Bing Castillo

Bing Castillo (PIONEER)

Vietnam...

We understand that you were a Chem Engg major. When did you graduate from UP?

1972

Who were your contemporaries?

I founded the fraternity and became its Grand Q in the first two years. Jun Marte suceeded me and I became Council member Sr Rep at Eng'g. There were 12 of us initially as follows if I can remember them all:
-Jun Marte(USA)
-Ed Martinez
-Ben Cacha-Businessman
-Obet Tiongson-Eveready
-Rolly Cristi ex Singer retired
-Philip Ting-Businessman
-Rey Pagililingan
-Angel Manzo(USA)
-George Acayan
-Edwin de Leon
-etc

How was UP and Engineering then?

Difficult to say what it was like then as I dont know how it is now but:
-ikot is 10 cents
-lunch is P2.50
-registration can be finished in 1 day
-Archi is still on top of the library
-Beta and ? are the main frat at eng'g
-Beta tried to recruit us all in one go but we refused
-We funded ourselves by collecting 10c a day amongst ourselves
-Lunch is often at Yakal
-Drive -in still exist
-tambay area is at the back of main libe
-Very few students have cars

We've heard that you've been with Unilever for the past few years?

I am now based in saigon Vietnam as Technical Director Unilever Vietnam. Been here for the last 6 yrs and maybe for another 3. Expat life is financially rewarding.Before VN, was in Korea for 2 yrs to set-up the Unilever mfg operations. Started my carrer with ABC consulting, then known as PERCON for one year then joined Unilever Philippines, formerly known as Phil Refining Company. Worked in UK 82-85 and all the rest in Manila, Foods, Soaps, Sulphunation and shampoos.

We have four factories here now, all built and set-up by me and hence you will understand why I'd rather stay here as I dont think I'll find this opportunity elsewhere.

How is the family?

Family is in Manila but I go home once every 6 weeks ie if my wife does not choose to come here. Reason is childrens education as there are no English Universities in VN. They can come and live here though if they want.

Words of wisdom for the younger brods?

You will experience that only a very small amount of academic is what you will use in the professional life. What is more valuable is the leadership and management skill that one acquires and hence the founding and setting-up and growing the fraternity is the most valuable thing that I have experienced. Being pragmatic is very important, being able to get along with all sorts of people ie workers to chairmens. There is no room for pride no matter how good you are.