I'm writing a book on Philippine conglomerates that includes John Gokongwei and his family. I am most struck by how fearlessly he went against the established "giants" in the country. He wasn't shy when he pursued San Miguel Corp. (lost to Andres Soriano) and PLDT.
"I've seen a lot of people destroy themselves and their families with money." — John Gokongwei Jr., 93. RIP.
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John Gokongwei: My wife Elizabeth and I always taught our six kids that choosing who they will marry is the most important decision of their lives.
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"Unless placed under the spotlight of the public eye, a family-managed company would not be under pressure to perform. We would become soft and flabby."
— John Gokongwei on family businesses
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— John Gokongwei on family businesses
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"[But] remaining family-managed would imbue the business with the stability, strong culture, and long-term vision necessary to see our investments bear fruit."
— John Gokongwei on family businesses
rappler.com/business/18967…
— John Gokongwei on family businesses
rappler.com/business/18967…
The family conglomerate John Gokongwei Jr. left behind is currently on a journey toward a digital shift.
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news.abs-cbn.com/business/11/10…
Previously in the Gokongwei family, the baton was passed on to John's only son, Lance, as part of the family's plans to remain sustainable and relevant in the next 50 years.
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In my early years as a business journalist, tycoon John Gokongwei Jr always gave me no-nonsense quotes for my stories on different business groups, some of them he had business dealings with, or were his friends or foes.
Washington Sycip (left) and John Gokongwei Jr (right), two post-war icons in Philippine biz, passed away in their 90's.
Sycip was 96 when he died on a plane in 2017. Gokongwei was 93.
Took this photo at the 2017 annual meeting of JG Summit Holdings.
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Sycip was 96 when he died on a plane in 2017. Gokongwei was 93.
Took this photo at the 2017 annual meeting of JG Summit Holdings.
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At wakes of Philippine taipans John Gokongwei Jr and Bong Tan (son and namesake of Lucio Tan Sr), flowers kept pouring in. Both families earlier asked for donations to charity instead of flowers.
Both wakes are at Heritage Park in Taguig City.
Both wakes are at Heritage Park in Taguig City.
Mr John is bringing a Chippy with him in the afterlife. A puffed up version of the salty snack is right next to him at the wake.
Conversation during late dinner at the wake of John Gokongwei turned into wine. A guest talked about sharing a P200,000 wine with Bong Tan whose wake was in the other chapple. Robina Gokongwei was stunned. “My budget here is only P1,000. I’m so kuripot.” Truly Mr John’s daughter.
Tony Go, John Gokongwei Jr’s best friend & “soulmate,” on Wednesday gave a moving eulogy, sharing how the two had common interests, including love for food, travel. “Your father was down to earth, not spoiled, productive member of society, proud of what family has accomplished.“
Tony Go on his BFF, John Gokongwei Jr:
Scholars of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation offered songs to their benefactor, John Gokongwei Jr, last Wednesday’s wake.
A scholar of Gokongwei Brothers Foundation shared his moving story from being a working student, spending half of his days in factory and half, studying, to now: a full time student, looking forward to work at URC, and soon take lessons to become a pilot.
The Gokongwei brands are ever present in the wake of John Gokongwei Jr: C2 tea, snacks Chippy, coffee Great Taste, airline Cebu Pacific , among others.
James Go, youngest brother of John Gokongwei Jr and who John sent to school at MIT, eventually helping Lance learn the ropes at the family conglomerate, shared an extemporaneous eulogy on Thursday.
John Gokongwei Jr loved to eat. A lechon, no less, at his wake then.
(This was last Thursday.)
(This was last Thursday.)
Ongoing now: Requiem mass for the Philippine tycoon John Gokongwei Jr. He will be laid to rest today.
Lance Gokongwei: Dad, I’m grateful for all the opportunities you have given me. I take on the responsibility you have left me. You have passed the baton on to me. I accept it humbly, gratefully, with open hands, heart, and mind. And I am running with it.
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Rest in peace and love, Mrs. Elizabeth Yu Gokongwei.
From Lisa Gokongwei:
Our mother, Elizabeth Yu Gokongwei, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2019, one week after the death of our father, John Gokongwei, Jr., her husband of 61 years.
She was 85 years old.
From Lisa Gokongwei:
Our mother, Elizabeth Yu Gokongwei, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2019, one week after the death of our father, John Gokongwei, Jr., her husband of 61 years.
She was 85 years old.
It is such a bittersweet goodbye from the beloved Gokongwei couple.
At the burial ceremonies yesterday, Mrs. Gokongwei wasn't around.
I didn't think any of it, having seen for myself the agony and physical toll of a wake, as in the case of other elite families, like the Sys and Aboitizes, whose conglomerate heads also recently died.
I didn't think any of it, having seen for myself the agony and physical toll of a wake, as in the case of other elite families, like the Sys and Aboitizes, whose conglomerate heads also recently died.
To announce the passing of their mother Elizabeth exactly a week after their dad, tycoon John Gokongwei Jr, died, the Gokongweis use Facebook. Lisa posts an announcement. Lance changes his profile pic.
