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Thirdly, I would like to express my appreciation to the Asian Institute of Management
and the AIM Scientific Research Foundation for believing in this project and working
closely with the SGV Foundation on its completion. Fil Alfonso’s persistence has
paid off and I thank him, the Board of Governors, the faculty, and many donors for
their dedication and generosity to AIM. I also wish to thank Joey Cuisia and his
wife, Vicky, for their friendship and for his steadfast leadership in guiding the school’s
growth and future.

Fourthly, I am indebted to my friends who have been by me in the past years and who
have shared in my dreams of nation building. The late Jobo Fernandez, Monching
del Rosario, Bert Villanueva, and Charlie Palanca were great men of vision. My
boyhood friend, Fred Velayo, has been a constant companion since we were five years
old. I am grateful to the families who placed their confidence in this bookkeeper and
SGV for so many years like the Lopezes, Ayalas, Sys, Tys, del Rosarios, Gokongweis,
Aboitizes, Gotianuns, Tans, Cosetengs, Sorianos, Cojuangcos, Kuoks, Delgados,
Yuchengcos, Uytengsus, Yangs, Chiongs, Roxases, and numerous others. From them
I also learned much—that the country is more important than the ups and downs of
domestic politics or international finance.

Last but not least, I would like to thank the people who make things happen for me.
On top of that list is my loyal and dedicated assistant Sylvia Sanchez who has known
the meaning of 24/7 even before it was coined. She rose to the standards set forth
by her predecessor, Tessie Lagman, who ran my office seamlessly for 25 years. Then
there is Quina Jamias whose talent in managing buildings and finances allows me to
continue my other pursuits without having to worry about making a living.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the masterful writing of this book’s author, Butch
Dalisay and his assistant, Migs Villanueva, who both took on the daunting task of
listening to me, my family, and friends for hours on end. And I appreciate the work
of Marlu Balmaceda in coordinating this project from its inception to publication.

Two years ago, a park in Makati City was named after me. It was a much-appreciated
gift from the Ayala family through Ayala Land, the Makati Commercial Estate
Association, the City of Makati, Barangay San Lorenzo, and SGV & Co. As you
stroll along the lush greenery sprinkled with choice sculptures donated by renowned

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