The Philippine Retailers Association, the recognized national association of top retailers and suppliers in the country, honored the 12 icons of Philippine retailing at the launching of coffee table book “Legends, Lives and Legacies” on Feb. 27 at Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City.
The 12 icons in the elite list of the prestigious PRA president’s awards were recognized for their indelible mark and contribution to the growth of the Philippine retail industry.
The elite list of personalities who were recognized as pillars of Philippine retailing are Henry Sy of SM Investments Corp. (Father of Philippine Retailing), Fernando Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Group (Pillar of Philippine Retail Development), Jorge Araneta of Araneta Group (Pioneer of Philippine Retail Entertainment), Samie Lim of Blims Lifestyle Group and Philippine Franchise Association (Pioneering Pillar of Franchising), Socorro Ramos of National Bookstore (Matriarch of Philippine Retailing) and John Gokongwei Jr. of Robinsons (Champion of Retail Entrepreneurship).
Also in the list are Amb. Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. of Rustan’s and Shopwise (Father of Luxury Retailing), Mariano Que of Mercury Drug (Father of Health and Wellness Retailing), Teresita Sy-Coson of SM and BDO (Philippine Retailing’s Woman Visionary Leader), Dr. Andrew Tan of Megaworld (Pillar of Mixed-Use Developments), Lucio Co of Puregold (Patron of Micro-retail Entrepreneurship), and Engr. William Belo of Wilcon Depot (Patriarch of Home Building Retail).
“These icons’ invaluable contribution to the Philippine retail industry truly deserves PRA’s highest recognition,” said PRA president Paul Santos who heads Picture City.
The PRA coffee table book launch is a project of PRA vice chairman and PRA President’s Award proponent Mars Chua and vice chairman Jorge Mendiola of SM Retail.
“It is our honor and pleasure to present this commemorative book that is our tribute to the pillars of Philippine Retailing. This publication is the retail industry’s way to recognize your success stories and celebrate your relentless dedication and invaluable contributions to the retail industry,” Mendiola said.
“Through your businesses, you were able to change peoples’ lives for the better, as well as drive the nation’s economic growth. For every new store or branch built, you created new jobs and better opportunities for the people. There is a vast ripple effect to every success and milestone that each one of our retail pioneers achieved, and for that, we celebrate our gratitude to you through this memorable book,” Chua said.
“Your lives and your stories embodied in this book truly serve as an inspiration to many Filipinos that anything can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and dedication,” Chua said.