The numbers are in and, as expected,the Lopez Group ended 2010 on extremely solid financial ground. To cite a couple of examples, First Gen's attributable net income to parent increased by 319%, while ABS-CBN's consolidated net income improved by 87%. These are impressive performances by any standard, made even more so by the challenging economic environment in which these milestones were carved. Check out the complete numbers in our financial roundup on page 2.

Meanwhile, first-time cover feature Lopez Holdings is not to be outdone, taking center stage as it marks a very important milestone-getting out of debt. Find out what's in store for the 18-year-old flagship holding company as it starts a new chapter in its corporate life, as revealed by Lopez Holdings president Salvador G. Tirona.

Our success in the past year should make Labor Day 2011 an especially significant one. Even as we toast our collective economic achievements, we also acknowledge the Group's leadership. Thanks to their unstinting support and the stability our jobs in the Lopez Group companies afforded us, we most of us had been largely shielded from the effects of the economic and social crises of the recent past.
Experts say it's milder this time around, but with summer nevertheless in full swing, it pays to be careful as we bring our families to the beach, to tourist spots or even just around the metro. Have basics like water, umbrellas and sunblock on hand especially for your kiddie and senior companions.

Mother's Day falls on May 8 this year. Call your mom, send her flowers, buy a cake, treat her to dinner, sit down with her for an afternoon of reminiscing or small talk-do just one thing or do everything! For the finishing touch, take her shopping; get her something frivolous she's always had her heart set on but never bought. We have some pretty awesome finds from Power Plant Mall that will surely delight Mom, whether she's into shoes, chocolates or clothes.

Lore has it that had he been the baby girl his parents expected, he would have been named "Gloria," for he was born on Black Saturday or Sabado de Gloria more than four decades ago. Now 81, Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez still looks forward to his birthday and is proud to tell people his age, as he wrote in a recent blog post on www.oscarmlopez.com.

We also extend our sincere birthday greetings to Amb. Manuel M. Lopez as he celebrates his birthday on May 20. At 69, the tireless Amb. Lopez has had 45 successful years in the corporate world, most of which he spent building up and steering Meralco through some of the most challenging times in its history. Now, as a public servant, Amb. Lopez remains deeply involved in looking after the welfare of the Filipinos in Japan almost two months after the deadly March 11 quake/tsunami, among his other duties. Happy birthday, Ambassador!