Mercury Drug

Founder
Mariano Que
(14 August 1921 - 14 April
2017) was a Chinese Filipino
businessman best known for
being the founder of the
pharmacy chain Mercury Drug.
Born in 1921
Mariano Que
After the war ended in 1945,
Que bought ₱100-worth of
Sulfathiazole pills. He sold
these drugs in single doses and
using his savings decided to
buy an assortment of medicine
which he later peddled
through a pushcart.
Mariano Que
He would eventually find
Mercury Drug in Bambang on
March 1, 1945. Mercury Drug
would open its second store in
1963. Mercury expanded
outside Metro Manila with the
acquisition of Medical Center
Drug Corporation
Vivian Azcona
Que's daughter Vivian Azcona,
would take over Mercury and
become company president,
following Que's retirement.
The History Of Mercury
Drug Store
The History
Mercury Drug began from a
bottle of sulfathiazole, which
was considered a wonder drug
after the war. It was 1945, and
Manila had just been liberated
from the Japanese occupation.
The city was devastated, and
medicines were scarce and
expensive.
The History
He recognized it as the
'wonder drug' believed to cure
all diseases. Seeing a 'W' on
the tablets, he knew it was the
genuine sulfathiazole. He tried
to buy a bottle for P100, the
only money in his pocket.
The History
With only P100, he purchased
sulfathiazole tablets and sold them
individually to make medicine
more affordable. This
entrepreneurial venture marked
the birth of Mercury Drug, named
after the Roman messenger of the
gods and symbolizing both
medicine and the first planet in
the solar system.
The History
The store began cutting
packaged, bulk items into single
pieces and selling them
individually; this retail practice
is colloquially called tingí-tingî
in Filipino It is the second oldest
operating drugstore chain in the
country after South Star Drug,
which was established eight
years earlier.
The History
Over the years, it grew into a
nationwide network, becoming the
second oldest drugstore chain in the
Philippines. Its strategic
partnerships, like with the Ayala
Corporation in 1963, and landmark
branche at Plaza
Miranda,Quiapo ,Manila opposite
Quiapo Church, which is currently
noted for its large, outdoor Led
Screen.
The History
By 2001, Mercury Drug
had established itself as a
dominant force in the
Philippine pharmaceutical
market, prompting
government scrutiny for its
market share.
The History
Despite facing competition
from other chains like
South Star Drug and
Watsons, Mercury Drug
continued to thrive,
boasting over 1000
branches across the
country by 2017.
The Obstacle
He was not born rich like
other successful
entrepreneurs. Que came
from humble beginnings.
As a survivor of World War
II, he was orphaned and
was deprived of the
chance to study early on.
The Triumphs
Since pharmacies that time hardly
sold sulfiathiazole, Que then
decided to invest his P100 to buy
the drug and sell these in single
doses to reach the poverty-
stricken communities. Selling
Sulfathiazole by individual pieces,
Que was able to save enough to
open up the first outlet of Mercury
Drug in Bambang, Manila on
March 1, 1945
Catalyst of Success
Traits
 Mariano Que

Modesty Innovator
A self effacing man who
Headstrong abhorred the limelight
Nature
Self- service Concept in
Determined Personality
its medical retail store
Catalyst of Success Traits
Mariano Que, the founder of
Mercury Drug, was a humble and
private person who avoided the
spotlight. Despite his significant
contributions to healthcare and
innovative entrepreneurship, he
preferred to let his work speak for
itself. Known for his dedication
and integrity, Que's modesty
defined him as a great innovator
who shunned public attention.
The Moral Lesson
The story of Mariano Que is a
testament to the power of
determination, innovation, and
resilience in the face of challenges.
Mariano Que's journey from
selling medicines on a pushcart to
building a successful
pharmaceutical chain showcases
the virtues of hard work,
adaptability, and entrepreneurial
spirit.
The Moral Lesson
His story serves as an inspiration
to aspiring entrepreneurs,
highlighting the importance of
seizing opportunities, overcoming
obstacles, and pursuing one's
dreams with unwavering passion.
Mariano Que's success story is a
shining example of how resilience,
resourcefulness, and vision can
lead to remarkable achievements
in the face of adversity.
THANK YOU

ENTREPRENEUR
BY: GROUP 6