You Want to be an Icon?

We heard of stories of successful people with humble beginnings. Arnel Pineda, the lead vocalist of Journey, who came from a poor family who barely could not afford to eat three full meals a day, is now an international icon.

Tony Tan Caktiong, the owner of Jolibee Food Corporations, Inc., is the son of an ordinary cook in a small restaurant owned by their relative. During their plant visit when he was still in college at the University of Santo Tomas, he happened to see a poster promoting a franchising business of Magnolia Ice Cream. He ventured on a franchising business- ice cream – and later on, he introduced hot food like spaghetti, hamburger, etc. From an ice cream parlor, his food business grew and changed its name to Jollibee. Today, Jolibee has expanded, reaching other countries like Hongkong and USA.

Socorro Ramos, as a young mother, had to help her husband earn for a living by putting up a small sari-sari store during the Japanese occupation. That time, she had to sell slippers, fans, books, and any thing under the sun. During the American regime, her merchandise included whisky and other wine which the Americans patronized. However, there came a time that her store was devastated by storm, leaving her with nothing to start with. Yet, despite her misfortune, she managed to rise up. She borrowed money on loan to be able to start again her sari-sari store. Do you know that such store is now called, “National Bookstore” with 100 outlets nationwide?

They are just few of the many successful individuals. If you’ll ask me why they became successful, their secret, of course is positive mindset, coupled with hard work and faith in God.

So, if you want to become successful, follow their footsteps, and be an icon that you’ll dream to be.