Atong Ang Biography: Wikipedia, Age, Early Life, Education, Wife, Career, Business, Net Worth, Family, Children
Atong Ang Biography
Charlie “Atong” Tiu Hay Sy Ang, commonly known as Atong Ang, is a prominent Filipino businessman and gaming tycoon. He gained national attention in the early 2000s due to his involvement in high-profile legal cases and has since become a significant figure in the Philippine gaming industry.
Early Life and Family Background
Details about Atong Ang’s early life, including his birth date and family background, are not widely documented. He is known to be of Filipino-Chinese descent and has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his public business ventures.
Education
Information regarding Atong Ang’s educational background is scarce. Public records do not provide detailed insights into his academic pursuits or qualifications.
Career Beginnings
Atong Ang’s career trajectory is closely associated with the gaming and entertainment sectors in the Philippines. He co-founded the Ultimate Fighting Cock Championship (UFCC), aiming to promote discipline, respect, sportsmanship, and camaraderie among cockfighting enthusiasts.
Rise to Prominence
In 2001, Atong Ang became a central figure in the impeachment trial of then-President Joseph “Erap” Estrada. He was implicated as a co-accused in the plunder case, accused of diverting funds from tobacco excise taxes intended for Ilocos Sur. Following these events, Ang fled to the United States but was later extradited to the Philippines in 2006. He entered a plea bargain, admitting to the lesser offense of corrupting public officials, and agreed to return a portion of the diverted funds.
Gaming Empire
Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation
After resolving his legal issues, Atong Ang became a consultant for Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation (MVGC), a company operating jai alai games within the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport. Under his guidance, MVGC reportedly earned substantial daily revenues from its gaming operations.
E-Sabong Operations
Atong Ang further expanded his influence in the gaming industry through online cockfighting, known as e-sabong. His company, Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc., reportedly handled daily bets ranging from ₱1 billion to ₱2 billion, translating to a gross monthly income of approximately ₱3 billion. However, in May 2022, the Philippine government banned e-sabong due to social concerns, leading to the cessation of these operations.
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Major Achievements
- Ultimate Fighting Cock Championship (UFCC): Co-founded UFCC to elevate the status of cockfighting in the Philippines, promoting it as a sport with discipline and respect.
- Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation: As a consultant, he played a pivotal role in the company’s significant earnings from jai alai and other gaming activities.
- E-Sabong Operations: Pioneered online cockfighting platforms, generating substantial revenues and influencing the digital transformation of traditional gaming in the Philippines.
Net Worth
Atong Ang has not publicly disclosed his net worth. However, estimates suggest that his wealth could be substantial, considering the significant revenues generated by his gaming ventures. Former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II claimed that Ang’s operations earned approximately ₱50 million daily.
Personal Life
Atong Ang is married to Iris Ang. Despite his public business endeavors, he maintains a private family life. In 2019, he was linked to controversies involving the Barretto family, particularly with actress Gretchen Barretto. Ang clarified that his relationships with the Barrettos were purely professional and familial, denying any romantic involvement.
Recent Developments
In December 2023, following the e-sabong ban, Atong Ang introduced a new, bloodless online game called “Apple na Pula-Apple na Puti,” inspired by traditional Filipino games, aiming to recoup losses from the e-sabong ban.
Conclusion
Atong Ang’s journey from a controversial figure in Philippine politics to a leading gaming tycoon illustrates his resilience and adaptability. Despite facing legal challenges and public scrutiny, he has significantly influenced the Philippine gaming industry, continually seeking innovative avenues to expand his business ventures.
Frequently Asked QuestionsQuestions
- Who is Atong Ang?
- Atong Ang is a Filipino businessman known for his significant involvement in the Philippine gaming industry and his association with high-profile legal cases in the early 2000s.
- What is Atong Ang’s real name?
- His full name is Charlie “Atong” Tiu Hay Sy Ang.
- What businesses does Atong Ang own?
- He has been associated with various gaming enterprises, including Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation and Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc., which operated e-sabong platforms.
- What was Atong Ang’s involvement in the 2001 impeachment trial?
- He was implicated as a co-accused in the plunder case against then-President Joseph Estrada, accused of diverting funds from tobacco excise taxes.
- Is Atong Ang married?
- Yes, he is married to Iris Ang.
- What is Atong Ang’s net worth?
- While exact figures are undisclosed, his net worth is believed to be substantial, given the significant revenues from his gaming ventures.
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- What is e-sabong?
- E-sabong, or online cockfighting, is a digital platform for traditional cockfighting where bets can be placed online. Atong Ang’s company, Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc., was a major player in this industry before it was banned by the Philippine government in 2022.
- Why was e-sabong banned?
- The Philippine government banned e-sabong due to rising social issues, including gambling addiction, financial problems among bettors, and alleged criminal activities tied to the industry.
- What are Atong Ang’s latest ventures?
- After the e-sabong ban, Atong Ang launched “Apple na Pula-Apple na Puti,” a bloodless online game inspired by traditional Filipino games, aimed at revitalizing his gaming business.
- What is e-sabong?
