Manila, Philippines – September 18, 2025 – The Anvil Business Club, one of the Philippines’ premier organizations of Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs, marked its 35th anniversary with the Anvil Business Summit 2025: Rising with the Giants at the Isla Ballroom, Edsa Shangri-La Manila. Proudly supported by Taipan by CHiNOY TV, the summit brought together over 500 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals for an afternoon of insight, dialogue, and inspiration.
Regaling the crowd, Bernie Liu, Executive Chairman of Golden ABC, spoke about steering Penshoppe into becoming the global retail giant it is today. He emphasized the importance of serving customers, sharing, “One of the very first lessons I learned was not just about passion, but running a business. We exist to serve the customer. And this is something we remind our merchandising team of until today.”
Isidro “Sid” Consunji, Chairman and CEO of DMCI Holdings, charmed the audience with humor while offering valuable advice: invest in “junk.” He explained that many of DMCI’s successes came from acquiring and rehabilitating failing or defunct companies, helping transform the group into the powerhouse it is today. “In every new business we entered, we were always looking for an edge, a way to create management or engineering solutions that will make us competitive,” he said.
Josephine Gotianun-Yap, Vice Chairperson of Filinvest Development Corporation, shared the inspiring story of her parents, who embarked on a journey from Cebu to Quiapo to build a life and legacy through hard work and determination. She emphasized the importance of disciplined investing and taking action: “We invest enough resources to succeed, but we always try to avoid waste and unnecessary expenses. We were taught to live simply and focus on endeavors that create lasting value. Ideas remain ideas if you don’t act.”
Sec. Frederick D. Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, inspired attendees to continue driving progress: “Your leadership and contributions are vital. We need you to continue investing and inspiring others to believe in the limitless promise of our country. So I am totally committed to improving the economy and getting things done, improving the ease of doing business, reducing the cost of doing business, and improving the predictability in doing business.” Before his current government role, Sec. Go served as President and CEO of Robinsons Land Corporation.
The Anvil Business Club also took this opportunity to give due recognition to its former leaders, who have been instrumental in the club’s 35-year success. Their guidance, dedication, and vision laid the foundation for the thriving community of entrepreneurs and professionals the club continues to nurture today.
The summit featured a robust lineup of exhibitors, providing participants with opportunities to connect with industry leaders and explore new ventures. Brands such as Honor Philippines, Facial Care, and Cathay Pacific, alongside Fortune Hill, The Signature, East West Bank, Rockwell Land Corp, DCMI Homes, Auto Global, and Prestige by Filinvest, showcased their products and services, allowing attendees to engage directly with potential partners and collaborators.
All registered participants were automatically included in a raffle, with prizes including an overnight stay with breakfast for two at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel’s Tower Deluxe Room for three winners, and two Economy Class tickets to Hong Kong or any destination in the Chinese Mainland, provided by Cathay Pacific.
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