Business leaders share the best advice they ever received from their dads

'If you don't work, you don't eat'

Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. chairman Robina Gokongwei-Pe had simple but profound learnings from her late father, business tycoon John Gokongwei Jr., who founded JG Summit Holdings, Inc., one of the biggest and most diversified conglomerates in the Philippines.

In a chat with L!fe, the business leader shared that at an early age, her dad warned her: "If you don't work, you don't eat." For this reason, she has always made sure she doesn't go hungry.

It's the same line she recalled as she honored her father in her eulogy when he died in 2019 at 93, joking that her dad was "fat" because he "worked so hard."

From her father, Robina learned the importance of working one's way up a company. "If you don’t start at the bottom, you won’t learn how to manage people and run the business," she said, quoting her beloved parent.

Right after her college graduation, John made Robina work at the bodega of Robinsons Department Store, where she had to time in and time out and be in a room without air-conditioning like other employees. During summer, she would tag clothes with her brother, Lance, who now serves as JGS president and CEO, while her sisters tagged supermarket products.

Aside from heading RRH, Robina now serves as the director of JGS, Robinsons Land Corporation, Cebu Air, Inc., and Robinsons Bank Corporation as well as a trustee and secretary of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Inc., a trustee and vice chairman of the ICA (Immaculate Conception Academy) Greenhills Scholarship Foundation, Inc., and a trustee of Xavier School. 

In 2024, she was named as one of the richest women in the Philippines by Forbes and one of the most powerful women in Asia by Fortune.

'Work hard, serve others'

Martha Sazon, the president and CEO of Mynt, which is behind the top finance app GCash, said that her father—Perfecto “Mendy” Mendoza—was the perfect example of grit, hardwork, perseverance, and determination. From him, she learned to "work hard, serve others."

"It's not what he said, but the values he lived by," she told L!fe. "He took himself to school by working odd jobs while studying, and slowly rose up the ranks through honest work. He managed to give us, his family, a good life, ensuring we had a good education."

"He cared for the community and would write letters to government agencies, if he found their services amiss or lacking," she continued, talking about her dad's time as chief accountant of the general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo.

After his retirement, Mendy served as a lay minister in their parish. "He was a pious man and would pray incessantly for the family’s good health, safety, and future," she said.

As Martha continues to head Mynt, she keeps the importance of working hard and being of service to others in mind. Such learnings molded her into the leader she is today: the most powerful woman in the Philippines—at #38 in Asia—in 2024, per Fortune.

'True character shines in how we value every person'

When he was a kid, Ernesto "Ato" Tanmantiong, now the Global CEO of Jollibee Group, assisted his father Tan Eng Lan in his Chinese restaurant in Davao City. Later on, in 1975, their family started a small ice cream house that eventually turned into a multinational company that now has at least 18 brands and thousands of stores across the world—with fast food restaurant Jollibee gaining the highest and fastest growth. There, Ernesto first worked as a busboy while studying. He then got promoted to store manager and later served as its chief operating officer, and now its chief executive officer. 

In an interview with L!fe, Ernesto shared that one of the greatest life lessons his father taught him was to always treat people with dignity. “It’s important to do so no matter their title—whether they sweep the floors or sit in the boardroom,” he mused. “True character shines in how we value every person.”

From his dad, Ernesto also learned to always deliver true value to their customers no matter their line of work. “If you’re a tailor, make sure the suit fits perfectly. If you’re in the restaurant business, make sure the food genuinely delights,” he explained. “Excellence is the best way to honor those you serve.”

'You must be responsible for your own actions'

Alice Eduardo thrives in the construction industry, which remains as a male-dominated field across the globe to this day. She's known as the "Woman of Steel" for heading one of the biggest construction companies in the Philippines, Sta. Elena Corporation, which is behind some of the foundations in Roxas Boulevard such as Smokey Mountain and PICC, as well as the PAGCOR Entertainment City in Parañaque, and even Mall of Asia and other SM Malls in different parts of the country.

Her greatest mentor was her late father, dentist Andres Eduardo, who emphasized the "importance of responsibility, integrity, and hard work often not through long lectures, but by embodying those values consistently, day in and day out."

She recalled to L!fe how he taught her practical life skills on top of pattern-based thinking, which has helped her approach problems well and become efficient at work by recognizing structure and logic in everyday tasks.

"Our meal times, especially during dinners and weekend lunches, were often filled with lessons and meaningful conversations. He would always stress that we must take full responsibility for our choices and actions, no matter the outcome," Alice added, highlighting it as something she lives by until now.

"He taught us that keeping our word matters deeply, and that fulfilling our commitments is one of the clearest signs of integrity," she continued, noting that he also encouraged them to listen—"not just to respond, but to truly understand others."

Alice is thankful that her father instilled in her and her siblings the habit of prayer. "He told us to seek guidance through faith, whether we were facing major life decisions or simply navigating daily challenges."

'Don't play it too safe'

Donnie Tantoco, the president of Rustan Commercial Corporation under the Rustan Group of Companies, told L!fe that he learned not to play it too safe from his businessman dad, Bienvenido "Rico" Tantoco, Jr.

"To play it safe is to block the kind of growth and innovation that can benefit our customers, our employees, and our shareholders. To innovate with purpose, he encouraged us to have a vision beyond making money, beyond taking care of our families," he said.

His dad would always tell him that any business needs to have roots. "Be transformative anchored on the roots of its vision, its founding, its calling and its core values. Be open-minded but resist the fear and also the greed to compromise on your vision. Be open and tenacious. As long as it’s on vision, on North Star, on brand, then work hard and tenaciously for it without expecting immediate profit and gratification," he said, quoting Bienvenido.

When it comes to money and doing business, Donnie likewise learned how to take calculated risks, "which means don't bet the whole farm," and taking care of their employees "even sometimes with tough love."

"I've learned to never right a wrong with another wrong, not to be afraid to make mistakes and be judged for those mistakes, and to always have a backup plan to the backup plan," he continued.

Donnie recently founded Joel's Place, where customers can enjoy meals, specialty groceries, as well as imported and local gourmet food products.

'Be a steward'

Ever since Christopher Quimbo began serving as the president and general manager of Novellino Wines maker Calabria Company Limited, a company his father Vicente Quimbo started, he has learned to never act as its owner but as a steward.

“A steward doesn’t just possess something; they take care of it like it was entrusted to them—something precious that needs to be protected and grown,” he explained to L!fe.

Such advice from his father is something he's able to apply now that he's also a dad to his son, whom he shares with his wife, cosplay queen and entrepreneur Alodia Gosiengfiao. “Being a dad isn’t about control or authority; it’s about responsibility, care, and presence. It’s about showing up every day and doing your best for someone who depends on you completely. You realize quickly that nothing is truly ‘yours,’ not even your time or your sleep—it’s all something you give, because you love.” 

“That's what I learned from my father: Be a steward. Of your child. Of your family. Of the example you’re setting—and take pride in how you take care of what matters most,” the 2015 Young Entrepreneur of the Year awardee of ASEAN Business Awards continued.

'Create your own luck'

George Royeca, the CEO of top motorcycle ride-hailing app Angkas, said his father gave him a straightforward life advice that stuck with him: "Create your own luck."

His father owned a telecommunications company that distributed telecom products to agencies in public and private sectors. It unfortunately reached a low point after a failed business transaction, which gave their family a 360-degree turn in life. From living comfortably, he had to learn how to survive days with no electricity at home due to unpaid bills, commute, and get through whatever life would throw at him and their family.

George told L!fe that his father was his greatest mentor, his idol, who always reminded him: "Don’t be the person that waits for things to happen. Instead, make things happen."

Keeping this advice in mind, he was eventually able to create a better life for himself and bounce back. As the leader of Angkas, which was co-founded by his wife, entrepreneur Angelina Tham, he serves people as he fights for the rights of informal workers and a transport system that's "safe, inclusive, and accountable."

'Travel is the best teacher'

Ana Lorenzana De Ocampo, CEO of Wildflour Group, was exposed to the food business at a young age. Her family runs a Lorins Patis factory under the Lorenzana Food Corporation, which was then led by her father George. She spent summers lining bottle caps and bottling fish sauce as a kid, and assisted in her grandmother's bakery whenever she was in the province. Her family's background in food business inspired her to take up hotel and restaurant administration, and eventually, culinary arts.

For Ana, her father was her main role model of what it means to be a great business leader and entrepreneur. "I was taught the value of hard work at a young age," she shared with L!fe. "When I had some entrepreneurial ventures that didn’t go as planned early in my career, it was his encouragement to move past these mistakes that taught me resilience and to overcome any challenges."

“One of the most important things he taught me through our family trips abroad is that travel is the best teacher,” she mused. “To this day, I see any of the trips as opportunities to conduct R&D and gain inspiration or new ideas that would be useful to the business.”

'Failure is gold'

Bryan Kong—the co-founder of premium handcrafted ice cream brand Kurimu, Japanese food spot Crazy Katsu, and contemporary canteen NowNow—was mentored by his father, entrepreneur and motivational speaker Francis Kong. Their bonding moments include doing and talking business even during meals.

Bryan told L!fe that while he continues to learn a lot from his dad until now, the best advice that he ever got was: "Failure is gold."

"I learned to take risks and remember that failure is gold because it’s a learning experience," he said. "Success is not just what you gain, but who you become because of experience."

As he manages multiple businesses and builds more brands (like another ice cream brand Softu with the help of Michelin trained chefs), he remembers to build them with values and not just ambition. “In a world where hustle culture is in the spotlight, acts of kindness and generosity will stand out in the minds of the people you work with,” he said, quoting Francis.

Bryan added that such includes putting people over products and earnings. “Your team, your partners, your customers, honor them. Business is human. People feel this in the product and this is more sustainable. The cost can be higher in a business sense, but this creates a more sustainable business in the long run.”

From Francis, he also learned the importance of creativity. “It will always be a currency in today’s business. I learned to let this drive my problem-solving, marketing, product development, engaging our people—to never let things feel templated all the time.”

'Success favors the bold'

Kim Lato could have easily joined her father's thriving textile business. Instead, she made her own mark in the industry by starting her own online gadget brand Kimstore in 2006 when she was in college using her own savings. As she takes steps to get closer to her goal of making Kimstore the "Amazon of electronics in the Philippines," she remembers some valuable lessons she has so far learned from her mentor father.

Among them, and the most important, is being fearless. “He would always tell me, 'When opportunity knocks, don’t hesistate—seize it with both hands.'"

"My dad always reminded me that success favors the bold, and that hesitating can cost you the moments that matter most," she added. "This mindset has guided me throughout my entrepreneurial journey."

'Believe in what you want, then work for it'

Anna Magalona-Go, the founder and CEO of But First, Coffee, opened up to L!fe about experiencing anxiety attacks and how her dad helped her get through it with one advice.

Every time she dealt with panic attacks, she would call her dad who would assure her that everything will be okay. While it often worked, her condition got worse amid the COVID-19 pandemic. During one of their calls, instead of saying his usual comforting words, her dad told her to watch The Secret, a documentary based on the bestselling self-help book of the same name by Rhonda Byrne, which is about the power of the mind. 

Watching the film became her turning point, inspiring her to pursue her dream of starting her own business. "When I told dad about my hope to start BFC, he told me: 'Believe in what you want, then work for it.' It stayed with me," she recalled, saying that it's become her mantra as she continues to grow the business.

Now, BFC has over 21 branches across the Philippines and is looking to expand further soon.

“BFC is more than a business—it’s a product of healing, belief, and pushing through fear. And it all started from a father who didn’t just give advice, but who truly listened, stood by me, and helped me believe in myself when I needed it the most,” she said. “His calmness, his strength, his quiet presence—they molded me into the woman, leader, and dreamer I am today.”

'Get a life'

Angie Mead King, the CEO of Hotel Ava (previously Victoria Court), was always reminded by her late father, businessman Archimedes King, to keep life exciting and live it to the fullest. "He had many pieces of advice for me, but 'get a life' would have been the most impactful," she said.

Archimedes was the first person to teach her to choose kindness no matter what. "Be nice to people—you never know if you're going to work with them in the future," she said, quoting her dad.

Aside from Hotel Ava, Angie is also the CEO of Car Porn Racing, Classic Speed Inc., and King Tower Farm.

'Be prudent and frugal'

Eric Thomas Dee is now the COO of Foodee Global Concepts, which was founded by his father, Enrico "Rikki" Dee 30 years ago. It's behind beloved brands like Llao-Llao, Mesa, Hawker Chan, and Tim Ho Wan, serving more than 100,000 customers per day in over 180 restaurants nationwide.

In an interview with L!fe, Eric joked about helping out in their family restaurant "as early as he could walk." It was where he developed not just a good work ethic but also a love for food and business. He noted he was never spoiled and was "given things at the right times."

"My dad was a sucker for cliches, but I guess they are cliches for a reason," he said. "Save for a rainy day, don’t put all your eggs in one basket, be prudent and frugal... these were what stuck to me and it makes sense, maybe not at the time he was telling us about them, but as I’ve gone through life, I realized my dad was right."

'Value humility above everything'

David Sison, the co-founder and CEO of Mama Lou's, said not a day goes by that the voice of his father, entrepreneur Dodi Sison doesn't guide him even two years after his passing.

"He was my idol. He was my inspiration. And together with my mom, he was my very first investor," he told L!fe.

Dodi was not emotional, not easy to impress, and could even be intimidating, said David. “But he was always wise, always a step ahead. I’d come to him excited about new plans, and while he didn’t say much, when he did—it stayed with me.”

"I’ve always been aggressive by nature—ambitious, always chasing the next thing. He saw that. He respected the drive, but he always reminded me of something important: 'Value humility above everything.' It’s what keeps your head straight when you win—and your heart steady when you lose," he said.

"I honor the man whose lessons shaped who I am," he continued. "If you’re lucky enough to still have your dad, listen closely. One day, his words will echo louder than you ever imagined."

'If joy only lives in life’s milestones, you’ll miss it most of the time'

Abba Napa—co-founder of the Moment Group that handles big food brands like Manam, Ooma, and Mo' Cookies—shared that she learned from her businessman father Ermil that as a leader, it's inevitable to face tough decisions and uncertain crossroads.

"My dad once told me something that has guided me ever since: 'What is good for one person today may not always be good for all. But what is good for all, in the long run, will never be bad for any one person.' That perspective has helped me lead my company with clarity, empathy, and a long view," she said.

She also learned from her dad that one shouldn't wait for the "big, shiny things" if one wants lasting joy in life. "Learn to find happiness in the small moments—a good meal, a shared laugh, a quiet morning—because those are what show up every day," she said, quoting Ermil. "Because if joy only lives in life’s milestones, you’ll miss it most of the time, and that would be too bad because a little bit of joy every day is good for the soul."