Jaime Ongpin, The Enigma: A Profile of the Filipino as Manager

by Nick Joaquín, Rafael A.S.G. Ongpin (Foreword and Afterword), Maria Isabel Ongpin (Foreword to the First Edition)

Jaime “Jimmy” Velayo Ongpin (1938-1987) was a Filipino businessman who rose to become one of the leading finance managers of his generation. He later served as Finance Minister of the Philippines (1986-1987). Tragically, he ended his life after a government reshuffle forced his resignation, leaving us to wonder what would happen if he had stayed on. This biography was written by National Artist Nick Joaquin who delves into the inner thoughts of the late Filipino businessman and how this generation can learn from his legacy.

359 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Nicomedes Márquez Joaquín (1917–2004) was a Filipino writer and journalist best known for his short stories and novels in the English language. He also wrote using the pen name Quijano de Manila. In 1976, Joaquin was conferred the rank and title of National Artist of the Philippines for Literature. He has been considered one of the most important Filipino writers, along with José Rizal and Claro M. Recto. Unlike Rizal and Recto, whose works were written in Spanish, Joaquin's major works were written in English despite being a native Spanish speaker.

Before becoming one of the leading practitioners of Philippine literature in English, he was a seminarian in Hong Kong – who later realized that he could better serve God and humanity by being a writer. This is reflected in the content and style of his works, as he emphasizes the need to restore national consciousness through important elements of Catholic Spanish Heritage.

In his self-confessed mission as a writer, he is a sort of "cultural apostle" whose purpose is to revive interest in Philippine national life through literature – and provide the necessary drive and inspiration for a fuller comprehension of their cultural background. His awareness of the significance of the past to the present is part of a concerted effort to preserve the spiritual tradition and the orthodox faith of the Catholic past – which he perceives as the only solution to our modern ills.

Reviews

[Matthew Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaime "Jimmy" Ongpin (1938-1987) was always an enigma to me. This quiet yet determined businessman rose to become one of the leading finance managers of his generation. But our nation best remembers him as one of the leading activists that helped bring down the Marcos dictatorship and served as its Finance Minister after the People Power Revolution in 1986. Tragically as Joaquin notes, he ended his life after a government reshuffle forced his resignation, leaving us to wonder what would happen if he had stayed on much longer. This biography gives us a nuanced view that heroes are not borne out fighting through arms but also of resolute intellect, and Jimmy Ongpin is one of them we must remember.