Jake Almeda Lopez, a decorated war veteran and a former vice chairman of ABS-CBN, passed away on February 3, 2024, at the age of 95. He was a loyal friend and a trusted partner of the late Geny Lopez, the founder of ABS-CBN, and a key figure in the history and development of the Philippine media industry.
He was also a man of service, courage, and malasakit, who fought for his country and his beloved network until the end.
A Lawyer Turned Media Executive
Jake Almeda Lopez was born on August 11, 1928, in Manila, to Eugenio Lopez Sr. and Pacita Moreno. He was a cousin of Geny Lopez, who would later become his lifelong friend and colleague. He graduated from the University of the Philippines in 1952 with a law degree and placed fourth in the bar exams. He worked as a lawyer for several years before joining ABS-CBN in 1961 as one of its legal counsels.
He soon rose to the ranks of the network, becoming the head of the personnel division, the provincial operations, and the general manager in 1966. He was instrumental in expanding and strengthening ABS-CBN’s presence and influence across the country, as well as in introducing innovations and improvements in its programming and production.
He was known for his people skills, kindness, and loyalty, not only to the owners but to the employees as well. Geny Lopez once described him as the “soul” of ABS-CBN, who taught him the importance of malasakit, or genuine concern, for the people who worked for the network.
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A Fighter for Freedom and Democracy
Jake Almeda Lopez was not only a media executive, but also a war hero. He served as a second lieutenant in the Philippine Army during the Korean War in the early 1950s, where he earned several medals and commendations for his bravery and leadership.
He was wounded twice in action and was captured by the enemy, but he managed to escape and rejoin his unit. He later wrote a book about his war experiences, titled “Escape from Hell: A True Story of Faith, Courage, and Survival.”
He also fought for freedom and democracy during the martial law era in the Philippines, when ABS-CBN was shut down by the dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1972. He joined Geny Lopez and other media personalities in resisting the regime and supporting the opposition.
He was arrested and detained several times, but he never gave up his principles and his love for his country. He was among the first to welcome Geny Lopez when he escaped from prison and returned to the Philippines in 1986, after the People Power Revolution that toppled Marcos.
He helped rebuild ABS-CBN after its restoration, serving as its vice chairman until his retirement in 2010. He also served as the chairman of the Knowledge Channel Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides educational TV programs to public schools.
He was a staunch advocate of quality education and lifelong learning, as well as of social responsibility and civic engagement.
A Legacy of Service and Malasakit
Jake Almeda Lopez left behind a legacy of service and malasakit, not only to ABS-CBN, but also to the Filipino people. He was a man of integrity, excellence, and compassion, who dedicated his life to building and rebuilding a media institution that serves the public interest and upholds the highest standards of journalism.
He was a man of courage and conviction, who fought for his country and his network against all odds and challenges. He was a man of generosity and gratitude, who shared his blessings and talents with others and who appreciated the support and loyalty of his colleagues and friends.
He was also a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who cherished his family and gave them his utmost care and attention. He is survived by his wife, Marilen, his children, Eugenio III, Gina, Rina, and Jay, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.
He will be dearly missed by his family, his friends, his colleagues, and his fellow Filipinos, who will always remember him as a war hero, a media pioneer, and a Kapamilya. Rest in peace, Atty. Jake. Thank you for your service and malasakit.
