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Manny Pangilinan @ 79: A nation-building legacy in motion

By Bjorn Biel M. Beltran, Special Features and Content Assistant Editor

To call Manuel “Manny” V. Pangilinan an important and influential figure in the Filipino business community would be a substantial understatement. The man is the mogul and chief executive of one of the country’s biggest corporate empires, the Hong Kong-based First Pacific Company. Through firms like Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), Philex Mining Corp., and PLDT, Inc., his interests span the breadth of critical industries like infrastructure, telecommunications, food, healthcare, and energy across Southeast Asia.

Turning 79 this year, Mr. Pangilinan has yet to let go of the reins. Although he’s flirted with retirement more than once, Mr. Pangilinan’s instinct is to return to the frontlines. That he remains so deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of his empire in lieu of enjoying his golden years is proof, perhaps, that for MVP, work is a form of legacy-building.

Recent news paints a picture of a man that is increasingly focused on the future. For instance, power distribution giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) last year raised its stake in SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC), the owner of the largest single-site solar energy facility in the world, Terra Solar.

“It’s the largest single-site solar facility in the world, and the Philippines should be proud of that. It’s a very complex [and] huge undertaking,” he said.

“And I believe that once the entire 3,500 [megawatts, or MW] on 4,000 hectares are built, if we send you to outer space, you can take a photo of that facility from outer space,” the tycoon added.

The P200-billion Terra Solar project, which broke ground in November last year, spans 3,500 hectares across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan and is now poised to become the world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility. The project is estimated to deliver 3,500 megawatts-peak of solar power to the Luzon grid with 4,500 megawatt-hour battery energy storage.

The MVP Group took control of the solar firm in 2023, with Meralco injecting P15.9 billion into the company as the group sought to bolster its renewable energy portfolio. SPNEC now serves under Meralco’s renewable energy generation arm Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen).

This March, Mr. Pangilinan announced that he is partnering with businessman Leandro Leviste to expand his renewable energy portfolio and develop another solar project as a follow-up to Terra Solar. The project is still early in the planning process, but he is considering Batangas as a potential site.

Mr. Pangilinan said while Terra Solar 2 may not be as large as the ongoing Terra Solar development, it will also span several thousand hectares.

But his forward-looking ambitions extend well beyond the renewable energy transition. Across the rest of the MVP Group, the focus remains on long-term national development. 

Through Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), the group is progressing with the Cavite–Batangas Expressway (CBEX), a 72-kilometer toll road project designed to improve connectivity in Southern Luzon. In parallel, MPIC is preparing to relist its water utility arm, Maynilad Water Services, Inc., by 2026 — an offering that could raise upwards of P37.41 billion to fund critical infrastructure upgrades.

Meanwhile, Mr. Pangilinan is also looking to regain majority control of Metro Pacific Health, the country’s largest private hospital network, underscoring his renewed emphasis on healthcare accessibility and institutional consolidation.

A TORCHBEARER

Long before he was “MVP,” Mr. Pangilinan was a driven student with a sharp mind for numbers and a hunger for opportunity. His father was a messenger at the Philippine National Bank, who rose through the ranks and ingrained him with the work ethic that would arm the future tycoon for all his life.

He graduated with honors in Economics from Ateneo de Manila University, eventually landing a scholarship that brought him to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he completed his MBA as a Procter & Gamble Fellow — one of the most competitive and prestigious fellowships offered at the time.

When he began his career in earnest as an executive assistant at PHINMA, he quietly began building the foundations of the conglomerate he was to one day lead. It was in Hong Kong, during the financial whirlwind of the early 1980s, after a stint at Bancom International, that he co-founded First Pacific Company Limited in 1981 with little more than a 50-square-meter office and a young, hopeful crew.

Over the next four decades, First Pacific grew into a sprawling investment holding company with interests in telecommunications (PLDT, Smart), food manufacturing (Indofood in Indonesia), infrastructure (MPIC), and mining (Philex).

PLDT rose to become the household name of telecommunications in the Philippines, the country’s largest fixed broadband and wireless network provider. Indofood, meanwhile, became an established brand name across Asia, best known for producing the ubiquitous Indomie instant noodles. MPIC, meanwhile, entrenched itself in the country’s vital sectors: water, power, toll roads, rail, and hospitals.

Mr. Pangilinan often took direct leadership roles across his company’s subsidiaries and related ventures, with a management style that was seen as fair, meritocratic, and visionary. In an interview published in 2012, he outlined the three central pillars of his company: integrity, competence, and passion.

Integrity to him meant both moral and fiscal responsibility. Accounts should be balanced, employees compensated more than the competition, and everyone should be given room to make mistakes. That, in turn, creates a culture of accountability and competence, which leads to the better decisions.

“Second is competence. We have to hire the right people for the right jobs. After all, quality decisions are made by quality people. If people are good, they will make the right decisions, more or less,” Mr. Pangilinan explained.

“Number three, and I think the most important to us, is passion. People have got to have the drive and determination to succeed. If a guy is self-driven and self-motivated, he’s more fun to be with. And if you have good people in your team, people with the same objectives, it’s so much fun to work with them and the burden of pulling or pushing people is diminished,” he said.

Regardless whether he has gathered teams he is happy to work with, however, Mr. Pangilinan is legendary for being a workaholic. Aside from the myriad positions he holds in his companies, he has embedded himself beyond the country’s private sector in the national development agenda.

He chairs or co-chairs numerous civic organizations, including the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), and several corporate foundations such as the PLDT-Smart Foundation and the One Meralco Foundation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a key role in coordinating private sector relief efforts under the Tulong Kapatid alliance.

His contributions have been recognized both locally and abroad. In 2021, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel (Reserve) by the Philippine Air Force. He has received the Order of Lakandula, the Management Man of the Year award, and honorary doctorates from institutions including the Asian Institute of Management, Ateneo, Far Eastern University, Holy Angel University, Xavier University, and San Beda College.

As recently as June, he was a recipient of the Gintong Alon Leadership Award during the Philippine Association of Hong Kong (PAHK) charity ball held at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Mr. Pangilinan’s forward-oriented mindset naturally led his thoughts to mull over the current state of the Philippine workforce, in both the disruptive effects of artificial intelligence and the challenges of intergenerational leadership.

Back in January, he delivered a keynote address at the Management Association of the Philippines about the two topics, where he drew from his extensive experience to lay out the significant challenges and the unprecedented opportunities for growth and progress that they both offered.

Artificial intelligence, he said, is a monumental technology that will forever alter the landscape of business. “But let’s talk about fear for a moment — because fear and progress are strange bedfellows. Every time a new technology arrives, it carries with it the ghost of Macbeth’s Banquo. That ghost whispers into our collective ear: This will replace you. This will obsolete you. This will end you,” he said.

“Time and again, we have confronted these fears, only to emerge transformed — not diminished. The end of one job often signals the beginning of another. When coachmen disappeared, mechanics and drivers rose in their place. When telephone operators faded into history, a new world of telecommunications — faster, versatile, and more useful — was born.”

“So, the lesson here is that humanity has never been shaped by the jobs we lose. Instead, we are defined by the future we create,” Mr. Pangilinan said.

He underscored the importance of embracing technological advancements while fostering empathy and understanding across generational lines, particularly as Millennials and Generation Z become more prominent in the workforce.

“There are moments when the wisdom of years serves as a useful compass for uncharted waters, especially in a place like the Philippines. But even the finest old compasses must one day allow younger hands to steer the ship,” he said.

“Succession is not merely about finding replacements and nurturing them for the future; it is about creating space for growth, about recognizing when our wisdom must give way to their energy, when our experience must make room for their ingenuity. Leadership is not a chair to sit on forever — it is a torch to pass on.”

Mr. Pangilinan has carried that torch longer than most, and with a persistence few have matched. Whether or not he eventually steps away for good to live a quieter life, his influence is already etched into the architecture of modern Philippine industry. Its light can be seen from the solar farms he helped build, or the towns and provinces connected by his roads, among many other areas.

CLI sets 2026 start for nine-tower project in Pasig

WIKIMEDIA.ORG/PATRICKROQUE001

CEBU CITY — Listed developer Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) plans to begin construction of its first Luzon project in Pasig City by the end of 2026.

“Construction of the Pasig project will start by end-2026; it’s a big property,” CLI Chief Operating Officer Jose Franco B. Soberano told reporters after the company’s annual stockholders meeting on Friday last week.

“We acquired [the land] just two months ago,” he added.

Mr. Soberano said the Pasig project, located on a 3.5-hectare property along the Ortigas Avenue Extension, will feature nine towers and at least 5,000 units.

“It will be predominantly residential with mixed-uses because it’s along the highway,” he said.

Mr. Soberano said the Pasig project is multiphase, allowing the company to plan for long-term growth.

“It will be over seven to ten years. It gives us time because when you have a multiphase project, we can start with one, then we feel that the demand is very strong, (then) we’ll launch another one,” he said.

“We looked at the urban center of Metro Manila, because we see long-term opportunity. We’re really targeting the middle-to-upper middle segment for this first entry,” he added.

Mr. Soberano said CLI remains bullish on the Metro Manila property market, citing long-term opportunity for growth.

“I’m very confident in the correction of our market. It should,” he said.

A recent report by Leechiu Property Consultants showed that condominium oversupply in Metro Manila for the second quarter reached 82,800 units, equivalent to 37 months, slightly lower than the 38 months’ worth of oversupply in the first quarter.

Meanwhile, CLI expanded its board of directors to 11 from the previous nine after appointing former Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Eugene S. Acevedo and outgoing University of Asia and the Pacific President Winston Conrad B. Padojinog as independent directors.

CLI has launched nearly 130 projects across 18 cities in Visayas and Mindanao.

Shares of CLI were last traded on July 11, closing unchanged at P2.50 per share. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Waterwerks

PHOTO BY KAP MACEDA AGUILA

Mazda PHL holds 2nd leg of Mazda Fan Festa 2025 amid downpour

THE RAIN was constant last weekend, puddling many parts of the Clark International Speedway in Angeles, Pampanga. But the green flag waved nonetheless for the second leg of the Mazda Fan Festa 2025 — a showcase of everything Mazda tucking in two races as well: the MSCC Miata Spec Series and the Miata Cup.

The “Fan Festa” is the international term that Mazda uses as an umbrella under which all brand-celebrating events are collected. It’s as much an occasion for present owners as it is for members of the general public — who can readily, more tangibly check out what Mazda really means and stands for.

Headlining the festivities of the previous weekend were, obviously, the aforementioned races which, despite the incessant rains sometimes arriving in sheets, flagged off to scratch the racing itch of participants. Mazda owners also had some precious track time to push their cars — reasonably, of course.

Throughout Saturday, waves upon waves of Mazdas took to the track — shrugging off the rain and slippery track to showcase the abilities of the cars. Here are the full results:

MSCC MIATA SPEC SERIES RACE 3 WINNERS

GT RADIAL SPORTSMAN CLASS
First — Jeff Balao
Second — Enzo Celestino
Third — Jose Luis Azcona

CONCEPT ONE MASTERS CLASS
First — Toti Turalba
Second — Bong Brobio

SHELL PRO CLASS
First — Matt Solomon
Second — Jaime Almario
Third — Tyson Sy

MSCC MIATA SPEC SERIES RACE 4 WINNERS

GT RADIAL SPORTSMAN CLASS
First — Jeff Balao
Second — Enzo Celestino
Third — Cheenee Jimenez

CONCEPT ONE MASTERS CLASS
First — Toti Turalba
Second — Michael Jordan
Third — Bong Brobio

SHELL PRO CLASS
First — Angie King
Second — Tyson Sy
Third — Jaime Almario

FINAL RESULTS
2025 MIATA CUP CHAMPIONSHIP
RACE 3

CLASS NA/NB
First — Mark Madrid

CLASS NC/ND
First — Walter Pineda
Second — Jaime Fanlo
Third — Raj Santos

CLASS ND STOCK
First — Joey Almeda
Second — Earl Guce
Third — Lew Lianillo

CLASS FI/MODIFIED
First — Bubi Camus
Second — Marlon Mercado
Third — Art Villasol

2025 MIATA CUP CHAMPIONSHIP
RACE 4

CLASS NA/NB
First — Mark Madrid

CLASS NC/ND
First — Walter Pineda
Second — Gabriel Ganzon
Third — Jaime Fanlo

CLASS ND STOCK
First — Joey Almeda
Second — Chito Santiago
Third — Earl Guce

CLASS FI/MODIFIED
First — Bubi Camus
Second — Marlon Mercado
Third — Art Villasol

On the sidelines, there were plenty of sights, flavors, games, and merchandise to engage fans of all ages. Mazda-approved AutoExe after-market parts were available for purchase, while other partner brands hawked a sundry of products, food, and services. Our favorite homegrown coffee provider Decimal was also on the premises with its selection of espresso-based drinks. Even members of the media and content creators joined a “sim-racing” team activity, which saw teams piloting virtual MX-5s on a virtual Clark International Speedway.

ArteFino: Artisanal fair always looks for the new

ARTEFINO, the artisanal trade fair founded by Maritess Pineda, Mita Rufino, Susie Quiros, Cedie Lopez-Vargas, and Marimel Francisco, is cooking up new things this year (possibly more than before).

The fair will take place from July 31 to Aug. 3 at The Fifth at Rockwell, while the ArteFino Lounge opens at the Balmori Chef’s Table earlier on July 26. ArteFino Lounge will feature recipes by Angelo Comsti and Don Baldosano, while displaying items in furniture, homeware, and jewelry.

At the fair’s launch on July 9 at the SoFA Design Institute at Rockwell, Makati, we saw new creations by Jor-El Espina in a collection inspired by Patis Tesoro, called Heirloom. Camille Villanueva lends her signature dresses, jackets, and tops as a canvas to muralist Tara Soriano; while other ArteFino stalwarts showed completely new designs, and expanded lines for children, men, and home.

A collaboration that Ms. Francisco is personally excited about is Earthbound by Steffi Cua, Geraldine Javier, and Marionne Contreras, which explores the use of eco-printed local textiles and new forms of zero waste designs.

Ms. Francisco, in an interview with BusinessWorld, said, “The brief to them has always been, ‘Nothing new? Sorry.’

“There really has to be something new,” she said.

As for the Lounge concept, she says, “We wanted to expand the fair beyond The Fifth. One of the spaces that we decided to get was The Balmori,” which is also at Rockwell. “It’s a place where our patrons can sit, relax, shop, have a good meal,” she said. “From experience, The Fifth gets quite crowded. It’s really a breathing space.”

MAKING THINGS ACCESSIBLE
There are expanded lines that are more inclusive (beyond the women who usually shop at ArteFino), she said, “It’s really a complete Filipino lifestyle. It’s taking all these products and imbibing it into every aspect of your home; what you carry, your clothes, your shoes… it’s really that conscious mindset of patronizing Filipino and really having that lifestyle.”

ArteFino has been one of the forces that has put forward the Filipino aesthetic as finally cool. The key to this, according to Ms. Francisco, has been to target the young. “We always want to reach or appeal to the younger generation. Because then… they’ll be the ones to patronize all these products eventually,” she said.

“I want it to be more accessible,” she said, responding to the notion that the products in ArteFino can be costly. “They want to buy something there: one piece, even if it’s costly — costly is different from expensive, because it’s costly to make — it takes time.

“One piece, and they look at it as an investment. That’s okay for them. It doesn’t have to be a lot of something. One special, unique piece.”

ArteFino has been around since 2017.

TOMORROW THE WORLD?
“I want it to be in every household,” said Ms. Francisco, talking about the Filipino-first attitude ArteFino products seem to convey. However, after the Philippines, they’re eyeing the world — but it’s still just a distant twinkle. “We have been approached for LA, New York, San Francisco,” said Ms. Francisco.

However, “I have to be honest, it’s really something that always comes up, and we think about it, of having a show abroad and taking our brands global. We feel that a lot of them are very ready. In fact, a lot of them have done it on their own,” she said. “It’s something that’d be nice to showcase on a global scale. But to create something like this — it’s a whole logistical operation. We need to have partners to help us with that side of it.

“Maybe one day; I’m not losing hope on this,” she said. “It’s my dream.”

Entrance to ArteFino will cost P150. One hundred percent of the ticket sales go towards HeArteFino, their non-profit arm that awards grants to small artisanal brands. — Joseph L. Garcia

StartUp QC opens applications for 4th cohort

The Quezon City Government, through its StartUp QC Program, is now accepting applications for its Cohort 4 — Professional Category as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to building a vibrant innovation ecosystem and supporting high-potential Filipino startups.

The StartUp QC Program offers selected early-stage startups the opportunity to receive up to P1 million in equity-free grants, hands-on mentorship, capacity-building sessions, and access to a growing network of investors, incubators, and innovation partners.

The program is designed to help founders sharpen their business strategies, scale their solutions, and prepare for long-term sustainability.

Launched in 2022, the program has conducted three cohorts (professional category) and supported 16 professional startups from diverse industries, ranging from technology, sustainability, education, and the creative economy. Its alumni represent the strength of Filipino innovation on both national and international stages, with several gaining recognition, entering global markets, or attracting investment beyond local networks.

Notable alumni include EdukSine, an award-winning streaming platform for Filipino indie films, featured in ASEAN and UN events for the youth and entrepreneurs; as well as Wika Media, creators of accessible AR/VR learning tools that were recently showcased in Japan and Singapore.

StartUp QC has also supported Lithos Manufacturing, a climate-tech startup providing clean water solutions to disaster-affected areas; and Hibla Ph, a culture-based fashion startup bringing Philippine weaves to the global stage.

Kwentoon, a digital storytelling platform promoting literacy and Filipino culture through comics and manga; and Kippap Education, a social impact venture making STEM education more inclusive through localized robotics kits and teacher training programs, are also among StartUp QC’s alumni.

Interested applicants must be early-stage startups registered in the Philippines, with innovative solutions that demonstrate strong market potential and measurable impact.

Applications are now open through the Quezon City eServices portal: qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph.

Complete application guidelines and eligibility criteria are available on the portal.

 

SparkUp is BusinessWorld’s multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

Realizing a vision of a healthier Philippines

Makati Medical Center

More than a businessman, Manuel “Manny” V. Pangilinan has been a pioneer in several key industries in the Philippines, including utilities, technology, manufacturing, and even sports. As the chairman, president, and chief executive officer of one of the leading investment firms in the country, Metro Pacific Investment Corp. (MPIC), Mr. Pangilinan has been part of changing the lives of millions of Filipinos while being proactively involved in improving various sectors in the Philippines.

Three years ago, the MPIC reintroduced its healthcare arm, Metro Pacific Hospitals, as Metro Pacific Health (MPH), with the goal of making healthcare more accessible and affordable to Filipinos on its way to becoming one of Asia’s most innovative and trusted healthcare providers. According to the group, the “Metro Pacific” brand boasts the hospital group’s pride in being associated with one of Asia’s most esteemed investment firms, while “Health” shows its willingness to integrate hospital care with virtual care, mobile care, and home care.

For Mr. Pangilinan, the rebrand symbolizes “not only a wider spectrum of investments in health services, but also our enhanced mission of responding to the most pressing concern of our people.”

The group’s mission

With a thrust to make healthcare more affordable and accessible in the Philippines, Mr. Pangilinan and the MPH ensure that their facilities combine world-class medical excellence with the hospitality and compassion Filipinos are known for all around the globe.

The hospital group anchors its services on the foundations of heart, connectedness, innovation, and nation-building.

As part of its promise to become “The Heart of Filipino Healthcare,” MPH offers high-quality, yet compassionate patient-centric care. The group also prides itself on delivering integrated healthcare services that are sustainable, accessible, and affordable, such as virtual, mobile, hospital, and home care as well as wellness-oriented programs and projects.

Additionally, MPH’s commitment to medical excellence has led to upgrades in medical equipment, cutting-edge technologies, and clinical services, making it one of the most innovative and trusted healthcare providers in Asia. Contributing to nation-building, the group’s doctors and nurses displayed efficiency and selfless service, especially during the pandemic, as a testament to Filipino camaraderie and resilience.

Aligned with these foundations, the hospital group has conducted several projects as well as formed strategic partnerships with the goal of improving the health and well-being of Filipinos nationwide. An example of this is the recently formed venture between MPH, Intellicare/Asalus Corp. (Intellicare), and Avega Managed Care, Inc. (Avega). The partnership combines MPH’s extensive network, Intellicare’s expertise in managed healthcare, and Avega’s commitment to quality care to ultimately make healthcare more accessible, especially when Filipinos need it most.

MPH’s hospital network

Under Mr. Pangilinan’s leadership, MPH has grown to be the largest group of private hospitals and other healthcare facilities in the Philippines, with 27 hospitals, 33 outpatient care centers, six cancer care centers, two allied health colleges, and a centralized laboratory.

Currently, the group’s network of care facilities employs nearly 10,000 doctors and close to 17,000 nurses, staff, and other employees. Additionally, MPH’s hospital chain services 3,800,000 patients per year, conducts almost 60,000 surgeries per year, and accommodates patients with greater needs with its 4,500 hospital beds.

MPH began building its network of healthcare facilities when it first invested in the country’s premier hospital, Makati Medical Center, in 2007. Since then, the group has grown its hospital chain across the Philippine archipelago, investing in the Davao Doctors Hospital in Mindanao in 2008, and in the Dr. Pablo O. Torre Memorial Hospital, also known as the Riverside Medical Hospital, in Negros Island in Visayas.

Other health facilities controlled by the group are the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, De Los Santos Medical Center, and the Central Luzon Doctors’ Hospital.

Last year, the group added four new hospitals to its roster, including the Parañaque Doctors’ Hospital, San Francisco Doctors Hospital, Diliman Doctors Hospital, Inc., and General Trias Doctors Hospital.

Awards and achievements

Recently, the hospital group celebrated the recognition of three of its facilities in the 2025 Healthcare Asia Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Asian Hospital and Medical Center was recognized with the Workforce Transformation Initiative of the Year award for its Shared Leadership Development Program, which focused on developing future healthcare leaders within the institution.

Meanwhile, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital earned the Marketing Initiative of the Year-Philippines award for its BIDA Lourdes: Sci-Tech Champs campaign that aimed to promote health and STEM education among students through a variety of interactive activities. Furthermore, Medi Linx received the Laboratory Initiative of the Year-Philippines award for its Hospital Laboratory Management (HLM) service, which has significantly enhanced laboratory operations, improving diagnostic efficiency and patient care across partner hospitals.

Hospitals from the MPH network were also honored during the annual recognition ceremony organized by the Office of the Vice-President, Pasidungog 2025, held at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City. Led by Vice-President Sara Z. Duterte, the event paid tribute to over 1,000 public and private partners who have supported the OVP’s efforts in healthcare, disaster response, and community development.

Included in the recognized MPH hospitals were: Davao Doctors Hospital; Riverside Medical Center, Marikina Valley Medical Center, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, St. Elizabeth Hospital, Central Luzon Doctors’ Hospital, West Metro Medical Center, and Howard Hubbard Memorial Hospital.

Similarly, several hospitals in the MPH network have been recognized in the Department of Health (DoH) Hospital Star Awards in recent years. In 2023, the Cardinal Santos Medical Center was included among the “level three” hospital recipients of the award, while Lucena United Doctors Hospital and Medical Center was recognized among the “level two” hospital recipients of the award. Moreover, the Makati Medical Center was inducted into the department’s Hospital Star Awards Hall of Fame for consistently surpassing the highest standards set by the DoH.

With Mr. Pangilinan’s investments ranging from one sector to the next, his reputation as a transformative force precedes him in every industry and endeavor that he pursues. As he continues his quest in expanding and upgrading MPH’s nationwide hospital network, quality healthcare will become more and more accessible and affordable to Filipinos in generations to come. — Jomarc Angelo M. Corpuz

SMGP plans up to $150-M securities offering

SMCGLOBALPOWER.COM

SAN MIGUEL Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP), the power generation arm of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), is looking to offer up to $150 million in senior perpetual capital securities.

The company’s board of directors has approved the offer and issuance of additional senior perpetual capital securities worth at least $150 million, SMGP told the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. on July 10.

The board appointed Standard Chartered Bank as sole bookrunner and sole dealer manager; DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited as trustee; and Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, Hong Kong Branch as paying agent, calculation agent, transfer agent, and registrar.

It also named Latham & Watkins as listing agent, along with other agents, legal counsel, auditors, and relevant parties as may be necessary for the transactions.

The proposed securities issuance will be listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX).

Proceeds from the new securities are allocated to cover the costs and expenses related to the company’s exchange offers and the issuance of additional securities.

Any remaining funds will be allocated to the pre-development costs of solar and hydropower energy projects, as well as capital expenditures for battery energy storage system projects.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the net proceeds will not be applied in connection with any of the Corporation’s existing and planned coal-fired power assets and/or liquefied natural gas assets (including, but not limited to, their construction and working capital requirements),” SMGP said.

Meanwhile, SMGP is inviting eligible holders to exchange their US dollar-denominated senior perpetual capital securities issued on Jan. 21 and Oct. 21, 2020, carrying interest rates ranging from 5.7% to 7%, respectively, for new securities to be issued by the company.

SMC, through its power unit, maintains a diversified energy portfolio across conventional and renewable sources. The conglomerate led the country’s power generation sector in 2024, accounting for 22.44% of the national grid. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Korean fashion brand 8seconds opens 1st store in the PHL

THE KOREAN WAVE has continued to captivate Filipinos, now bringing to the shores of Manila the casual fashion brand 8seconds, which opened its first store in the Philippines last Wednesday.

“8seconds is Korea’s leading homegrown fashion brand, now here in SM Mall of Asia,” said Bryan Lim, vice-president for business development at Suyen Corp. (the company behind Bench, Kashieca, and Human, among others), which has brought 8seconds to the Philippines, at the flagship store’s launch.

“We’re also proud that we are actually the first country outside of South Korea to have 8seconds,” he added.

Known for youthful, trendy, and affordable pieces, 8seconds focuses on contemporary, Seoul-inspired fashion and culture.

In South Korea, younger people go there to get clothing basics and bold statement pieces to form their own street style. This is why the Philippine flagship store opening was graced by one of Korea’s biggest stars, Kim Sunoo from the K-pop boy group ENHYPEN.

“We have been dreaming of expanding our global market. Today, we are proud to announce 8seconds’ official entry into Manila, one of the fastest-growing markets with limitless potential,” said Samsung C&T Fashion Group Chief Executive Officer Joon-Seo Lee.

He said that he hopes their brand of “Seoul-inspired fashion” will capture the imaginations of Filipinos.

For ENHYPEN’s Kim Sunoo, his visit to the new store was more than just an opportunity to wave at the screaming fans that crowded SM Mall of Asia. It was also the start of his stint as global ambassador for 8seconds.

ENHYPEN was last in Manila in March for a world tour. In June, the seven-member group dropped the album DESIRE:UNLEASH.

Other stars who graced the opening were P-pop groups HORI7ON and VXON, and beauty queen Michelle Dee.

A fashion show also had models showcasing 8seconds’ wide range of clothes, from stylish casual wear to office outfits to comfortable everyday pieces, all falling under the designation of Seoul-inspired street style.

8seconds’ flagship store is located at Level 2 of SM Mall of Asia’s North Main Mall. Its second store is set to open at Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City later this year. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

In the pink of health

Flanking the BYD Seagull in Seashell Pink are (from left) Healthway Medical Network President and CEO Jimmy Ysmael, BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca, BYD Philippines Country Head Adam Hu, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital Chief Operating Officer Dr. Manuel Francisco Roxas, and BYD Cars Philippines Marketing Director Jill Peña. — PHOTO FROM BYD CARS PHILIPPINES

Limited-edition BYD Seagull comes with wellness perks

By Kap Maceda Aguila

BYD’S ENTRY-LEVEL, full-electric hatchback Seagull is now being offered with a so-called Seashell Pink exterior color option — a limited edition that will probably see only 100 units going on the showroom.

Introduced last week at an SM North EDSA staging of the BYD Tech Tour, the theme extends to the cabin of the vehicle, which features plenty of pink touches and trimmings — including subtle polka dots on parts of the doors and dash. “This is our first time to use the pink color. To be clear, it’s not a repainted unit, but an actual unit from our factory (in China),” shared ACMobility PR Manager Mikko David to “Velocity.”

The idea behind the unique color is to “cater to those who have a different view of what they want a car to be,” Mr. David continued. “They want to stand out. They want to be different.”

Perhaps even more important, than its unique styling, the Seashell Pink Seagull “represents a deeper commitment.” In a release, ACMobility said that “BYD Cars Philippines has partnered with AC Health’s Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, the country’s first dedicated cancer care facility, to make this special edition part of a larger initiative supporting cancer awareness and care in the Philippines. As part of this meaningful collaboration, proceeds from the limited-edition campaign will support the Cancer Care Hero Fund, which provides diagnostics, treatment, and wellness support for cancer patients.”

In addition, buyers of the limited-edition Seagull will get “exclusive wellness benefits from AC Health,” including a P5,000 discount on HealthCheQ Premium and Premium Plus wellness packages, 10% off on vaccinations at Healthway VaxHub, and 10% discounts on women’s cancer screening services such as breast ultrasound, mammogram, pap smear, and HPV DNA testing. Finally, customers will receive a co-branded pink golf umbrella and a Cancer Care pledge sticker.

“This initiative proves that innovation in mobility can lead to measurable change in healthcare,” said Healthway Medical Network President and CEO Jimmy Ysmael in a statement. “Together with BYD Cars Philippines, we’re turning every Seashell Pink Seagull into a vehicle for early detection, better access to care, and long-term support for cancer patients across the country.”

“The Seagull has always delivered on practicality and ease of use. This limited-edition Seashell Pink model adds a personal touch for younger drivers and offers a chance to support something meaningful,” joined BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca.

The Seagull and Atto 3 are among the best-selling battery electric vehicle models of BYD here. The brand reported that “since its global debut 27 months ago, the BYD Seagull has sold over one million units worldwide, making it the fastest-selling pure electric hatchback in the world.” Locally, BYD here has sold a cumulative sum of 10,000 units — with half of the total accounted for by DM-i (or hybrid) models, according to Mr. David. He added that the hybrid format of the DM-i, for now, “still has a good proposition for buyers” in view of the country’s current state of charging infrastructure.

The BYD Seagull is powered by a 30-kWh BYD Blade Battery and offers range of up to 300 kilometers on a full charge. It accommodates fast DC charging, and features vehicle-to-load or V2L capabilities. A highlight of the cabin is a 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment display. The Seashell Pink Seagull retails for P958,000, that a national promo discount of P40,000 will apply to.

“The Seagull’s global success proves that innovation doesn’t have to be out of reach. With this special edition, we’re bringing that same energy to a cause that resonates deeply with Filipino communities,” stated BYD Philippines Country Head Adam Hu.

Mobility Access Philippines Ventures, Inc. (MAPVI) is the official distributor of BYD passenger cars in the country. Operating under ACMobility, Ayala Corp.’s mobility platform, BYD Cars Philippines accepts test-drive bookings and reservations through its authorized dealerships in Quezon Avenue, Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Greenfield Mandaluyong, Cebu, Davao, Pampanga, Fairview, Commonwealth, Alabang, Cagayan de Oro, and Bacolod. Customers may also inquire through the brand’s official website, www.bydcarsphilippines.com, or the BYD Cars Philippines Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube social media accounts.

Anko opens biggest PHL store so far in TriNoma

A CHILD playing with toys currently available at the Activation Center at Anko TriNoma.

ANKO opened its biggest store so far in the Philippines in TriNoma. At about 1,600 square meters, it’s also the biggest store of the Australian retailer outside of its Oceania home region.

“I was told that this is not only the biggest store in the Philippines, and the biggest store outside of Oceania, but frankly this is the best store they have in the world,” said Mark Uy, Ayala head of corporate strategy and business development in a speech during the store’s opening in July 9.

“When Mariana, a little over a year ago, asked me to bring Anko here to the Philippines, I distinctly remember her instructions to me. Mariana told me: ‘Mark, our fellow Filipinos deserve better,’” he said, referring to Mariana Zobel de Ayala, who heads Ayala Land’s Leasing and Hospitality Group, overseeing Ayala Malls, Ayala Land Offices, Ayala Land Hospitality, and Ayala Land Leisure Estates. Currently, she serves as the chairman and president of Ayalaland Malls, Inc., according to the Ayala Land website.

According to a previous BusinessWorld story, Anko opened in the Philippines under a joint venture with Ayala Malls. Anko, meanwhile, is the home brand of Kmart Australia Ltd.

“I’m proud today to bring Anko… better, closer to the millions of Filipinos living in Quezon City,” said Mr. Uy.

In an interview with Nina Garcia, Anko Philippines cluster manager, she said that this TriNoma store has 11,000 items, and caters to the residents of Quezon City.

“Quezon City is the most populous city in Metro Manila as of the moment,” she said. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s National Capital Region (NCR) Population 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Quezon City had 2,960,048 residents as of 2020.

“This is home to a lot of young families and young business professionals. We cater our items to them,” she said. This might explain why it carries a much-expanded cosmetics, pet, and home selection, compared to their stores in Glorietta and Alabang Town Center. This is the retailer’s third store since it first opened in November 2024.

Unique to the TriNoma store is the Activation Center, a spot where shoppers can interact with the products — currently, the toy section is the highlight this month in the spot, so children were playing there during our visit. The aim is to have workshops and other events in the area, the themes and items on display changing every month. “This time, it’s not just a shopping center, but also a space for families to bond,” said Ms. Garcia.

In an FAQ sheet sent to BusinessWorld, Rachel Turner, country manager of Anko Philippines, said, “TriNoma is our third store in the Philippines, following successful openings at Glorietta 2 (November 2024) and Alabang Town Center (May 2025). We’re continuing to work closely with Ayala Malls to explore additional locations and bring Anko closer to even more Filipino households. We’re also listening to customer feedback on new locations, which is helping guide our expansion strategy.”

On going online, Ms. Turner said, “While Anko sees exciting possibilities in online shopping, the current focus is on delivering an exceptional in-store experience. Physical stores offer a unique shopping adventure, allowing customers to discover new products and trends firsthand. Anko continues to listen to customer feedback and promises to keep shoppers updated on any future plans that may expand their shopping experience.” — Joseph L. Garcia

Jetour Auto Philippines holds T2 owners’ meet and greet

Jetour T2 owners pose with Jetour Auto Philippines, Inc. (JAPI) Managing Director Miguelito Jose and JAPI Marketing Director Cherry May De Los Santos at the Timberland Highlands Resort in San Mateo, Rizal. — PHOTO FROM JETOUR AUTO PHILIPPINES

JETOUR AUTO PHILIPPINES, Inc. (JAPI) recently hosted the first-ever T2 owners’ meet and greet, held at the Timberland Highlands Resort in San Mateo, Rizal. In a release, JAPI said the event “brought together a passionate and growing community of Jetour T2 owners and enthusiasts for a day of camaraderie, engagement, and shared passion for the capable and stylish 4×4 SUV.”

A total 107 attendees, including 41 T2 owners, were present. The Timberland Highlands Resort was chosen for its “breathtaking mountain views and premium, resort-class amenities providing the perfect backdrop to celebrate the lifestyle embodied by the Jetour T2.”

The activity sought to “foster a strong sense of community among T2 owners, moving beyond the showroom to create lasting relationships.” It was also viewed as an invaluable platform for direct, firsthand brand engagement, allowing the JAPI team to connect with customers, share updates, and gather feedback. “The event was a celebration of the unique lifestyle and vibrant community that has quickly formed around the T2, strengthening brand loyalty among both current and future patrons,” concluded the release.

Said Jetour Auto Philippines Managing Director Miguelito Jose, who was also present, “Seeing this passionate group of T2 owners converge is the ultimate validation of what Jetour stands for. We didn’t just launch a vehicle; we introduced a new catalyst for adventure. The T2 is engineered for those who look at a map and see possibilities, not boundaries. This gathering is living proof that we are building more than just a customer base — we are cultivating a family of trailblazers.”

Benilde designated as Adobe Creative Campus

Benilde receives its recognition as an Adobe Creative Campus.

The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) has been officially recognized as the first Adobe Creative Campus in the Philippines.

As part of this collaboration, the Benildean community now has full access to Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Express — platforms which support a wide range of creative pursuits, to include design, video, photography, and multimedia communication. These tools enable students to explore and present ideas in professional and compelling ways across disciplines.

“More than a provider, Adobe has been a key partner in shaping creative leaders, empowering our students to explore, express, and bring their ideas to life with confidence,” said Benilde Chancellor Benhur Ong.

Being a Creative Campus allows Benildeans the chance to imagine more freely, design more thoughtfully, and create work which truly reflects who they are and what they stand for.

“Students from business, management, diplomacy, and governance, and more, can now explore, experiment, and present their work in ways that are clear, creative, and uniquely their own,” noted School of New Media Arts (SNMA) Dean Maria Sharon Mapa Arriola.

“This goes beyond just having access to software,” she added. “It’s about helping our students find better ways to express themselves, share their ideas, and present their work with confidence and creativity — no matter what field they’re in.”

Students and faculty can also earn Adobe-certified badges which recognize their ability to use digital tools creatively and effectively. These credentials strengthen both academic and professional portfolios, regardless of discipline.

The recent recognition event, which was attended by college administrators, faculty, associates, and student representatives, was held at The Loop in the Benilde Design and Arts Campus.

Titu Minhas, Adobe’s Southeast Asia Head of Education, introduced the Adobe Creative Campus program and outlined its key benefits — such as global recognition, academic collaboration, and access to professional development resources such as webinars, self-paced courses, and exclusive institutional events.

Adobe Enterprise Sales Account Manager Esther Ong Khong Lee also emphasized how Benilde’s designation reinforces its identity as a creative, future-ready, and globally connected institution.

Albert Goh, Adobe Southeast Asia senior solutions consultant, capped the program with a live demonstration of Adobe Firefly. He showcased how certain features have now become part of the evolving creative toolkit. These tools, when used thoughtfully and responsibly, support new ways of creating content while encouraging ethical engagement with emerging technologies.

 

SparkUp is BusinessWorld’s multimedia brand created to inform, inspire, and empower the Philippine startups; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For pitches and releases about startups, e-mail to bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). Materials sent become BW property.

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