“More than 23 years ago, I sat down with a man who had a vision. He shared ideas of what the future could look like, imagining a society where people were enabled to pursue noble dreams and aspirations. We toasted over tea, and I came onboard in a position that gave me a vantage view of how a visionary realizes a better world, one project after another.”

These were the opening lines of the winning tribute delivered by Aniceto Sobrepeña, president of Metrobank Foundation, to Dr. George S.K. Ty.

During the memorial service on Nov. 25, 2018, he described Ty’s passion and drive to enable others to reach their potentials. The founder of the Metrobank Group of Companies established the Metrobank Foundation in 1979 as the corporate social responsibility arm of his conglomerate.

Ty shared his resources to implement programs that uplifted the quality of life across the country. He believed in giving others a chance to be great by giving them an opportunity. Sobrepeña talked about Ty’s philanthropic legacy, which he felt should be made known to a wider audience. His tribute was consequently published in print and social media.

The positive feedback received from the public prompted the Metrobank Foundation to submit the eulogy as an entry to The Philippine Quill Awards. “Good Night, Mr. George Ty. I’ll See You in the Morning,” bagged the Quill Professional Excellence Award in the 17th Philippine Quill Awards last Aug. 30.

Sobrepeña spoke of Dr. Ty’s generosity and passion to help others through the Metrobank Foundation’s programs and projects that address needs of various sectors of Philippine society, while also intending for them to move forward and reach for their goals.

The intent of the eulogy was to honor Ty by communicating the Metrobank founder’s benevolent initiatives benefitting marginalized and disadvantaged Filipinos through the work of the Metrobank Foundation, highlighting Ty’s vision, values, and contribution to society.
The eulogy was intended to reach and connect to a wide audience through Sobrepeña’s memories of Ty. It encouraged others who knew Ty to reminisce their own moments with him.

It provided the public a glimpse of Ty as a person and as a superior. Sobrepeña worked with Ty for more than 20 years, in what he describes as nation building from the ground up.

His tribute aspired to make known Ty’s generosity of spirit, inspire others by his life and works, and convey the Metrobank Foundation’s programs and initiatives contributing to the lives of their target beneficiaries.

The speech was not just about the good Ty had done, but highlighted his philanthropy as the expression of the meaningful life he chose to live. The tribute conveyed Sobrepeña’s close personal and professional relationship with Ty, allowing the public a glimpse into Ty’s person not widely known outside his circle. He described their morning teatime as occasion to discuss current events, their work and their families.

Many in the audience who heard the eulogy shared how the Metrobank founder motivated them to give back to the community following their own successes. Beneficiaries of Ty’s philanthropic endeavors also expressed gratitude for the Metrobank Foundation’s programs which Ty conceived. His philanthropic legacy prospers in the hearts of those he helped and inspired. Heightened awareness of his advocacies honors not just his life and works but promotes generosity for the benefit of one’s fellowmen.

The excellence award received by Sobrepeña for his tribute to Ty is a timely recognition for the late Metrobank Group chairman whose birth anniversary falls on Sept. 5.

The article was originally published on the Sept. 4 issue of The Philippine Star.

Tags: 2019 Press Releases