There are lots of businesses and entrepreneurs in the Philippines however only few simply stand out. These are businesses that every Filipinos know and love.

We know that there’s no shortcut to a business success without determination and hard work. Most of the successful business owners have experienced the worst case scenarios that could happen on a business. Some entrepreneurs came from rags to riches and their stories somehow inspire other entrepreneurs to do business.

Every person has a story, but the story of these successful establishments will surely inspire you. Perhaps, you may want to be like them in the future. Here are the top 7 most successful businesses in the Philippines that will inspire you.

Top 7 Successful Businesses in the Philippines

1. SM

This company owned by Henry Sy is one of the biggest companies in our country. This is a retail center where various brands of clothes, footwear, bags, accessories, toys, gadgets, and other types of products can be found.

The owner of this company has a very inspiring story, considering that he was born to a poor family in China. Many entrepreneurs were inspired by this man and, until now, most entrepreneurs know him.

His family originally had a sari-sari store, but it was burnt down and was looted in the midst of chaos before the war ends. Henry Sy stayed in the country to start a new business while his father headed back to China. He didn’t lost hope despite the pain and hardship brought by the war.

Today, SM is one of the multibillion-dollar businesses and is very popular all around the world. This proves that perseverance, efforts, and passion are few of the most important traits that you must have to be successful.

2. National Book Store, Inc.

National Book Store (NBS) currently has 128 branches all over the Philippines.This number proves that this business is successful. They are widely known especially to students since most of the things that they provide are of their necessity.

What’s good in this company is the story before it came to riches. The person behind the success of NBS is Socorro Cancio-Ramos, a woman who started as a saleslady in another bookstore. When she got married, her family has put up the NBS in Manila.

However, selling books is not very popular during World War II so she decided to sell something other than books. Fortunately, all their stocks were sold during the American era and they have continued to build a small tent to continue their business.

Unfortunately, their small tent was destroyed by a typhoon sooner. But with great perseverance and effort, NBS has reached its place today as one of the greatest and successful companies here in the Philippines.

3. Meralco

Meralco is a well-known electric company here in the Philippines, and it is the largest distributor of electrical power. It holds the distribution franchise of 22 cities and 89 municipalities. Moreover, MERALCO stands for Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company, which is also their original name until 1919.

Though it may look like a tough company, it also has experienced lots of troubles and hardships before it has achieved its place today. Back then, this company is providing mass public transportation with electric street cars, but unfortunately, it was destroyed beyond rehabilitation during World War II.

Other than that, there are also other hardships. Nowadays, Meralco has earned its rightful place and is now the biggest electric distributor in the Philippines.

4. Ayala Corporation

Ayala Corporation is one of the biggest and well-known companies here in the Philippines founded by Casa Roxas and Antonio de Ayala.

Ayala Corporation owns one of the country’s largest banks, Bank of the Philippine Islands. They also own one of the country’s top telecommunication networks, Globe Telecom.

In addition, they own one of the country’s leading real estate developer, Ayala Land. Other businesses of the Ayalas include Manila Water Company; Microelectronics, Inc., and Integreon.

Related: Top 10 Successful Entrepreneurs in the Philippines Story

Unlike other businesses, they didn’t come from rags, but the company still endured many hardships and made a lot of effort to make their business successful. No business became successful because of luck and this company has proved it.They have a dream and the passion to do it, that is why they did succeed in their business.

5. Jollibee

Jollibee is one of the most popular food chain here in the Philippines with more than 2,500 stores worldwide.

Jollibee started only as an ice cream parlor but the owner had a dream and wanted more. Tony Tan, the founder, traveled to United States to study how the market works for food chains. Instead of franchising other food chains, he expanded his own hamburger-serving fast food named Jollibee. Today, the business is still going strong and is still one of the most well-known fast food chains in the Philippines.

6. Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines is one of the oldest commercial airlines in Asia operating under its original name. The owner, Lucio Tan, has held the title as the richest man in the Philippines for so long until his rival, Henry Sy, overtook his throne.

PAL started as a company that provides mail, cargo, and passenger service in Luzon. Then it gradually evolved and is now one of the leading airlines in the Philippines.

7. GMA Network, Inc.

GMA Network Inc. is very popular in the Philippines since it is one of the major commercial television networks and radio networks. It is formerly known as DZBB TV Channel 7, RBS TV Channel 7, GMA Radio-Television Arts, and then GMA Rainbow Satellite Network. This TV channel has been here for so long that almost all people who watch television know them.

GMA started only as a radio broadcast but after a long hardship and a lot of effort for 10 years, they ventured into the industry of television. The perseverance of this business has earned many rewards. Currently, it is one of the leading television channels in the Philippines.

What’s your story?

Do you have your own business success story? Which from the list above inspires you most?

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