Manuel M. LopezIt is normal for some of us to allocate some time during the Christmas season to visit the less fortunate and share the joys of the season with them. If this is not yet one of your family customs, I encourage you to start now. The rewards of such an activity are beyond the psychological and emotional.

Those who have learned how to serve others, especially those who cannot repay their kindness, experience genuine spiritual peace—a peace that pervades all their dealings and relationships. They do not easily lose their equanimity in the face of adversity. Instead, they are able to focus on the truly important with an energy touched by the supernatural.

Spreading Christmas cheer is not only about gift giving, but serving. Let us give our time to others because time is our only real wealth, our most valued resource, which is why it is so difficult to schedule all the things we want to do in a day. It will take a lot of discipline to make a habit of using our time wisely.

Our major companies have continued to contribute positively to the Group. The power and energy sector, in particular, will be turning in remarkable bottom-line growth year-onyear. The media and communication sector continues to be challenged by the decline in advertising revenues. Nonetheless, I am confident that with innovation, it will remain relevant and much sought by its customers.

I want to thank all of you, our kapamilya, for your contribution to the Group in 2018 and beyond.

In behalf of Maritess, our children and grandchildren, I wish you all a Christmas filled with joy and a New Year filled with hope and faith in God’s grace.

MANUEL M. LOPEZ

Chairman

Lopez Group