I started with shoes, and with hard work and discipline, the business prospered. I moved to the department store business and again, things went well.

There is no substitute for hard work. There is no such thing as overnight success or easy money.

SM Seaside City Cebu: soon to be the Philippines' Largest Mall and the 4th Largest in the World

I have always believed that if we do well, we must also do something to help others in society.

My basic strategy is to stick to my core business, and to my area of expertise. My businesses are all related - retail, shopping centers, banking, real estate and tourism development. Together they create synergy.

I started with shoes, and with hard work and discipline, the business prospered. I moved to the department store business and again, things went well.

In life and in business, you need to be good-hearted and trustworthy, and to have integrity. This is the way to build long-term relationships. It is also important to be optimistic and to look at challenges as opportunities.