John Gokongwei Quotes

Powerful John Gokongwei for Daily Growth

About John Gokongwei

John Gokongwei Jr., (May 7, 1935 – September 9, 2019) was a Filipino entrepreneur, industrialist, and philanthropist, widely recognized as one of the pioneers of the Philippines' modern business sector. Born in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, John Gokongwei Jr. was the eldest son of John Gokongwei Sr., a Hokkien Chinese immigrant from China and Filipina Delfina 'Nening' Go, and the founder of the JG Summit Holdings Inc., one of the Philippines' largest conglomerates. Gokongwei Jr. attended La Salle Green Hills in Quezon City, then pursued a degree in business administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He left college without graduating, later stating that he learned more from his experiences in business than he would have in school. In 1958, Gokongwei Jr., along with his siblings, established Universal Robina Corporation (URC), which started as a small food manufacturing company producing peanut kisses and eventually grew to become one of the Philippines' largest food conglomerates. His other ventures include JG Summit Petrochemical Corporation, Robinson Land Corporation, Robinsons Bank Corporation, Cebu Pacific Air, and TV5 Network Inc. Throughout his career, Gokongwei Jr. was known for his innovative business strategies and entrepreneurial spirit. He was a firm believer in the power of hard work, perseverance, and adaptability to overcome challenges. His quotations often reflected these values: "The most important thing is to enjoy what you're doing," and "If you want to be successful, it really all boils down to this: Just one thing, and that is, Perseverance." Gokongwei Jr.'s accomplishments extended beyond the corporate world. He was a passionate advocate for education, establishing various schools and scholarships throughout the Philippines. His legacy continues through his family's philanthropic efforts, including the JG Summit Foundation, which supports initiatives in healthcare, education, disaster response, and community development. John Gokongwei Jr. passed away on September 9, 2019, leaving behind a lasting impact on the Philippines' business landscape and inspiring generations of entrepreneurs to come.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Everything starts from an idea."

This quote emphasizes that every significant undertaking, achievement, or creation originates from a thought, an idea. It underscores the importance of imagination and creativity in the genesis of any project, invention, or innovation. In essence, it suggests that potential and possibilities are limitless when one nurtures their ideas and brings them to fruition.


"The harder I work, the luckier I get."

This quote by John Gokongwei suggests that success is a result of hard work, not mere chance or luck. The more effort one puts into their endeavors, the more opportunities and advantages they create for themselves, thereby increasing the chances of "good fortune" or success. It encourages persistence and dedication as key ingredients to achieving one's goals.


"If you can dream it, you can do it."

This quote by John Gokongwei suggests that one's dreams have the potential to become a reality if one is willing to take action towards achieving them. It encourages individuals to envision their goals, ambitions, or desires, and then work diligently to bring those dreams to fruition. In essence, it highlights the power of personal determination, resilience, and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and fulfilling one's aspirations.


"Opportunity is always knocking, but it's up to us to open the door."

This quote suggests that while opportunities for success or growth may frequently present themselves in our lives (the "knocking"), it is ultimately up to each individual to seize these opportunities by taking action (opening the door). In essence, it emphasizes personal responsibility and initiative in capitalizing on potential chances for advancement or improvement.


"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

This quote emphasizes resilience and perseverance in the face of success or failure. It suggests that while success may be temporary, it's important to maintain the courage to keep going, as failure does not have to be a defining moment. The true measure of one's character lies in their determination to persist, learn from mistakes, and continue striving towards their goals.


The most important factors for a long life, I think, are partly in the genes; number two is lifestyle, which includes healthy diet and regular exercise. I walk, run and swim every day. However, I think too much exercise is also unhealthy because of over-stress; sometimes people who exercise too many hours per day die early.

- John Gokongwei

Die, Long Life, However, Diet

The important thing to know is that life will always deal us a few bad cards, but we have to play those cards the best we can. And we can play to win. This was one lesson I picked up when I was a teenager. It has been my guiding principle ever since. When I wanted something, the best person to depend on was myself.

- John Gokongwei

Play, Deal, Been, Picked

Throughout Philippine history, it's the immigrants who built fortunes and, in the process, helped build Philippine economy.

- John Gokongwei

Process, Build, Built, Fortunes

Actually, we chose the name Sun Cellular because we believe the name 'Sun' is bright, forward-looking and optimistic. It is my sincere hope that the whole Philippines will share our positive outlook, optimism and faith in the country's future.

- John Gokongwei

Optimism, Country, Will, Chose

I spend all day in museums. I even eat my lunch in the museum, and I take a nap for one hour there.

- John Gokongwei

Lunch, Museums, Take, Nap

As a boy in school, I already had the drive to be No. 1. If I achieve my goals, OK, but if not, I always ask why and try to rectify myself.

- John Gokongwei

Myself, Achieve, Always, Rectify

Of course, the most important factor of all for long life is a good family. When a person goes home with the wife or the kids giving him endless headaches, then it's hard for that person to enjoy a long life. I am very fortunate, because my wife Elizabeth and my obedient children are very good; they have given me happiness.

- John Gokongwei

Long Life, Very, Obedient, Factor

I knew I could make it in Cebu, but I never thought I could make it in Manila.

- John Gokongwei

Thought, Never, Could, Manila

I only take vitamin B complex. Before World War II, I used to take ionized yeast, because in the pre-war era we never heard about vitamins.

- John Gokongwei

War, Before, About, Yeast

I don't rely on feng shui. I believe hard work brings us good luck and success.

- John Gokongwei

Work, Luck, Good Luck, I Believe

I played the piano as a boy for six years, from the time I was six to 12 years old. My piano lessons ended when my father died because our family had no more money. I used to have a mestiza teacher. She'd come once a week to teach me piano lessons, and she'd bribe me each time with an apple; otherwise, I wouldn't play.

- John Gokongwei

Play, Week, Bribe, Lessons

It was during my first trip to America in 1953 - that's when I learned to visit museums. I was then 26 years old. When I travel, the first thing I do is to visit museums. When I go to New York City, I usually go to Broadway to see the shows.

- John Gokongwei

City, Years, Broadway, Visit

Sun Cellular is the biggest investment in my business career.

- John Gokongwei

Business, Career, Biggest, Cellular

We at Sun Cellular will definitely continue our consistent business policy of offering the best value for consumers' money. Yes, we shall offer the most affordable but reliable service.

- John Gokongwei

Business, Will, Affordable, Cellular

Do what is right... do it with honesty and vigor. Be creative - that's important. Don't follow what other people are doing.

- John Gokongwei

Doing, Important, Other, Vigor

My great-great-grandfather lived to age 28, my immigrant great-grandfather Pedro Gotiaoco died at 66, my grandfather was 68, and my father died at 34.

- John Gokongwei

Father, Immigrant, Died, Grandfather

I don't usually make political comments, because I am a businessman, not a politician.

- John Gokongwei

I Am, Political, Politician, Comments

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