Table Topics A Weekly Journal of Toastmasters International Philippines Kapitan

CEBU, Philippines - Not anyone can claim to have a business tycoon and Filipino billionaire as a godfather, but if you’re District 75 Governor 2012-13 Grace Paras then this comes as no surprise. What comes as a surprise though is how DG Grace gushes so about this man. Looking at the life and legacy of 2013 Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Awardee Dr. Lucio C. Tan however, we can see why.

The country’s most savvy businessman, Dr. Lucio Tan has interests and major stakes in Asia Brewery, Fortune Tobacco, Philippine National Bank, Allied Bank, Tanduay Holdings, Eton Properties Philippines, Lucky Travel Corporation, The Charter House, Grandspan Development Corporation, Foremost Farms, Inc., Himmel Industries, Pan Asia Securities, MacroAsia Corporation, and Philippine Airlines among others.

Small Beginnings

Young Lucio was born on July 17, 1934 in Fujian, China to Chua King Ha and Tan Yank Hee. When he was four years old, his family joined the Chinese Diaspora to escape the invading Japanese Imperial Army and left for Manila, Philippines.

He was constantly on the move with his father. By the time the Second World War broke out in 1942, he was in first grade in Cebu. He traveled with his father back to China after the liberation. Months later he came back to the country. It was in 1948 when he stayed with a relative in Barrio Sabang, Naga City. Those years were monumental for him. Finally, he settled in Manila to work in the Bataan Cigar and Cigarette Company. He earned his day’s keep to be able to finance his studies at the Far Eastern University. Pretty soon, Manila would become the fertile ground where the budding tycoon would build his empire.

Up the Corporate Ladder

With little savings, he established businesses manufacturing transistor radios, and producing cornstarch. These two businesses did not succeed, however.

From the ashes of these two failed establishments, Himmel Industries, Inc. was born. A chemical and trading firm, the company produced and sold chemicals, flavorings and fragrances to other businesses.

Then, Lucio built Fortune Tobacco in 1966. The company had its operations in a small hut in Marikina. This businessman would soon embark in a variety of industries: airlines; banking, finance and securities; brewery; chemicals; distillery and alcohol; education; food; hotel; real estate and construction; soap manufacturing; steel; fabrication and tourism.

Social Responsibility

Even then, Dr. Lucio Tan shared his blessings to Filipinos. In 1986, Dr. Tan established a non-governmental organization called the Tan Yan Kee Foundation. Thru this and because of this foundation, he helped construct school buildings, hospitals and churches in the country. The foundation also sustained social welfare and livelihood projects, funded research and development, gave relief aids, and campaigned for environment protection.

Dr. Lucio Tan also founded the Foundation for Upgrading the Standard of Education (FUSE). This foundation sought to uplift and upgrade the quality of education in the Philippines by providing skills-building seminars and trainings to teachers.

A man called “Kapitan” by his employees, close friends and family for the many hats that he wears – he best exemplifies the virtues of humility, perseverance and benevolence. One who experienced failures before his successes, his message to the Toastmasters audience is that there are no shortcuts or magic formula to success. It is all about attitude and giving a hundred percent in everything that you do, and leaving it to prayer and luck to do the rest.  His success however, is best exemplified, not by the riches he has amassed or the growth of his businesses, but by the many people he has helped in his life.

Communication and leadership skills – valuable tools he has honed to become not only an innovative businessmen, outstanding leader, and inspiring individual.

Dr. Lucio C. Tan is the recipient of the 2013 Communicator and Leadership Award. The award was presented to Dr. Lucio C. Tan by District 75 Governor Grace L. Paras last April 28, 2013 during the 32nd Toastmasters District 75 Convention held at Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa.

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