The scene: an upscale restaurant located in the beating heart of the metro. Some of Manila’s brightest young minds sit around a table to talk business, politics, and (on occasion) share a few frivolous anecdotes about daily life. For regular people, the good whiskey and fine wine will eventually run out. But not for this set, who earn their living managing unique businesses that have truly helped shaped the economic landscape of the country today. Seated beside each other is Brian Poe Llamanzares and Anna Mae Lamentillo. Just by observing them, you know they are good friends. Anna Mae can’t help but let out her incomparable laugh whenever Brian makes one of his iconic Tito jokes. When the clock strikes 11 PM, they look at each other. It’s time to leave. Despite strong protest from their friends, they excuse themselves and make their way towards the exit. Don’t get the wrong idea…This is not a love affair. It’s even better—it’s a powerful partnership.
“We just need to look at each other and we’ll know that it’s time to leave, because we’re usually studying [or meeting a deadline for] something,” Anna Mae begins. “Misery loves company,” Brian adds with a fit of laughter. “Normally, when you have to [leave a party], no one believes you. But since Anna Mae and I are on the same page, they believe us because [they know we have to go to work]. People understand it better, because someone else is vouching for you.” The two are an unlikely pair who have found common ground, both as friends, and as business partners. Together, they run dozens of new startup companies, and they’re excited to leave their mark on the Philippines as a dynamic duo.
Brian and Anna Mae first met each other through common friends at a dinner party. At the beginning, they were often teased for getting along with each other so well, despite belonging to different political parties. Brian, amongst other things, works as Chief of Staff for his mother Senator Grace Poe. On the other hand, Anna Mae is firmly in the Duterte camp. She is most notable for her work as the former chairperson for Build, Build, Build, as well as archiving the administration’s achievements in infrastructure through her book Night Owl. Although the two share very different political ideologies, they never let it interfere with their work or friendship. “People actually have more things in common than what they’d consider differences,” says Brian. “That’s something people need to realize. At the end of the day, the only thing you you’re disagreeing with is politics. You want success and growth for your country, friends, and family.”
Despite working together, they share that their friendship (mostly because of their political affiliations) have become a “running joke” within their circle. Always the positive pair, the two have chosen to ignore the background noise. In fact, they embrace their differences to their benefit. “It’s actually very complimentary,” shares Anna Mae. She further explains that business discussions have become more fruitful because they are both keen on keeping an open mind. “We actually cover a much wider network together as friends and as business partners, because we get one side or another. It’s easy for us to bridge the gap,” Brian adds. The two, whose careers have afforded them a wide network of contacts, are expanding it further with each other’s help. They say that one of the greatest benefits of being in cohorts is that they are able to meet people they might not have met otherwise.
While their partnership is still in the early stages, it’ll be interesting to see what the dynamic duo has in store for the future. Since most of their projects are still at the permitting stage, they were hesitant to discuss it while things were yet to be officially launched. However, looking at their individual achievements shows just how powerful a pair they are. Anna Mae is an established government official, a juris doctor, published author, and op-ed columnist for several prestigious publications. On the other hand, Brian boasts a glistening resume that includes his work in government, publishing, and philanthropy. Not to mention, he has a long list of flourishing business ventures, most notably his homegrown watch brand Time Master, which has a cult following. The two work off each other’s strengths to build the businesses they want to make. Nothing is going to stop them, because two heads are better than one.
When asked what they are currently working on, they humbly explain that most of their business ventures are “boring” and far from “glamorous”. Still, a brief discussion of their plans truly showcases just how innovative their minds work. For instance, they are currently working to launch a unique hybrid art gallery concept. “It’s called Infinitum Art Gallery,” says Anna Mae with a hint of zealous excitement. “It’s going to be a combination of traditional art and NFTs. We want to put up the first Filipino gallery in the METAVERSE. True, there are some galleries selling NFTs now, but the actual gallery will be in the METAVERSE. We will exist not only in a physical space, but in the METAVERSE as well.” Although their hectic schedules have made it tough to open the gallery, Brian admits that they are currently gathering a group of passionate art collector friends who will make the concept thrive amid the competitive world of fine art.
“I have the highest respect for Brian,” shared Anna Mae when asked what she loves about her friend. “Brian never stops. He always wants better things for himself and for the Filipino people. It’s refreshing to work with someone at that level. He’s never satisfied, because he’s always working on the next big thing. He’s a very hardworking person. He’s very smart. When I see him tick the boxes one by one, I’m really happy for him. I’m his number one cheerleader.” Brian returns the compliment: “The top 3 things that come to mind when I think of Anna Mae is that she’s driven, decisive, and honest. She’s all the things you’d want from a leader [and] a friend. Anna Mae has been so humble about it. But where she is in terms of her career, is where I want to be someday. Between the government positions she’s had and her businesses now—I find it so amazing.” They both laugh. “Oh stop it! It’s the other way around”. giggles Anna Mae. You can feel the mutual respect.
When observing the two talk about business, you notice that they are indeed, workaholics. Yet, the positive nature of their relationship simply helps their work ethic flourish. This is mostly due to the fact that they have found common ground, which is, to build a lasting legacy. With each other’s help, you truly feel that it is possible. “I’m happy, when he’s happy,” muses Anna Mae. “We push each other. And that’s very important at this age, because you are who you hang out with.” “It’s one of the things that I like about the dynamic,” Brian adds. “It’s rare in this day and age for friends who don’t share the same opinion to be honest. You should be open to what other people have to say and listen to both sides. The most important thing is that both of you are honest with each other, especially if you want to maintain a friendship.”
Beyond their business efforts and the political talk, what Brian Poe Llamanzares and Anna Mae Lamentillo have is an enduring friendship. They belong to a lucky group of individuals who have found the perfect balance between friend and business partner. “Birds of the same feather, flock together”, people often say. But as cliché as that saying goes, I truly believe it when it comes to this particular duo. They are a pair of mythical phoenixes, rising from the flames of indifference, and flying towards a brighter future.
Get in touch with Brian Poe Llamanzares and Anna Mae Lamentillo through:
Brian Poe Llamanzares – brianpoenews@gmail.com
Anna Mae – anime@nightowl.ink
—alike.com.ph
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