Wisdom honed through the years

Eight timeless lessons from ‘Manny Speaks’

MANILA, Philippines — Many things come to mind when we talk about Manuel V. Pangilinan, known to many as MVP. For some, he’s the business magnate steering numerous companies under his ship. On the other hand, some may see him as the sports-loving tycoon who has poured his support into Filipino athletes.

However, all these titles and perceptions are anchored to one important trait: his wisdom refined by years of experience—both triumphs and failures. The book “Manny Speaks,” a compilation of 70 speeches by MVP over the years that reflect our times, showcases this.

The book is a treasure trove of knowledge, wisdom, and advice for businesspeople and common folk alike. Reading through its pages, here are eight timeless lessons—guiding lights that can help us navigate through life.

Commit one’s self to excellence

When MVP started First Pacific, the company faced various challenges that led to successes and failures. But what drove its growth was people’s value for excellence.

“Excellence is what matters most. High standards of efficiency and productivity; high quality of products and services,” he says.

He underscores that, “There is no other way. There are no quick fixes. There are no silver bullets. Only excellence lasts.”

While these sentiments were uttered in 1997, they still resonate even in today’s time. Striving for quality and greatness helps in powering through challenges. Years later, this commitment to excellence proves to be an important leadership philosophy of his.

In a speech he delivered at a learning forum back in 2012, he highlighted that, “Every success, no matter how small, begins with commitment to excellence—which means dutiful study, a solid work ethic, and dedication to service.”

Look for a long-term approach

An important skill that businesspeople must have is foresight—the ability to predict possibilities in the future—towards progress and to avoid ruin.

A speech MVP delivered in 1994 underscored this point: “If we are here for the long-term, we invest in state-of-the-art technologies, using best-possible international management methods, to protect a long-term future.”

True enough, MVP’s foresight rings true. By looking far beyond the present, he has grown his empire. He became a sailor of multiple ships—handling different companies in different industries. His investments and executive decisions have led to services that aid Filipinos.

Leading with foresight helps drive growth.

Think beyond profits

MVP is a firm believer that businesses do not operate by profit alone. Throughout the years, companies under his leadership have developed their corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.

He believes that at the core of CSR is poverty alleviation—that business should be part of the solutions in solving poverty.

“I firmly believe—and all of us present here today must share the same conviction—that all business enterprises, large, medium, or small, have an impact on society beyond their established role of providing goods and services for a profit,” he said in a speech back in 2005.

“Businesses transform societies. They not only shape our physical and virtual worlds, but also create new needs, new hopes, and new dreams,” he added.

His powerful words during a CSR expo back in 2011 are ones that businesspeople should remember and etch into their minds and hearts: “The greatest profit we can reap will not be reflected in our balance sheets—but in the smiles on our people's faces and the hope in their hearts, in the pride and dignity with which they work, and in our own satisfaction with having done our best to do right."

Do well to do good

Indeed, MVP and his companies are well known for their CSR initiatives and for creating shared value (CSV). However, to maintain their projects, MVP stresses the importance of stability. Before mobilizing projects, businesspeople must ensure that their companies are secure.

“For us to discharge our corporate social responsibility—to do good—we must first do well. No corporation is able to do good if it is losing money,” he says.

Always communicate

“Learn to communicate.” We probably heard this line so many times. But this statement holds weight and is relevant to our personal and professional lives.

For MVP, he values communication within his companies.

“Openness breeds fresh ideas and enables the organization to rejuvenate itself. The ability to relate and communicate is important to us—we don't like surprises.”

He also underscores the importance of transparency. “We strive to be transparent to our shareholders and to the public, emphasizing the pluses and minuses needed to appraise value as well as performance,” he says.

“Public disclosure of mistakes and failures encourages us to avoid repetitions.”

Value innovation

In a competitive business landscape, entrepreneurs must harness their innovative spirits to remain relevant. They must have the passion to find or make new opportunities.

As MVP puts it: “The entrepreneurial spirit is really the driving force of economic growth.”

“To entrepreneurs: Stretch your imagination and make good use of opportunities that come your way. Work hard. Continue to innovate,” he adds.

There may be times when roadblocks might stump you, but don’t let these stop you from pursuing your goals. MVP advises: “Reboot and configure, if you have to. But never give up.”

Learn from old-fashioned values

As MVP navigates life, he holds on to what he calls old-fashioned values. These endure well beyond the contexts and circumstances of time. Examples of these are: being honest and truthful, working hard, playing fair, and having goals, discipline, and determination to pursue them.

All of these values contribute to success. But more importantly, one must have passion

"Success is about passion. Passion to succeed, passion for excellence. Passion to compete. Mý experience taught me to believe that depth of commitment can overcome lack of resources,” MVP says.

“That a spirit of purpose can give impetus to human energy. That the power of ambition can set heroic goals and achieve them.”

BELIEVE IN THE FILIPINO

MVP stayed in Hong Kong for 22 years. That’s where he started First Pacific. Many people have been asking why he decided to return. His decision is rooted in simple yet profound reasons: the Philippines is home, and he believes in the Filipinos.

As he puts it: “I believe in the Filipino of Rizal, Bonifacio and Ninoy Aquino—who all left home and, after having touched the embers of enlightenment, came back.”

“I believe in the Filipino because I know he'll find a way to survive and succeed outside his shores. I believe in the Filipino most of all because of his values,” he adds.

As MVP celebrates his 80th birthday, “Manny Speaks” reminds us that his wisdom extends beyond the boardroom. His speeches touch on fundamental values that ordinary people can also emulate and practice within their means. The book goes beyond being a tribute. It’s a window that opens us to possibilities for progress. That one man’s wisdom reflects people’s collective aspirations toward a better Philippines.