First of 3 parts

MY columns last month centered on the Philippine oligarchy and political dynasties. This week opens with the “Taipans,” a complimentary term referring to the powerful billionaire-founders of Chinese Filipino business empires. Originally, the appellation referred to foreign entrepreneurs and carpetbaggers operating in 18th and 19th century China and Hong Kong. For this column’s purposes, the term “taipan” is broadened to include the local Chinese Filipinos in the Forbes magazine list of 50 wealthiest Filipino entrepreneurs. (www.forbes.com/philippines-billionaires/list/#tab:overall)