Every year, Esquire Philippines presents Man at His Best, the local iteration of a global signature event where we celebrate extraordinary Filipino men and women reshaping society as we know it. These are the dreamers and doers who have made a profound impact on the Filipino's way of life, who are using their talents and skills to make something of themselves and inspire the rest of us to do better with our lives.
This year, we're honoring nine mavericks and legends in film, music, business, politics, and entertainment. Despite coming from disparate fields and industries, they all have one thing in common: all of them exemplify what it means to be a Man at His Best.
Meet Esquire Philippines' Businessman of the Year, Kevin Tan
Joseph Pascual
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In early October this year, Kevin Tan was officially named executive director of the board of Megaworld Corp. This adds to his position as executive vice president and chief strategy officer of the listed company. The appointment is significant as it further strengthens his role within the property development arm of Alliance Global, the family's holding company that also counts interests in liquor, gaming, hospitality, and quick service restaurants.
Tan has been primed to lead one of the country's leading conglomerates, taking on bigger roles over the years within the company founded by his father, Andrew Tan. Kevin actually started out in Megaworld handing out condominium flyers to potential customers, sweating it out under the heat of the sun. He moved on to commercial leasing and headed the company's lifestyle malls before working his way up to more senior leadership positions. He held various directorships within the company's many business units until, in 2018, he was named CEO of Alliance Global, taking over from his father. Along the way he also founded Agile Digital Ventures, an investment arm focused on nurturing tech startups aligned with the family's business interests.
The last couple of years have been particularly busy and productive for Tan, with strong growth indicators in nearly all of AGI's businesses. Only in his mid-40s, the executive is bringing a fresh perspective and management style to the company, which is poised to see even more robust growth in the years ahead. Tan is part of a new breed of Filipino tycoons-young, energetic, and ready to take their enterprises to new heights in the 21st century.
In this interview, we asked Esquire Philippines' Businessman of the Year specific questions about the business, his plans to move the company forward, and his definition of a Man At His Best.
Esquire Philippines: How's the year going so far?
Kevin Tan: 2023 was a historic and rewarding year for Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), with outstanding performance across all business segments, especially in real estate, tourism, and consumer sectors. Many of our units have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, achieving record highs in sales, net profit, and other key metrics. Our strategic growth, grounded in innovation and our core values, has laid a strong foundation for continued success and even greater milestones in the future.
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Joseph Pascual
AGI had a stellar first half of the year. Revenues of P107.5 billion, net profit at P8.8 billion. Overall, as a conglomerate, tell us about the strategy and how you are following through, leading to these encouraging numbers.
Our strategy emphasizes diversification and long-term sustainability. By fostering synergy across real estate, food, beverage, and tourism, we've built a balanced portfolio capable of adapting to changing markets. Each business unit leverages its strengths to drive collective growth, while our investments in digital transformation and customer-focused innovations remain critical to sustaining these positive results.
Let's quickly run through all of the different units of AGI, starting with Megaworld. Nearly P40 billion in revenues, up 22 percent from last year. Why do you think the real estate arm is performing so well?
Megaworld's performance reflects our commitment to developing integrated townships that offer a complete live-work-play lifestyle. The increased demand for residential spaces, combined with a resurgence in commercial leasing and retail activity, has been key to this growth. Our focus on customer satisfaction, and creating value-added experiences continues to resonate with the market, driving strong sales and investor confidence.
PHOTO: Joseph Pascual
What's in the pipeline for Megaworld this year and next year?
Megaworld has bold plans for 2024, aiming to close the year with 35 township developments across the Philippines, perfectly aligned with our 35th anniversary.
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Megaworld is proud to introduce San Benito Private Estate as our 33rd township development. Located in Lipa, Batangas, this 25-hectare active wellness community is being developed in partnership with the group behind the renowned The Farm at San Benito.
The estate will offer residential village lots, low-rise condominiums, an international brand hotel, a sports and leisure hub, an active adult center, community gardens, commercial spaces, and nature walk trails, all set within a serene nature park. This low-density development is designed to foster a holistic, wellness-oriented lifestyle.
Following this, we also recently launched Ilocandia Coastown in Ilocos Norte, our 34th township development. Spanning 84 hectares, this premium mixed-use beachfront community blends luxury living, commerce, and tourism, while paying tribute to the region's rich Filipino-Spanish heritage. Located along Ilocos Norte's iconic sand dunes and pristine coastline, Ilocandia Coastown will drive sustainable growth and tourism in the area.
This is a wonderful start for our Group's investment in the Ilocos Region, particularly in the capital city of Laoag. We see a lot of opportunities in this part of the country especially in tourism, and we hope to unlock these opportunities through this development. With a P15 billion investment over the next decade, this project will bring Megaworld's signature Live-Work-Play lifestyle to Northern Luzon.
You turned over a condo worth P32 million to double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo. This isn't the first time. You also gave a condo unit to Hidilyn Diaz. Clearly you want to support and reward our athletes. Tell us about this advocacy.
We believe in honoring excellence and inspiring future generations. Supporting our athletes goes beyond offering rewards; it's our way of expressing gratitude for the pride they bring to our country. By providing homes to these champions, we aim to give them a sense of stability and recognition, while encouraging others to strive for greatness. It's a small way we contribute to fostering a culture of achievement and resilience.
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Joseph Pascual
For Emperador, there's been an 18-percent increase in revenues to P15.5 billion. To what do you attribute this unit's success?
Emperador's success is driven by our commitment to innovation and market expansion. We have solidified our global presence, particularly in the whisky segment, while maintaining strong leadership in the local market. Our emphasis on premiumization and strategic partnerships has allowed us to reach new customer segments and sustain long-term growth. Through Whyte & Mackay, Emperador continues to expand its whisky operations, further enhancing its international footprint.
For Travellers International Hotel Group Inc, which owns Newport World Resorts, net income was at P434 million and gross revenues of P20 billion. Tell us about your strategy for gaming and hospitality. What are the plans for the Entertainment City property?
Our strategy is focused on elevating the guest experience through world-class facilities, and unique entertainment offerings. In Newport, we've broadened our retail and dining offerings including the addition of Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Philippines, bringing a globally renowned dining experience to our guests. This expansion enriches Newport's vibrant mix, making it a premier destination for both local and international visitors. Soon, we'll also be unveiling Newport Mansion, a new hospitality haven that will feature all-suite rooms, garden villas, and bay suites.
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Joseph Pascual
In Entertainment City, we're introducing a host of new attractions, retail and dining options, and premium hotel brands. This includes the Philippines' first Grand Opera House, a 2,100-seat venue connected to three smaller theaters. This landmark venue is designed to elevate the country's performing arts scene, further realizing our vision of positioning the country as the Broadway of Asia.
These developments further strengthen our position as a leader in leisure tourism, contributing to the growth and appeal of the Philippines' hospitality and entertainment sectors.
For Golden Arches, income was at P1.1 billion, which is an 11 percent increase year-on-year. What can you tell us about how Mcdonald's is competing in the QSR segment?
McDonald's continues to perform well by focusing on convenience, innovation, and quality. Our digital platforms, delivery services, and value meals remain key drivers of growth. We are also committed to enhancing the in-store experience and evolving our menu to meet changing customer preferences. By prioritizing customer satisfaction, we maintain a strong presence in the QSR segment and build lasting relationships with our customers. McDonald's is also set to open new locations, targeting 800 stores nationwide by year-end.
You're one of the youngest CEOs of a major conglomerate and were recently named executive director of the board at Megaworld. How would you describe your overall management strategy? And how are you managing the challenges of running a conglomerate?
My management approach centers on empowering teams, fostering innovation, and aligning each unit with our long-term vision. I believe in balancing structure with flexibility, giving each business unit the autonomy to excel while ensuring they remain connected to our shared goals.
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A key part of my approach is being a good listener-listening closely to everyone on the team and understanding our customers' perspectives. After gathering insights, it's essential to communicate clearly, ensuring the vision and strategy are understood and embraced at every level. Effective communication strengthens our connection with both the team and our customers, keeping everyone aligned and motivated.
Challenges are a natural part of this journey, but by staying agile and forward-thinking, we can turn them into valuable opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.
Joseph Pascual
What are the most important lessons your father has taught you about business and about life in general? What lessons do you carry with you?
The most valuable lessons my father taught me are about hard work, integrity, and balance. He emphasized the importance of diligence and striving for excellence in everything we do. The most important lesson he taught me is integrity-to always be honest and safeguard our name. We have only one name, and while it takes a lifetime to build, it can be destroyed in a moment.
My father also believes deeply in work-life balance. He reminded us that while dedication to work is crucial, we must also make time for ourselves and, most importantly, for our families. As we grew up, got married, and started families of our own, he encouraged us to prioritize quality time with our children. He's always shown us that a fulfilling life includes building strong relationships with those closest to us.
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How do you spend your time outside of work? If you had a week where you didn't have to think about work or the business, what would you do?
I enjoy spending time with family and engaging in activities that inspire creativity and relaxation, like traveling and exploring new cultures. A week off would be all about recharging-through outdoor adventures or quiet moments with loved ones-keeping a balance and staying connected to what matters most.
Joseph Pascual
Tell us about your dreams and aspirations for Megaworld and the rest of the conglomerate in the next 10 to 20 years.
As a proudly Filipino company with a global presence, AGI is dedicated to uplifting lives, impacting society, and helping shape the nation. As the country's premier lifestyle conglomerate, we will continue to drive economic progress and enhance the Filipino lifestyle through our innovative developments and offerings.
We are ramping up our investment in the Philippines' tourism and hospitality sector, building world-class amenities and providing a diverse range of hotel rooms, convention centers, theaters, and exceptional guest experiences. Over the next four years, we aim to expand our total hotel room count to around 12,000, cementing our position as the country's leading hotel developer and operator.
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Travellers International is expanding beyond Metro Manila with Boracay World Resorts and Mactan World Resorts. Located in a premier beach destination, Boracay World Resorts will enhance the island's appeal with unique features, including an 18-hole golf course, a one-kilometer private beach, and resort villas. Meanwhile, Mactan World Resorts, a $400 million project set to open in 2026, will showcase a state-of-the-art hotel, resort, and casino experience.
To strengthen our hospitality workforce, we established the Academy for Leisure and Tourism (A.L.T.), providing accredited training programs for at least 1,000 employees annually. This initiative not only hones skills but empowers individuals to contribute to a dynamic and thriving industry.
AGI remains dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities, with a goal of generating five million direct and indirect jobs to foster economic development across all regions and key growth areas throughout the Philippines.
And lastly, aligned with our commitment to environmental responsibility, we have also launched a company-wide sustainability campaign focused on minimizing our carbon footprint and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
Joseph Pascual
How would you define a Man At His Best?
A man at his best is someone who leads with purpose and integrity-someone who strives for excellence not just in his career but also in his relationships and personal growth. He understands the importance of giving back, lifting others, and making a difference in the lives of those around him. True success is not measured by achievements alone but by the positive impact he leaves behind.
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Story and Production: Paul John Cana Creative Direction: Igi Talao Photography: Joseph Pascual Grooming: Lillian Yeung Location: The Whisky Library at Newport World Resorts Special Thanks to: Tinay Magtira of Megaworld, and Joy Andrade and Aina Elinon of Newport World Resorts
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