Filipino entrepreneurs

SOCORRO C. RAMOS
National Book Store, Inc.
Ms. Socorro C. Ramos started working as a salesgirl when she was 18 yrs. old in Goodwill Bookstore in Escolta.
She was good in selling, thats why she became in charge of the store. When she was married to Jose Ramos, they
put up The National Book Store. Her vision was to extend the National bookstore not only here in Luzon but also
to Visayas and Mindanao for cheaper access to books and school supplies. Before, the National Book Store was a
general merchandise store. Until later on, it was selling books, greeting cards, and school supplies. Today, more
than 70 National Book Store can be found nationwide.


Lucio Tan
Philippine Airlines

Lucio Tans story was from rags to riches tale. Before working in the tobacco industry, his business was a scrap.
His dream was to become a scientist but his fortune was bound to become an entrepreneur. His hard work made
him successful and became famous. Now, he owns Asia Brewery, Tanduay, Fortune Tobacco, Philippine Airlines,
Allied Bank, and many more to mention.


Henry Sy
ShoeMart

Henry Sy was born on December 25, 1923, in Xiamen China. In his early twenties, he used to sell
American shoes. Then after three years, he was able to have his first shoe mart store. SM group of
companies was one of the biggest companies in our country and the man behind it was Henry Sy. His
self-discipline, perseverance, and hard work made him what he is today. In almost every part of the
country (as well as in Asia), there is SM mall.According to Henry Sy Sr., success will not last if you do
not care of it. Thats the secret of their success.


Jaime Zobel de Ayala
Ayala Corporation

Jaime Zobel de Ayala was before president and chairman of Ayala Corporation. He was considered as
one of the richest persons tied with Henry Sy in 2007. He had received many awards and the latest
was Entrepreneur of the Year 2012. His strategy for being successful in this business was getting
partners with those who are in need in the community. He believes that gaining profits was not really
the concern of every businessman, but to help the poor people.


Alfredo Yao
Zest-O Corporation

Alfredo Yao came from a poor family and became rich due to hard work and determination. He
didnt finish his education at Mapua Institute of Technology. He experienced to work in the printing
press and then ventured to this business for 20 years. Then, he shifted to a juice manufacturing
business. Zest-O became hit to mothers because of its being convenient to be placed in every lunch
box of the children. Today, Zest-O was one of the leading juice manufacturers in the country, in
China, New Zealand, Singapore, and many others.


Corazon D. Ong
CDO Foodsphere, Inc.

Corazon D. Ong is the founder of CDO Foods. It was a hobby of Ms. Ong to make processed meats
products such as corned beef, hotdog, meatloaf and hamburger patties. She was a dietician by
profession. So she understood what the preferences of most Filipinos are. Today, CDO Foodsphere,
Inc. was recognized as the leading supplier of meat toppings. Why?? Because nowadays we have
many working mothers and it is convenient on their part to have foods which can be cooked easily.