John Gokongwei

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.

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

Love your work. Work hard for it.

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

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

I am optimistic about the Philippine future. Yes, the momentum is there. We have to compete in industry and tourism; we're still weak in industry. We're good in BPOs and sending workers abroad... I think the future looks good, unless there's a big recession in the world.

I don't know another Philippine company that has lasted three generations, except for Ayala. Maybe Aboitiz is going to the third.