Duane Santos

A graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, this former law practioner and athlete (he once played for the national squash team) has found another passion in realestate. Now the executive

Can a man/woman really have it all?

“Having it all” is a state of mind, and what it entails is different for each of us. To me, we simply have to manage our needs and wants in order to be truly happy and fulfilled.

What gives life meaning?

Sharing the resources we have at our disposal, whether they be concrete or abstract, and giving to those who have less in life.

What’s something new you learnt about life?

Irreconcilable differences can be resolved over time in certain instances. Irreconcilable indifferences, however, cannot.

What’s something new you learnt about yourself?

My bad habits die hard, but fortunately, my good habits die even harder.

At what age did you finally feel comfortable in your own skin?

At 13, I lived in a boarding school that housed 500 boys, and only five of us were not Caucasian. There were students that would constantly remind me of the colour of my skin. As with most boys’ schools, athletes were recognised to the point of being provided a special necktie that corresponded to a particular sport. I made it to the rugby and field hockey teams, and eventually captained the tennis and squash teams. My race stopped becoming an issue, and I finally—and literally—became comfortable in my own skin.

Are you hopeful about the future?

The future is bright for any country with these characteristics: a fast growing economy with a young, sizeable, and fast growing population. We are the only country in the world with an economy growing more than 6.5 per cent; with contributions from a population of at least 100 million with a growth rate of at least 1.5 per cent, and a median age of less than 25 per cent.

What’s the best decision you have ever made?

I listened to my parents about the value of education, withstanding the temptation to return to the comforts and security of home despite being only 13 at the time. I haven’t stopped learning since.

What’s the best advice you would give your younger self?

In life, school, relationships, and in one’s career, the harder it is to succeed, the more satisfying triumph is. The path of least resistance is, more often than not, not the wisest path.

What would you want your legacy to be?

I’m fortunate to be part of an organisation that builds sustainable townships and business districts that will stand the test of time. These are worthy of being passed down from our generation to the next. My contribution to these communities will be my legacy.