The Colonel and the Lawyer

Atty Martin Loon and his hero, Colonel Ariel Querubin, tell a story of securing the Filipino future from generation to generation

In just a few years, Atty Martin Loon has made substantial headway in the local insurance business. A graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines College of Law and Georgetown University, the lawyer has served as the President and CEO of the country’s biggest Filipino-owned stock life insurance company since before the global pandemic began.

Upon a closer look, Loon’s quality as a natural leader is evidently brought about by the influence of a stalwart father figure: his stepfather, retired Colonel Ariel Querubin. A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, Querubin is often regarded as the country’s most decorated soldier, having received the Medal of Valor, the military’s highest honour, among many other distinctions. Loon carries with him his father’s love for country and resilience during times of conflict, while Querubin holds great admiration for his eldest son’s selfless dedication to the family when duty called him away. “Good thing there was Martin,” muses the soldier. “He’s always been very responsible. He became the mentor to all his siblings.”