Always on the go

Dr. Michael “Mikee” Romero, chairman and president of Globalport 900, president of Harbour Centre Ports Terminal Inc., president of the Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA), is literally always on the go. He doesn’t seem to run out of things to do, of ideas, of dreams. He sleeps for just a few hours (four hours a day) , but still manages to wake up energized and either hits the gym, runs, or plays basketball, after which he attends meeting after meeting. As one of the nicest guys around, Mikee is adored and respected both in the business and sports circles, even by people twice his age or people who have achieved so much more than him. 

Currently in the US on vacation, Mikee graciously agreed to honor Spare Time with its first piece for 2012. Here it goes.

Have you always had an inclination towards sports? What was the first sport you engaged in?

Romero: I was taught the value of sports ever since I was a small boy. My maternal grandfather taught me to hold a shotgun at the age of seven, to ride a horse at the age of eight, while my father got me involved in little league baseball, running and basketball when I was in grade school, then jetski, boating, etc. when I was in highschool. So, sports is very much deep into my bloodline.  I have been a UAAP player in basketball and track and field in highschool and college for La Salle.  I have played trap shooting, arnis de mano, jetski and now polo representing the country. I have taught martial arts (Sari-An Filipino Martial Arts) at DLSU when I was still in college being a 3rd dan blackbelt. Now, I am more engaged in propagating sports in the country especially basketball (Inaugural champions Philippine Patriots and the Asean Basketball League); 7-time PBL champions HC Batang Pier, baseball (2010-2011 3-time champions Manila Sharks and the Baseball Philippines), cycling (was formerly Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines President), shooting (currently Philippine National Shooting Association President) and international polo (Harbour Centre Polo team).

My training whether in business or in everyday life involves a lot of sports discipline.  I include at least one sporting activity a day in my everyday regimen.

Why do you like Fernando Amorsolo? what’s your most prized Amorsolo painting and why?

My love for Philippine art is co-related to my love for Philippine history.  The way I collect is I follow the history of the Philippines and try to get a representation of each painter of each year.  Its as if it’s a lesson in Philippine history.  My collection starts from the mid-1800’s, painters such as Mariano Asuncion, Simon Flores, Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo to Fabian dela Rosa, Fernando Amorsolo to the pre-war painters such as Alfredo Carmelo, Jorge Pineda, Ancheta, etc. to the 13 moderns of the 50’s led by Edades to the Filipino surrealist painters of today.     

The cover of the 2009 book, Maestro Fernando Amorsolo entitled “Girl Selling Mangoes” which I got in a Sotheby’s auction in 2004 is one of my favorite Amorsolos.

Why did you name your investment company Sultan 900?

I want to name a flagship company I am making with a name synonymous to power, prestige and recognition, that’s why I used Sultan because the name depicts all of the above. 900 is a lucky number I think for me. Combining Sultan and 900 gives power and luck to the company I am now building as a personal investment company.

Why did you decide to concentrate on the port business? How did you start with it? Any regrets?

I came into the port business by accident. After my stint in Singapore in 2002, my father asked me to sell his losing port business. As there were no takers for the company at that time, I was forced to operate it. Each year from 2003 to present, I have doubled its yearly revenues and made it very profitable. I don’t regret anything that I did in the past. I always move in a forward direction and I never look back no matter how many mistakes and failures I did in that year. My position is just to continue to move forward day by day even if I just move 1000 miles or one centimeter that day.

How did you make your first billion?

Before I reached 30 years of age, I made my first P100 million when I made several deals in Singapore. After which, I told myself that before I reach 40 years old, I am going to try and earn my first billion pesos. I did it way before I reached my 40th birthday.  With Globalport 900 now being publicly listed, I will try again to reach for the stars by making my first $1 billion in market capitalization in two-three years time. I love to challenge myself.  I self-motivate myself every time.

What made you decide to invest in AirAsia Philippines? Can you describe your personal and business relationships with Tonyboy Cojuangco (chairman of Air Asia Phils.) and Tony Fernandes (CEO of Air Asia Berhad).

Air Asia is the biggest budget carrier in Southeast asia to-date.  They are flying in 30-40 million people every year and made it very affordable for the public to ride airplanes on a daily basis. I believe in the vision of my Malaysian partner Tony Fernandes, who I think is truly a marketing and financial genius. Tony Fernandes is a very close friend of mine and likewise a partner, same goes for Tonyboy Cojuangco who has mentored me a lot. 

You are the only person that I know of who has partnered with both Manny Pangilinan and Ramon Ang and still remained friends with both of them. How is it working with the two?

Both are strong leaders but of very different styles and qualities. Both are great mentors to me and probably to a lot more people than you think. Before you could even make a first base impression to these top two businessmen in the Philippines, you should make your own name first and build respect. One thing I know is that they respect what I did in Philippine sports and business.   

Is there any challenge that you will not face?

No, I will face head-on any challenge that comes my way.  It is my nature as a sportsman to not back down on any challenge. There is no use in running away from a challenge, as that challenge will eventually catch up on you and haunt you for life.  Might as well face the challenge head-on and take the leap of fate.  Win or lose, it’s the fighting which counts the most.  In my case, my biggest challenge is the kidnapping of my dad by the Abu Sayyaf in 2001, which I eventually faced head-on.

What is your greatest fear?

After facing a lot of problems in life, I am not afraid anymore to face anything.  As the saying goes, “People might face a big fear to human beings but I have a bigger God.”  I lift up all my fears to the Lord.

What clothing brand do you patronize?

I like chic clothing. I believe it is now my duty to dress properly as a role model for both the sporting and business communities. My daily business attire revolves around suits and barong, while I am very casual during weekends with jeans and shirts. I like Paul Smith a lot as it depicts my style of clothing.

Any place you would like to visit? What’s the most memorable place that you’ve visited and why?

Italy is one of the places I continually visit every year.  I pay a yearly pilgrimage of prayer and meditation in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy to visit Padre Pio’s tomb and Cascia, Italy for Santa Rita incorrupt body.  I pray through their intercessions yearly.

What was the last book that you’ve read and what book are you currently reading? What was the last movie you’ve watched? Any preferred film genre?

Steve Jobs book, I like inspirational books. Just watched Mission Impossible in San Francisco, California during the Christmas break.

Any business personality that you admire? Why?

In the international field, Li Kaishing of Hongkong, Richard Branson of the USA and Tony Fernandes of Malaysia are the three people I admire, as they are all game changers. In the local scene, Manny Pangilinan, Ramon Ang, Tonyboy Cojuangco and Buddy Zamora are people that mentored me and that I really look highly upon.  Of course my dad, Reghis is on top of list.

What’s your vision for the Harbour Group/Globalport?

Globalport 900 will be my flagship company in port operations starting this 2012. It will acquire several port terminals all across the country and hopefully even outside of the Philippines. I hope that G900 would be a $1 billion company in a few years time.

How does it feel to be young, self-made and successful both in your personal and professional lives?

I still don’t feel like I have achieved a lot already.  I feel that my best days are still ahead of me starting this 2012.  A lot of things and opportunities are still out there waiting to be conquered.   I believe the best is still yet to come for me and my dreams.  I will keep on dreaming big and hopefully land on one.  I just have to keep on trying on a daily basis.

What is the most important lesson that you’ve learned in school? Anything that your many years in school did not teach you?

Success comes from hard work, there is absolutely no shortcut to it.  In my case, I will just continue to work harder. 

My best advice would be work harder than anybody else,  Study your moves like a chess match, Take risks and pray like you have never prayed before and fruits of your labor would come your way.  That is exactly what I have been doing all my life.

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