Ramdom things people don’t know about Manny Pangilinan

MANILA, Philippines — Did you know that Manny V. Pangilinan, a.k.a. MVP, is a plantito? And that he also has a serious interest in fighter planes, battleships and turtles?

On his 76th birthday, we asked top executives of the MVP Group of Companies to share random things people don’t know about the Man with a Vision and Passion (MVP).

Rodrigo Franco, President, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.

Even before the pandemic gave rise to plantitos and plantitas, MVP had already been pushing us in the Tollways Group to grow trees and plants along our expressways. His vision is for our tollways to become green highways and not mere long stretches of cement and asphalt. According to our chairman, this will make the motorists’ journey pleasant and stress-free. It will uplift the customers’ experience.

 And so today, we see long rows of bougainvillea flowers along the median of NLEX and starting to grow in SCTEX as well. Trees at the side of the highways are fully grown. Cavitex and CALAX already have their own plants that should bloom this year. CCLEX in Cebu is surrounded by mangroves but will eventually have their foliage.

Indeed, MVP is the force behind the green highways of MPTC.

Victorico Vargas, Chief Transformation and Leadership Transition Officer, PLDT

Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) loves pork chops. He sips only fine single-malt whisky. He gives away shoes and shirts that are almost brand new — but, of course, you have to be his size, which I am! He watches videos of the best hotels to see where he’d like to stay next. He works hard — harder than anyone I have ever met. He hates losing, but will accept it as long as we gave our best fight. He practices tough love — pushes you to excel and rewards you well. He holds you to a high standard, but he holds himself to a high standard, too. He apologizes when he makes mistakes and/or he feels he has been extremely hard on his officers, but it’s very rare that he makes them.

People might tell you he spends all his time at work, but he has deep love for his family. He goes on regular overseas trips with his nephews, nieces, and grandkids, building memories with them. He has, over the years, learned to fully feast in their company during meals and going shopping — but never neglecting his paperwork, even abroad.

Happy birthday, MVP! What a blessing you have been — to your family at home, and your family in the office.

Jane Jimenez-Basas, President and CEO, MediaQuest

What some people may not know is that MVP has a huge collection of turtle figures — all kinds of turtles! His huge collection in his office in PLDT never fails to draw my attention every time I visit. I think the turtle is the perfect representation of what he means to a lot of people, myself included. The turtle is a symbol of strength and perseverance, and I don’t think I will ever meet a person who works harder than he does, and fights for his convictions stronger than he does. It symbolizes knowledge and power, and what he has built is a result of his mental toughness and deep, unmatched wisdom that give him the power to wield authority and get people into action quickly. It also stands for steadfastness and resilience, and I have seen MVP lead us in the most difficult times, and it was during those times that I saw him push us to believe we can stand out and deliver.

They also say that when a turtle comes into your life, it will present you with great opportunities — which MVP has certainly done for many, both in business and in life.

Best wishes MVP, and like the turtle, may you live a long, long, long life! Happy birthday!

Ma. Esther santos, President, PLDT-Smart Foundation

I don’t really know a “secret side” of MVP. But let me share my experiences that not many have the opportunity to observe.

MVP is truly an extraordinary man. His diligence is already legendary. This applies to speeches he delivers. Despite being naturally articulate, MVP works extra hard on his speeches, reviewing them through several drafts with handwritten comments or corrections. I remember my first experience of seeing him work was for a speech we helped him prepare for CSR Week. I got the invite for a meeting beyond the usual work hours, so I called his executive assistant, Abet, to double-check if there was a mistake. But no, it really was a meeting at that time to go over the speech (which had already gone through several drafts) before the event the next day. Needless to say he nailed the delivery of the speech before an appreciative crowd. But it was my baptism of fire in MVP’s world of excellence.

MVP is also a man of paradox, with a truly extraordinary mind that can hold so much information. With all the big things he has to manage and think of, MVP surprises me when he still notices small details such as a TV or computer screen left on after a meeting, cute details in other people’s outfits, and more especially, of (simple) people who might need our help.

Eulalio Austin Jr., President and CEO, Philex Mining Corp.

People don’t understand the sacrifices he is doing for the good of Philippine basketball despite our height disadvantage (in a sport wherein we stand a very slim chance of winning, being dominated by tall players) just to make the Filipino people happy, as basketball is our most loved sport. Social media critics are very harsh in their comments without taking into account the resources and efforts put into this program.

Orlando b. Vea, Ceo and founder, PayMaya Philippines; Voyager Innovations co-founder; and board director, Maya Bank

People know that MVP is the ultimate workaholic. In our early days at Smart, he once forced himself to go on a vacation. He went on a trekking trip to the Himalayas and survived not only the elements but, more challengingly to him, the days away from the office. Levity aside, MVP has set the standard in putting passion and dedication into one’s work. From all of us at Maya, Happy birthday, MVP!

Robert P. Galang, President and CEO, Cignal TV and TV5

MVP always has a few jokes up his sleeve and enjoys telling them during our meetings. When lengthy discussions jump from one issue to another, he will crack a joke or two to elevate the mood or break the tension.

Ramoncito Fernandez, President and CEO, Maynilad Water Services Inc.

MVP has always been known as a visionary leader — one who inspires his people to do good, and to do well for others. And although he expects a lot from his people and pushes them to test the limits of their abilities, he also knows how to take care of them. It shows in the little things that he does.

For one, he loves taking his staff on gastronomic adventures. MVP knows good food and where to find it, so this can be a real treat for everyone. He also makes an effort to know what we enjoy. I remember when Shake Shack opened here in Manila, he sent me my favorite cold treat in a package that carefully preserved the look and taste of the shake. His thoughtfulness also extends to our family members. Every Valentine’s Day, for instance, he sends flowers to the wives of his executives and his family as well. 

For me, these simple gestures show how much MVP values the people around him.

Augie Palisoc Jr., President and CEO, Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings Inc.

Did you know that MVP has a serious interest in fighter planes and battleships? He has various magazines on them in his private quarters.