The circle is complete

Amidst the minimalist interiors of The Infinity Showroom at Fort Bonifacio, Menardo R. Jimenez takes time out with me to share some thoughts on leadership, entrepreneurship, and retirement.  Known in influential circles through his initials, MRJ or through his nickname, Nards, the immediate past President and CEO of GMA Network Inc. is a captain of industry, a man of action, and a builder at heart.

Sitting adjacent to me and being served sake by MRJ himself, one is struck by the directness and dispatch with which he deals with subordinates and peers alike. One could conversely imagine him sharing a bawdy joke among his partners and giving marching orders to executives in a boardroom. One is impressed with the straightforwardness and sincerity of the silver-haired man in an earth-toned jacket and black-slacks. His words are forthcoming and insightful, bordering on Zen simplicity.

"You must have a vision and a mission"

Born in Manila on Dec. 6, 1932, MRJ was raised in the small town of Dasol, Pangasinan. Although his father, Don Marcelo, and his mother were mayors for a number of years, MRJ had to struggle his way through life. He graduated as a working student from the Far Eastern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in commerce and became a certified public accountant.

His mission was to succeed in life no matter where God put him and in whatever endeavor he embarked in big, or small. Though already a CPA,  MRJ  accepted work as a simple bookkeeper for the Abaca Corp. of the Philippines. After 12 years, he rose from rank and file to assistant general manager. He was next in line as the GM of the corporation but politics came into the picture. 

"I was not given the job of general manager because of politics," he says, "I am from Pangasinan, and there is no abaca in Pangasinan." 

Disenchanted with the politicking in the company, MRJ resigned even though then President Marcos made him a member of the board of directors. He decided to set a different course and build a business he can call his own.  

"Set out on your own"

MRJ embarked on an export trading business specializing in abaca.  His expertise in the export business caught the eye of a big mining firm, Marcopper Mining who got him as a consultant for their operations. But his big break came when the opportunity to acquire a small black and white TV station came up. After 26 years, that small station evolved into one of the most loved and respected TV network in the Philippines, GMA Channel 7.

"I built the foundation of GMA on strong values and principles," he explained. "I believe that is the best foundation any CEO can leave behind for his company. Profits come and go, but a company built on integrity, a well loved brand name, and strong core values will last till forever."

After retiring from GMA in 2001, he did what any former mogul of a media empire would do: he got busier. Soon after MRJ retired as CEO and President of GMA, he was immediately  appointed by President Arroyo as a member of the board of directors of San Miguel Corp. In San Miguel, he was given multiple board positions in other companies of the conglomerate.

"Don’t slow down"

MRJ is past 70 years old, but he has yet to slow down.  His latest venture is building one of the tallest high-rise in Fort Bonifacio — The Infinity.  With partners Kevin G.Belmonte and Isaac G.Belmonte, Rally S. Martinez, Ramon Bienvenida and VG Martinez, The Infinity is a mixed-use development rising 48 stories. A first of its kind at the heart of Bonifacio Global City. A unique fusion of luxurious living, efficient work, environment and premium commercial establishments. "Limitless, boundless, immeasurable" MRJ proudly said.    

"Our objective is to make living in Fort Bonifacio affordable to the market," explained Jimenez. "Our price point per square meter is one of the lowest in the area and the team feels we hit the pricing sweet spot."

In just three weeks after its launch, The Infinity has sold over 30 percent of its units. "Real estate prices at the Fort is hitting the tipping point," said Jimenez. "This is the time to get in and market acceptance for our units are proving that." The Infinity boasts of luxurious lifestyle amenities at the center of the Fort.           

MRJ  is a builder at heart. Whether it is building a network, an export company, or now one of the premiere developments at the Fort, MRJ will just continue to build.