Many Pacquiao "National Sports Hero"

On December 12, 1976, a future boxing legend was born. Earning the respect of the world, knockout champion Manny Pacquiao has dedicated himself to his craft and to bringing pride and glory to our country. With his powerful fists, Pacquiao dominated the ring and claimed the IBF Junior Featherweight title three years back.

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Tony Tan Caktiong "The Name behind the Jolly Smile"

The name Tony Tan Caktiong may not ring a bell to most people. But if ever there will be a list of individuals who seem to have it all, his name will be at the top of it.

We may not realize it, but Filipinos in all areas of the archipelago and from all walks of life have something to thank him for. The industry Tan Caktiong built has become part of everyone’s life. It is none other than Jollibee, the leading fast food chain in the Philippines.

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John Gokongwei "The Colossal Businessman"

From a struggling 15-year-old vendor in the markets of Cebu, John Gokongwei, Jr. has become one of the most celebrated businessmen in the country.

Gokongwei, the eldest of five children, was born in Xiamen, China in 1926. His family came to the Philippines when he was only a years old.

When World War II erupted, his family’s fortune drastically went down. His mother and other family members had to go back to China while John Jr. and his brother Henry stayed in the country. Their uncle, Manuel Gotianuy, took care of them and put Gokongwei in school. He studied at the University of San Carlos, where he graduated valedictorian.

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Cecilio Pedro

Faced with a great Goliath in life, this businessman turned to his master for help and wisdom.

The story of Lamoiyan Corporation, makers of Hapee Toothpaste is a triumph of faith over adversity.

Stuck with machines because principals no longer need their services, even had to let go of 300 employees. It was not an endearing moment to behold but God has other plans – After a year, in 1986 the first ever Filipino toothpaste was launched in the market.

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Henry Sy – Superman of the Retail Industry

From his beginnings in Quiapo selling dried fruits in his parents store to the new and vibrant SM Mall of Asia -This is the road map of success for Mr. Henry Sy, Chairman and Founder of SM Group of Companies.

Born in Fujian Province of China in 1925.His family migrated here in the Philippines to look for a better future. He studied in Far Eastern University.

He opened his first Shoemart in 1958 which he patterned from a shoe store in the United States of America. This has been a beginning of more Shoemarts Store which eventually led to department stores and sooner into gigantic malls.

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Francisco Sionil "Writer, Nationalist"

The last of his breed, Francisco Sionil Jose deserves to be called a Philippine National Treasure. Seldom do we produce someone like him whose literary works are regarded as among the top ten English-language novels in Southeast Asia, alongside Joseph Condrad’s “Heart of Darkness,” Graham Green’s “The Quiet American” and James Clavell’s “King Rat,” among others.

Francisco’s writings, when taken collectively, can best be described as epical. Sheer volume puts him on the forefront of Philippine writing in English. His persistent championing of the aspirations of the Filipino for national sovereignty and social justice guarantees the value of his works.

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Manny Pangilinan "Mr. MVP"

Manuel V. Pangilinan was born a winner. After graduating cum laude from the Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, he went to Wharton and got his MBA in 1968 as a Procter and Gamble Fellow.

With an impressive academic record tucked under his belt, he worked for Philippine Investment Management Consultants, Inc. (the PHINMA Group) and then with Bancom International Limited and American Express Bank.

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