STAR Rtn. Brendon M. V. Yujuico: Raising the Philippine Flag High

The family’s business became the sole producer of Philippine flags in 1997, including the flag used at the commemoration of the centenary of Philippine Independence in 1998. His family’s businesses, which were set up in the ‘50s by his father, Mr. Jesus S. Yujuico, have been helping many Filipino families for decades. Believing in Filipinos’ world class capabilities, they have also been exporting products since early 2000s. Their textile business has also clothed the country— both government and private sectors.

Recently, STAR Rtn. Brendon found a home in Rotary Club of Manila to fulfill his desire to help grow the country into what it should be, by getting involved in service projects and taking action to change lives. Get to know STAR Rtn. Brendon as he shares his inspiration to join RCM. He also describes his proud moments in his company and shares his success habits. And you won’t be surprised to know the business leaders whom he admires.

Rhea Vitto Tabora (RVT): What inspired you to join the Rotary Club of Manila?

Brendon M.V. Yujuico (BMVY): My friend, Immediate Past Director Hans Palacios, had always told me about the opportunities for fellowship, goodwill and service to others at the Club. I then went to a meeting to see the opportunities available and came away with a very good impression of the club’s leaders to provide a future base for what I was looking for. In my own little way, I had always wanted to help grow and evolve this nation from a country that we can be, to a country we should be. In that meeting, former President Mr. Jackie Rodriguez and current President Mr. Bobby Joseph announced two things that piqued my interest. The first being the start of a re-forestation project in the South and secondly, that a second club organization had achieved tax-free charity status. Thus, opening the club for opportunities to help our fellowmen. These leaders were serious about change; they had taken the first step in a journey that called my want to help. I wanted in, if they would allow me.

RVT: How would you describe your experience with the club so far?

BMVY: What I find very interesting are the experiences and sensibilities of the members and fellow Star Rotarians, the long line of which started in 1919 to today. In their fellowship and experiences, we make and help each other grow in our understandings of ourselves in this world and this era. I feel that each and every one stands on each other’s shoulder and helps us see further, which makes us better people amongst ourselves, and more importantly, to others.

RVT: What is it about manufacturing that most people don’t realize?

BMVY: Yes, we can! My family has been involved in different manufacturing businesses here since the ‘50s. We made and exported goods well into the early 2000s. We, unfortunately, love to feel we can only be good in our country. In terms of manpower, we export professionals, technical, skilled and unskilled labor, so in terms of people we MAKE competent and very capable citizens of WORLD CLASS manufacturing. If we work more closely with the government instead of us expecting the government to come to us, the synergy could once again produce a slew of local companies with WORLD CLASS capabilities.

RVT: What are you most proud of regarding the company?

BMVY: In the textile business, we have clothed the country both in the private sector and the government sector. One of the proudest moments in the company history was in 1997. We were awarded the sole production of the National flag by the Centennial commission. That also included one very important flag. It was one made to commemorate the trip of the flag from Hongkong in 1898 to its intended nation, the Philippines, in 1998. In researching how to make the flag, we noticed that the flag colors were not standardized and classified for easy reproducibility. Along with many official and not-so-official changes through the years, the Philippines had a flag which came in many colors. Working with the National Historical Association of the Philippines and former Vice President Salvador Laurel who was now chairing The National Centennial Commission, we were able to standardize and revert our flag to what was closest to the original colors of our flag which was presented to President Aguinaldo by Doña Marcela Agoncillo that day in May 1898. Republic Act No. 8491, the return of our flag’s color into our future, was made possible not because I asked for it to return; it was made possible because of the hard work of many selfless others. When I watched Vice President Laurel’s re-enactment of the trip from Hongkong, albeit now it was on Philippine Airlines instead of a boat, I was so proud of everyone involved watching the re-colored flag we had made for the centennial being shown by him to the press. Now that I think about it, that is what ROTARY is all about—service to others. In other capacities, we have also dressed the Army, the Police and the Girl Scouts, to name a few.

RVT: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

BMVY: Nothing strikes me as extraordinary at this point; however, I believe that in the end we will have been the sum of our whole life lived! Maybe, and maybe, at that time, I will have something to crow about to Saint Peter!

RVT: What are your success habits?

BMVY: In anything that I have ever succeeded or competed at, I have a quote by Winston Churchill: “Never, ever, ever, ever, ever give up!” In all aspects of life, this has always helped me succeed in whatever I had been trying to do. If you tell it to yourself enough times; you will actually believe it and achieve it. Trite and true!

RVT: Name a business leader whom you look up to, and why?

BMVY: I have two answers for that. The first being the members of Rotary back to the beginning in 1919, selflessness is easy to say and difficult to do. Balancing moral conscientiousness and self-interest is never something easy to do. Everyday, the members of Rotary have to deal with that without being impractical or naïve. I look to the long line of Rotarians for that answer and how they deal with that, and my admirations to them.

The second is my father. Yes, I know, easy choice. He lived his life to the fullest; was an officer in the (USAFFE) United States Army Forces Far East, fought in Bataan, and escaped during the Death March. He founded a transportation (bus) company and the first integrated textile mill in the Philippines, also its first polyester plant. He set up a bank with his business associates and started up the Sheraton Hotel along Roxas Boulevard. He was a great husband, a great father. He also knew how to enjoy life. He had a weekly Poker Gang for the longest time. In Baguio, Agpawa, the faith healer, was his buddy at the casino. Sadly, the psychic healer was blah at the tables. Like IPVP and Programs Committee Chairman Hermie Esguerra, he raced and bred horses, although I think he enjoyed the betting more. I look up to him because he balanced his life and did not let either work or play dominate.

RVT: What do you believe is your mission in life?

BMVY: To be true to oneself. We tend to live our lives to others’ expectations; we have to be happy first before we can move on to our intended goals.

RVT: If you could give one piece of advice to a potential young business leader, what would it be?

BMVY: I would remind him that as a leader, one cannot lead by consensus as HE holds the unenviable task of being solely responsible for the outcome. He may consult and listen to his subordinates, but, ultimately, success or failure is with him, and he will only have allies if successful.

RVT: How do you relax after a hard day’s work?

BMVY: By not thinking about the next day. I believe the Chinese have a saying that tomorrow will take care of tomorrow; knowing that has served me well. And of course, trying to cook; if that doesn’t work there’s always Grab Food!