John L. Gokongwei

John L. Gokongwei, Jr. was born August 11, 1926 in Gulangyu, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China is a Chinese Filipino businessman with holdings in telecommunications, financial services, petrochemicals, power generation, aviation and livestock farming. As of 2012, Gokongwei is the third richest entrepreneur in the Philippines with a networth of $3.2 billion, ranking behind only to Henry Sy and Lucio Tan. His parents are Juanita Marquez Lim and John Gokongwei Sr. Gokongwei being the eldest child among six children he is the breadwinner of the family. Having lost his father at an early age and being the eldest child in the family, little John had to assume responsibility and be the man of the house. At a tender age of fifteen, he decided to become an entrepreneur where he bought and sold grocery items. He learned how to sell food and other goods in the streets of Cebu, competing with men and women who were at least twice his age. This was during World War II. Their business prospered since people did not have anywhere to buy their goods. So, after the war, they started manufacturing starch that became the basic staple for their food and cosmetics companies.
By the age of 13, Gokongwei bought his own bicycle so he can go to nearby towns and barrios to sell soap, thread, Candles and other things that people need. He would wake up early so he can start selling early on. By sunset, he would be on his way home to bring food and money back to his family. In 1956 gokongwei started contacting banks to get loans that could finance his foray into manufacturing sector when the top brass of chinabank, D.K. Chiong (Bank Pres.) and Dr. Albino Sycip(chairman of the board), saw him, they give him the loan dr sycip said that he knows a good man when he saw one.

The qualities that Gokongwei possesses made him a successful business tycoon. He is a type of person who is a risk-taker; he was never afraid to take the next steps for his empire to grow. He is an optimistic person,