Search

Saturday, 10th June 2023



  • Home
  • Lopez Companies
    • Business and Finance
    • Promos and Offers
  • HR Updates
    • HR Council
    • Business Excellence
    • Job Opportunities
  • Employee News
    • Message from Lopez
    • Meet the Executive
    • Meet the Team
    • Milestones
    • Spotlight
    • Advocacy
  • Corporate Sustainability
    • ABS-CBN Foundation
    • Sagip Kapamilya
    • OML Climate Change Center
    • Knowledge Channel
    • Lopez Museum
  • Lifestyle
    • Kapamilya Entertainment
    • Power Plant Mall Finds
    • ABS-CBN Publications
    • Food and Recipes
    • Lifelong Wellness
  • Lopez Values
    • 7 Lopez Values
    • The Credo
    • Web Comics
    • Special Feature

FPH unveils plans for new hub

Twitter

Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez, Connie Lopez, Mitos Santisteban, Zeny Tañada and Santi DumlaoLopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez, Connie Lopez, Mitos Santisteban, Zeny Tañada and Santi DumlaoFirst Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPH) launched the book “Benpres: Stories Around a Landmark” to commemorate the legacy of the almost half-century-old building of the Lopez Group.

It marked the “retirement” of Benpres Building, which opened in 1971. The building served as a hub and a home to 19 Lopez companies for over 48 years, said Lopez Museum and Library executive director Cedie Lopez-Vargas.

The establishment formerly known as the Chronicle Building used to house the Lopez Group’s newspaper, “The Manila Chronicle.”

It will be demolished this year to give way to a modern establishment.

“It is coming down, but only to rise again to meet the future,” Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez (OML) said in a statement.

The book, which was unveiled by OML, pays homage to the past while paving the way for the future, said FPH chairman and CEO Federico M. Lopez (FRL).

“We are committed to establish a new building as a symbol of the past, present, future and to shine as a guiding light on the path that we have consistently chosen today,” he said.

“With this new structure on the rise, we will continue blazing the trails with our businesses to constantly uplift the lives of Filipinos through our distinct Lopez values,” FRL added.

Historical landmark

Benpres is not just a building but a historical landmark, said veteran journalist and former “The Manila Chronicle” editor Vergel Santos.

Santos said he even witnessed anti-martial law groups seek refuge at the basement of Benpres during the Marcos regime.

Former ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Eugenio Lopez Jr. made a “stopover” at the building “halfway in their escape” after being held as a prisoner during martial law, he said.

Benpres witnessed not just the EDSA Revolution but also the struggles and triumphs of Lopez companies including FPH, said former president Elpidio Ibañez.

Rockwell was also “born” in the building, he said.

Past and future

The six-story Benpres Building will be demolished to give way to a modern, 40-story tower designed to become one of the country’s most energy-efficient establishments, said FPH assistant vice president Alberto Cailao.

Aside from being energy efficient, the new building will also be equipped with technology that can harvest and recycle rainwater, Cailao said.

The design was conceptualized by a New York-based firm that drew inspiration from the old establishment.

But despite the grand plan to build a modern and sustainable building, former tenants of Benpres hope the book will serve as a reminder of the rich history of its predecessor.

As the new edifice rises, Ibañez reminded the public to remember the “fortress where many battles were fought.” (Excerpted from news.abs-cbn. com) (Story/Photos by: Jessica Fenol)

FPH chairman Federico R. LopezFPH chairman Federico R. Lopez

 

Lopez Museum executive director Cedie Lopez VargasLopez Museum executive director Cedie Lopez Vargas

Former FPH president Elpidio L. IbañezFormer FPH president Elpidio L. Ibañez

Thelma Sioson San Juan, Ricky Carandang, Cholo Cailao, Boo Chanco, Giles Puno, Vergel Santos and Dulce Festin-BaybayThelma Sioson San Juan, Ricky Carandang, Cholo Cailao, Boo Chanco, Giles Puno, Vergel Santos and Dulce Festin-Baybay

Former Lopez Group comptroller Pearl Catahan, Milet Sabella, Mila Fadri and Ardel FadriFormer Lopez Group comptroller Pearl Catahan, Milet Sabella, Mila Fadri and Ardel Fadri

Bea Puno, Angela Lopez, Marga Villanueva and Marianna VargasBea Puno, Angela Lopez, Marga Villanueva and Marianna Vargas

Subscribe to Lopezlink

More Articles from Lopezlink

EDC’s wetland conservation park showcased on Boracay’s reopening

EDC’s wetland conservation park showcased on Boracay’s reopening

Alisa Lopez de los Reyes: The social worker and psychologist

Alisa Lopez de los Reyes: The social worker and psychologist

SKY Alive! To go on tour beginning Sept 9, in SM Aura

SKY Alive! To go on tour beginning Sept 9, in SM Aura

IWCCO turns over ‘donations from the heart’ to Operation Sagip

IWCCO turns over ‘donations from the heart’ to Operation Sagip

ABS-CBN’s Tan retires; Piedad designated OIC

ABS-CBN’s Tan retires; Piedad designated OIC

FPH: Cash divs on the way

FPH: Cash divs on the way

NBA Premium TV 2+1 promo

NBA Premium TV 2+1 promo

LPZ files for voluntary delisting, obtains fairness opinion on tender offer by FPH

LPZ files for voluntary delisting, obtains fairness opinion on tender offer by FPH

Keeping the lights on in the transition to an all-renewable future

Keeping the lights on in the transition to an all-renewable future

At 25, Cinema One is still Pinoys’ ‘laging kasama’

At 25, Cinema One is still Pinoys’ ‘laging kasama’

Eugenio Lopez Center turns 22

Eugenio Lopez Center turns 22

Humanity at its finest

Humanity at its finest

MAGBU celebrates workplace safety day

MAGBU celebrates workplace safety day

O Shopping: Changing the face of home shopping

O Shopping: Changing the face of home shopping

SKY Fiber launches PH’s first all-in box, new plans

SKY Fiber launches PH’s first all-in box, new plans

Get your copy at ABS-CBNstore!

Current issues of ABS-CBN Publishing!

Lopez Holdings Corp. All rights reserved



About Us | Copyright | Sitemap | Archive