First Pacific, a Hong Kong–based investment management and holding company, was co-founded by Manuel V. Pangilinan in 1981 alongside Indonesian businessman Sudono Salim and his son, Anthoni. This venture anchored his rise as a prominent business magnate, managing extensive portfolios that span infrastructure, telecommunications, energy, and mining sectors across the Asia-Pacific region.
Formative Years and Education
Born in 1946 in Apalit, Philippines, Manuel Velez Pangilinan was raised in a household characterized by his father's banking career and his mother's background in retail. He completed his primary and secondary schooling at San Beda. He pursued higher education at the Ateneo de Manila University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics as a cum laude graduate. Supported by a Procter & Gamble scholarship, he later obtained a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1968.
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Pangilinan began his professional life as an executive assistant at Philippine Investment Management Consultants, Inc. In 1976, he moved to Hong Kong, joining Bancom International as an executive director to gain exposure to international finance. He subsequently held a position at American Express. Following the 1981 establishment of First Pacific, he expanded his influence in the Philippines by creating Metro Pacific in 1987. This entity facilitated major acquisitions, including the 1998 takeover of PLDT, which he guided through financial restructuring to restore its position as the nation's primary telecommunications provider.
Infrastructure and Strategic Interests
As chairman of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, Pangilinan directed capital into essential public services. His oversight includes Meralco for power distribution, Maynilad Water Services for urban water systems, and the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation for transit infrastructure. Additionally, his portfolio involves healthcare service providers such as the Makati Medical Center and resource extraction through the Philex Mining Corporation. He maintains institutional ties as the chairman and benefactor of San Beda University.
Sports Patronage
Beyond corporate leadership, Pangilinan maintains a significant role in Philippine athletics. He founded the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) in 2007, serving as its first president until 2018, and currently serves as chairman emeritus. His sports investments include three Philippine Basketball Association teams: TNT Tropang 5G, the Meralco Bolts, and the NLEX Road Warriors. Through the MVP Sports Foundation, he provides funding for various disciplines, including boxing, badminton, golf, and taekwondo. His international sports contributions include serving on the FIBA Central Board from 2014 until 2023.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Apalit, Philippines
- Education: Ateneo de Manila University; Wharton School
- Key Roles: Managing Director and CEO, First Pacific
- Founding: Co-founded First Pacific, 1981
- Basketball Governance: Founded Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, 2007
- Awards: Asia's Most Influential Philippines (2021, 2022)
- National Honors: Order of Lakandula, Grand Cross (2010)
- Languages: English, Cebuano, Tagalog
Questions readers ask
What is Manuel V. Pangilinan's primary business organization?
He is the managing director and CEO of First Pacific, a Hong Kong–based investment management and holding company.
Which major Philippine telecommunications firm did he acquire?
In 1998, First Pacific acquired PLDT, the largest telecommunications firm in the Philippines.
Achievements
- Educated at Ateneo de Manila University and The Wharton School
