Cebu business magnate Manuel Ting aggressively started his buy and sell business 40 years ago, traveling from one island to another. This drive for excellence led him to own eight successful companies that started with humble beginnings in general merchandising.
"My father is very workaholic. He is quite strict and a perfectionist, especially in transacting business. But he is very loving and responsible," shared his son Donald.
Donald, the 4th among a brood of five, said that despite his father's hectic schedule, he still finds a way to spend time with the family.
"When we were still children, we hardly saw our father. He only went home three times in a month. However, when he was home, he devoted his time with us," affirmed Colin, Donald's elder brother.
Allan, the third son, cheerfully reminisced the unforgettable days when their father brought them to the famous beaches in Talisay. How their father treated them with lechon for breakfast every Sunday after Mass. In fact, Allan added with a smile, their father is well known among the lechon vendors.
Despite their business success, they maintain a simple lifestyle and continue to share what they have with people from all walks of life.
"Our father taught us how to value money and value people," Colin explained.
Unlike other children who are born with a silver spoon, their father trained them to have a lofty ideal through hard work and determination.
"When we were still students, our father encouraged us to bring food instead of money. We never drove our own cars until we graduated from college," Allan said.
"We are thankful for the strength and selflessness our Papa showed as he raised us. And we will do the same to our children," Colin added.
At sixty-eight years old, Manuel is asked by his children to take a break from the business, to relax and to enjoy the good life he has earned.