However, there was one unforgettable moment of power displayed by tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) during his 77th birthday celebration a year ago that left Ang amazed.
He said MVP had graciously reached out in recent months to collaborate, but he revealed this was the moment he decided they would be partners and even friends.
Among all the VIPs greeting MVP during his birthday, Ang was struck by the high-ranking priests from Ateneo de Manila University and San Beda University showing deep respect to the businessman.
“I saw it with my own eyes. Lahat sila nakayuko sa kanya,” Ang said.
Ang said his children also studied at Ateneo, so he was already an admirer of the Jesuit approach to education and their priests.
“After that, sinabi ko sa kanya: you are the real Godfather. Now, we are partners,” he said. “From that day, we became partners and I have the utmost respect for him.”
Ang and MVP’s newfound alliance was a significant plot twist in the domestic business scene. After joining forces, the pair have launched ventures from energy to the country’s largest toll roads merger.
“He is very charming kung hindi kayo nagcocompete,” Ang said of MVP.
What he appreciates most is their shared commitment to uplifting the economy, going beyond just making money.
“For both of us, at this stage in our lives, it’s beyond profit. Whatever we can do to make it better for our country we will do,” Ang said.
Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.
