The top 10 successful entrepreneurs in the Philippines

1. 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, that’s 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.
2. TONY TAN CAKTIONG
Jollibee Foods Corporation

Jollibee was formerly selling Magnolia Ice Cream, then it was recognized as selling chicken and
burger. Tony Tan Caktiong, the president and CEO of Jollibee, was a name to remember, not
only here in the Philippines but also in other parts of the country, like in US, Hongkong, China,
Indonesia, and Japan. He had received several awards in the business and the likes. The success
of Jollibee according to Mr. Caktiong is sharing to people what they had achieved. Jollibee had
been known to be a happy and hardworking insect. It is the favorite place to dine in of many
Filipinos especially the kids.

3. Lucio Tan
Philippine Airlines
Lucio Tan’s 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.
4. ATTY. FELIPE L. GOZON
GMA Network, Inc.
Atty. Felipe L. Gozon is the chairman, president, and CEO of GMA Network. He was credited for
the success of GMA Network in radio and TV broadcasting, filmmaking, and music recording.
He was Master Entrepreneur in 2004. Because of the leadership of Atty. Gozon, he made GMA
as one of the top networks in the country today. Currently, GMA had via-satellite broadcasting
in Asia and in other parts of the world.

5. Henry Sy

ShoeMartHenry 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. That’s the secret of their success.
6. 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.

7. Alfredo Yao

Zest-O Corporation

Alfredo Yao came from a poor family and became rich due to hard work and determination. He
didn’t 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.

8. Mariano Que
Mercury Drugstore
Mariano Que first worked in a drugstore. When he was given the opportunity, he invested his
100 pesos in the sulfathiazole tablets. He sold his products to the people by making use of the
wooden pushcart. After saving a lot of money, he was able to built Mercury. It was made known
to the people as selling safe medicines and opened for 24/7. Mercury, like any other leading
drug stores, had many stores nationwide.That was because of the innovations he made in his
products.

9. Cecilio K. Pedro

Lamoiyan Corporation
Cecilio K. Pedro finished his business management degree in Ateneo de Manila University. He
founded the Lamoyan Corp. which produces toothpastes like “Hapee” and “Kutitap.” This made
toothpaste affordable to the masses. He survived in the industry because of being tough and
innovative to fight for the multinational companies. His company had received an award, “Most
Outstanding Program for Equal Employment Opportunity,” giving importance to those who
have difficulty in hearing to work in his company.

10. 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.
Best Small Business Ideas in the Philippines

1. Digital Marketing Services. Capital: P1,000 – P5,000. ...

2. Vending Machine. Capital: P10,000 – P20,000. ...

3. Manufacturing or selling ready-to-assemble furniture. ...

4. Storage Rental Services. ...

5. Street Food. ...

6. 3D printing service. ...

7. CCTV installation. ...

8. Smart home & automation service

9.Start an Online Business. ...

10.Network Marketing Business. ...

11. Become a Real Estate Agent. ...

12.Put up a Sari-Sari Store Business. ...

13. Palamig Business. ...

14. Cellphone Loading Business. ...

15.Buy and Sell Business. ...