Robina Gokongwei-Pe’s ‘retirement’ plans

Tycoon Robina Gokongwei-Pe, sports patron of the University of the Philippines’ Fighting Maroons, said she now has more time to watch the UAAP games. She announced months ago that she would be stepping down as president and CEO of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.

RRHI veteran Stanley Co will succeed Robina as she moves to her new role as the company’s chairman of the board, taking over from her brother Lance Gokongwei.

When I asked why she would be retiring her prexy and CEO duties, Robina jested that it’s because she wants to be able to watch all the UAAP games and not just a few.

Of course with Robina, you don’t know when she’s joking or not but then it’s really no secret that she’s an avid UP sports patron. And while the leadership changes will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, as early as now, it seems Robina indeed has already more time on her hands.

Last week, she led the signing of RRHI’s renewal of its 15-year sponsorship of the UP men’s basketball team held at the UP Executive House in Diliman. The deal was signed with UP’s Nowhere To Go But Up. UP’s indefatigable president, Angelo?Jimenez, was there, too. Perhaps, like in a marriage, it’s a sort of renewal of vows. And why not? The journey’s been good after all.

At the signing ceremony, Robina looked more relaxed indeed and visibly excited for yet another UAAP Season.

On a more serious note, Robina said she would have more time to study the ever evolving retail landscape and conceptualize more products and formats for RRHI.

Three days after, on Saturday, UP, the host of UAAP Season 87, set the tone for the season with legendary rock band Eraserheads headlining the opening ceremonies and turning the Araneta Coliseum into a mini-concert and Gen-Xers reunion. UP’s victory against the Ateneo Blue Eagles later that day completed the first day high.

Congratulations UP and best of luck to all the teams from all the participating universities!

Speaking of tycoons, here’s a story about the late Don Enrique Zobel or EZ.

When his longtime assistant Joan Orendain first saw the tycoon after his spinal cord injury, Joan said she was shocked and was on the verge of tears.

Upon seeing this, Don Enrique tried to stop Joan’s