Robert Yupangco: Life lessons from James Bond and Forrest Gump
January 29, 2003 | 12:00am
The Yupangco Group comprises over 30 companies, most of which were started by Robert Yupangco. Robert’s two hotels in Makati (the Regine’s in Kalayaan and Regine’s-LPL) cater to corporate guests, while the Residence Inns in Tagaytay and Clark, Pampanga promote the conservation of wildlife and the environment. The Residence Inns’ animal sanctuary and mini-zoos have been successful in breeding tigers, pythons and local deer, among others.
Robert is even more active with his Toyota Bel Air car dealership. He also has Motor Kingdom, one of the biggest car trading centers in the Philippines, which sells brand-new and second-hand cars. Dollar Rent-A-Car and Darna Taxi complement our 5’4" bachelor’s transport business: You can buy a new or used car from his group, rent one, or just use one of his taxis.
His latest venture is Txt N’ Trak, which is centered on a new device that generates text messages so owners can pinpoint the location of their cars, thus offering protection for both the vehicle and the passenger.
But the one close to Robert’s heart is the family business that purveys Yamaha instruments and music education. From teaching piano to selling professional equipment, our Harvard-educated manager combines his skills in working with his brothers and sister, doing something good for the community and sustaining a profitable business at the same time.
What is your passion?
It used to be power and profit. Now, it is fulfillment within my family and in what I am doing beyond business, like promoting music education.
How do you resolve your conflicts?
I need to understand the other person. Is he a controller, promoter, supporter or analyst? Knowing which quadrant he belongs to helps me to deal with our differences.
Which living person do you admire most?
My mother, Nita Laurel Yupangco. She was the catalyst who made us siblings closer to each other when my father passed away.
What is your most fervent wish?
To be happy. Being contented is a journey, not a destination.
What film influenced your life?
Forrest Gump. Particularly that line, "Life is like a box of chocolates." It made me realize you don’t know what’s in the chocolate until you try it.
What book influenced your life?
Sun Tzu’s The Art of War as well as Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, which explains that everything your mind can conceive is possible as long as you have the burning desire to accomplish it.
Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?
James Bond whose tuxedo and tie are always orderly even when he’s in pain. In life, even when you are down, you have to keep your chin up.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing respect for oneself.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I have not been very serious in fixing my personal life.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
When people forget those who have helped them go up the ladder.
How do you start your day?
Today, I woke up at 5 a.m. and played in Manila Golf.
What is your motto?
"To think is to create." Nothing your mind can conceive is impossible as long as you have determination, perseverance, trust, confidence, a game plan and that burning desire.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Not having a wife.
What is the first thing you look for when you meet a woman?
Confucius says to look at her virtues, so I am consciously trying to do that.
What is your current state of mind?
There are four feelings in life: mad, glad, sad and afraid. At this moment, I’m glad.
Name a moment that brings back happy memories.
Time spent with my father, Gary Yupangco. I was 24 when he died.
Which historical character would you like to have been?
Someone who lived when my grandfather, Jose P. Laurel, was President of the Philippine Republic. At that time, honor was most important.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
In spite of all the obstacles, I was able to accumulate so much education.
Which famous quotation do you want to be the author of?
Do not postpone joy.
E-mail: babycamp2 @yahoo.co.uk
Robert is even more active with his Toyota Bel Air car dealership. He also has Motor Kingdom, one of the biggest car trading centers in the Philippines, which sells brand-new and second-hand cars. Dollar Rent-A-Car and Darna Taxi complement our 5’4" bachelor’s transport business: You can buy a new or used car from his group, rent one, or just use one of his taxis.
His latest venture is Txt N’ Trak, which is centered on a new device that generates text messages so owners can pinpoint the location of their cars, thus offering protection for both the vehicle and the passenger.
But the one close to Robert’s heart is the family business that purveys Yamaha instruments and music education. From teaching piano to selling professional equipment, our Harvard-educated manager combines his skills in working with his brothers and sister, doing something good for the community and sustaining a profitable business at the same time.
What is your passion?
It used to be power and profit. Now, it is fulfillment within my family and in what I am doing beyond business, like promoting music education.
How do you resolve your conflicts?
I need to understand the other person. Is he a controller, promoter, supporter or analyst? Knowing which quadrant he belongs to helps me to deal with our differences.
Which living person do you admire most?
My mother, Nita Laurel Yupangco. She was the catalyst who made us siblings closer to each other when my father passed away.
What is your most fervent wish?
To be happy. Being contented is a journey, not a destination.
What film influenced your life?
Forrest Gump. Particularly that line, "Life is like a box of chocolates." It made me realize you don’t know what’s in the chocolate until you try it.
What book influenced your life?
Sun Tzu’s The Art of War as well as Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, which explains that everything your mind can conceive is possible as long as you have the burning desire to accomplish it.
Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?
James Bond whose tuxedo and tie are always orderly even when he’s in pain. In life, even when you are down, you have to keep your chin up.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing respect for oneself.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I have not been very serious in fixing my personal life.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
When people forget those who have helped them go up the ladder.
How do you start your day?
Today, I woke up at 5 a.m. and played in Manila Golf.
What is your motto?
"To think is to create." Nothing your mind can conceive is impossible as long as you have determination, perseverance, trust, confidence, a game plan and that burning desire.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Not having a wife.
What is the first thing you look for when you meet a woman?
Confucius says to look at her virtues, so I am consciously trying to do that.
What is your current state of mind?
There are four feelings in life: mad, glad, sad and afraid. At this moment, I’m glad.
Name a moment that brings back happy memories.
Time spent with my father, Gary Yupangco. I was 24 when he died.
Which historical character would you like to have been?
Someone who lived when my grandfather, Jose P. Laurel, was President of the Philippine Republic. At that time, honor was most important.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
In spite of all the obstacles, I was able to accumulate so much education.
Which famous quotation do you want to be the author of?
Do not postpone joy.
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