1. Henry Sy (Shoe Mart)
Shoe Mart, popularly known as SM, is one of the country’s retail giants. Through the years, SM has managed to capture Filipinos’ hearts and minds, making it more than just a mall.
Nowadays, it is a beloved institution that serves as the home of many Filipino families’ memories. It offers various services from shopping, cinemas, venues for a date night and other occasions, ice skating, or food trips.
Contrary to its glamorous recognition in the market, SM has started small and from very humble beginnings. Despite having several shopping centers in the Philippines, Sy does not forget to look back on the old days.
2. Tony Tan Caktiong (Jollibee Foods)
As Filipinos, you have been familiar with the catchy tagline “langhap sarap.” Indeed, this line alone never failed us, and there is only one brand embracing this popularity for years now – Jollibee.
The man behind this successful food franchise is Tony Tan Caktiong, an immigrant from China. Back then, his family owned a Chinese restaurant in Manila, which helped him in finishing college.
These products are now known as our favorite burger and fried chicken in Jollibee stores nationwide and abroad. After incorporating the fast-food business model, Caktiong has been able to expand across the country. Since then, he has been one of the successful entrepreneurs in the Philippines.