Chapter 91: Reactions from the Media and Getting Starstruck
And as expected, the media covered the partnership deal between Timothy Guerrero and Jensen Huang like wildfire. From sunrise news programs to primetime broadcasts, every television screen across the country was flashing the same headline in bold letters:
"HISTORIC: Filipino CEO Timothy Guerrero Partners with NVIDIA to Build $22B Semiconductor Foundry."
ABS-CBN, GMA, and CNN Philippines aired special coverage segments, each bringing in economic experts, engineers, and former trade officials to discuss what this meant for the country.
In one studio, the anchor of The Philippine Morning Report could hardly contain her excitement.
"This isn’t just business news," she said, eyes gleaming. "This is history in the making. For decades, the Philippines has been a service-based economy—outsourcing, assembly, BPO. But now? We’re entering the age of advanced manufacturing."
The camera then cut to an economic analyst sitting across from her.
"What Timothy Guerrero has done," the analyst explained, "is something no one thought possible. Building a semiconductor foundry is a trillion-peso endeavor—only a few nations like Taiwan, South Korea, and the U.S. have that capability. If this pushes through, the Philippines won’t just be importing technology—it will be exporting it."
Meanwhile, in Taguig, CNBC Asia correspondents were already broadcasting live from the Bonifacio Global City financial district, where several multinational tech firms had begun calling the TG Holdings headquarters for possible partnerships.
"It’s a seismic shift," one foreign correspondent reported. "A Filipino-led company entering one of the most advanced industries on Earth—and with NVIDIA no less. The deal could inject billions into infrastructure, education, and technology within just a few years."
***
Inside the presidential press room, reporters gathered as the Office of the President prepared to address the breaking news. According to the staff, even the President himself had only learned about the deal. and was just as surprised as everyone else.
Moments later, the President stepped up to the podium, a proud smile on his face.
"the world witnessed a Filipino make history," he began. "Mr. Timothy Guerrero’s partnership with NVIDIA represents a new dawn for our nation, a step toward industrial independence and global relevance. For the first time, the Philippines will not only assemble the future, we will help build it."
The reporters clapped as he continued.
"We in government pledge our full support. Whether it’s infrastructure, policy, or education, we will make sure this partnership thrives on Philippine soil. This is not just a win for one man, it is a win for every Filipino."
The statement was broadcast live across all networks, with people online calling it "the most optimistic speech in years."
Within hours, hashtags flooded every platform.
#TimothyGuerrero
#PhilippinesOnTheMap
#MadeInThePhilippines
#TGxNVIDIA
Facebook was filled with celebratory posts:
"Finally, a Filipino making international headlines not for politics or scandals, but for innovation. Timothy Guerrero, you make us proud!"
— Comment by user Jaypee M., Quezon City
"Bro really said ’I’ll build a semiconductor empire’ and then actually did it."
— From r/Philippines Reddit thread, upvoted 19,000 times.
"If TG Motors releases their EVs, I’m selling my old sedan. I’m buying Filipino-made. This guy’s carrying the whole country!"
— Comment on Facebook with 45K reactions.
Memes, tributes, and fan-made infographics began circulating everywhere, Timothy shaking hands with Jensen beside a Philippine flag.
Bloomberg and Reuters analysts noted how the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) jumped nearly 7% in early trading, led by surging interest in local tech and infrastructure sectors. Several property developers immediately released statements expressing interest in competing for the foundry site.
Foreign investors, too, began reaching out. Singaporean and Japanese funds reportedly sought meetings with TG Holdings, while Korea’s SK Group publicly congratulated Timothy on "a visionary step that will reshape Southeast Asian tech."
***
Later in the evening, inside the Marriott Grand Ballroom. Timothy checked those updates in his phone and couldn’t help but smile. The entire nation was proud of him and he couldn’t wait for their reaction once the company was up in running.
The celebration is today and he was wearing the finest suit that cost him about five hundred thousand pesos. Several businessmen and tycoons of the Philippines are reportedly coming as soon as they heard of the event. He has to look the CEO.
He pocketed his phone, took a sip of his drink, and turned slightly when a soft, familiar voice called from behind him.
"Mr. Guerrero... I’m sorry if I took too long to change."
He froze mid-step.
When he turned, his breath caught in his throat.
There stood Hana, framed by the warm amber glow of the ballroom lights. The dress she wore was breathtaking, a soft champagne-gold gown that shimmered with every movement. The off-shoulder bodice draped gracefully around her collarbones, held by delicate folds of translucent fabric gathered into a subtle knot at the center of her chest. The skirt flowed down in layers of fine tulle, catching the light like liquid silk, each step she took creating the illusion that she was gliding rather than walking.
A thin pearl necklace rested around her neck, perfectly matching the earrings that swayed lightly as she approached. Her dark hair cascaded gently over her shoulders, styled effortlessly yet with a grace that drew every pair of eyes in the room.
Timothy’s heart skipped a beat.
He had always known Hana was beautiful, sharp, refined, with that distinctly confident Korean sense of fashion, but this... this was something else entirely.
or a moment, the noise of the ballroom faded into silence, leaving only her, standing there like she’d stepped out of a dream.
"Wow..." he managed, before catching himself and clearing his throat. "You look... incredible."
Hana smiled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Thank you, Mr. Guerrero. I thought tonight deserved something formal."
"That’s... definitely formal," he said with a soft laugh, trying to sound composed, but his tone betrayed him. "You’re going to steal everyone’s attention."
"I hope not," she replied teasingly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "This is your night, after all."
He smiled faintly. "I think I can share a little of the spotlight. You are my personal secretary after all."
He offered him his elbow. "Shall we?"