The Anvil Business Club, one of the leading organization of Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs, commemorated its 35th anniversary with the Anvil Business Summit 2025: Rising with the Giants. Held at the Isla Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-La Manila and supported by Taipan by CHiNOY TV, the event brought together over 500 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals for a gathering rich in insight, dialogue, and inspiration.
The summit brought together some of the country’s most influential business leaders, who presented important lessons and insights from their many years of leading and working in the sector.
Bernie Liu, the Executive Chairman of Golden ABC, recalled the transformation of Penshoppe from a local brand to a global fashion leader. He underscored the significance of leading with the client in mind, “We exist to serve the customer. That’s a principle we remind our team of until today.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman and CEO of DMCI Holdings, Isidro ‘Sid’ Consunji, entertained the audience by blending humor with valuable advice: invest in “junk.” He discussed how the acquisition and revitalization of underperforming companies became a fundamental component of DMCI’s growth: “In every new business we entered, we looked for an edge—management or engineering solutions that could make us competitive.”
Josephine Gotianun-Yap, Vice Chairperson of Filinvest Development Corporation, emphasized discipline and action, “We invest enough resources to succeed, but we always try to avoid waste. Ideas remain ideas if you don’t act.” She also recounted the story of how her parents came from nothing and had to start over when they moved from Cebu to Manila.
Secretary Frederick D. Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, encouraged the business community to keep pushing the country forward. “Your leadership and contributions are vital. We need you to continue investing and inspiring others to believe in the limitless promise of our country,’’ reassuring businesses that the government is committed to making things better in the Philippines.
Beyond the keynote speeches, the summit served as a platform to honor Anvil’s past presidents and leaders, whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for the club’s 35-year legacy.
The attendees also interacted with a dynamic exhibitor showcase featuring well-known brands, including Honor Philippines, Cathay Pacific, Facial Care, East West Bank, Rockwell Land, and Filinvest Prestige.
The summit concluded on a high note, with raffle prizes such as luxury hotel stays and international flights provided by Cathay Pacific.
The Anvil Business Summit 2025 was not merely an anniversary celebration; it also served to underscore the organization’s enduring legacy and reaffirm its pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurship. The Anvil Business Club remains dedicated to continuing its ascent alongside the industry’s giants.
