BM2211

Name _ Section Date

ACTIVITY

Instructions: Research at least three (3) entrepreneurs (not listed on the handout) entrepreneurs that
impacted your life or the world. Describe their significant traits and contributions. If available via the
web, including their personal goals and aspirations in life. Include their photos and cite your references.
(3 items x 10 points)

Allan Lau and Ivan Yuen, Wattpad

Wattpad, the world’s most popular digital storytelling platform.

Founded by University of Toronto alumni Allen Lau and Ivan
Yuen in 2006, started out as a self-publishing platform, but has
since spawned a film and TV production arm called Wattpad
Studios; a book publishing division called Wattpad Books; and
Wattpad Brand Partnerships, which helps brands reach Gen Z
consumers.

“I also want to change the world in a positive way and Wattpad has
given me the opportunity to do that because I’m providing this
creative outlet for a lot of people who otherwise wouldn’t be able
to achieve their dream.” Allan Lau said.

Socorro Ramos, National Book Store

She is the grand matriarch behind the National Bookstore. It’s a

major retailer of books, office supplies and greeting cards in the
Philippines. She went against all odds in putting up the business
amid World War II. In 1940, at age 18, she worked for her
brother’s Goodwill Bookstore branch in Escolta. The store was,
unfortunately, ravaged by the war.

After the war, Socorro and her husband, Jose, started a business
selling textbooks, notebooks, writing pads and pencils at their
house in the corner of Soler and Avenida. In 1948, the house and
their goods were destroyed by a typhoon. But there was no
stopping Nanay Coring, as Ramos is often referred to. She and Jose
persevered and in 1965, they established a nine-story building
along Avenida, which would become the first National Bookstore.

It was this perseverance that made the bookstore’s name a reality

— it continues to be the largest bookstore in the country, even
venturing into e-commerce and setting up stores in Lazada and
Shopee.

“You have to adjust to the flow of business. If you’re not open to

change, your business can’t move on.” Socorro Ramos said.

Alfredo Yao, Zest-O Corporation

Alfredo Yao came from a poor family and became rich due to hard
work and determination. He didn’t finish his education at Mapua
 Institute of Technology. He experienced working in the printing
press and then ventured to this business for 20 years. Then, he
shifted to the juice manufacturing business. Zest-O became a hit to
mothers because of its being convenient to be placed in every lunch
box of the children. Today, Zest-O was one of the leading juice
manufacturers in the country, in China, New Zealand, Singapore,
and many others.

“Hard work, perseverance, and foresight, plus having the right

people working with me to develop and sustain the business, are
key elements to my success.” Alfredo Yao said.

Reference:

02 Activity 1 *Property of STI

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