RICHEST FILIPINOS

Early this week, Forbes Magazine released their annual list of billionaires in the world. For 2012, the list included 1,226 billionaires all over the world who have a collective net worth of US$4.6 trillion. Among these are 6 Filipinos: Henry Sy, Lucio Tan, Andrew Tan, Enrique Razon, Eduardo Cojuangco, and Roberto Ongpin.

According to Forbes, 87-year old Henry Sy is the richest Filipino, whose new worth is about US$8 billion. Henry’s success story started out in his father's bodega in Quiapo where he opened a shoe store in 1946. He now controls the Philippines' largest mall developer. He also founded the SM Investments Corporation, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines.

Next in line is 77-year old Lucio Tan, who has a net worth of US$3.5 billion. Among the companies which Tan controls are Asia Brewery, the second largest brewery in the Philippines, Tanduay Holdings, one of the world's largest rum makers, Fortune Tobacco, the largest tobacco company in the country, Philippine Airlines, the Philippines' flag carrier.

Andrew Tan is the third richest Filipino, with a net worth of US$2.1 billion. An immigrant from China, he did odd jobs to put himself through college. He saved money he earned as a kitchen appliance salesman to buy a distillery and made his first fortune in brandy. He now owns Megaworld Corporation, a real estate corporation engaged in developing condominiums, Emperador Distillers Incorporation, which is best known for its brandy, and Golden Arches Development Corporation, which possesses the McDonald's franchise.

Enrique Razon, who has a total net worth of US$1.9 billion, is the fourth richest Filipino. He is engaged in the port business as the owner of International Container Terminal Services, a Manila-listed company which has operations in 17 countries.

The 76-year old Eduardo Cojuangco is the fifth richest Filipino. He is the chairman of San Miguel Corporation, the largest food and beverage corporation in the Philippines. His total net income is US$1.3 billion.

Rounding up the list is Roberto Ongpin. This 75-year old businessman is worth US1 billion. He has investments in property, gaming, mining and telecommunications. He also heads Top Frontier, an investment company, which has a controlling interest in San Miguel Corporation.

Angeli I. Serapio, Entry #12