ESPRESSO MORNINGS
By Joe Zaldarriaga
He was the architect behind Meralco’s most celebrated milestones in the field of communications— steering the company to five-time Company of the Year honors at the Philippine Quill Awards and leading the only PR team ever named Team of the Year in the history of the Anvil Awards.
Manong Joe’s leadership also extends as a respected member of the Board of Trustees for the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), concurrent with his role as Chairman of the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines (IABC Philippines) where he also served as its President.
Manong Joe is a distinguished awardee of the medallion of honor and scroll of commendation from the University of Manila, owing to his years in public service as a communications professional. He shares his insights through columns in renowned publications, including The Philippine Star’s The Z Factor, and Philippine News Agency’s ESPRESSO MORNINGS.
In the first part of this column series, I wrote about how Manuel V. Pangilinan — MVP to many — views business as a platform for nation-building. In this second installment, I take pride in sharing life lessons from the man behind the boardroom: his leadership philosophy, his reflections on legacy, and his advice to millennials and Gen Zs.
MVP is a leader whose impact on the Philippine economy is best defined by the companies he leads across industries — telecommunications, energy, media, and transportation. And yet, he remains grounded in the belief that leadership is not about power but about service.
As someone who has been part of the MVP Group for more than a decade, I have witnessed firsthand his discipline, strategic foresight, and relentless drive to create value not just for shareholders but for the country.
“Resiliency is a very important factor,” MVP said, “but also adaptability,” when asked about balancing vision and discipline in business.
In today’s world where instant gratification often overshadows long-term grit, this message resonates deeply. “Technology is continuously changing the way we do things,” he said as he noted that for today’s business leaders to succeed, they need to know how to adapt to technological innovations.
For MVP, it’s not about simply incorporating the latest technology in business—it’s about applying technology to meet the specific needs of customers. Whether it’s Meralco’s smart meters or PLDT’s networks, the goal remains the same: to provide better service and value not only to customers and stakeholders but to society as a whole.
Ensuring business continuity is a top priority for MVP, who emphasized that on top of the C-suite officers, companies should invest in training and nurturing next generation leaders—many of whom are from Gen Z.
Asked for his advice to millennials and Gen Zs who are still figuring out their career paths, MVP offers these words of wisdom: “You never know where you’ll land,” he said, noting that he never imagined to be where he is at now. “But when you find yourself at a crossroad and you need to make a decision, whatever you decide, push it. By pushing, you increase your chances of succeeding already.”
For millennials and Gen Z—generations navigating economic uncertainty, fast-paced digital environments, and shifting social norms—MVP’s reminder is clear: success is earned.
While MVP acknowledges generational shifts, he hopes that integral values such as honesty remain constant.
MVP’s legacy is not confined to boardrooms or balance sheets. He is deeply invested in nation-building by creating more jobs, corporate social responsibility, education, and sports development.
Asked about what he wants to be his greatest legacy; MVP referenced a quote by Queen Elizabeth II. “We’re all visitors on this planet,” MVP said. We’re here to grow, to learn, to enjoy, and to love. And then we return home.”
