Lopez Achievement Award is 'unprecedented' this year

Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. LopezIt was “hashtag #Unprecedented” as singular feats took their turn in the spotlight during the Lopez Achievement Awards (LAA) awarding ceremonies, one of the biggest and most significant occasions in the Lopez Group.

Energy Development Corporation (EDC) scooped up half of the trophies handed out to lead all winners during the October 15 event, themed “Scaling the Heights of Excellence,” in ABS-CBN’s Studio 10.

The company had six wins in four categories, most of them for its internationally-recognized Burgos Wind Project.

ABS-CBN picked up two awards, while ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. (ALKFI), ABS-CBNmobile, First Gas Power Corporation and First Balfour won an LAA apiece.

As he welcomed guests to the event, Federico R. Lopez (FRL) underscored the importance of the Lopez Value that “allows the other six to gain full expression in the many good things our corporations can do today.”

He cited the pioneering entrepreneurial spirit of Lopez Group founder Eugenio Lopez Sr.—his Lolo Eñing—who founded the country’s first airline and, with son Eugenio Jr., put together ABS-CBN.

“Such boldness of spirit ushered in new services that undoubtedly uplifted many Filipino lives during its time. Oftentimes I muse about what it may look like today if that same pioneering entrepreneurial spirit were unleashed on today’s world,” FRL said.

The FPH chairman also discussed the “dizzying and nonlinear ways” in which technological singularity could affect the businesses of the Lopez Group.

“…At times the view of the future can seem petrifying, overwhelming, and even intimidating to say the least. However, take that same view and place it in front of someone with a pioneering entrepreneurial spirit who’s determined to uplift lives into the future like Lolo Eñing was in the 1930s, and he or she will see nothing but a world of opportunity,” FRL said.

Making the afternoon even more special for all those in attendance was Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez (OML), who graced the event after missing the past two LAAs due to health and other reasons.

Stressing that nothing could stop him from coming for the third consecutive time, OML said all the nominees were winners who deserved his “thanks, admiration and respect.”

OML also noted that by the time LAA 2015 is held a year from now, the country will have chosen new leaders. He reminded the audience to carefully assess the candidates and choose leaders who are honest and can govern effectively.

Meanwhile, a Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio by ALKFI chair Gina Lopez.

Santos-Concio joined ABSCBN as a production consultant in 1987. Even then, she said she saw the Lopez Group to be a “values-driven organization.” “Values are pillars that will stand the test of time,” she noted.

The longtime ABS-CBN executive professed loyalty to the company, saying: “A lifetime is not enough, but even with 10 lifetimes I would still wish to work with you. Kapamilya, thank you.”

The LAA’s first Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred 12 years ago on another Kapamilya, former ABS-CBN president Freddie M. Garcia.

Rounding out the afternoon’s winners were EDC and First Balfour which received a Special Recognition for Excellence in Synergy for their work on the Burgos Wind Project’s overhead transmission line and substation. The award was received by EDC president Ricky Tantoco and First Balfour president Al Fernandez.

The LAA’s 2014 cycle was hosted by First Philippine Realty Corporation president Cary Lopez with athlete/TV host Gretchen Ho. Adding spice to the event were musical performances from Jay-R and Kyla, Toni Gonzaga, “The Voice Kids” Top 4, and “South Pacific” stars Joanna Ampil and Jon Meer Vera Perez.First Philippine Holdings chairman Federico R. Lopez