The prewar structure stands at the juncture of Ortiz and Rizal streets in the middle of Iloilo City. Now known as Sarrosa- Padernal building, the disused three-level edifice hides a storied past—it was the epicenter of the operations of El Tiempo, the newspaper publishing venture of Lopez Group founder Eugenio “Eñing” Lopez Sr. (EL Sr.)

Known as the leading periodical in Western Visayas during its heyday, El Tiempo was not entirely a new venture for the Lopezes. Under EL Sr., the Spanish-language daily newspaper was on its second life, having been originated by EL Sr.’s father Benito in 1901.

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The Lopez Group of today is known for its highly successful ventures in broadcasting, cable and telecommunications, and power and energy—industries that are “vital to nation building.” But 81 years ago, when it was still a start-up known as E&F Lopez Inc., Eugenio “Eñing” H. Lopez Sr.—also known as “EL Sr.” and the “E” in the company’s name—established a myriad of pioneering enterprises in his Iloilo hometown.

Possessed of an entrepreneurial spirit, EL Sr. had a knack for seeing a need and putting in place the infrastructure to meet that need. More often than not, these enterprises were ones that provided a service that helped improve people’s lives, such a crusading Spanish-language newspaper called El Tiempo. Some of his earliest ventures were in the transportation industry, where he and his brother Fernando established fast-ferry services and bus lines in their hometown.

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