Lopez Link - Blog

It’s another Japan birthday for Amb. Manuel M. Lopez (AMML) on May 20. The ambassador said he is celebrating his second birthday in Tokyo simply by going to mass and sharing some yakitori with wife Maritess.

For the Lopez Group chairman, who recently secured a P35-billion loan package for the Philippines, the greater concern right now is to boost Japanese investments and tourism in the country and, of course, looking after the welfare of our 220,000 kababayan in Japan. Thanks to an AMML “export”—malasakit—these overseas Pinoys now always receive quality service from the embassy staff. Happy birthday, AMML!

One thing that never fails to brings a smile to our faces despite the heat is the ABS-CBN summer station ID (SID). The Kapamilya network and its Integrated Creative Communications Management division continue to champion Filipino values and traditions with the joyful and uplifting 2012 summer SID, “Pinoy Summer Da Best Forever!” More than being an occasion for artista-spotting—who’s there, who’s not?— “Pinoy Summer Da Best Forever!” reminds us that “the beauty of summer in the Philippines is not only seen through its natural resources, but it is most evident in its people.” In this issue, we meet Robert Labayen and the rest of the team responsible for keeping the pride in the Filipino summer alive—high 30s temperatures and all!

A few days ago, we witnessed the groundbreaking for the Lopez Tower and Museum, the 19-story corporate home of the Lopez Group at the Rockwell Center. The event, which was led by AMML, Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez (OML), their respective spouses, and Rockwell Land president Nestor Padilla, also saw the lowering of a time capsule into the foundations of our future headquarters. The Lopez Tower and Museum—two of the floors will be dedicated solely to the institution—will be operational by the end of 2014, so we don’t have very long to wait!

We saw some remarkable wellness feats over the past month, executed by no less than OML and ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III (EL3). OML fulfilled his dream of trekking the Camino Norte in Spain, walking some 15 kilometers a day, rain or shine—but mostly rain—to complete the 100-kilometer-plus pilgrimage. His daughter Rina Lopez Bautista, one of the family members who accompanied the chairman emeritus, chronicles their experience on page 5.

Meanwhile, EL3 completed his first official marathon, the 2012 Paris International Marathon, on April 15, 2012. About “a year in the making,” the ABS-CBN chairman later said he dedicated his sub-5 finish to his friend Angelo Castro Jr. Congratulations, OML and EL3!

There are still a few days before we call time on the Nationalism essay writing contest initiated by OML last month. Remember, your 1,000 words on how we can further demonstrate our Nationalism, an especially prized Lopez Value, can put you in the running for an awesome reward!

Mother’s Day—it’s the one day moms look forward to as they’re on the receiving end of attention and pampering for a change. Let’s face it, when was the last time you surprised Mom with a little gift or a phone call? Power Plant Mall has a full day’s worth of treats that will surely “refresh” Mom and convince her you’re the best hubby/son/daughter in the world! Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms in the Lopez Group!