Washington
BIZ BUZZ: Antonios go to Washington
Donald Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated—again—as the president of the United States on Jan. 20 in Washington.
Among those who will witness his return to power as the 47th president of the world’s largest economy are some of his old friends from the Philippines.
We’re talking about Century Properties Group founder and chair Jose EB Antonio and his wife, Hilda.
Going with them is their third son, Jose Roberto, who had just been appointed managing director of the J. Antonio Group Inc. in charge of resort-related projects.
It may be recalled that the Trumps and the Antonios struck up a friendship decades ago in New York when Trump was more known as a property developer, just like the Antonios. Some of their children also went to business school together.
And then, the Antonios also brought the Trump brand into one of the office buildings in its Century City development in Makati City.
Article continues after this advertisement
But the elder Antonio will be there not just as a personal friend invited by the Trumps to attend the inauguration but also to represent President Marcos as his ambassador-at-large tasked with inviting more investments into the Philippines.
Article continues after this advertisement
With a friend in the White House, the Antonios are confident that more investments as well as visitors will flow toward the Philippines. —Tina Arceo-Dumlao
Clark hits the Belle’s eye
In July 2024, Belle Corp. gave us a teaser about applying for a gaming license from “government regulators.”
Despite the rumor mill running wild that the gaming-focused investment firms of delisted subsidiary Premium Leisure Corp. had plans to conquer Clark, Belle opted to keep quiet.
Nearly half a year later, Belle hailed Clark as “the next gaming and tourism hub” and confirmed that they had, indeed, applied for a gaming license specifically to develop an integrated resort in the former American air base.
Belle president and CEO Armin Raquel Santos likewise expressed optimism on his company’s growth prospects, “and bullish on the Philippine gaming market and its resilience despite industry headwinds.”
”Belle, through its gaming subsidiaries, continues to explore and pursue related ventures and high-growth opportunities in the gaming space that will enhance shareholder value while delivering its commitments to all stakeholders,” the company quoted Santos as saying.
Though much still remains unsaid about Belle’s plans for Clark, it is clear that the gaming industry is still attractive despite some weakness and hiccups—Bloomberry Corp.’s earnings, for instance, and Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy’s long-stalled Cebu casino project.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
Let’s see if Belle will go against the odds. —Meg J. Adonis