Undaunted: The Story of Familia Lopez

The chief of the Lopez Group of Companies, Oscar “Oskie” Lopez, tells the story of the family’s triumphs and trials through time. He traced his roots from the earliest of times in the late Spanish colonial era. With his rediscovery of his past, he researched more about the heritage of his family and its contributions to the Filipino society. He believes that looking into the past would strengthen the foundation of their family and the Filipino society. In his 80^th birthday, the musical “Undaunted” was produced. It was played at the Meralco Theatre on April 23 and 24, 2010.

Originally conceived as a musical presentation for the 80^th anniversary of the Lopez Group of Companies, it has relived the history of the Lopezes from their ancestry in Iloilo, towards today’s generation and how the family kept the Lopez values of a pioneering entrepreneurial spirit, business excellence, nationalism, unity and team work, strong work ethic, integrity, social justice, and an over-riding concern for employee welfare and wellness. In the musical, they have emphasised these as something that strengthened the family’s business and prosperity towards the society. The musical’s title “Undaunted” reflects the strength of the family and sometimes referred to as like the phoenix who rises up from the ashes. As what Eugenio Lopez Sr once said, “this shall pass.”

Audie Gemora plays Oscar Lopez, together with Jake Macapagal, Mayen Bustamante-Cadd and more.

I still believe that we couldn’t move on to the future, if we do not look on to the past. Sounds familiar eh? “Ang di lumingon sa pinang-galingan, ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan”. This (in)famous maxim that history students have to carry it by heart has given the perspective that we could do better every day of our lives. As a history graduate, I am always curious about the colourful and seemingly melodramatic story of Iloilo’s past—my hometown. A lot doesn’t know that this busy port in Panay Island in Western Visayas region of the Philippine Islands was a major trading port for the once lucrative sugar industry. The Lopezes contributed to its progress and shared its height, and also its fall from grace. Oscar, I believe, is very sentimental in the origins of his family, Iloilo. In a way, the family history of the Lopezes adds to what is called the history of the Ilonggo people.

I could still remember the old slogan of ABS-CBN, “In the service of the Filipino.” Perhaps, this is one value that the Lopezes cherish that still lingers. Perhaps, through the musical, one could see what the Lopezes has contributed in nation-building and its history.

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