By Fil C. Sionil His reputation, almost always wanting to stay behind the scene, has preceded him. However, on Wednesday, he was the news following his decision to avail of an early retirement as president and chief executive officer of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). The eldest son of retail mogul and the country’s wealthiest – ranking No. 52 worldwide field in business magazine Forbes list Henry Sy–the younger Sy or “Big Boy” in the business circle is somewhat “camera shy,” is rarely photographed, and allows his performance as NGCP head and chair of family-controlled SM Development Corporation (SMDC) to speak for himself. He’s a bit of an enigma for me. There’s certain mystique. Up close and personal, however, the term of endearment, “Big Boy,” I believe, is a misnomer. Impeccably dressed, which he swears he buys from Uniqlo, this 64-year-old is a charmer. For a baby boomer, his build and complexion would rival those of a Generation X. Stepping down from NGCP, which he steered in the last seven years, Mr. Big Boy remains a stakeholder of the power utility firm, representing the 30 percent ownership of One Taipan Holdings, Inc. “I will remain as a shareholder,” he says. He, too, assures that he may no longer be at the helm of NGCP but its commitment to go public proceeds. Prior to his departure, one of the things he was busy on was to comply with the documentary requirements needed for the initial public offering (IPO). “We’re working this out with ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission). Hopefully within the year,” he said. NGCP, as stipulated in its congressional franchise, is given 10 years to comply with the IPO by unloading 20 percent of its stake. With one responsibility off his full plate, Mr. Big Boy can now focus on his other passion (the main reason cited in availing of early retirement, although some believe there’s more to this), building affordable and high-end abodes through urban vertical living, and developing the minds of younger generations as the top honcho of the National University (NU). He passionately talks about his latest projects, the joint venture with Alfred Ty of Federal Land to construct the tallest structure to be built along Ayala Avenue. The 60-story luxury condominium is designed by award-winning British architectural design and engineering firm Foster and Partners, the company that constructed the Hong Kong airport, Apple Michigan Avenue in Chicago, the new Bloomberg European headquarters, and the global home of the PGA Tour. There will be only four units on each floor with its own elevator access. The main man explains it won’t be difficult to sell the luxurious unit. “Foster attracts buyers.” I had it from an insider that Mr. Big Boy is the person behind the continuing projects in the reclamation area complex, the site of SM Mall of Asia (MOA). “He has a bay window, where can see the horizon. This is where he draws up his (developmental) vision.” Included in his vision is a plan to transform MOA into a complete complex with all the necessary amenities that will satisfy consumers. Currently beside the Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus, The Way, The Truth, and The Life, a new building will be constructed, in which the lower floors will be dedicated to parking while the upper floors will be the site of the new NU campus – to house the business school, the law school, as well as engineering. The present open parking area between SMX and SM Arena will house the famous world’s largest retailer of ready-to-assemble Swedish furniture, kitchen appliances, and home accessories Ikea. As the brand marketing brand of SM goes, “we’ve got it all for you” for Mr. Big Boy, the business potential in the country never been better. Talk back to me at [email protected]