Carlos Llamas LopezThe New Values Vanguards series presents Carlos Lopez, 27, the second working son of First Philippine Realty Corporation president Oscar “Cary” R. Lopez Jr. Since this generation’s members who are old enough to work are limited in number, watch for a different getting-to-know-the next-generation-Lopezes series in the future.

Maiki Abello BanzonMaria Katrina “Maiki” Abello Banzon was just 17 when she became the Jaro Fiesta Queen, a title handed down to daughters of prominent families in Iloilo. Maiki is the daughter of Raffy and Pia Lopez Abello and a granddaughter of Oscar and Connie Rufino Lopez. A greatgranddaughter of Eugenio Lopez Sr., she talks of the halcyon years of growing up with cousins and family members and how they were taught and lived the Lopez values of unity, respect and kindness towards others, rich or poor.

Can you tell us about your growing up years?

I am Maria Katrina Abello Banzon. I grew up surrounded by family. My cousins were my neighbors so we were always hanging out on weekends and after school. It was a lot of fun!

I went to Poveda for kinder all the way until high school. Then I went to Ateneo for college. I played softball for my school varsity from Grade 6 until I finished college. I took up AB Interdisciplinary Studies in Ateneo. Most people don’t really know what it is. It’s a course which allows you to pick two tracks and gives you a lot of freedom in choosing electives. I chose this course because I didn’t really find any single course that I felt was perfect for me. With AB IS I took management and communications tracks and a lot of electives which were more on the artistic side, like set design and painting.

Erica Lopez AbelloHow is the holiday season spent when you are a part of a large, prominent family? Veronica Antonia “Erica” Lopez Abello, daughter of Raffy and Pia Lopez Abello, shares with LopezLink the yearly traditions of her clan. She also talks about the impact of her grandparents, Oscar M. Lopez and Connie Rufino Lopez, while growing up. Erica also gives an insight into how important family bonding and unity is to the Lopezes..

Can you tell us something about your educational and professional background?

What I studied and what I do now couldn’t seem more opposite from each other. I studied BS Health Sciences in Ateneo de Manila University and went on to continue my medical studies in Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health. While I was enjoying the sciences, I felt I wasn’t as passionate about it, so I decided to leave and pursue something closer to my heart.

I’ve had a pretty interesting and fun career path since then, learned many things and gained invaluable skills to where I am today. I currently work part-time as a teacher on the weekends and full-time during the week as the administrative officer for FARM Inc., a landscaping company started by my grandfather, Oscar M. Lopez, and now owned and run by my father, Raffy Abello.

Marco during a vacation trip with his parents Vicente and Cedie and sister Manna Marco Lopez Vargas, 28, is the son of Lopez Group Foundation Inc. (LGFI) president and Lopez Museum and Library executive director Cedie Lopez Vargas and Vicente Vargas. He is one of the elder grand children of LGFI chairman Oscar M. Lopez and Connie R. Lopez. Marco shares how he grew up in an environment with rather strict parents and a closely-knit clan, and how the Lopez Values have helped him in his banking job.

Can you describe the childhood years of Javier Emmanuel “Marco” Vargas? What were the values you learned? How would you describe Marco then and now?

My full name is Javier Emmanuel Lorenzo Lopez Vargas. There is no Marco in my name.

My childhood can be described as enjoying playing and hanging out with my cousins and friends. Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my cousins and that’s why we are very close to each other. My growing up was also a time for learning through mistakes and experiences.