Cebuano firms recognized at Family Business awards

CEBU, Philippines — Pages Holdings and Laguna Group, two of Cebu's most successful family businesses, were recently recognized at the Philippine Family Business Awards.

The award-giving body is a joint undertaking of the Ateneo de Manila University, through its Family Business Development Center and Union Bank of the Philippines.

The two companies, both based in Cebu, own some of the top food brands in the Philippines today.

The Laguna Group is founded by Lita Urbina, which started as a small carenderia in Cebu City in 1979. The company has since grown to establishing various restaurant brands, with Café Laguna as its flagship.

Meanwhile, Pages Holdings was founded by its chief executive officer Bunny Pages. The company started with Thirsty Fresh Fruit Juices and Shakes and Mooon Café. Now, the company has grown into 11 brands and counting.

"My family and I feel so honored and privileged to have been chosen recently as one of the ten recipients of the first-ever Philippine Family Business Award by the Ateneo Family Business Development Center," the CEO told The FREEMAN yesterday.

"This recognition has inspired and motivated everyone in the family to do an even better job as custodians of the businesses entrusted to us by God. We promise to keep on inspiring others to pursue their dream of entrepreneurship and a better life for all Filipinos," Bunny said.

Laguna's chef Raki Urbina said his family never expected "our simple aspiration of a family con is recognized, how small we may be among the giants."

Ten family companies were recognized by Ateneo last April 14 at Escaler Hall of the university.

In a statement, Ateneo said decisions and succession planning in a multi-generational institution can result in chaos and even business closure.

But if done right, family business is fulfilling and makes a positive influence on the community it serves, it said.

The awards celebrated the valuable contributions of family businesses in the country.

Dr. Maria Luz Vilches, vice president for the Loyola Schools, lauded the awardees for their achievements.

"We honor today 10 families whose businesses have flourished. Excellence here is not just a label or a word. It is shown in effective governance, commitment to quality and strong family relations. I’d like to congratulate the 10 family awardees and may your tribe increase in the industry,” she said.

Jose Emmanuel Hilado, chief financial officer of Unionbank, was also quoted as expressing his gratitude and hope for family businesses:  “We believe that family business — grown from the grassroots and humble beginnings — is the perfect example of life elevated and dreams fulfilled,” he said. (FREEMAN)