Knowingly, Philippines ranks as the 9th most gender-equal nation in the world, and according to the 2014 Global Gender Gap Report published by the World Economic Forum.
In this regard, Entrepreneurship requires a special kind of people; someone who is willing to risk it all for the fulfillment of a dream.
Be note that, an entrepreneur is a risk takers, they have pros and cons in every decision they made to become successful. Moreover, we should be inspired by this people that never lose hope until they achieve what they have today.
1. Henry Sy - "Shoe Mart"
Henry Tan Chi Sieng Sy Sr. was a Filipino business magnate, investor, and philanthropist known for his involvement in the Philippines' retail industry. Born in Fujian, he moved with his family to the Philippines at age 12.
Henry's success led to the opening of his first shoe store, the SM (Shoe Mart) in Avenida, Manila. He had problems finding shoe manufacturers who could design shoes according to what he had in mind, but he persisted. Henry spoke to customers and built his own network of suppliers and manufacturers.
He was the Philippines' richest man, gaining $5 billion in 2010, amid the global financial crisis. The huge gain was due to his holding company, SM Investments, which has interests in BDO, inter alia. For 11 straight years until his death in 2019, Forbes ranked him as the richest person in the Philippines, with an estimated net worth of US$19 billion in 2019.
2. Tony Tan Caktiong - "Jollibee"
Tony Tan Caktiong, CM is a Filipino billionaire businessman. He is the founder and chairman of Jollibee Foods Corporation, and the co-chairman of DoubleDragon Properties.
Born in a poor family who migrated from southeastern China to the Philippines in search of a better life, he became involved in the restaurant business from an early age when his father opened a restaurant. The restaurant became profitable with the help of all family members and this success enabled his family to survived in life. His father became his inspiration why he has his own fast food chain that everyone love.
3. Socorro C. Ramos - "National Bookstore"
Socorro Ramos, known as Nanay Coring, is the founder of National Book Store, the largest bookstore chain in the Philippines. She has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loves to read and learn. But Nanay Coring was once so poor she could not afford to go to school.
National Bookstore is probably one of the most visited shops in the Philippines. From its humble beginnings as a school supplies and textbook store in Escolta, to its over 150 branches nationwide today – National Bookstore is clearly a part of every Filipino household.