MANILA, Philippines — He was born at a difficult time for the Philippines, and perhaps for the rest of the world. The year was 1946, a time of love and war — Manila was only just beginning to rise from the rubble; cities and towns were ravaged by World War II and so were the hopes and dreams of a people and a nation, still struggling at the time toward independence.
Seventy-six years later, the Philippines is again emerging from a war of sorts — the war against the COVID-19 pandemic. And the man who was born on July 14, 1946 had become one of the country’s biggest names in business, establishing a conglomerate present in many crucial sectors and in this post-pandemic era, would steer a business group whose companies would be crucial in the country’s battle against COVID-19 — from health services to electricity to water.
Manuel V. Pangilinan, known as MVP in the business community, indeed, marks his birthday today.
His fellow tycoons, friends, company stakeholders, executives and supporters wish him well as he marks another orbit around the sun, at a historic time for the country today — transitioning to a new government and emerging from the difficult two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez, Philippine Ambassador to the United States
Manuel V. Pangilinan is one of the leading businessmen in the Philippines whose heart is in the right place. He believes in giving back to the country, striving to promote Filipino entrepreneurship before the global business community. My best birthday wishes to a good friend whom I hold in high esteem and respect.
Miguel G. Belmonte, President and CEO Philstar Media Group
Just want to wish a very happy birthday to a person who is not only my boss, but also my inspiration to always give my best at work. May God continue to shower you with blessings you so deserve.
Isidro Consunji, Chairman of DMCI Holdings, Vice chairman of Maynilad Water Services Inc.
Happy birthday, Manny! It’s very rewarding to work with your group for the last 16 years even during challenging times.
Chaye Cabal-Revilla, CFO, chief sustainability officer and chief risk officer, Metro Pacific Investments Corp.
I vividly recall that time when we finished a late-night meeting and you mentioned that you needed to go back to the office — much to the surprise of the attendees. When they asked why, you nonchalantly replied, “For her (pointing to me), for them and their families.” I realized then (and until now) just how blessed we all are to have a boss with a brilliant mind, a good heart and a pure soul who has dedicated his life and work for his people and his country.
MVP, I regard you as an inspiring and authentic leader who has positively influenced my decisions and nurtured me to reflect the same ethos at work and in life. You believed in me when no one else did, and encouraged me to forge bravely in passionately advocating for people to embrace sustainability — a mere buzz word unheard of at that time.
You often say that if we are able to improve the life of even just one person then we have already done our job. To this very day, you remain true to your purpose of improving the lives of Filipinos through MPIC’s pervasive impact on our country. You encourage us to serve with the same dedication and empower us to do more for the greater good of the world.
Happy birthday, boss MVP! Thank you for all that I am and all that I have now — there is no me, without you. I pray for your good health, happiness and continued success!
Michael Toledo, Head of Government Relations and Public Affairs, Metro Pacific Investments Corp.
The renowned poet Maya Angelou, said: “You will forget what people say, you will forget what people do, but you will never forget how they made you feel.”
We will never forget how you made us feel. You have inspired, nurtured and guided us. By your commanding and purpose driven leadership, we did not only survive but we thrive during the pandemic. And not one of us was left behind.
Happy birthday, MVP!
We shall endeavor to fulfill your wish to uplift the lives of our people. As you aptly said, “to wipe the tears off the eye of every Filipino.”
Mabuhay!