Juan Miguel Ongsiako: On Genghis Khan and being the bane of shoplifters

Juan Miguel Ongsiako runs Struan and Tang, the refined tea café with cozy décor at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, which he acquired a year ago.

Juan Miguel also handles Ad Lib, a company that provides detection antennae which protects establishments from shoplifters. Notice those anti-theft detection bars inside smart shops? Owners of boutiques and big department stores rely on them for protection.

Ongsiako, 37, also plays the piano, guitar and the accordion. Our bachelor is also an artist who’s into watercolor paintings. He enjoys landscaping gardens and propagating plants.

A graduate of AIM’s Masters in Entrepreneurship program, six-foot-tall Juan Miguel is in charge of over 100 employees. He pauses here to reflect on roller blades, Genghis Khan and being simple.

On what occasion do you lie?

When I tell white lies to protect my mother’s life.

Who or what is the greatest of love of your life?

God. I try not to love anything physical.

What is your passion?

Food. Eating. I am a pseudo-vegetarian and I eat anything that doesn’t have eyes – although sometimes I eat fish.

How do you resolve your conflicts?

I like to look at things in a simple manner: What happens if we do this or that? Then I choose to do the lesser of two evils.

What sports do you do?

Roller-blading every other day at 11 p.m. Badminton and golf. Yoga classes.

Where are you most comfortable?

At home with my mother.

Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?

I never idolized any fictional character. I see the pretty side of reality even in the saddest moments.

What is your greatest fear?

Hell.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I am too good.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Crab mentality.

How do you start your day?

Wake up anytime from 6.30 to 8 a.m. Do sit-ups.

What is your motto?

"It is simply service that is the measure of success."

What is your greatest extravagance?

My food bills, which I am trying to control.

What words or phrases do you overuse?

"It’s all in the mind."

Which historical character would you like to have been?

A mixture of Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great. I like conquerors.

Name a moment that brings back happy memories.

Christmas ‘95 when the family was complete.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Providing a good life for my employees.

What does your dad often say to you?

"Don’t spend too much."

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Integrity.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Loyalty.

Who greets you when you get home?

Blanco, my French poodle.

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E-mail: babycamp2@yahoo.co.uk.