Louie Kaw: Man of (Amigo) Steel

Name three things that must be built to high standards. Shopping malls, industrial parks and commercial buildings. For these types of projects, only the best contractors will do. Amigo Steel Industries is one of these favored builders. Louie Kaw is the executive vice president of Amigo Steel.

For Louie, a bachelor who stands 5’10", traveling has become a way of life. His business interests take him island hopping around the Philippines and into China. From Tacloban to Shanghai, our bachelor is responsible for completing the buildings to the agreed upon specs.

A graduate of St. Jude Catholic School before he went on to UST to study civil and industrial engineering, Louie loves math. He pauses here to reflect on bodybuilding, The Art of War and a woman’s passion.

What film influenced your life?

The Godfather. I can watch all three sequels in one day. I like how the characters bond and treasure family and loyalty.

What book influenced your life?

The Art of War by Sun Tzu. "You never outshine your master," means you learn humility by accepting that you can never be better than the king. Let others judge your accomplishments.

Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?

Of course, Superman, who is always present in times of trouble.

Which living person do you admire most?

My dad, Albino Kaw. I used to hate everything he taught us when we were kids. Now, I am glad that he would say that my golden age is 20 to 30 years old because these are the learning years, when one is allowed to make mistakes.

Who is the greatest love of your life?

My mom, Tiffany. She supports my dad so much and I envy that. Can I pick two? My Tita Aurora who cares for us like a second mom.

What is your passion?

Everything about work – like dealing with people, learning from them and imparting to others what I have learned.

How do you resolve your conflicts?

I don’t let the day pass without resolving issues. I am stubborn but I listen. I am humble enough to admit my mistakes.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Walang utang na loob.

How do you start your day?

Eating a heavy breakfast with lots of rice, steak and milk. It’s the only time I eat carbs.

What sport do you do?

I am a gym rat and a snob. I don’t talk to anyone when I work out about an hour a day. I also play basketball about thrice a week. It helps me get my mind off work.

What is your motto?

Live life one day at a time.

What is your current state of mind?

Pressured.

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

To find out what it is I did against one of my good friends.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My collection of watches.

What words or phrases do you overuse?

You are older so you should be smarter than I am.

Name a moment that brings back happy memories.

When my whole family went cross-country for two months. We traveled in a huge van across America – from San Francisco to New York and back to San Francisco.

What does your dad often say to you?

Work hard; party hard. Always be in the office before your people.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Passion.

What do you feel guilty about?

Committing to my girlfriend.

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E-mail babycamp2@yahoo.com.uk.