| Mr. John Gokongwei Jr. Fil-Chinese Tai-pan |
John Gokongwei Jr. is the man behind the big success of businesses like The Robinson Lands which operates the Robinson Malls, Universal Robina Corporation, one of the biggest snacks manufacturers in the Philippines, The JG Holdings, The Summit Holdings ; a media giant, Cebu Pacific and Sun Cellular. Although he has relinquished his empire to his son Lance Gokongwei, John Gokongwei Jr. is still active as emeritus chairman of his business empire.
John Gokongwei started early as a young entrepreneur selling food in the streets of Cebu.His success story is not a rugs-to-riches but interestingly a rich-to-rugs-to riches one. He comes from a wealthy Chinese family but when his father died, the family lost its fortune. Being the eldest son he has to provide for his family as dictated by the Chinese culture. He started by selling food and goods roving around the streets of Cebu where his family originated.
Mr. Gokongwie is proud to admit that he did not finish his schooling because he is too busy making money but wittingly declares that most of his skills in business he learned in the street and said that he is a fine graduate of school of hard knocks.
He also admitted that he also suffered setbacks in his business dealings and attributed his success to some people who claimed to be instrumental to where and what he is now. He credited much to the two men whom he has great respect. One of these is Mr. Chiong of the China bank who helped him through a financial setbacks in the late 1960's by lending him a the amount he needed for his company's expansion.
Although businessmen are seen as tough and ruthless, Mr. Gokongwei is often described as a good man and this character of him had earned him the respect of his fellows in the industry that lives by the rule of greed and self- interest.
Mr. Gokongwie is a dedicated businessman and is also a good husband and a FATHER. When asked which role is most difficult for him, he willingly admits that his being the father is the most demanding and difficult role he has ever assumed. He said what he practices as an entrepreneur, he also practices as a father which includes being fair and equal and treating his children as his most valued possessions just like his business empire.
Mr. John Gokongwei is named as the third richest man in the Philippines and comes only behind Henry Sy and Lucio Tan. The Forbes Magazine has listed him as one of the four heroes of Philanthropy in Asia together with Jaime Zobel de Ayala , Ramon del Rosario and Oscar Lopez. He is now negotiating for the transfer of ownership of Singapore Lands to his empire as having more than 30% of share holdings Singapore Land is the biggest landlord in Singapore. He has authorized a book for his 7 Principles for entrepreneurs that retells his endearing experiences as an entrepreneur.
Mr. John Gokongwei Jr. still continues to guide and inspire young and beginner entrepreneurs and still carries the energy and the guts to be a game changer in the various industries that he is in. He still describes his self as uncommonly lucky man but those who know and have been closed to him describe him a man of a good character and heart.
