BIZ BUZZ: Antonios hail Trump win

The financial markets were right pricing in a decisive Trump victory, after all.

And among the Filipinos cheering the triumphant return of Donald Trump to the White House is the Antonio family headed by Jose E.B. Antonio, founder and chair of the Century Properties Group and ambassador-at-large helping the Marcos administration entice investments into the country.

Their alliance was forged long before the former and future US President even thought about throwing his red MAGA hat into the ring, tracing back to when Trump was just a mainstream property developer with extensive operations in New York, where the Antonios are likewise present.

READ: Trump has vowed sweeping tariffs: What comes next?

Also, Antonio’s sons Jigger, Marco and Carlo all went to the Wharton School, the business school of the University of Pennsylvania, where Trump’s daughter Ivanka likewise went.

A testament to their enduring friendship is the addition of the Trump name to one of the buildings within Century City in Makati City.

The 56-story Trump Tower Philippines has 260 units and claims to raise the bar “in super-luxurious living.”

It got awards for “Best Residential High-rise” and “Best Architecture” during the International Property Awards Asia-Pacific in 2013.

And Biz Buzz sources say that the Trump name will soon appear in more developments, perhaps in Palawan and Manila where a Trump City may soon rise. Abangan! —Tina Arceo-Dumlao

The Silicon Valley dream

Silicon Valley is a region in Northern California known for being the global hub for the latest and most advanced technology and innovations that not only disrupt the status quo but also deliver solutions to make our lives better.

This is what the Philippine government wants to replicate in New Clark City, an emerging business district in Capas, Tarlac.

READ: BCDA still finalizing plans to re-develop Market! Market!

On the sidelines of the Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and CEO Joshua Bingcang told Biz Buzz that they were pulling out all the stops to invite more investors who can bring in more technology expertise into Clark. For example, he wants more tech startups and data centers to occupy the business district’s industrial park.

“We have lined up several meetings today, not just among Singaporean companies but among global brands,” he said.

Bingcang said the country’s Luzon Economic Corridor—which provides investment opportunities in transportation, manufacturing, tourism, clean energy and agriculture, among others—has been gaining interest from foreign investors.

“We’re promoting New Clark City as a smart, innovative city. And this event is all about technology, digital finance, and we in BCDA want to create an ecosystem in Clark that is conducive for this kind of industries and businesses,” Bingcang said.

After participating at SFF, the BCDA official said that they will fly to Taiwan next month to look for partners in semiconductors, whose demand has been on the rise amid technological advancements. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad