As Philippine Airlines chairman emeritus Gabriel Singson teased during last Sundays testimonial for Mr. Tan, one of the few titles Mr. Tan doesnt have is Governor. Gabby Singson, a former Bangko Sentral Governor, is still addressed by many as Gov. Singson (the same title held former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Singson).
Of all the titles he has, however, Mr. Tan probably treasures the one given by his mom that of being a good son. During most of Sundays lunch, Mr. Tan was seen on two big TV screens solicitously looking after the needs of his wheelchair-bound mother.
Through Project Quest, Paquito Dizon is able to help entrepreneurs like Raymund Ricafort, who has put up Netopia, a chain of internet cafes that is now open to franchising. The idea here is to help start up companies which generate a lot of employment.
Like any venture capital, Project Quest serves as a catalyst for other investors by taking a small equity position. When the business is viable, Project Quest sells out and moves on to another incubation project.
For example, theres a P10 EDSA-2 coin that non-Filipinos would be thrilled to get and may even spark a short lesson in recent Philippine history.
No, the death threats do not come from irate husband of drooling wives working at the SEC. (Picture the triplets in the movie, Beauty and the Beast, when they see the towns most eligible bachelor, Gaston).
The threats come from swindlers or those whove put together investment scams that have fooled both rich and poor. Right now, Mr. Syquias group is digging deep into the goings on of 28 companies, based on the complaints, course, of their investors whove been had.
Oh yes, theres one scam thats particularly interesting. You see, it sounds like foreign exchange speculation. The process is, however, so complicated that many of the would-be investors who are asked to put in at least $10,000 are afraid to ask questions because they dont want to look stupid.