John Gokongwei

Date of Birth: August 11, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: November 9, 2019

Biography

John Gokongwei Jr. was a prominent Filipino businessman, philanthropist, and the founder of JG Summit Holdings, Inc., one of the largest and most diversified conglomerates in the Philippines. Born into a wealthy family, Gokongwei faced adversity early in life when his father passed away, forcing him to start working at a young age to support his family. He began his entrepreneurial journey by trading goods between Cebu and Manila using a small boat. Through sheer determination and business acumen, he expanded his ventures into various industries, including food manufacturing, real estate, telecommunications, and aviation. Under his leadership, JG Summit Holdings became a major player in the Philippine economy. Gokongwei was widely respected not only for his business achievements but also for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education.

5 Interesting Facts about John Gokongwei

1. John Gokongwei Jr. started his business by selling peanuts from his bicycle at the age of 13.

2. JG Summit Holdings, Inc. has interests in airlines (Cebu Pacific), food (Universal Robina Corporation), retail, banking, and telecommunications.

3. Gokongwei was ranked by Forbes as one of the richest men in the Philippines.

4. He was a strong advocate for education and donated generously to educational institutions, including a significant endowment to Ateneo de Manila University.

5. Despite his wealth, Gokongwei was known for his frugality and simplicity.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Gokongwei

1. “Today’s hardships are the best lessons for tomorrow.”

2. “I choose to work because I still find it fun.”

3. “To succeed in business, you need to be patient, persistent, and hardworking.”

4. “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

5. “In business, there is always a chance to succeed. You must be prepared to take risks.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, John Gokongwei Jr. had an estimated net worth of approximately $5.8 billion, according to Forbes.

Children

John Gokongwei Jr. had six children: 1. Lance Gokongwei 2. Robina Gokongwei-Pe 3. Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng 4. Faith Gokongwei-Lim 5. Hope Gokongwei-Tang 6. Marcia Gokongwei-Yao