Visionaries, leaders celebrate sp’l dedication to MVP

MANILA, Philippines - Manuel V. Pangilinan recently celebrated his 68th birthday at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City. The event was attended by MVP’s fellow captains of industry, members of the scientific academe, as well as artists, and musicians. The First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA), a subsidiary of the First Pacific Group which functions as a corporate university, held Executive Talks at the gala event.

FPLA periodically conducts Executive Talks at their campus throughout the year, where the leading minds in business, science, sports, arts, and many other fields came to share their thoughts and ideas.

Astrophysicist Reinabelle Reyes, pianist Cecile Licad, leading musician and songwriter Ryan Sy, world-class soprano Rachelle Gerodias, medical practitioner Dr. Dan Luchangco, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Olivier Ochanine, and voice actor Pocholo Gonzales were among the speakers who shared their insights as leaders of their respective disciplines.

After the informative Executive Talks from the speakers, Pangilinan and the audience were treated to a night of music, featuring the soaring voices of Rachelle Gerodias & Ryan Sy, the passionate melodies of the Italian string group Qunitetto Felix, the stirring harmonies of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Maestro Olivier Ochanine, and the sheer musical genius of internationally-acclaimed piano virtuoso Cecile Licad.

Inspired by the talks and performances of his illustrious guests, Pangilinan shared a few personal insights with his guests, who numbered nearly a thousand. “While my lifetime’s work may have written chapters in the ongoing chronicle of this rising nation,” he said, “I beseech you all, especially the youth, to whom this event is truly dedicated, to pick up where I leave off. It is up to you to continue the story of Filipino excellence and success.”

In addition to the distinguished leaders and personalities, more than 600 students were in attendance from various Philippine colleges and high schools.

“Today we stand in the midst of the country’s greatest luminaries,” said Ace Victor Aceron, FPLA’s head of executive education. “Through our thought leaders, we are reminded that once in a while, people do come our way who are bestowed with gifts of character, leadership, eloquence and wit, as well as the generosity to share these gifts with the rest of the world. Alongside our chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, we continue to strengthen and live up to our mandate: to build the nation and lead the way.”

First Pacific Leadership Academy, nestled in the heart of Antipolo, is the nation’s first dedicated corporate university, providing executive development programs that enhance corporate/business management and leadership succession. For more information please visit fpacademy.net or call +63 02 696 3051.