Jigger Antonio brims with business acumen

Full of youth and energy, Jigger Antonio, 31, is chief operating officer and managing director of Century Properties. His current project is to put up a 30-storey high-rise condo with a shopping center in Mandaluyong. To be dubbed the Soho Central, this building is a joint venture between Century and Greenfields, the real estate arm of Unilab. John Victor Antonio’s company buys the property, conceptualizes what amenities to include and then constructs the building. Together with 120 sales persons, our bachelor is busy selling this development, which he hopes to be as successful as their recently launched 15-storey Bel Air Soho condominiums.

Jigger, who stands 5’2", also heads the largest real estate property management company in the Philippines with 500 employees. Century Properties developed Essensa, the fashionable high-rise in Fort Bonifacio, the Medical Plazas in Makati and Ortigas, the Oxford Suites and West of Ayala.

Jigger, who has an MBA from Wharton, reflects on the abuse of power, playing badminton and getting drunk.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

The abuse of power. There is no justice in the Philippines so the rule of law is not being followed.

On what occasion do you lie?

I never lie to my loved ones, but in terms of business sometimes it necessitates bending the truth.

Which living person do you admire most?

My dad, Joey Antonio, is my role model. He taught me everything I need to know about being positive in business. No matter what problems beset him, he looks at the bright side.

Who or what is the greatest of love of your life?

I am currently involved with someone who I think is the one. I was considering being a bachelor until I turn 40. I met May about three months ago and I believe she is the one for me. She is probably a carbon copy of myself – God-fearing, career-oriented, mature and attractive.

What is your passion?

Marketing which includes advertising, PR, conceptualization of a product… I love communicating with people especially if I believe in the product.

What is your most fervent wish?

The health of my family, and that we remain close to each other. I don’t want any money related or business related issues to get in the way of our closeness.

What sports/hobbies do you like most?

My New Year’s resolution is to go swimming and play badminton.

What film influenced your life?

Dead Poets Society inspired me to go the extra mile for education.

What book influenced your life?

I only read magazines – Time, Businessweek and Wired. Two months ago, Wired wrote an article about how scientists can make diamonds. Wired is my favorite magazine. You should try it.

Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?

Jean Luc Picard, captain of the Star Trek Enterprise. He was a good captain lifting up the troop’s morale when they needed it. He was a visionary and believed in the right path.

What is your greatest fear?

If our family would be splintered.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

When I promise myself to engage in something like badminton or swimming, do it for a month and then stop.

What is your motto?

"It is not the big beating the small but the fast beating the slow."

What is your greatest extravagance?

Electronics. I splurge so much on new computers and TV. My room is an electronic haven.

What is the first thing you look for when you meet a woman?

After so many relationships, I discovered that hindi puwede ang mabait lang o maganda lang. So, I have 4 pillars: beauty, intelligence, emotional maturity and the practice of putting God first.

Which historical character would you like to have been?

Peter the disciple of Christ. I could have observed our Lord firsthand. I think that the Catholic Church now is not what Christ meant it to be. Some of the practices have been bent through the years.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Spearheading my and my brother’s educational paths. When I went to Wharton, I had a hard time. Even my mentor discouraged me from going to an Ivy League school. Once I knew the way, my brothers were able to follow: One went to Northwestern, the other went to Wharton and the other went to Stanford. I graduated magna cum laude and my brother graduated summa cum laude.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

For my parents to live healthy and comfortably… For me to have enough money to travel and do the things I like, to indulge in sports and electronics, to be close to my future wife and keep the spark in our love. Also, to be able to give back, by putting up a hospital or school for kids.

What does your dad often say to you?

"Be the role model to your brothers. Take care of your mom. Take care of us when we grow old. Treat everyone in the company with respect."

Name an embarrassing moment at work.

When I got drunk and acted funny during a Christmas party.

What do you feel guilty about?

Not spending enough time with my mom, Hilda.

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E-mail babycamp2 @yahoo.co.uk.