AT/Dir. Eduardo “Jujut” V. Enriquez, III: The Banker Who’s Making a Difference

Growing up in a ‘Rotarian’ environment, it’s no surprise AT/Dir. Eduardo “Jujut” V. Enriquez, III also became a Rotarian. Thanks to his father, a Great Rotarian (as how AT/Dir. Jujut would describe his dad), his early exposure to the world of Rotary had influenced him to embrace the Rotary culture. And now, he’s making a difference in the banking industry where he works. Get to know AT/Dir. Jujut as he talks about his family, career, adventures, hobbies, his love for action, and that one skill which he learned during the pandemic.

Rhea Vitto Tabora (RVT): When did you join the Rotary and what inspired you to join?

Eduardo “Jujut” V. Enriquez, III (JVE): I joined RCM in 2012 upon the invitation of a very esteemed Rotarian and friend, Fausto Preysler. I was actually with Rotary Makati Ayala for five years, from 2004 to 2009, and served as its President in 2005 to 2006. My inspiration to join came from my Dad who was a Great Rotarian and served with one of our daughter clubs, Rotary Club of QC. I remember how happy, proud and excited he was as I was being inducted into RCM, because to him, it is the most prestigious Rotary Club in the Country. Rotary has always been a part of my growing-up years. Most of my Dad’s friends were Rotarians, so by extension, that meant their children too were friends. I saw the world with Rotary, both from being an exchange student and housing children of Rotarians from other countries to study in the Philippines. So Rotary kinda fits like a glove. The friendships you develop and the sense of purpose are all part of being an engaged Rotarian.

RVT: How has Rotary changed you—personally and professionally?

JVE: Rotary has given my life some balance. It has filled the need for friendship and provided the venue for exchange of diverse opinions and sharing of different cultures. And the fun we all enjoy as brothers in Rotary! Of course, being exposed to Captains of the Industry also allows you to collaborate with different industry experts. The robust exchanges in our Viber groups show depth, experience and knowledge which allows for the exchange of learnings whether directly or indirectly.

RVT: When you were younger, what did you want to be? Have you landed your dream job or has your interest changed when you got older?

JVE: Yes, I have landed my dream job! I like to be constantly challenged in my field to continuously innovate and re-think the way we do things. I guess you can say that my life has been structured (aka, boring). But now that I am in my mid-career, my priorities have changed, but the passion has remained. Priorities that take center stage now is balance between career, family, hobbies and charity, among many others.

RVT: What do you like best about your career?

JVE: Dealing with people. Collaborating to innovate. Addressing an underserved market sector ignored for many years. Making a difference in everyone’s lives.

RVT: What’s the coolest thing in modern banking?

JVE: The innovation! How digitization is revolutionizing the way and how we bank. No more spending time visiting and lining up in brick-and-mortar branches. The use of Robotics and AI for alternative credit scoring in addressing the unbanked.

RVT: Name one thing you are deeply proud of in your life.

JVE: My family! I’ve been married for 23 years and have absolutely loved the journey. We have three children, with the eldest about to graduate BAA from UP, and twins in the university pursuing courses that fulfill them. Next would be my career. I have been a banker for over 25 years and been through several crises, and each time you learn something new. This time, however, it seems to be packed with the most learning. I never thought that I would be working exclusively from home and still be productive, if not more. Making credit access easier, more convenient and financially inclusive is very rewarding and fulfilling.

RVT: What do you do when not working?

JVE: My pandemic-acquired skill is smoking...meats. I’ve started spending 10 to 14 hours smoking beef brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs, beef ribs, burnt ends and steak slabs. I have three carnivorous boys, so that certainly makes them happy. Before smoking, I always spent a weekend each month scuba diving. I have actively been scuba diving around the Philippines and hold a Technical 2 Certification. That means I am certified for deep dives using exotic gases as well as wreck-certified. My favorite diving spot is Tubbataha and was there for three diving seasons in a row until the pandemic in 2020. I’ve always loved the water, whether diving, boating, swimming, fishing, among others.

RVT: If you are to pick one adventure, what would you do and why?

JVE: Cave diving! It has always fascinated me, but it requires extensive training. And Philippines is not really known to have great caves to dive, unlike Florida or the cenotes in Mexico.

RVT: If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be and why?

JVE: New York City! I lived there for a year when I was a teenager and absolutely loved it! The four seasons, the people, the cultural melting pot, the food, the diversity, the independence, among many, many others. Even to retire, I would probably choose a bustling city like NYC than a laid-back life in a farm. I like action and everything associated with speed.

RVT: We all have something we want to do or someplace we want to go. How about you? What’s on your bucket list?

JVE: I am happy where I am and would not want to add to a bucket list simply because I choose to live my life with little expectation. Besides, when I visited Iceland last year, I thought that I had already been to one of the most beautiful places on earth. I would like to go back and explore further. Hike and snow mobile the glaciers, eat more fermented shark, horse and whale, live in the rented van for a week and cook from campsites, just sit down with a glass of wine and enjoy the view of mountains and glaciers.