Learn the origins of the Yuchengco visionary in this exhibit featuring pieces telling the history of Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco: the diplomat, philanthropist, art patron, and visionary behind some of the country’s most enduring institutions.
The Yuchengco Family traces its roots back to the clan of Yu Tiaoqui (1824-1882) in Fujian, China. These ancestor portraits, expert modern copies of the original of Yu Tiaoqui and his spouse, show them in full Mandarin regalia reserved for persons with official rank.
The inscription on the scrolls lists his official designation, and presents greetings to honor the couple. Yu Tiaoqui graduated as Jin Shih, a title of scholarship granted by His Royal Majesty after having passed the provincial examinations. He was appointed by His Royal Majesty as Tsong Shien Dai Fu, which carried the rank of director-general; he served as deputy director-general in charge of the banquet office in the Ministry of Rites, Protocol Department, and concurrently served as the officer-in-charge of the Ancestral Office of Worship in the same Ministry. He also served as editor-in-chief in the Compiling Office of the Regulations of Rites, and deputy editor-in-chief of the “Educational Systems.”
Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco acquired the foundation of business, work ethics and values from his father, Don Enrique, as he trained under the companies the family has initiated. Soon after taking and placing 4th in the government licensure exam for Certified Public Accountants, he dynamically piloted the diversification of the family’s businesses to what it is today.
This Taipan’s legacy of a financial corporate empire under the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC) presents Ambassador Yuchengco’s continuum of vision towards the recognition of the Philippines as one of Asia’s business growth centers.
Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco has shown support for development and appreciation of Philippine arts through building his personal and Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC) corporate art collections.
Through the years, the collections have substantially grown with the gifts the YGC has received from international partners and affiliates. The pieces are proudly displayed in various corporate headquarters of member companies, as well as in the Yuchengco Museum. Included in the collections are the works of Filipino masters, National Artists, and other highly esteemed Filipino artists. Recognizing his Chinese roots, AY has also collected traditional Chinese watercolor paintings and calligraphy.
AY’s vision in establishing the Yuchengco Museum is to “foster greater public appreciation of the finest in Filipino and Filipino-Chinese visual arts and creativity.” The Museum continues to mount exhibitions revolving around three main themes: Sino-Filipino Expressions, Bridging Cultures, and Art as Design/Design as Art.”
“Corporate well-being is manifest not only on hefty dividends. It is also evident in community integration and responsiveness. It is not enough to have successful business ventures. It is just as important to respond to the needs of the community we find ourselves in.”
–Alfonso T. Yuchengco
The Legacy of Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco is on view at the Yuchengco Museum, open daily from 10AM–6PM except on Sundays.
