35th Edition Page 2

Next generation philanthropists

Caroline Tan, Jollibee Foods Corporation
"I'm afraid I don't know much about philanthropy," confessed Caroline Tan, a bit apologetically, as she sat down for brunch with us early one Saturday morning. The middle of three children belonging to the Tan family, arguably the most successful fast-food entrepreneurs in the country, Caroline proceeds to tell us about her two-year stint of teaching English in China, and how she has supported the work of friends seeking to uplift the lives of socially oppressed communities. When Rory Tolentino, our Chief Executive, remarked that all that work was quite philanthropic in nature, Caroline laughingly said, "I suppose so!"

"I have always felt strongly about injustice," Caroline shares, saying that "having the largest house on the block" and "knowing I was much better off than most my friends" made a significant impact on her and her attitude towards others "who had less." For these reasons, she has always sought to find ways to "understand injustice in the world" and her own role in doing something about it. More than something she consciously does as a philanthropic activity, sharing her resources, time, and talent, has been part of a spiritual and personal journey for this young lady. "Rich people are so afraid of poor people, especially in the Philippines," she says with some consternation, adding, "including myself!" She goes on to say, "I think that it is important for us to see and understand people who need our help, because we are the ones who are in the best position to do something about their situation."

Ian and Geovy King, Angelo King Foundation
"I think it was born out of the guilt of operating a motel business," says Ian King of his HIV/AIDS advocacy program (www.stophiv.info). "[Older] people don't realize it, but there are very high risks associated with this type of business."

"I also wanted to do my own thing, something I was in charge of, where I made all the decisions," continues Ian, whose father Archie was one of the participants at out Family Philanthropy Workshop. When asked how he would manage the family foundation if given a chance, he answers firmly, "I want to be able to make my own choices, develop my own programs, choose my own people - really be in charge."

Ian's younger cousin Geovy, who sits on the Board of the Angelo King Foundation, which his uncle, Archie, chairs, has a different take: "To me it is important to consider the values of the organization, and to keep these values intact as we continue its work." Like his older cousin, Geovy is also involved in his own philanthropic pursuits outside of AKF. "Education and children have always been two of my passions," shares Geovy, who runs his own values formation program for young children. "The very young are still quite pure of heart," he continues, "so it is a good age to start [my program]."
Ian and his younger cousin Geovy's enthusiasm and energy were both entertaining and catching, and we were immediately drawn into the conversation despite the storm raging outside our meeting place and the blackout that afflicted the entire commercial complex on the evening that we had arranged to meet.

They spoke of the challenges of working within the family business, of the unique opportunities that such a set up presented, and of their shared admiration for their grandfather. "One has to realize that lolo [grandfather] is here he is today because of the kind of person that he is," says Ian. "He doesn't miss anything!" agrees Geovy, which prompts the cousins to consequently launch into tales of their grandfather's legendary particular nature.

Building on strengths, grappling with one's identity and, consequently identifying one's passions, are common themes in our discussion with Ian and Geovy, who both agree that learning how to be good leaders is a crucial process that they must both undertake. "We may only be employees now," says Ian. "But later, one of us will be left in charge."

Ana Aboitiz, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.
More than a conscious choice, Ana says that her inclination towards philanthropy is a natural one, something that was kindled and nurtured in a family steeped in the values of giving, sharing and working to develop communities. "I consider myself and my siblings to have been privileged with an early exposure to philanthropic values," says Ana, whose parents, Bobby and Marian, have both taken significant roles in running the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. "When you grow up with a value -- something that you talk about at home, during meals, with parents and among siblings -- it becomes very, very close to your heart and you develop a real passion for it."

Among the fifth generation Aboitizes, to which Ana and her siblings belong, Ana shares that there are "different levels of understanding and emotional attachment" when it comes to the Foundation’s work and philanthropy in general. "The heart and want is there," the young Aboitiz explains, "but opportunities to help out and become more engaged could be clearer."

Knowing how to help, Ana shares, is a step towards getting her generation more involved in the business of giving. Other steps would be "Helping us understand why our family chose the lines of development, and where the value of sharing comes from, as well as helping us ask the right questions, when the time comes for us to lead."

Understanding and questioning traditions and values, Ana tells us, should go hand in hand. "Young people should be able to respect the traditions that hold their families together," she says, "but they should also be able to bring in the fresh perspective that only their generation can deliver."