Celebrating Geny Lopez
How pleased Dad must be from up there seeing his friends, family and Manila society congregating to address the poverty on our islands.
On Nov. 3, we celebrated what would have been my father Geny Lopez’s 86th birthday. It’s been 15 years since he passed away. It’s also the 25th anniversary of the ABS-CBN Foundation, now ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, an organization he started.
After the lifting of martial law, Daddy took the first plane back to Manila. He always possessed a deep love for the country that nuanced all his business decisions: Putting up TFC (The Filipino Channel) to connect to Filipinos worldwide, getting into water via Maynilad, into infrastructure through Manila North Tollways, and cable because he wanted to connect Filipinos other than through terrestrial lines.
And he initiated the ABS-CBN Foundation. When we were able to get back ABS-CBN, one of the prime rating shows at that time, and even till now, was TV Patrol. One of the popular segments was “Lingkod Bayan” hosted by Mel Tiangco. Then the Baguio earthquake struck, and because of the news, the station was a recipient of a considerable amount of money. At that time, my father thought it wise to put up an institution that would handle the money given in public trust. Thus, the foundation that I head was born.
The first executive director was Gretchen Ocampo Recto. I was so pleased to see her on Nov. 3 as we celebrated Daddy’s birthday. Year 1991, I had just come from Africa and I can remember being impressed by how busy she was.
Lorenzo (Tits) Tañada was the first president. He is the eldest son of Senator Tañada who was Daddy’s lawyer. A good and honest gentleman, very loyal to my father, he ended up marrying Zeny Tañada, who was Daddy’s secretary for 50 years (together with Mitos Santisteban). If you see them now, you might, like me, think, “Wow! Don’t they ever age?”
The foundation has come a long way since 25 years ago, largely due to the commitment of its employees and the unstinting support of ABS-CBN. It is an institution that lives up to the motto “In the service of the Filipino” in every facet of its operations. No organization is perfect, but the spirit of service that is the thread in all the meetings I have ever attended in all these decades is palpable and cannot be denied.
I love the group that heads ABS-CBN; the character, integrity and the quality of the personnel. It is interesting to note how women play a role in the network. The president and CEO is Charo Santos-Concio, the head of Channel 2 is Cory Vidanes, the head of news is Ging Reyes, the head of research is Vivian Tin, the head of ANC is Cilette Liboro, and the head of Star Cinema is Malou Santos. It is interesting because the Philippines is a matriarchal society. The fact that women are at the helm tells in our programming and the very feel of ABS-CBN.
Even the foundation, which I head, is run largely by women. It is not intentional, it just happened. Our current managing director is Clarissa Ocampo. Susan Afan is the chief marketing officer. The head of all our major programs — Bantay Bata, Programa Genio, Bayanijuan and Bantay Kalikasan — are all women. The only male managers are Mike Rubio who heads Kapit BisigSa Ilog Pasig and Jun Dungo who heads Sagip Kapamilya. Jun Dungo concurrently heads audit. Because so much money is involved Gabby wanted to make sure everything is intact.
Nov. 3 was a joyous event. Eckie Gonzales, who is the chair of Universal Storefront Services Corporation (USSC), went to me and said with pride, “Gina, this is the tie and coat your father gave me.” People came just for old times’ sake. Washington SyCip sat at my uncle’s table. Past 90, he is still attending socials! The Lopez Group of Companies came in full force. One table for Tito Oskie and another for my Uncle Manolo. Even my Tita Prescy, who had an accident but still looks splendid, was there. Johnny Litton, who is connected to the family by affinity, hosted. I continue to be amazed at his wit and humor.
My goodness, Pilita Corrales opened the night! I can still remember when I was a kid — facing a black-and-white TV — Daddy telling us proudly that Pilita had renewed her contract for An Evening with Pilita. It continued to top the ratings. She can still sing and do her signature back-bending arch. Jo Mari Chan, whom I fondly call Peter Pan (because of what seems to be his eternally youthful spirit), sang. Our families go back a long way. He bought the Hyatt, which was originally on Lopez property. Archie Lacson brought back his Penthouse Dancers, showing us all how to do the boogie, tango, foxtrot and the cha-cha.
Mel Villena and the Big Band sound of his AMP band was very appropriate for the occasion, putting us all “In The Mood.” I have to acknowledge the generosity of Raffles/Fairmont Makati, now headed by David Batchelor, for providing the ballroom for free and the food at cost. There was free-flowing wine from Ralph Wines & Spirits, sparkling wine from Norma Nolly, and gourmet coffee from Ernest Escaler’s Gourmet Farms. A huge bouquet of thanks to Keith and Rachel Harrison for gathering the non-travel prizes for the auction and organizing the bottomless liquor that night. Also, thanks to the Hyatt, Fairmont, Taj, Marco Polo, Nobu Hospitality, Dusit Tani, Ama Waterways, Ananyana, Costa Pacifica and Waterfront chains for the great travel prizes. Can’t even begin to thank the owners of holiday houses who also donated stays in Asia, Europe and the US!
Thank you to the artists and artisans who gave their time and talent — the ostrich egg centerpieces came from Raffy and Minda Garcia; clothing from Rajo Laurel, Happy Andrada, Jeannie Goulbourn, and I loved my gown by Patis Tesoro! Even director Peque Gallaga who donated a speaking part in his next production.
How pleased Dad must be from up there seeing his friends, family and Manila society congregating to address the poverty on our islands.
I continue to be convinced that we can have a country without poverty. We have the resources to do it. We just have to work together and we need honesty at the helm. It can be done.
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On Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m., I will be giving a talk on Essential Oils at Chef Jessie in Rockwell Club. The oils are amazing in the speed and depth at which they work. My new name is Doktora — because I have a cure for almost everything — and what overwhelms me is that they work!
The other day my gardener had a throbbing mouth pain. I had him oil pull and put essential oils in healing crystals. Voila! In a few hours the pain subsided. By the next day he was 100-percent perfect. My dear friend who is bipolar and has been depressed for some time texted me and said the oils worked! One of my staff took the supplements and she said the pain in her knees has diminished. I have had a nagging nerve pain for the past few days. I took frankincense yesterday on my tongue and now the pain was distinctly diminished.
So come to Rockwell on Nov. 18. It may be the key to your journey to better quality life. Please call Jen Santos at 0917-5136822 or email bdmgstuff@gmail.com if you will be coming since seats are limited.
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I can be reached at regina_lopez@abs-cbn.com.
