Ms. Charo Santos-Concio and Ms. Gina Lopez

Congratulations to ABS-CBN Pres. and COO Charo Santos-Concio and ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. managing director Gina Lopez for having been honored at the recent 2010 CEO Communication Excellence in Organizations (CEO EXCEL) Awards given by the prestigious International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines.

Ms. Concio was recognized in the field of media, advertising, PR, entertainment, special events and sports category, while Ms. Lopez was honored in the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), corporation foundations, industry associations and civil society category.

Ms. Concio was also cited for her hands-on leadership responsible for the successful communication programs on ABS-CBN that pushed the network to achieve record-high advertising revenues, leadership in the TV ratings, and recognition at the 4th Corporated Governance Scorecard given by the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Ms. Lopez, on the other hand, was recognized for her unparalleled dedication to her advocacies. She was a driving force who effectively maximized the mass media to mobilize the public and private sectors in the Pasig River rehabilitation efforts via ABS-CBN Foundation’s “Kapit-Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig” project.

IABC Phils. also conferred Oscar Lopez, chairman emeritus of the Lopez Group of Companies, with Lifetime Acheivement Award. IABC Pres. Rey Anthony David, Jr. said the organization’s board of trustees unanimously voted to recognize Lopez for his “extraordinary and transformational leadership over the years in communicating effectively the vision and values of the Lopez Group of Companies to employees, business partners, customers and other stakeholders.”

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Sexy Ara Mina sets eyes on public service

Popular and sexy actress-singer Ara Mina has another passion these days: public service. She has expressed desire to serve even during the incumbency of her grandfather former Quezon City Mayor Ismael “Mel” Mathay but it’s only now that she gets to work for this dream to serve, especially the people in QC’s District 2. By the way, his father, Chuck Mathay, is also running for congressman, also for District 2.

During the rallies nationwide of Senators Manny Villar and Loren Legarda who are seeking the presidency and vice presidency, respectively, Ara has always been among the performers. And the crowd always go wild in cheering her in all her performances.

In the meantime, as she goes around District 2 campaigning not only for herself but also for her grandfather (who is again running for mayor of QC) and her father, Ara has put on hold her showbiz career.

By the way, it is recalled that among the major legacies of Mayor Mathay was the preservation of the territorial integrity of Quezon City with the defeat of the Novaliches Cityhood proposal. The territory of QC, as envisioned by Pres. Manuel L. Quezon included Novaliches when QC was declared Capital of the Philippines. In cultural development, he gave support to cultural institutions and performing groups such as the Pangkat Kawayan and the Madrigal Singers by sponsoring concerts for these groups here and abroad.

Former Mayor Mathay believes that as a premier city, QC should have an enhanced cultural milieu and environment for people to enjoy. This should include support for the performing arts in the city – in schools, in barangays and in the academic communities. A museum project was in fact earlier proposed in the Mathay Administration, in cooperation with UP, will be established. A symphony orchestra is also being considered.

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Stars take stand for Planet Earth

Local celebrities recently took a stand for Planet Earth by supporting Earth Hour, which was organized by World Wildlife Fund, and which was celebrated nationwide with the main event held at the SM Mall of Asia.

Tetra Pak Phils., a company which advocates protection of the environment through innovative packaging – participated together with stars in this event by lighting special lanterns made of recycled Tetra Pak cartons and LED light bulbs. Tetra Pak believes in operating its business in an environmentally sound and responsible manner, thus promoting the recycling of their products and educating consumers about recycling.

A crowd of more than a thousand gathered at the MOA’s Globe Rotunda to watch performances by Journey lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, YouTube sensation act Moymoy Palaboy, the world-renowned Ballet Philippines, hip-hop dance group Philippine All-Stars and various bands. Prominent business and political leaders like former Energy Sec. Angelo Reyes, Vice Pres. Noli de Castro, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, together with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines, went on stage for the ceremonial power switch-off at 8:30 p.m. that day.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on May 3 go to Atty. Jose Tungol de Leon, Hans Bondoc, society photog Alex Van Hagen, Marlo Brown, Slade Gerzon, Carmenchu Cariño, Alyana Timbol, and Antonio Conejeros of San Francisco, California.