Most Successful Entrepreneurs in the Philippines 2023 – Top 10

Most Successful Entrepreneurs in the Philippines 2023

Are you ready to be inspired by the incredible success stories of the most successful entrepreneurs in the Philippines in 2023? These visionary leaders have not only made their mark in the business world, but they have also transformed industries, created jobs, and contributed to the growth of the economy. 

With their unwavering determination, innovative ideas, and strategic acumen, these entrepreneurs have risen to the top, and their stories are sure to captivate and motivate anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit. Get ready to embark on a journey of inspiration as we delve into the achievements, challenges, and triumphs of these remarkable individuals who have made their mark as trailblazers in the Philippine business landscape. 

Their stories will not only motivate you to dream big but will also provide valuable insights and lessons on what it takes to achieve entrepreneurial success in the dynamic and competitive landscape of the Philippines. So, buckle up and get ready to be inspired by the extraordinary journeys of the most successful entrepreneurs in the Philippines in 2023.

Top 10 Most Successful Entrepreneurs in the Philippines 2023

Here is the list of Top 10 Most Successful Entrepreneurs in the Philippines.

S.No	Name of the Entrepreneurs	Business
1	Henry Sy	Shoe Mart
2	Tony Tan Caktiong	Jollibee Foods
3	Socorro Ramos	National Book Store
4	John Gokongwei Jr.	J.G. Holdings
5	Edgar Sia	Mang Inasal
6	Mariano Que	Mercury Drug
7	Cresida Tueres	Greenwich Pizza
8	Cecilio Kwok Pedro	Lamoiyan Corporation
9	Alfredo M Yao	Zest-O
10	Gregorio G Sanchez Jr	LactoPAFI

Let us see each of the Entrepreneurs in detail.

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1. Henry Sy (Shoe Mart)

Henry Sy, widely known as the “Father of Philippine Retail,” is a pioneering entrepreneur who founded the Shoe Mart (SM) Group, one of the largest retail conglomerates in the Philippines. Born in Xiamen, China, in 1924, Sy immigrated to the Philippines in the 1930s and started his entrepreneurial journey by selling surplus goods during World War II.

In 1958, Sy opened his first Shoe Mart store in Manila, which marked the beginning of his retail empire. Over the years, he expanded his business into various retail sectors, including department stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and malls. Sy’s visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence propelled his business to new heights. Today, the SM Group operates over 70 malls in the Philippines and holds a significant presence in the retail, real estate, and banking sectors.

Sy’s business acumen and innovative approach to retailing have earned him numerous accolades, including Forbes’ list of World’s Billionaires, where he was consistently ranked as one of the richest men in the Philippines. Apart from his business success, Sy was also known for his philanthropic efforts, donating to various charitable causes and supporting education and healthcare initiatives in the Philippines. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs in the Philippines and beyond.

2. Tony Tan Caktiong (Jollibee Foods)

Tony Tan Caktiong, known as the “Jollibee Man,” is a renowned entrepreneur who founded Jollibee Foods Corporation, a global fast-food chain that has become an iconic brand in the Philippines. Born in the province of Fujian, China, in 1953, Tan Caktiong moved to the Philippines with his family in pursuit of better opportunities.

In 1975, Tan Caktiong and his family started a small ice cream parlor called Jollibee in Quezon City, Philippines. With a strong vision and commitment to providing delicious food and excellent customer service, Tan Caktiong expanded his business into a full-fledged fast-food chain. He introduced Filipino flavors and cultural values into his food offerings, which resonated with the local population and became a recipe for success.

Under Tan Caktiong’s leadership, Jollibee Foods Corporation has grown into a global brand with a diverse portfolio of restaurants, including Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, and Mang Inasal, among others. The company operates thousands of stores in the Philippines and over 30 countries worldwide, making it one of the largest and most successful fast-food chains in Asia.

Tan Caktiong’s entrepreneurial journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs, but his relentless pursuit of excellence and innovative approach to business have earned him numerous accolades, including Forbes’ list of Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy. He is known for his passion for uplifting the lives of Filipinos through job creation, corporate social responsibility, and community development initiatives.

3. Socorro Ramos (National Book Store)

Socorro Ramos, also known as Nanay Coring, is a highly successful entrepreneur in the Philippines who is widely recognized as the founder of the National Book Store. Born in a small town in Tayabas, Quezon province, Socorro Ramos started her entrepreneurial journey with humble beginnings. She began her business by selling textbooks and school supplies from a small stall in Escolta, Manila in 1942, during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.

Despite facing various challenges such as the devastation of World War II and economic instability, Socorro Ramos persevered and expanded her business. Her dedication, hard work, and innovative ideas led to the establishment of the National Book Store, which has become the largest bookstore chain in the Philippines today. Under her leadership, the National Book Store has grown from a small stall to a prominent retail empire with over 230 branches across the country, offering a wide range of products including books, school and office supplies, art materials, and more.

Nanay Coring’s success can be attributed to her keen business acumen, customer-centric approach, and commitment to providing affordable and quality products. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the Philippine retail industry and has received numerous awards and honors, including the Entrepreneur of the Year award by Ernst & Young Philippines in 2004. Despite her achievements, Socorro Ramos remains humble and grounded, continuing to be actively involved in the operations of the National Book Store and supporting various charitable causes.

4. John Gokongwei Jr. (J.G. Holdings)

John Gokongwei Jr., also known as “Big John’ and he was a prominent businessman and philanthropist who founded J.G. Holdings, a conglomerate that has diverse business interests in industries such as food, retail, real estate, aviation, telecommunications, and more. John Gokongwei Jr. was born in Fujian, China, and came to the Philippines at the age of 13 to start a new life with his family.

John Gokongwei Jr.’s entrepreneurial journey began with small trading businesses, and he eventually ventured into various industries, including manufacturing, property development, and telecommunications. One of his notable successes is the establishment of Universal Robina Corporation (URC), which is now one of the largest and most successful food and beverage companies in the Philippines, known for its popular brands such as Jack ‘n Jill, C2, and Robina Farms.

Throughout his career, John Gokongwei Jr. was known for his innovative and strategic approach to business, as well as his resilience and determination to overcome challenges. He was recognized for his achievements and leadership in the business community, receiving numerous awards, including the Ramon V. del Rosario Award for Nation Building and the Management Association of the Philippines’ Management Man of the Year award.

In addition to his business success, John Gokongwei Jr. was also known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting various charitable causes in education, healthcare, and disaster relief. He believed in giving back to the community and was committed to improving the lives of Filipinos through his businesses and philanthropy.

5. Edgar Sia (Mang Inasal)

Edgar “Injap” Sia II, the visionary behind the hugely successful Mang Inasal chain, is a true testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. Hailing from a humble background in Iloilo, Philippines, Sia’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 20 when he opened his first Mang Inasal branch in Iloilo City.

Despite facing challenges and competition, Sia’s unwavering determination and keen business acumen propelled Mang Inasal to meteoric success. Sia’s secret to success lies in his unique approach to the Filipino food culture. He revolutionized the fast-food industry by introducing the concept of “inasal,” which refers to the traditional method of grilling chicken with a distinct marinade.

Sia’s vision of serving affordable and deliciously authentic Filipino dishes in a casual dining setting struck a chord with the masses, leading to Mang Inasal’s rapid expansion across the Philippines. Today, Mang Inasal has become a household name, with hundreds of branches nationwide and even international locations.

6. Mariano Que (Mercury Drug) 

Mariano Que, the founder of Mercury Drug, the country’s leading pharmacy chain. Que’s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited during World War II when he started selling medicines from a pushcart to help his family make ends meet. With a strong sense of determination and a passion for providing quality healthcare, Que went on to establish Mercury Drug in 1945.

Que’s unwavering commitment to customer service and innovation has been the driving force behind Mercury Drug’s success. He pioneered the concept of self-service in pharmacies, introduced a wide range of affordable generic medicines, and prioritized providing personalized care to customers. His relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to the well-being of his customers has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including being named as one of Forbes Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy.

In addition to their exceptional business acumen, both Sia and Que share a common trait of giving back to the community. Sia is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and healthcare, while Que has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives to support the underprivileged. Their commitment to social responsibility has not only made them successful entrepreneurs but also respected leaders in their respective industries.

7. Cresida Tueres (Greenwich Pizza)

Cresida Tueres, affectionately known as “Cressy,” is a Filipino businesswoman who has taken the food industry by storm with her brilliant entrepreneurship skills. She is the driving force behind Greenwich Pizza, a popular fast-food chain that has become a household name in the Philippines.

Tueres’ passion for food and her keen understanding of the Filipino palate has been the key to her success. With her unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Tueres has transformed Greenwich Pizza into a leading player in the competitive food industry.

Her dedication to excellence and her ability to adapt to changing market trends has earned her numerous awards and accolades, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in the business world.

8. Cecilio Kwok Pedro (Lamoiyan Corporation)

Cecilio Kwok Pedro is a visionary entrepreneur who has made a significant impact in the personal care industry. As the founder of the Lamoiyan Corporation, Pedro has successfully built a business empire based on his strong principles of social entrepreneurship.

Inspired by his personal experiences as a person with a disability, Pedro established Lamoiyan Corporation with a mission to provide high-quality oral care products at affordable prices while creating job opportunities for people with disabilities. Despite facing various challenges, Pedro’s unwavering commitment to his vision has made Lamoiyan Corporation a trusted brand not only in the Philippines but also in international markets.

His advocacy for inclusivity, innovation, and social responsibility has earned him numerous awards and recognition, making him a true inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs.

9.  Alfredo M Yao (Zest-O)

Alfredo M. Yao, also known as the “Juice King of the Philippines,” is a highly successful entrepreneur and the founder of Zest-O Corporation. With humble beginnings, Alfredo started his journey by selling fruit juices on the streets of Manila, Philippines. However, with his unwavering determination and entrepreneurial spirit, he transformed his small juice stand into a multi-million-dollar conglomerate.

Alfredo’s key to success lies in his innovative approach and keen business acumen. He was the first to introduce the concept of aseptic packaging in the Philippines, which extended the shelf life of fruit juices and gave Zest-O a competitive edge in the market. Today, Zest-O is one of the leading fruit juice manufacturers in the country, with a wide range of products and a strong presence both locally and internationally.

Apart from his business success, Alfredo is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives, supporting education and healthcare programs for the underprivileged. His commitment to giving back to society has earned him recognition and awards, including the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

10. Gregorio G Sanchez Jr (LactoPAFI)

Gregorio G. Sanchez Jr., also known as “Mr. Dairyman,” is a renowned entrepreneur and the founder of LactoPAFI, a successful dairy farming and processing company in the Philippines. Gregorio’s journey to success started with a small farm and a few cows, but through hard work, perseverance, and innovation, he transformed LactoPAFI into a leading player in the dairy industry.

Gregorio’s success can be attributed to his strong passion for agriculture and his determination to make a positive impact on the lives of Filipino farmers. He implemented modern farming techniques, invested in state-of-the-art processing facilities, and introduced high-quality dairy products in the market. His commitment to quality and sustainability has earned LactoPAFI a loyal customer base and a reputation for excellence.

In addition to his entrepreneurial achievements, Gregorio is also known for his advocacy in promoting the welfare of farmers and uplifting the agriculture sector in the Philippines. He has been actively involved in various programs and initiatives to empower farmers, provide them with access to education and resources, and promote sustainable farming practices.

Who  is the Most Successful Entrepreneur in the Philippines 2023?

The epitome of success, no other than, the Philippines’ richest man ,Henry Sy. His rags to riches tale never fails to amaze inspiring entrepreneurs. Henry Sy’s success story is one of determination, hard work, and perseverance. Born into a poor family in Quanzhou, China, Sy migrated to the Philippines at the age of twelve and started working in his father’s small sari-sari store in Quiapo, Manila.

However, their store was burned down during the Second World War, causing Sy’s father to return to China. Despite this setback, Sy chose to stay in the Philippines with a strong determination to become successful. With only 10 cents in his pocket, Sy empowered himself through education, studying commerce and learning English and Filipino languages.

He started selling surplus GI boots on the streets of Manila and eventually ventured into trading shoes, discovering local suppliers and importing shoes to meet the supply and demand chain. Sy married a fellow Chinese immigrant, Felicidad, who supported him in the business process. Inspired by his wife’s work as a lace vendor in Manila, Sy expanded his business to include other goods and products in his Shoe Mart.

Sy’s flagship company, Shoe Mart (SM), has become a household name in the Philippines. The first SM branch was opened in Carriedo, Manila, and soon followed by two more branches. In 1972, Sy ventured into selling other products, such as department store and supermarket items, and his business continued to grow rapidly. His mother and father joined him in managing the supplies and operations of the business.

In 1985, Sy opened the first supermall, SM North in Quezon City, followed by Megamall in Mandaluyong City in 1991. Despite facing financial challenges, Sy’s determination and business acumen led to the success of his supermalls, which have become iconic landmarks in the Philippines.

In addition to SM, Sy also ventured into the banking industry in 1967 by acquiring Acme Savings Bank and later changing its name to Banco De Oro (BDO). This move helped him survive the stiff competition in the retail industry and establish BDO as one of the country’s leading banks. Over the years, Sy acquired other banks, such as China Bank and PCI Bank, and merged them into BDO, making it the country’s third-largest lender.

Sy’s success has also extended beyond the Philippines. In 2001, SM opened its first branch in China, and now has six branches in different regions. SMDC, one of Henry Sy’s son’s visions, has also ventured into China with its Silk Residence project in Chengdu.

Henry Sy’s success story is a testament to his unwavering determination, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit. From humble beginnings, he built a business empire that includes SM, BDO, and SMDC, and has become a respected figure in the business world both in the Philippines and abroad. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and a reminder that with perseverance and determination, success is possible, regardless of one’s background.

Famous Entrepreneurs in the Philippines

These four entrepreneurs – Henry Sy, Tony Tan Caktiong, Socorro Ramos, and John Gokongwei Jr. – are exemplary figures in the Philippine business landscape, known for their visionary leadership, innovative ideas, and relentless pursuit of excellence. They have each built successful business empires in various industries, ranging from retail and food to real estate and telecommunications. Their entrepreneurial journeys are marked by hard work, perseverance, and dedication to providing quality products and services to their customers.

These entrepreneurs have also made significant contributions to their communities through their philanthropic efforts, supporting various charitable causes and initiatives to uplift the lives of Filipinos. They have been recognized with numerous awards and honors for their achievements and leadership in the business community, and their legacies continue to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs in the Philippines and beyond.

The success stories of Henry Sy, Tony Tan Caktiong, Socorro Ramos, and John Gokongwei Jr. serve as shining examples of entrepreneurship, innovation, and philanthropy, and their impact on the Philippine business landscape is enduring and far-reaching. Their stories are a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and resilience in achieving entrepreneurial success and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

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