM Megamall, Robinsons Place Ermita, Trinoma, Complex Eastwood Mall, Complex Festival Mall, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center, Rustan’s Raise a glass to the Christmas spirit! Make the holidays even more merry with Infinity wine, popularized by the toprating TV drama “Walang Hanggan.” Orders may be placed at the ABS-CBN Store, G/F ELJ Building, ABS-CBN Compound and online via abscbnstore.multiply.com. (Pia de Leon) Lopezlink October 2012 Eco-ethical finds Rags2Riches Inc. is a forprofit social enterprise based in Manila that creates eco-ethical fashion and home accessories out of “upcycled” scrap cloth, organic materials and indigenous fabrics by working with artisans from community-based enterprises. For orders or inquiries, email domestic. [email protected]. Clockwise from top: Single-chain necklace with braided layers of knitted cotton, P889; Clutch bag in knitted cotton basket weave, P1,489; and color-block clutch in knitted cotton in extra-small basket weave and handwoven Kantarines fabric, P1,489 Unless local government units take on the cleaning of the esteros, it’s not going to happen.” (Kane Choa) ‘TVP Central Visayas’ marks 4th year with coastal cleanup, tree planting “TV Patrol Central Visayas” celebrated its 24th anniversary in August with coastal cleanup and tree planting activities. “TV Patrol Central Visayas” personalities led volunteers in cleaning and removing the piles of garbage that were left by tropical storm Gener on the shores of Brgy. Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City. Meanwhile, almost a thousand mahogany and jackfruit seedlings were planted in Brgy. Tabunan with the help of students from the University of Cebu and volunteers from the Alliance of Concerned Texters and other organizations. (Katherine Solis) SAVE ThE DATE October -: 11th Asian Forum on CSR, Bangkok. For more info, log on to www.asianforumcsr.com 9 NOSTALGIA ONGOINGS Preschoolers ‘Looking at Art’ Nineteen preschoolers from an international early childhood learning institution recently visited the Lopez Museum and took part in the museum’s Looking at Art program. Specifically designed for small groups of children (between 10-30), this program includes looking closely and discussing specific artworks and culminates with a short hands-on activity. For more information about this program and other activities specially designed for students, call 635-9545 or 631-2417 or email edvillafranca@ lopez-museum.org.ph. Photo shows the young visitors discussing details of Juan Luna’s “España y Christmas 2012 THE world’s longest Christmas season is upon us! Why not begin filling your Christmas list with these gift ideas from ABS-CBN Merchandising and Rags2Riches Inc.? MUSEUM/VALUES Filipinas” with the help of museum educator Ethel Villafranca. Curator’s talk by Tats Manahan On October 6, 2012, 10:30 a.m. at the White Cube Gallery, Tats Manahan will discuss the life and art of Claudio Bravo with emphasis on his connection to the Philippines in 1968, in Bravo Claudio: Curator’s Talk by Tats Manahan. This will be followed by the curator’s walk-through of the exhibit Claudio Bravo: Sojourn in Manila. For inquiries, call Fanny at 631-2417. Lopez Memorial Museum and Library is located at the ground floor of Benpres Building. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. —George Santayana October 7, 1953 A party at Alto Broadcasting owner Tony Quirino’s house becomes the country’s first TV broadcast October 1, 1964 Meralco sells $8 million worth of bonds to raise funds for its power plant construction program October 25, 1995 ABS-CBN puts up UHF channel Studio 23 Source: Mercy Servida, head librarian, Lopez Memorial Museum Library SPECIAL FEATURE Claudio Bravo: Sojourn in Manila ‘Manila paintings’ focal point of monthlong Met exhibit FOR the first time in more than four decades, the Manila paintings of Claudio Bravo are on display in a major art event that is both tribute to an important hyperrealist artist and a celebration of the ties between two nations. Claudio Bravo: Sojourn in Manila was inaugurated at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila on September 18 to coincide with the 202nd anniversary of Chile’s independence. A joint undertaking of geothermal energy producer Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and the Embassy of Chile, the monthlong retrospective exhibit also aims to highlight the strengthening bilateral ties between the Philippines and Chile. Cutting the ribbon on the exhibit were EDC chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez and wife Connie Lopez, Amb. Roberto Mayorga of Chile, First Philippine Holdings Corporation chairman Federico R. Lopez, EDC president Richard Tantoco and Lopez Museum executive director Cedie Lopez Vargas. “This exhibit reminds us that there are many avenues for cooperation: business, the arts and culture represent a very good start,” OML said. He recalled that he had met Bravo at one of the parties to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of his parents, Eugenio Sr. and Pacita, in January 1968. The artist’s six-month stay in the country predated the renown that was later bestowed on him as one of the world’s leading hyperrealist painters. “In one sense, that made us quite fortunate that we—he and his subjects—crossed paths when we did,” OML noted. Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez and wife Connie R. Lopez cut the ribbon on the exhibit with Amb. Roberto Mayorga and wife Rina Lopez Bautista and son Daniel Cedie Lopez Vargas, Johnny Litton and Tats Manahan Federico R. Lopez and wife Monina EDC executives Arman Lapus, Ricky Tantoco, Art Valdez, Peter Garrucho and Renato Castillo Mike L. Lopez, wife Chris and son Miguel ‘Most lucid paintings’ Bravo reportedly considered the paintings he produced during his stay in Manila as his “most lucid paintings.” These works are one of the focal points of Claudio Bravo: Sojourn in Manila. Bravo was born in Valparaiso, Chile in 1936 and passed away last year in Taroudant, Morocco. At 17, he held his first solo exhibition. He then moved to the southern city of Concepcion and quickly gained several portrait commissions. His earnings would allow him to move to Madrid in 1961. It was not long before he became a soughtafter portraitist amongst social luminaries. Claudio Bravo: Sojourn in Manila runs until October 20, 2012. The exhibit is accompanied by weekly activities on Saturdays, including a curator’s talk on October 6 and drawing sessions. Bea Lopez Puno and Eric Puno with Pinky Aquino Abellada and Ballsy Aquino Cruz PhOTOS BY MANDY NAVASERO Judy Araneta Roxas and Sen. Richard Gordon Berta Lopez Feliciano Margot Fragante, Martin Vargas and Mitos Santisteban caption Jaime and Bea Zobel de Ayala Dulce Festin-Baybay and Doris Magsaysay Ho Agnes Huibonhoa and Amb. Harry Thomas Sandy Prieto Romualdez Rosan Cruz and Amb. Mayorga Tessie and Arturo Luz 10 LIFELONG WELLNESS Lopezlink October 2012 Lopez Group walkers celebrate th WTT anniversary Thousands run, ride and roll for the Pasig River TRAVEL Lopezlink October 2012 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. By Ross Hamo Jr. By Katherine Solis KAPIT Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig’s 09.30. 2012 Run, Ride & Roll for the Pasig River made a stronger call for cleaner esteros with around 70,000 actual participants despite heavy rains in Quezon City. Around 87,000 registered to participate in the advocacy event that will raise funds for the cleanup of esteros in Quezon City. This number was higher than the turnout in 11.20.2011 Run for the Pasig River that was the largest single racing event last year with 86,547 runners. “There were still a lot of people despite the rain. They ran in the rain, they biked in the rain. It shows conviction. If people want it bad enough, we’re going to clean the Pasig River,” said Gina Lopez, managing director of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. that operates KBPIP. Among the runners were Gina Lopez, ABS-CBN chairman and CEO Eugenio Lopez III, ABS-CBN Cable Channels and Print Media Group head Ernie Lopez, Senator Pia Cayetano, Kim Atienza, Matteo Guidicelli, Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador and Xian Lim. KBPIP aims to raise P14 million in the run to start the cleanup in the esteros of Quezon City as a part of the seven-year rehabilitation of the Pasig River. KBPIP’s campaign, which has spurred local government units in cleaning their own esteros, will be launched in San Juan City in 2013. 1 From top: Cedie Lopez Vargas with the Perfect Attendance awardees; With the ABSCBN participants; Ati-atihan dancers add to the festive mood 4 PhOTOS BY JEP TAGLE AND RYAN RAMOS 10 1. AFI managing director Gina Lopez with Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista 2. ABS-CBN chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez III 3. ABS-CBN Cable Channels and Print Media Group head Ernie Lopez with Sen. Pia Cayetano 4. Channel head Cory Vidanes with Maja Salvador 5. Kim Atienza and Matteo Guidicelli 6. Robi Domingo 7. Venus Raj 8. Sam Milby 9. Gabby Lopez with some of the runners 10. Skateboarders join the fun 11. River Warriors with Kim and Matteo 9 11 Very Easy Easy Medium Hard AROUND 400 Lopez Group employees and their dependents enjoyed another wellness stint during the sixth Walk the Talk (WTT) anniversary held at Palo Alto Leisure and Residential Estate, Baras, Rizal on September 8, 2012. The early-morning drizzle did not dampen the spirits of the WTT participants as they traveled up Palo Alto. They walked around the main roads and climbed 249 steps to the basin of the natural waterfalls, which completed the approximately six-kilometer walk. Thirty-four employees who attended all the walks in the past year went home with trophies and gift certificates worth P4,000 each. The most dedicated walkers came from Asian Eye Institute (1), First Philippine Industrial Park (1), ABS-CBN (2), Lopez Group Foundation Inc. (3), Philec (3), First Philippine Holdings Corporation (6), Energy Development Corporation (7) and First Philippine Realty Corporation (11). The top six companies that consistently sent the most number of delegates were ABS-CBN, Follow us @lopezlinkph on Twitter and Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/lopezlinkonline Bayan, EDC, FPIP, FPRC and SKYcable Corporation. Cedie Lopez Vargas, Lopez Group HR Council chairperson, in her inspirational message highlighted the growing active participation of employees and their family members, as well as the unwavering support of the respective companies that they represent. Everyone left the venue happy, especially those who won raffle prizes, including the grand prize—a 21-inch TV courtesy of Adtel Inc. SPORTS & WELLNESS CALENDAR OCTOBER 1: Triple D-The Down ‘n’ Dirty Dash, 3K (Nuvali, Laguna), 6am. Fee: P700. Contact thedownanddirtydash.com -4: Silent retreat (Makiling Main House). Fee: P1,700/day. Contact Marissa, 641-1192 : Run United Philippine Marathon, 500m/3K/5K/ 10K/21K/42K, 2:30am. Fee: P350-P1,300. Contact 887-6194 Answer to September puzzle Solution, tips and computer program available at www.sudoku.com GRIFFIN SIERRA RECOMMENDS By Carla Ricafort Atienza The two faces of Montreal MONTREAL is one of, if not the most interesting city you can visit in Canada. Unlike some other destinations, say at an island resort where your day-to-day experience on the trip is a lot of the same thing, in Montreal, your travel experience will vary depending on which side of the city you are in. Montreal was traditionally divided into the French quarter to the east and the British quarter to the west of Mount Royal, the triplepeaked hill at the heart of the city from which its name was taken. You can have a very European, old-world experience in Old Montreal, at Place Jacques Cartier, where you can sit for a café au lait at one of the restaurant terraces lining the streets offering Parisian alfresco dining. Another way to experience Old Montreal is on a caleche (horse-drawn carriage) ride through Rue Notre Dame, where naturally, the Basilique NotreDame is located. Moving north from Old Montreal and at the heart of downtown Montreal is “The Main” or Boulevard Saint-Laurent, where street signs to the east have the suffix “-est,” and those to the west have the suffix “-ouest.” Should you choose to go east, you will find yourself at Quartier Latin. The vibe here is very WE’VE seen Asian Eye Institute grow and transform from CSR project to booming business venture to leading light of the ambulatory surgical center sector in only a decade. As the lore goes, Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez (OML), who had to fly to the US annually in order to have his glaucoma treated, thought it was about time the Philippines got its own worldclass eye center. He enlisted the help of his friend, Fil-Am ophthalmologist Dr. Felipe Tolentino, assembled the sponsors, and the rest is history. That brainchild is now on the brink of becoming a teen, and we look forward to even more robust growth and more Filipinos receiving the top-notch eye care they deserve. In this issue, we take a look at what Asian Eye has in store for us. On September 21, 2012, we marked the 40th anniversary of the declaration of martial law. For those born in the 1980s and later, OML in a recent speech described it thus: “Political and civil rights were systematically suppressed. Economic and business interests and opportunities were cornered and concentrated in favor of a select few. Dissent in any form was stifled with an impunity not previously seen in our nation’s history.” The martial law years, which on paper lasted until 1981, is under closer scrutiny especially in the Lopez Group in the wake of the publication of the life story of one of its chief implementers, former Defense Minister—and now Senate President—Juan Ponce Enrile. As to why the Lopezes agreed to back the publication of Enrile’s memoir, OML explains in our story on page 3. The Walk the Talk series under the auspices of our Lifelong Wellness team marked its sixth anniversary early last month. After the walk in Rizal, the awarding of the year’s most dedicated walkers took place. Thirty-four employees representing eight companies were feted to cap the anniversary trek. Also cited were the six companies that consistently sent the largest delegations to the walks. Fresh from Walk the Talk, Lopez Group kapamilya supported Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP) and ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.’s ultra successful 09.30.2012 Run, Ride & Roll for the Pasig River. They strutted their stuff in the fourth iteration of the run, which featured a “ride and roll” element and drew some 80,000 participants from schools, nongovernment organizations, govern- young, artsy and intellectual as this is where the universities, cinema and theatre converge. There are many pubs, bars and cafés to soak up the creative atmosphere. A staple in every culturally-diverse city, north of “The Main” is Montreal’s Chinatown. Move up to Plateau Mont Royal where there are even more bars and restaurants, then if you venture a bit further, you will find yourself in Little Italy. Along the way, you will stumble upon little discoveries, restaurants and teahouses featuring less common, more unexpected cuisines. 11 Dear Rosie ment agencies and private companies. Congratulations to Gina Lopez and her tireless team! First-time host Quezon City was the venue of the run this year, with the proceeds going toward the rehabilitation of its own esteros. The cleanup of that city’s waterways is another gargantuan task moving forward, with the success of the Estero de Paco setting the bar high for KBPIP. The target for the next year is the 12-kilometer San Juan River that flows from Quezon City to Mandaluyong and is one of the major tributaries of the Pasig River. As Gina Lopez puts it, “If we clean San Juan River, we’ll clean half of the Pasig River.” Claudio Bravo: Sojourn in Manila is our chance to view the works of the world-renowned Chilean artist who lived in Manila for a time in the late 1960s. Drop by the Metropolitan Museum this month, and try to level up your Bravo experience by attending the special activities, like the curator’s talk and sketching sessions. We have a fresh batch of Christmas gift suggestions in this issue, this time from ABS-CBN and Rags2Riches Inc. Of course, Power Plant Mall, with its steady infusion of exciting stores, is ever reliable when it comes to the perfect gift. Check out the newest members of the Power Plant family on page 12. ooOoo Congrats sa patuloy na pamamayagpag ng nationwide ratings ng ABS-CBN!—Leloy ooOoo What is Maricel’s role in the upcoming teleserye “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin”? What other projects are in store for her now that she’s back in the Kapamilya network?—Yan All we can tell you right now is, just watch for it! We assure you it’s going to be exciting, and worth the wait! ooOoo I was able to view the Claudio Bravo exhibit on the first Saturday after it opened. Felt very honored to be able to get “up close and personal” with the works of a world-famous artist like Mr. Bravo. Thanks to the organizers!—Kristin 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 [email protected] or be a friend or fan on Facebook. Another discovery is the Reso or the underground city. Reso, from the French word reseau, meaning “network,” is a system of passages leading to malls, cinemas, museums, offices and metro stations under the city. To find the Reso, follow the blue signs at street level that show you where to descend. When travelling to Montreal, check the weather before your trip. Montreal summers tend to be very hot and winters are really cold, so it is best to travel during late spring and early fall. When tipping in a restaurant, 15% of the pretax bill is acceptable. You might also want to consider purchasing a museum pass which allows you unlimited access to the bus and metro system for three days and, of course, free entry to 30 museums! Airfare deals Manila-Incheon-Manila. $277 ++. Travel period starts now until November 30, 2012. Tickets must be issued by October 31, 2012. Non-rebookable on outbound flight. Changes permitted on return flight at $50 change fee. Non-endorsable, non-reroutable. Subject to taxes and fuel charges. Buy 1, Get 1 Manila-Beijing-Manila. $249++. Travel period starts now until October 31, 2012. Tickets must be issued by October 15, 2012. Valid only if at least two passengers are traveling together. Maximum stay of 14 days. Nonrefundable. Nonrebookable, non-reroutable. Subject to taxes and fuel charges. Manila-Vancouver-Manila. US$900++. Travel periods: September 9-December 16, 2012; December 24-26, 2012; January 11-28, 2013; and February 14-March 15, 2013. Ticketing must be completed within 72 hours upon reservation, until October 16, 2012. Child discount applies. Rebooking fee CAD$100. Cancellation/No-show fee CAD$200. Subject to taxes and fuel charges. Call Griffin Sierra at 898-2451 or email [email protected]. Other packages available. (C. Atienza) 1 Lopezlink October 2012 What’s new By Cherry Pineda from ABS-CBN Publishing this October list: Helen Gamboa, Jessy Mendiola, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, Wendy Tabusalla, Jodi Sta. Maria, Louise delos Reyes, Karen Pamintuan and Angel Aquino work the best Autumn/Winter 2012 trends with their signature poise. Learn everything you need to know about cosmetic procedures, anti-aging products and the fiery lipstick trend that has taken over the fashion runways. ‘FOOD’: The 17th anniversary issue ‘Metro ‘redefines Ageless Style Dressed in Gucci from head to toe, Metro cover girls Lucy Torres-Gomez and Alice Dixson epitomize the essence of looking good at any age. Metro also presents its first Women of Now Make your very own dream cake, like our cover, Pink Ombre Cake with marshmallow icing. Our 17th anniversary issue also features stories on personalized candy by Twisted Candy, a food trip to Morocco and our annual 50 Best List—a rundown of our favorite dishes and restaurants, food finds, our go-to media outlets and this year’s hottest food personalities. All these plus 32 kitchen-tested recipes! Hit the town with ‘Chalk’! Chalk prepares a primer on the hottest nightspots you and your friends should visit. This month also marks the magazine’s first lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender special as it turns the spotlight on the country’s “out and proud” youth scene. Cover girl and Chalk columnist Jasmine Curtis-Smith talks about her love for her “becky” friends! Plus, tips on raiding your guy’s wardrobe, and more! Celebrating generations of athletes UAAP Magazine honors the finest athletes from the present and past seasons: Allan Caidic from the University of the East, Renren Ritualo from De La Salle University and Kiefer Ravena from Ateneo. We introduce the league’s prettiest cheer dancers and the football players. UAAP Magazine also has features on other UAAP sports, such as swimming, beach volleyball and badminton, plus a profile on coach Aric del Rosario! Spidey tackles the Green Goblin! In the fifth volume of Spider-Man Magazine Philippine Edition, meet two of Peter Parker’s most wily villains: the glidin’ Green Goblin and the electrifying Electro—each on a mission take down our favorite superhero! Enjoy our pullout poster and pullout set of stickers with both Goblin and Electro in it! As a bonus treat, we have a page for Spider-Man fans who sent in their pictures and illustrations! Get the newest issues of your favorite magazines at leading bookstores and magazine stands nationwide. Fresh offerings ROCKWELL POWER PLANT FINDS Goodies from Kiehl’s By Nowee T. de la Cerna IT is always exciting when you have something new or when something has changed. This month in Power Plant Mall, these new and newly renovated stores are more than ready to welcome you! Kiehl’s Editorial Advisory Board Executive Editor Boo Chanco / Mike Lopez Rosan Cruz Contributing Editors Carla Paras-Sison (Lopez Holdings) Estela de la Paz (First Gen) Kane Choa (ABS-CBN) Sheila Quieta (ABS-CBN Publishing) Ross Hamo (Wellness) Hazel Velasco (FPHC) Red Samar (Bayan) Susan Ortiz (SkyCable) Vienn Tionglico (Rockwell) Dulce Baybay (LGFI) 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 Looking for the perfect skin care that’s all natural? Kiehl’s has the so solution! Whether it’s for main maintenance or for avoiding acne, Kiehl’s works all its magic on the products and less on the packaging so as to focus on giving clients the care they need. Head on to the R2 Level. Ever New The Australian fashion brand Ever New is now available in Power Plant Mall! How about shopping early for your holiday outfit? Satisfy your fashion fix by checking out Ever New’s tasteful dresses, colorful tops and bottoms and classy shoes at the R2 Level. Morelli’s Coming to Manila is a heritage brand of ice cream from London, Morelli’s Gelato. Over the last 100 years, Morelli’s has made hundreds of flavors and their classic best sellers come from different parts of the world. Try Morelli’s family recipes for vanilla, chocolate from Ghana and Brazilian coffee. Visit them at the R1 Level. Power Plant Mall Cinemas Catch this month’s feature at the Power Plant Mall Cinemas! Daniel Craig reprises his role as Agent 007 in “Skyfall,” the 23rd James Bond film. Join the 50th anniversary celebration of the movie franchise as “Skyfall” opens on October 31! Be ever pretty with Ever New
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