Every year, Esquire Philippines’ Man at His Best honors extraordinary Filipinos who are reshaping society. These are the men and women who are raising the bar for Filipino creatives, public servants, and professionals.
This year, we’re celebrating eight mavericks and living legends in film, music, business, politics, and entertainment. From National Artists Ricky Lee and Kidlat Tahimik to Mayor Joy Belmonte and tycoon Ramon Ang, here are the 2023 honorees who exemplify what it means to be a Man at His Best.
Meet Esquire’s Businessman of the Year, Ramon Ang
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On paper, Ramon Ang is the very definition of success. As vice chairman, president and CEO of San Miguel Corporation, Ang leads one of the biggest diversified conglomerates not just in the Philippines but in Southeast Asia, with interests in food and beverage, infrastructure, packaging, energy, fuel and oil, cement, property, and banking. He is the third-richest person in the Philippines, according to rankings by the business news platform Forbes, with a personal net worth of nearly $4 billion (around P223 billion).
But meet the man and actually have a conversation with him in real life and he is about as far away from the intimidating, stuck-up businessman archetype as one could get. He often speaks quickly and even roughly, is approachable to colleagues and associates, and loves nothing more than to talk about fast cars and the engines that power them. He exudes power and wealth yet can also appear to be undaunting and accessible.
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Ang has been constantly in the news over the past year, working on deals to further grow the company beyond its already expansive portfolio. Earlier this year, the company launched 90-megawatt facilities in Bataan, following through with its promise to open 31 battery energy storage systems after earmarking $1 billion for the project. His Eagle Cement delisted from the stock market in February this year after being bought by SMC in October 2022.
Ramon Ang is one of the wealthiest people in the Philippines, with a net worth of close to $4 billion, according to Forbes
PHOTO: SMC - Paolo Antonio Buendia
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In addition to his ownership of the distributorship of BMW, he acquired the rights to distribute legendary Italian supercar maker Ferrari in the Philippines this year, cementing his grip on the luxury automobile segment.
Most recently, Ang invested in his personal capacity in Manny Pangilinan’s Metro Pacific Investment Corp, signaling a willingness to work with his erstwhile rival in shared interests for the betterment of customers and consumers.
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Throughout all the high-profile deals, Ang has kept his simple, down-to-earth demeanor cultivated during his formative years in Tondo, Manila. In this Esquire Philippines exclusive, Ang talks about what he’s learned about things like money, friendships, decision-making, and criticism.
Growing up in Tondo provided me with a backdrop of simplicity and grit. Every corner there actually holds a memory. My days were split between school, playing outdoors with siblings and friends, and lending a hand in my father's business. My fascination with automobiles and mechanics started early. I was always intrigued by how things worked, often tinkering with whatever I could find. This led me to pursue mechanical engineering in college.
Ang at the opening of the Better World Facility in Smokey Mountain, Manila
On when he knew he wanted to be a businessman
In Tondo, even then, survival always demanded hustle and determination. Nothing was handed on a silver platter; you had to earn it. My passion for machines led me to the business of trading heavy equipment spare parts. Those initial days involved countless hours on the phone, reaching out to potential customers. That experience taught me so much about the world of construction and machinery. As my interests evolved, I transitioned to car performance parts, ultimately finding my niche in revamping and tuning race cars.
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Ang recently investd in Manny Pangilinan's MPIC, which earned him a board seat in his erstwhile rival's company
On friendships
In my life, I have been blessed to have had many great friends and trusted confidantes and valued mentors, who are my friends for life. Friendship has taught me the value of trust, loyalty, and kindness. From early on, I realized the importance of being trustworthy, someone others could lean on. Today, these very principles shape the friendships I hold close to my heart.
On first tasting success
Success, to me, isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. It means differently for everyone. For me, early success was being able to combine my passions--my love for machines, being able to build and manage my own business, and connecting with different people—and earning on my own while doing it. I felt fulfilled and motivated to do more business at the time.
In many ways I am still doing the same now—doing the work I love, being immersed in industries I care about and feel are important to our nation, and hoping to make a positive impact while doing all of this. The big difference today is there is so much more that San Miguel Corporation can do, and so many more people whose lives we can impact for the better, primarily through our businesses and projects that support nation-building.
Ang with SMC Infrastructure employees during the unveiling of the first batch of train sets for SMC's MRT-7 project
On his first order of business after taking control of San Miguel Corp
When Mr. Cojuangco came back to San Miguel in 1998, he entrusted me with managing the day-to-day operations of the company. One of the first things we did was to take a top-to-bottom look of the company and fix the organizational structure and culture. We worked to put the right combination of businesses together to ensure they were not only performing well, but that they could still grow and add value to the company.
I would not say there was a point where I “took over” San Miguel. Mr. Cojuangco, even after entrusting the day-today to me, even after divesting his majority shares, was our chairman for life. He provided guidance and support for all of our major decisions in the company.
It was our efforts in the mid-to-late 2000s to diversify into then underdeveloped industries like power, infrastructure, fuels and oils, banking, among others, that truly transformed San Miguel. Today, we are a major driver of Philippine economic growth, with projects and businesses that address our country’s most pressing issues, and will propel us into the future. These include our major food manufacturing facilities, including our newly-inaugurated mega poultry farm which aims to help address food security; our diversified portfolio of power facilities, including the country’s first and largest battery energy storage network, to provide affordable and cleaner power; our game-changing infrastructure projects, including the New Manila International Airport, which will improve accessibility throughout the country and raise our profile as an investment and tourist destination.
Ang inspects a portion of the Skyway
On handling criticism
It's a given that you cannot please everyone. Not all will align with your vision. For me, what is important is I am doing everything I can, pouring all my energy and our company’s resources into helping our country. My purpose in life now is to use what I have to help grow our economy, make our country more competitive, boost local economies, enable equitable access to food, power, and other essentials, and create job and livelihood opportunities.
I listen to criticism and try to see things from different perspectives. At the end of the day, whatever other people say, I just work and let the results of our work do the talking. The goal is to uplift the lives of as many Filipinos and contribute to building a better, more prosperous future. We may see things differently, but I will always commend and respect anyone who is sincerely trying to get there.
Ang poses in front of a Ferrari. He recently secured the distributorship of the luxury Italian carmaker in the Philippines
On where his passion for automobiles comes from
My passion for cars is intertwined with my love for mechanics—the tactile satisfaction of working with my hands, delving into the intricacies of engines, and navigating the challenges of repairing broken parts. Most of my collection comprise vintage cars. There's a certain fulfillment in breathing life into these classics. I have a particular fondness for American muscle cars, especially icons like the Mustang Boss 429, and also the Shelby Cobra.
On building the country’s next big airport in Bulacan
Our choice for Bulacan wasn't random. Comprehensive studies led us to Bulakan, Bulacan as the prime spot for the New Manila International Airport. Several factors played into this:
First is its proximity to Manila. Our planned expressways and rail links will seamlessly connect it to current road and rail systems. It is also well-placed in Luzon, making it accessible for those in Central and Northern Luzon. Plus, we're pouring investments into a vast road network around NMIA.
A rendering of the still-under-construction New Manila International Airport
Favorable wind patterns and its distance from densely populated areas make it safe. Worldwide, airports are generally built outside city boundaries to reduce risks, ease traffic, among others.
NAIA, our present primary international gateway, is overwhelmed and squeezed amidst residential communities, bustling financial centers, and major thoroughfares. It lacks expansion room for additional runways and is a traffic hotspot. NMIA will counter these bottlenecks by having our major international gateway in Bulacan, outside the city, but still within easy access of the public.
The vast expanse needed for such a venture was available in Bulacan—former fish ponds that are titled, private lands. There is no land reclamation, just redevelopment.
The support we received from the provincial and local government is also a major consideration. This airport will uplift the province—providing jobs, boosting local industries, and developing new businesses around it.
By building our primary international gateway in Bulacan, we aim to boost efficiency, alleviate traffic congestion, and spur economic growth in the surrounding regions.
On his decision-making process in business and learning which people to trust
First of all, trust is earned and built over a long period of time. Majority of our people in San Miguel, especially our division presidents, senior officers, are all long-time San Miguel employees. I have worked with them and have been with them through many battles, through thick and thin.
Second, there are also strong governance policies in place that protect the company, our products and assets, our stakeholders from risks. Our Board is also made up of very seasoned leaders from diverse industries and specialties. We all work together to ensure we make the best decisions for the company.
Our officers are all highly competent and experienced in their field, and we have a robust continuing education and training program. All decisions are also backed by solid research and study.
Ang is vice chairman, CEO and President of San Miguel Corp, one of the country's biggest diversified conglomerates
On money
What have I learned about money? That you can earn all the money in the world, but at the end of the day, it’s the difference you make to the lives of people that really matters.
On how he spends his time away from work
My simple joys are spending time with my family, my children, and grandchildren. This can be lunch or dinner at home on Sundays. My children are all grown and are also busy with their own lives, their own families so it is a gift to be with all of them on these occasions.
With his son Jacob Ang at the opening of the Ferrari showroom
On the most important lesson he wants his kids to learn
Foremost is humility. Never perceive yourself as superior or above others. Possessing more doesn't elevate one's worth. In fact, it calls for greater generosity. I'm proud to see my children actively participating in our various social and environmental initiatives.
Additionally, the value of family cannot be overstated. Always prioritize and care for one another and extend that care to those around you.
On his definition of success
At this point in my life, success isn't just personal. It's about being able to help our country rise to developed economy status. It's witnessing the tangible impact of our projects, where more Filipinos are actively contributing to economic growth. Success is seeing the communities we work with flourish, with more children pursuing education and envisioning brighter futures for themselves.
On what he would do differently if he could live his life all over again
I would probably walk the same path. I'd use the gifts and blessing I've been given to do good and always look out for the people I love.
Ang with his children after receiving an honorary doctorate degree
On his dream for the Philippines and for the Filipino people
My dream aligns closely with the San Miguel Group's vision—a Philippines that is both resilient and globally competitive, where everyone has the chance to thrive and find joy. Our fundamental goal is to lead in nation-building, open doors of opportunity to uplift countless Filipinos. We envision a future where every individual share in the fruits of sustainable growth and prosperity.
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