Brian C. Lane - The man who found his Ireland in the Philippines

He set out into the world, outside the boundaries of his home country, Ireland, with a very clear goal – to succeed in life and make a better life for his family. And 30 years after first arriving in the Philippines, Brian C. Lane is now enjoying a lavish lifestyle that only a hard-working and successful expat can afford.

In between word inventions and a very impressive Sean Connery imitation, the 67 year-old is busy with the six companies (under the Lane Group of Companies) that he manages with his brother, Gerry. It was 1979 and the country’s economy was just picking up, Brian, together with his brother, found himself awed and excited at the same time by the first glimpse he had of the Philippines – a country brimming with opportunities amid a sickening poverty.

In so many ways, he believes that “the Irish are the Filipinos of Europe and the Filipinos are the Irish of Asia.” This is in reference to the many similarities that both countries share, among which include their colonial background, putting an emphasis on the importance of family ties and values, and their love for music. “My entry into this society was relatively painless,” he says.

On business, Brian embraces competition as it always keeps one on its toes. He says thriving on competition brings out the best in people. So far, there’s probably nothing yet to set the alarm as his companies have successfully earned the lead in their respective markets. He also learned that a good family business can be the core of the economy, or a foundation of a good one. Part of this success, he notes, is the outstanding contribution of his Filipino crew.

With a little bit of Irish luck and the innate willpower of the Irish to succeed, Brian’s family set out to conquer the world – or the Philippines for that matter. “Being Irish, we are probably too stupid to understand failure,” he jokes. The Lanes are practically the bridge that connects the Philippines to Ireland since most of his family members have already settled in the country.

And today, as much as he has nothing more to ask, he has everything to be thankful for.