National Book Store Success Story

National Book Store, the Philippine’s largest chain of bookstores is the featured success story for today as we witness the life story of the woman behind it, Socorro Ramos or more commonly know to her staffs as Nanay Coring.

Her story is truly an inspiring one as she built the business National Book Store from scratch with a lot of challenges and hurdles as she and her husband Jose Ramos literally built and rebuilt the business three times from scratch. That’s the true entrepreneurial spirit with enough courage and determination.


Nanay Coring or Maria Socorro Cancio in her early years was born in Sta. Cruz, Laguna on September 23, 1923. Ever she was young, she grew up in an entrepreneurial environment as one of the six children born to entrepreneur parents and grandmother. Her parents used to ran a store selling a lot of stuffs from slippers to clothes and a lot more while her grandmother had a market stall where the young Socorro got used to seeing customers withdraw items on credit. Unfortunately, her grandmother did not manage the business carefully not maintaining a list of those items availed on credit and their business fell.

After that event, they went to Manila. Her mother struggled hard to feed six children and the young Socorro considered herself as lucky if she got money from her mother. Her elder sisters helped the family by working in a candy and bubble gum factory and she spent her summer doing summer jobs too. In one instance, young Socorro was hired to peel off the paper used in old cigarettes so that it can be reuse to make new fresh cigarette sticks. She received 5 centavos per pack of cigarettes. But the young Socorro started her entrepreneurial skills and hired kids and their neighborhood paying them 5 centavos for every two pack of cigarettes leveraging her efforts. Since then, the young Socorro was on her way to become an entrepreneur as early as 10 years old!

Immediately after graduating from Arellano High School, she worked as a salesgirl at Goodwill Book Store owned by the family of her present husband Jose Ramos. Socorro’s brother Manuel married one of the Ramos children and in 1940, they needed someone to look after the branch they set up along Escolta Street, on the ground floor of Panciteria National. Jose Ramos took over it and asked Socorro to work on him in that branch. They renamed it as National Book Store.

Their love story began but her parents were against with it as Socorro was just 18 years old back then. She was told to stay in the province to keep away from marrying Jose Ramos. But as they say, true love never dies, the young Socorro with just 11 pesos in her pocket, struggled to went back to Manila to marry Jose. Because of this act, her family was so furious and angry that they considered her dead already. It was short-lived though lasting only until Socorro gave birth to her twins named Alfredo, who is now the President of National Book Store and Benjamin, now the Vice President.

As mentioned above, the business National Book Store faced a lot of challenges as it was built and rebuilt three times from scratch!


First, Socorro admitted that it was not easy to start the business from scratch. She recalled that during the Japanese occupation, they would look on each and every book title on sale. If they found questionable books, they would just tear the pages off leaving them useless. So instead of selling books, Socorro and Jose decided to fill their bookshelves with stuffs from candies, soap, slippers, papers, and cigarettes. During the war, she would transfer goods to her smaller stores.

Second, when the Japanese were driven away, it was now the time for the Americans. Their National Book Store stall in Escolta was damaged in the war. They recovered a bit by selling unused greeting cards and uncensored books, which they had hidden in their home.

Third, in 1945, they relocated their National Book Store previously located at Escolta to Avenida. The business is doing quite well during first few post-war school years but unfortunately, three years after, a typhoon blew the roof of their store and they were left with soaked books and stuffs that were worthless. Again, for the third time, they have to start from zero.

They struggled hard to rebuilt National Book Store for the third time. But since then, every centavo that they earned were used to buy the lot where the Rizal Avenue Branch of National Book Store stands to this day.
Today, National Book Store is considered as the largest chain of bookstores in the country. They have ventured into several businesses already such as a convenience-type store named NBS Book Express, publishing companies named Cacho-Hermanos printing press, Anvil Books and Capitol-Atlas Publishing, another book store named Powerbooks, music store named Tower Records and Music One, Gift Gate, the home of Hello Kitty and Swatch, and a department store named Crossings department store. Socorro’s children and relatives ran all these.

Socorro Ramos’ life and success story and the challenges that she faced with her business National Book Store business was another inspiring story. In fact, it was recognized when she was chosen as the Ernst and Young’s Philippine Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005.

Today, at the age of 85, Socorro Ramos or Nanay Coring acts as the General Manager of National Book Store. And she told that the core values in her success are to keep learning, being actively involved in the business, being able to read changes and act on them immediately, and most of all, never give up!

Credits: Go NeGOsyo

Wealth Within Your Reach: Pera Mo Palaguin Mo! Book Review

Wealth and financial independence is within the reach of anyone! This is the idea that Mr. Francisco J. Colayco shares through his book entitled “Wealth Within Your Reach: Pera Mo Palaguin Mo”. The book clearly explains basic principles and simple methods on how to properly manage your personal finance. Reading this book of his is like taking a short, simplified and practical course in personal finance that you can apply in your everyday life.

Why did I read this book?

Working as a freelancer has earned me a good amount of income and I managed to save up a little. Now I’m looking for ways on how to properly manage my money and ideas where to invest my savings to that they can provide me good returns with absolutely no risks. My wife and I went to the book store and I managed to find this book so I bought it to see how much it can help me. After reading only a few pages of this book, I already know that it is exactly what I’m looking for. The idea of financial independence was introduced to me and now it has been my long term goal.

What is Financial Independence?

When you decide to stop working and your savings and assets are earning enough to sustain your chosen lifestyle, then you have attained financial independence or freedom. Attaining this financial status is possible for all income earners. This book by Mr. Colayco aims to help the Filipinos to reach financial freedom by teaching them the proper management of their money. Whether you are OFWs, minimum wage earners, professionals or entrepreneurs, the concepts and ideas in this book will be useful for you. Here are some of the things that the book can help you with:

• Identifying your Financial Life Stage and what to do in every stage.
• Identifying the obstacles that can hinder or slow you down in attaining financial independence.
• Knowing your strengths (or “genius” as used in the book) that can help you generate income.
• Learning about the resources that can help you reach your goal.
• Invest your money in financial products with little to no risk.
• Identifying legitimate from fraudulent opportunities.
• Beating inflation and keeping your money from losing its value.

“Wealth Within Your Reach: Pera Mo Palaguin Mo” has not only inspired me to dream of attaining financial independence but it has also given me hope that this dream is possible. This book discusses useful tips on how to effectively save your hard earned money and minimize unnecessary expenses. Suggestions on different possible financial products or where to invest your savings are also given in this book. Time deposits, treasury bills, government securities and mutual funds are some of the suggested possible long term investments. The value of time, as well as the importance of compound interests, is also given emphasis.

Mr. Colayco was successful in making his book absolutely understandable by using both the English and Tagalog (Filipino) language. Everyone, regardless of how much knowledge you have in finance, will surely understand every bit of information inside the book because they are expressed in the simplest ways possible. Stories and cited examples also made it easier for readers to understand and visualize the ideas that the author is trying to share.

Over all, this is a great book and I highly recommend it to everyone. In my opinion, every Filipino and even every person in this world should be provided with the valuable information that can be found in it. So valuable that not just income earners, but rather anyone that has money should learn about it. Children should be taught the importance of proper management of money at a young age. I think this is the key in reducing poverty in the Philippines.

Manny Pacquiao Success Story

I’m sure all Filipinos around the world know the name Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. He is currently the undisputed, “pound-per-pound” champion of the world and was tagged as “The Destroyer!”

He rose from extreme poverty to being the wealthiest boxer in the world today. What’s more amazing is he does not brag about his wealth and achievements. Despite his status right now, he remains humble, God-fearing, and respectful to his opponents and fans. Let’s look at another “rags to riches” story as we peek at Manny’s success story.


Emmanuel “Manny” Dapidran Pacquiao was born on December 17, 1978 in Kibawe, Bukidnon in MIndanao here in the Philippines. Born of a typical poverty-stricken Filipino family, Manny Pacquiao left elementary school when his father left his mother to be with another woman. As an out of school boy, he helped his mom by selling breads and home made doughnuts peddling the streets of General Santos City.

As a young boy, Manny had his interests in boxing already. When not wandering the streets to sell his merchandise, he would be seen visiting other nearby villages and towns to compete for boxing matches most especially during town fiestas for a reward of just P150 (~US$3) for winners and P100 (~US$2) for the loser. The money that he gets would be a great help for his mom to support their living expenses.
Pacquiao started his professional boxing career at the age of 16 at 106 lbs. With his agility and power in boxing, he won a lot of boxing fights. One day, he got invited by one of the boxing personalities to go to Manila to hone his skills in boxing. He did not hesitate and asked the perimission of his Mother Dionisia who later on refused to give him her consent telling Manny that boxing is a brutal sport that can pose a lot of danger to his life. With his eagerness in boxing, Manny still went on and sailed to Manila to continue his training.

In Manila, Manny trained himself with dedication. In his early boxing fights, he kept on winning but unfortunately, just like what other unknown boxers at that time, he earns a little money from his wins which was not enough for him to send money to his mom. To increase his income, he later on employed himself in the gym where he trained as a employee doing gardening and cleaning and occasionally doing construction works while pursuing his career in boxing.

Manny had such an amazing dedication in his boxing training that he trained like there was no tomorrow. Each day he would wake up the earliest and leave when all others left already. With his commitment, he raked eleven straight wins before he had his first professional loss to Rustico Torrecampo on February 9, 1996. Torrecampo was the only Filipino so far who had defeated Manny.

Manny continued with his fights knocking out opponents in Japan, Thailand and South Korea. It did not take long before he got his World Champion title on December 24, 1998 at a very early age of 19 when he defeated Chatchai Sasakul, the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) World Flyweight Champion at that time.

Pacquiao went on with his fights training harder and increasing his weight to join heavier boxing division. He had his first boxing fight held at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas Nevada during his fight with the then International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Bantamweight Champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba in June 2001. Apparently, he just receive a small money on his prize but he already made a noise in his American fans.
Manny went on to defend his new title then with the trainig of his coach Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym improving his hand speed and mental preparation. He was then recognized as a World Champion when he defeated Marco Antonio Barrera with a TKO in the 11th Round. Since then, his fights would empty the streets of Manila and all other cities sending people over to their homes to watch his fights making a zero criminal-related incidence in the country during the duration of his fight.

Only six months after he had his fight with Barrera, on May 8, 2004, he challenged another boxing fighter Juan Miguel Marquez who at that time held the titles of both World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) Featherweight Champion. The fight ended up with a draw that left fans of both sides feeling bitter. However, Manny managed to collect his first million dollar in this fight.

Pacquiao once again moved up in a higher division and pursued a fight with another Mexican fighter by the name of Eric Morales on March 19, 2005 who handed him his first defeat in the boxing world stage - Las Vegas Nevada. However, Manny retaliated by knocking out Morales in their second fight on January 21, 2006.

On July 2006, Manny had a fight with Oscar Larios, the two time Super Bantamweight Champion held here at Philippines in Araneta Coliseum. The fight ended up with a TKO by Manny knocking down Larios on the 12th round. A series of fight by Manny went after Larios that includes Jorge Solis, a second fight with Barrera, a rematch with Marquez, a fight with Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya, and last with Ricky Hatton which Pacquiao managed to win them all making him super famous in the boxing world and raking millions of dollars.

Ranking in one of the top richest Filipinos, Manny Pacquiao remains humble. Aside from being a great boxer considered by Time Magazine as one of the greatest athletes in 2009 making him as one of the most influential people for this year 2009, he was also included by Forbes Magazine in its annual Celebrity 100 list for this year 2009. Forbes listed Manny as the 6th highest paid athlete wtih a total of $40 million from second half of 2008 to first half of 2009. He was also the first Filipino athlete to have been honored to appear on a postage stamp.


When asked with his formula for success, Manny often says dedication, perseverance, courage, extreme self-discipline and prayer are his secrets. He once claimed:

”Anyone will succeed in whatever field of endeavor in life by acquiring the same virtues and character that boxing world champions do.”

Truly, Manny Pacquiao is one of the best athlete in the world not only in his profession but also to his friends as well. He never flashed his money, never wore gold and diamonds to brag to his friends, nor he treated people like they are inferior to him. He kept his same old friends and welcomed them to his mansion and always gives credits to the people who are the dearest to him.
Manny is a pioneer for young individuals who seeks success in life, respect for others, and a symbol of modesty and professionalism! Let’s all support him as one nation in his fight against the Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto this coming November 14. I am very sure that once again, he will bring home the bacon!
Long live Manny and thanks for making all the Filipinos proud all over the world!
We all hope that you get another WBO Welterweight Championship belt this Saturday, March 13, 2010 as we watch Pacquiao vs. Clottey Live Stream.

Source: Socyberty and Wikipedia

What to do after a job layoff?

Nowadays, because of the global financial crisis, a lot of were laid off in their jobs. There were a lot of job cuts all over the world. What will you do if you’re one of them? What will you do if you’ve just learned you’re about to be laid off?

What now? Of course, you will feel depress. Some people even commit suicide.

Even before you start a new job hunt, you can take steps to shore up your financial concerns.

Grab a pen and some hope. If your employer begins your exit paperwork and meetings immediately, you may learn about valuable resources in your severance pay or outplacement benefits. So grab a pen and take thorough notes on everything your employer tells you during the exit process. Make them wait while you write. Get their phone numbers so you can call them later for clarification.

Ask questions. If you’re part of a large layoff, your company probably won’t negotiate for terms of your severance package. But do ask about the package’s details. For example, ask how and when you will be paid, get specifics on the outplacement services your employer plans to pay for, and find out which of your benefits will continue and at what cost.

If your employer has not purchased outplacement services for you, politely complain and request it. They may not be aware of how helpful it is to you. Once you get home, read all the paperwork you’ve received and write down questions to ask. Then arrange to meet with your human resources department to get the answers.

Take action. During the three days following a layoff, go to your outplacement meetings and follow the instructions you get there. In the United States, there is such thing as unemployment insurance. If your severance pay equals less than six months of regular income, file for unemployment insurance within three days too. Remember, this is insurance and it is not a part of welfare or any need-based programs so don’t hesitate to file.

Alternatively, for those ones living here in the Philippines, you can take advantage of the loan being given by the Social Security System (SSS) to those who were laid off. Or you can participate in different livelihood programs implemented by the government.

Budget for change. Look for temporary ways to cut expenses or unnecessary spending. Make a budget or change your budget so your spending can match your changed income until you start working again.

Seek other opportunities. Nowadays, there were few employment opportunities as against the number of workers. Seek other opportunities. You can enroll yourself to various seminars on entrepreneurship and start your own business. You can use your severance pay as capital to start small. Work your way and who knows, you might end up successful in your venture. Sometimes, bad things happen in disguise for better things to happen. You might even thank that you were laid off in your job.

Don’t lose hope. It’s not the end of the world yet when you were laid off in your job. Instead be positive. Be optimistic. Life goes on. Above all, pray, have enough courage to face this challenge and believe in yourself!

How to Find Business Mentors

We all need to have mentors if we have to reach some goals. Mentors are there to guide us along the way. They have achieved success in their endeavors and so they can teach us the do’s and don’ts that we should accomplish in order to mimic their success.

Now that you’ve chosen your business, it’s time to choose your business mentors and your team. If you were planning to climb Mount Everest next year, wouldn’t you want to speak with someone who had survived the journey to the top? You’d be surprised how many people, starting to climb up their own financial mountains, ask the advice of people who are languishing below sea level. It doesn’t occur to these climbers that their advisors have little or no firsthand experience.

Kiyosaki said that the world is full of S- Self Employed quadrant types trying to tell others how to enter the B or I quadrant. Seek out a mentor who “walks the talk”—someone who has already achieved what you would like to achieve. For instance, you would not want someone who achieved his or her success in real estate to necessarily become your mentor for building a business to sell car supplies.

As you begin, you’ll also need a team of business mentors and advisors. You should not risk the ordeals of building or investing in businesses without the expert help of others.
Rich Dad Tip:

“You don’t need to know every answer, but you do need to know who to call for the answer.”

Find a Business Mentor
Amateurs might not have mentors, but professionals do. One of the most important steps you can take upon entering the B- Big Business Owner quadrant is to set aside any discomfort you might have about asking for help. Seek out role models and learn from them.

Fishing for prospects isn’t all that difficult. It’s a matter of swallowing your pride, working up your courage, and approaching people. Business people are busy but they are generally willing to share their success stories. Many talented folks in the B and I quadrants are willing to lend a helping hand. You can find them out through the following avenues:

• Successful business people that you know. They may know someone who has succeeded in the business you have chosen and be willing to introduce you.
• Your local civic and volunteer organizations. Join several organizations and you will meet others who may have experienced success in the very business you are starting.
• Your local newspaper and local TV news station. Start by looking for successful people in your own backyard. Which of them do you admire and would you like to approach?
• Your local chamber of commerce. Your chamber of commerce and other local business organizations sponsor classes, seminars, and social events for you to meet potential mentors.
• The business department of a community college near you. Community colleges often offer mentoring programs in association with local businesses.

Perhaps the easiest way to convince someone to mentor you is the direct approach. Don’t hesitate to call or write. Be polite. State clearly what you want and why you’ve thought of this person. You may be surprised at the response. Chances are your candidate mentor will be flattered by your interest and, like most people, will enjoy talking about what he or she knows best. You might suggest having lunch together. If this pans out, go prepared, and pay the bill. You’re conducting an interview of sorts. Do what the professionals do and write your questions out beforehand.

Once you’ve found a business mentor. . .

You probably won’t get all the information you need after a single meeting. What you want to do is establish an ongoing relationship. You want a business mentor who will teach you everything, then be available for support once you’re on your own. The problem is, what’s in it for the mentor? Why should this person bother to take you under his or her wing? While it may be true that at this time your resources are limited, that doesn’t mean you have nothing to offer.
Rich Dad Tip:

“What are you willing to give in exchange for receiving guidance? Your relationship with your mentor is based on the simple concept of exchange.”

Find out what your mentor needs. Fortunately for you, it’s unlikely to be money, since this person is already financially successful. Feel out your mentor. In exchange for information and training, offer whatever you can in the way of help. The possibilities are endless, and of course depend on the nature of the business and your own field of expertise.

Source: Robert Kiyosaki’s Coaching Program

We all need to have mentors if we have to reach some goals. Mentors are there to guide us along the way. They have achieved success in their endeavors and so they can teach us the do’s and don’ts that we should accomplish in order to mimic their success.
Now that you’ve chosen your business, it’s time to choose your business mentors and your team. If you were planning to climb Mount Everest next year, wouldn’t you want to speak with someone who had survived the journey to the top? You’d be surprised how many people, starting to climb up their own financial mountains, ask the advice of people who are languishing below sea level. It doesn’t occur to these climbers that their advisors have little or no firsthand experience.
Kiyosaki said that the world is full of S- Self Employed quadrant types trying to tell others how to enter the B or I quadrant. Seek out a mentor who “walks the talk”—someone who has already achieved what you would like to achieve. For instance, you would not want someone who achieved his or her success in real estate to necessarily become your mentor for building a business to sell car supplies.
As you begin, you’ll also need a team of business mentors and advisors. You should not risk the ordeals of building or investing in businesses without the expert help of others.
Rich Dad Tip:

“You don’t need to know every answer, but you do need to know who to call for the answer.”

Find a Business Mentor
Amateurs might not have mentors, but professionals do. One of the most important steps you can take upon entering the B- Big Business Owner quadrant is to set aside any discomfort you might have about asking for help. Seek out role models and learn from them.
Fishing for prospects isn’t all that difficult. It’s a matter of swallowing your pride, working up your courage, and approaching people. Business people are busy but they are generally willing to share their success stories. Many talented folks in the B and I quadrants are willing to lend a helping hand. You can find them out through the following avenues:

• Successful business people that you know. They may know someone who has succeeded in the business you have chosen and be willing to introduce you.
• Your local civic and volunteer organizations. Join several organizations and you will meet others who may have experienced success in the very business you are starting.
• Your local newspaper and local TV news station. Start by looking for successful people in your own backyard. Which of them do you admire and would you like to approach?
• Your local chamber of commerce. Your chamber of commerce and other local business organizations sponsor classes, seminars, and social events for you to meet potential mentors.
• The business department of a community college near you. Community colleges often offer mentoring programs in association with local businesses.

Perhaps the easiest way to convince someone to mentor you is the direct approach. Don’t hesitate to call or write. Be polite. State clearly what you want and why you’ve thought of this person. You may be surprised at the response. Chances are your candidate mentor will be flattered by your interest and, like most people, will enjoy talking about what he or she knows best. You might suggest having lunch together. If this pans out, go prepared, and pay the bill. You’re conducting an interview of sorts. Do what the professionals do and write your questions out beforehand.

Once you’ve found a business mentor. . .

You probably won’t get all the information you need after a single meeting. What you want to do is establish an ongoing relationship. You want a business mentor who will teach you everything, then be available for support once you’re on your own. The problem is, what’s in it for the mentor? Why should this person bother to take you under his or her wing? While it may be true that at this time your resources are limited, that doesn’t mean you have nothing to offer.
Rich Dad Tip:

“What are you willing to give in exchange for receiving guidance? Your relationship with your mentor is based on the simple concept of exchange.”

Find out what your mentor needs. Fortunately for you, it’s unlikely to be money, since this person is already financially successful. Feel out your mentor. In exchange for information and training, offer whatever you can in the way of help. The possibilities are endless, and of course depend on the nature of the business and your own field of expertise.
Source: Robert Kiyosaki’s Coaching Program

Mind Power, Will Power

You may have noticed this TV commercial of the multivitamins brand Pharmaton of a running man that says: “What your mind conceives, your body can achieve.” I believe our mind is the most powerful part of our body. It was specifically created to be located on top to be of control of everything that we do.

Therefore we must charge it with power! We must have the courage and the strength to do what is hard and difficult in order to achieve something that is really beneficial, good, and permanent. This is will power!
As the saying goes, “if there’s a will, there’s a way”. A person with a strong determination to succeed has this tremendous amount of will power in his mind. He will definitely find a way to achieve his goals. Whatever hardships and difficulties he encounter, he will definitely succeed.

You want to know how exactly this will power works? We can view the following excellent examples:

• In athletics, especially marathon, at the start of the game the runner conditions his mind. His will power says: “I CAN DO IT”. There is this tremendous amount of will power in his mind and this pushes his body to compete and run at his own best to emerge as a winner of the race. Maximum effort! “I WILL WIN!”. His will power demands his body to perform more than it could really give. It was the soul driving the body. The power was not in the muscles but it was in the will. You will notice that at the end of the race, the will let up and the body will collapse.
• We may have heard a lot of rags to riches story. A janitor turned millionaire. A student who dropped out of school but turned to be successful. And so forth. What do these stories have in common? The persons behind these success stories have all will power in their minds! They did not let their economic conditions deter them from achieving their goals.
• Way back in college, since I took up a math degree, the theorem that was most famous and controversial back then was Fermat’s Last Theorem. No correct proof was found for over 350 years until one mathematician finally found one! It was said that he secluded himself in his room not talking to his family and friends for more than 5 years just to find a proof in this theorem. That was how his will power worked. FOCUS is the key.
• Another perfect example is the famous scientist Thomas Alva Edison. He continues his research even when he is frustrated, again and again. When he was looking for the filament of an electric bulb, his wife said to him: “We have lost all our savings… We have mortgaged our house… We have mortgaged the lab… and now you are getting sick! And for what? For nothing!” Edison turned to her, his eyes bright with fever, and said: “Nothing?… Nothing??!!… I know five thousand things that won’t work!!!” For Edison, that was the way to achieve his goals. He would not have to test those five thousand things all over again. And he finally invented the electric bulb and he lit the world.
• Another story was the famous Roselle Ambubuyog way back in college. She was a student of our university back then. Same hard course as mine, a mathematics major. But what’s unique to her? Her eyes were both blind yet she managed to finish with highest honors Summa Cum Laude. And not only that, she was proclaimed the Valedictorian of the Year chosen from all Summa Cum Laudes of the whole graduating batch. What an achievement considering her disability! Her will power is so powerful that her disability did not serve as a hindrance to achieve her goals.

These were just few examples of how our will power works. And it only shows that as long as we have the determination, focus, drive and most of all will power in our minds, we can definitely achieve our goals. POWER!