Honoring an icon
SGV & Co. founder Washington SyCip.
Former SGV partner Roberto “Bobby” Ongpin hosted a big birthday bash at Alphaland’s The City Club in Makati City for Washington SyCip, the man regarded in the world of business as a venerable icon.
At 96, the age of Wash — as the SGV founder is fondly called by friends — is showing in his frail-looking frame but he is still as sharp as ever, giving a simple but witty short speech during the dinner that was attended by the who’s who in business, society and government.
Guests included former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, former prime minister Cesar Virata, former senator Juan Ponce-Enrile, Senators Frank Drilon, Chiz Escudero and Sonny Angara, former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Double Dragon’s Injap Sia, US Ambassador Sung Kim, the Tan brothers Nestor (of BDO) and Lorenzo (now with leading equity firm Primeiro Partners), San Miguel Corp.’s Ramon Ang, RCBC’s Helen Yuchengco Dee, Philippine Airlines’ Jimmy Bautista, Ramon del Rosario and many other banking and finance people whose stellar careers started with Washington SyCip.
Bobby recalled how he started out with SGV as a young man and was named managing partner in a short time — no doubt because Wash spotted his talent, describing Bobby as “one of the most aggressive and effective managers” he has ever known.
When people hear the name Washington SyCip, they associate it with the best practices in accounting, auditing, tax transactions and similar services — a reputation that is well deserved, anchored on the credo of excellence in leadership that Wash is known for. No question he is an icon not only here in the country but in the international business community as attested to by numerous awards and recognitions he has received from various institutions and governments — all of which are undoubtedly well deserved. - Photos by Ramon Joseph J. Ruiz
