Bilyonaryo and former Senator Manuel Villar has shunned politics to return to his first love: Business.

In his column with the Manila Bulletin, the country’s sixth richest man said: “I am completely satisfied with what I am doing now.”

After conceding to President Aquino in the 2010 presidential elections, he decided to go back to managing the family-controlled business, Vista Land, Inc.

“I never regretted that decision. I felt as if I was born again. The entrepreneur in me was immediately awakened. My transition from politics to business was like watching color television in ultra-HD as opposed to black and white,” says Villar.

He spent around 21 years of his life as a public servant and was the only Filipino to have served as Speaker of the House and Senate President in the post-war era.

But he said going back to business made him feel young again–excited about the possibilities.

“I am an entrepreneur at heart. I immediately saw opportunities in linking housing, condominiums, and retail and malls,” says Villar.

Since his return, listed property developer Vista Land now has projects in 100 cities and municipalities all over the country. The company looks at housing as an effective platform for other business opportunities–mixed-use developments, retail projects, and townships.

“Some people have told me to return to politics so I can help more people. While public service is the default activity for helping our countrymen, private enterprises do a lot for the public good too.”

He cited that since he returned to the company’s helm, employment has doubled, and by providing affordable housing, more Filipinos are attaining their dreams for their families.

He believes that it is only through entrepreneurship that the country can move forward.

He hopes that one day, Filipino children, when asked what they want to be when they grow up, would say: “I want to serve my country! I want to become an entrepreneur!?