Tony Boy Ongsiako wishes he were Henry the VIII

Tony Boy Ongsiako runs 42 Tambunting Pawnshop branches in Manila and Bulacan. He concentrates on financial transactions and the day-to-day cash flow of his pawnshops, which has 150 employees. As president and COO of Tambunting Financial Services, this six-footer helps a lot of small businessmen in need of immediate cash.

A key figure in the movement against corruption, Antonio Ramon Ongsiako is now involved in a courtroom battle against a BIR examiner. Tony Boy claims that corruption in the BIR can be controlled with measures such as the enactment of a law whereby bank deposits of government officials would not be subjected to the bank secrecy law.

An economist from Ateneo de Manila University and the president of Makati Rotary South, Tony Boy, 44, gets involved with NGOs that help improve communities. He is also an avid mountaineer and chairperson of the AMCI mountaineering club.

On what occasion do you lie?

When I have to say that someone looks good even if I don’t really think they do.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

I haven’t found anyone yet otherwise I would be married.

What is your passion?

Working with organizations that make people’s lives better.

What is your most fervent wish?

For the Filipino people to elect a good leader.

How do you resolve your conflicts?

If there’s already some form of bad faith between us, I walk away.

What sports do you do?

Mountaineering all over the Philippines. I like Mount Pulag in Benguet and climbing the summit of Mount Ugu in Nueva Vizcaya. And about three times each week I work out in Gold’s Gym.

Where are you most comfortable?

In good restaurants like Casa Armas in Malate and Le Soufflé.

What film influenced your life?

I like the way children and adults work together in times of crisis in The Sound of Music.

What book influenced your life?

The End of the Affair. So tragic yet so idealistic. She loved him and yet dumped him because of a promise she made.

Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?

Batman.

What is your greatest fear?

I have to psych myself up to go to the dentist.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Too trusting.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

If they can’t be trusted.

How do you start your day?

Turn on the TV and watch the news at about 6.30 a.m.

What is your motto?

Enjoy life.

If you had the chance to change something in your life, what would that be?

Be younger.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Travels to Europe, staying in the best hotels.

What words or phrases do you overuse?

Uh huh.

Which historical character would you like to have been?

Henry VIII. Various biographies describe him as raunchy but he was the start of England’s greatness. He was daring enough to defy the Pope.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

When I was a young adult, I worked alone abroad. I was very miserable coming home and would turn on the TV just for company.

What does your dad often say to you?

Mag-aral ka.

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E-mail: babycamp2 @yahoo.co.uk