That man RSA

Of all the country’s sports patrons, there is one unassuming man who stands out for his passion, drive for excellence and word of honor. He shuns the limelight and prefers the athletes whom he supports to take center stage. He’s humble in a respectful way but forceful when it comes to making hard decisions that are a way of life for a business executive of his stature.

He is known as RSA, the initials of Ramon S. Ang, vice-chairman, president and chief operating officer of San Miguel Corp., Southeast Asia’s largest food, beverage and packaging conglomerate whose markets extend throughout the ASEAN countries, China and Australia.

No less than San Miguel Corp. chairman and chief executive officer Eduardo (Danding) Cojuangco has credited RSA with the reinvention and diversification of the company, tightening business controls, overseeing a transformation of its management culture and paving the way to venture into promising viable new engines of growth – power, energy, mining, infrastructure and other utilities including telecommunications and banking.

If the proof of the pudding is in the eating, then it’s easy to evaluate San Miguel’s phenomenal growth. In the first quarter this year, the company reported a net income of P7.14 billion, up by 146 percent, buoyed by strong revenues from its food and power businesses.

If Boss Danding is San Miguel’s visionary and moving spirit, RSA is the man who makes things work. Their partnership has transformed San Miguel into a forward-looking force in the industry, more competitive, more inclined to look beyond traditional borders while remaining committed to public service.

And of course, there is San Miguel’s involvement in sports.

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You won’t see RSA watching PBA games at the venue. He’d rather watch on TV far from the madding crowd, in the background where he likes to stay and give the players their chance to shine.

As a hands-on executive with a sharp mind, RSA pays special attention to details. Whatever he is involved in – a business venture or even a hobby, RSA makes it a point to know everything he can about it. He’s a voracious reader. And when he talks details, it’s remarkable how he is able to retain specifics by memory.

Many years ago, RSA immersed himself in the province to learn about the operations, systems and mechanics of a cement plant. Later, when the plant contracted German consultants and engineers to undertake a study to upgrade the facilities, it was RSA who actually set the framework for the design. I can attest to it because I recall when I went to visit RSA in his Makati office, I peeped into the conference room and saw him lecturing on the board to the German consultants who were obviously impressed by his knowledge.  

I have personally known RSA for over 20 years now. Through the years, he has grown in stature in the business world, gaining respect as a major contributor to the progress of the country’s economy. His ability to break down a complex business problem and find a workable solution that only he could possibly imagine is a testament of his brilliance. He has become a taipan in his own right.

I remember once, a friend had a business proposal to transform salt water into drinking water through a treatment system and asked for an appointment with RSA. I’m sure RSA agreed to meet just to accommodate the friend. During the meeting, RSA gave the friend a scientific analysis of the process involved in water treatment and pointed out how the proposal couldn’t succeed. The friend never thought he could learn as much from 15 minutes with RSA.

I’ve also been an eyewitness to RSA talking about agriculture, airplane engines, finance and yes, sports. Believe me, he knows what he talks about – down to nitty-gritty details.

At the first-ever F-1 Night Race in Singapore a few years ago, I recall RSA watching the proceedings from the VIP lounge and long before it ended, knew who would win. He explained his analysis and I could only nod my head, not understanding the intricacies of the motor sport. By the way, RSA was introduced to racing legend Jackie Stewart during the race and from accounts, they hit it off.

One other thing about RSA, he has a big heart. Once, a San Miguel employee approached him for assistance to migrate to the US. RSA didn’t hesitate. Today, that employee sends RSA a Christmas card every year, never forgetting the help that was extended over 15 years ago. On another occasion, a socio-civic organization that provides a service to abused women and children went to RSA for assistance and was given an outright grant, no questions asked. That’s how he is. RSA is as sincere as he is generous.

In sports, RSA is perceptive, too. No doubt about it, he knows his Xs and Os. He knows about execution on the court. He recognizes the heart of a player. He appreciates the potentials of an athlete. In 2006, RSA signed up Manny Pacquiao to a San Miguel endorsement contract, a deal that has been expanded to cover the conglomerate’s various products from beer to gin to ice cream. RSA clinched the deal a day before a competing company was to make an offer to Pacquiao. It was also RSA who approved the idea of Erik Morales and other sports icons joining Pacquiao in commercials to enhance his marketability. Five years ago, Pacquiao was still five titles removed from the eight championships in eight divisions he has captured. But RSA knew where Pacquiao was headed.

With all his accomplishments, RSA remains a regular guy. He probably would rather wear a polo shirt than a business suit for work and often does. He is disarming and charming – once, he was introduced to Secretary of Education Br. Armin Luistro and several Christian Brothers and regaled them with stories of mutual interest. His advice is often sought by the country’s leaders – from one administration to another – and he never turns his back on friends, family and particularly, his country. For anyone, it’s an honor to know and learn from that man called RSA.