Speaking in front of some 300 graduates, Pangilinan said that “Success springs from old-fashioned values — values as fundamental as being honest and truthful — with yourself and with others. And so is being diligent, hard-working, and disciplined."

“But most of all, success is about passion — passion to succeed, passion for excellence, passion to compete," he stressed.

Coming from humble beginnings, Pangilinan narrated his own story of success — sharing his own experiences filled with new learnings, discoveries, and even failure. With decades long of extensive background on business, Pangilinan recalled the 50 square meters rental space where First Pacific once stood and with only six people hoping and aspiring it would flourish to what it is today.

“Three decades later, First Pacific has turned into a regional conglomerate, employing more than 100,000 people in various parts of Asia,” Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan also underscored the importance of education in shaping the lives of the youth. “Ang pahiwatig ko sa ating mga mag-aaral ay ang inyong pinag-aralan at pagsisikap ay susi sa inyong tagumpay. My education played a big role in my life — just as it will in yours,” Pangilinan said.