Seated: Elizabeth Sy, Felicidad Sy, Henry Sy Sr. and Tessie Sy-Coson, Standing: Henry Sy Jr., Hans Sy, Herbert Sy, Harley Sy.
Elizabeth Sy: It was my father who taught me the meaning of unconditional love.
Hans Sy:
I have nothing to say right now. I am at a loss for words and feelings.
Nicole Coson (left) with sister Mara Coson (right) and friend Maria Taniguchi
Nicole Coson:
My favorite memory of my grandfather was his bringing me to school whenever he could, no matter how busy he was. He would also bring me to an SM section — I think it was called Storyland? — when I was about five years old. He would always sing one song to me: Que Sera Sera.
Henry Sy Sr. with grandchildren (from right) Chico Sy, Carinna Sy and Howard Sy
Chico Sy:
Henry Sy Sr. was not just an icon; he was my loving and caring grandfather. His passion for his work, his family and his country is something I aspire to emulate. He was and continues to be the benchmark for my principles and values in life. He always reminded me, in business as in life, when one engages in a partnership, it is important that both parties prosper and it’s not just a one-sided relationship
Millie Dizon:
Mr. Sy was fondly called Tatang by his SM family and in many ways he was like a father to us. He guided us in our work, sharing his amazing story, challenging us on how we could be better, and he imparted in us his values of hard work, focus, integrity, teamwork and determination. Although he achieved much success he was always simple, humble and kind. We learned so much about business and life from him.
I remember going around the Mall of Asia with him just before it opened. He was being interviewed for a business magazine and he was taking them through the mall. As we went through it, he shared with us his story, his dreams and vision. When we were about to end, he stopped as he wanted to see Manila Bay’s sunset. It was heartwarming, seeing him enjoying life’s simple pleasures despite all his success.
Robina Gokongwei-Pe:
It was in the early ’90s when I finally decided to get married. But I didn’t want a big ceremony My parents told me to just escape to Hong Kong, but then I didn’t know how to start. I cannot remember how I ended up hooking up with Tessie to ask her advice on how to get married in Hong Kong. But one day she told me to go to her parents’ house on a Sunday morning and she will tell me how to go about it.
Imagine my surprise to see some of her siblings there, and Uncle Henry! Uncle Henry then advised me that it was the best decision to get married in Hong Kong with just family in attendance because simplest is best. He said that the wedding is for my own happiness and I should not worry about other people. Uncle Henry was very practical and, yes, very simple. During the old Far East Bank board meetings, his favorite dessert was two scoops of chocolate ice cream and not some elaborate French dessert.
Rikki Dee:
Thirty years ago, Tatang paved the way for us to join SM malls. He was instrumental in guiding us on how to start in the fast-food business. The very first time we met Tatang was in our restaurant which specializes in fish head dishes; he would visit us every Wednesday to have his favorite fish head, most of time when we are about to close our store.
Every time I would congratulate Tatang on all his achievements — and that’s a lot of times — he would always say, “Tsamba.” That is how modest he was.
I vividly remember during our first few weeks in the food court, he would swing by our store to mentor me on how to do it right — that I should forever be a grateful leader in business
Ben Chan:
It is very sad to hear about the passing of Mr. Henry Sy. He was an extraordinary man whose vision has influenced the lives of every ordinary man, me included. The first Bench store I ever opened was at SM Park Square. I have realized my own vision through the success of his own, and for that I am forever grateful.
More than a business inspiration, I mourn the passing of an extraordinary man who has remained ordinary in the humbling simplicity of his way of life.
I have learned so much from his legendary work, and will continue to be inspired by his life. Maraming salamat, Mr. Sy.
Steven Tan:
I count myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be mentored by Mr. Henry Sy Sr. When we opened SM Mall of Asia back in 2006, I was tasked to handle operations. Mr. Sy Sr. would visit the mall every single day for a whole year and without fail would call for me and discuss updates. We would meet in our familiar cafe and he would ask me to sit beside him and we would talk shop.
He would urge me to carefully observe the behavior of shoppers. He taught me the rudiments of tenant plotting and how critical it was to work together with our partner tenants.
Most importantly he taught me the value of determination and hard work. He once told me, “Hard work and focus is the key to success. Set your sights on it and work hard to achieve it.” I’ve always lived by this simple statement ever since and it continues to guide me in my working life.
Fernando Zobel:
We have lost one of our great leaders in business. Mr. Sy transformed the retail industry in the country. He is one of the great entrepreneurs in the Philippines and in Asia. Through hard work and determination he built one of the largest and most successful companies in the country by providing affordable and high-quality goods to a large segment of our population. He also gave back to the country in a very significant way through his contributions to education. He has been an inspiration for all of us. I feel very privileged to have been able to know him for so many years.
Socorro Ramos:
I have always had high respect and regard for Mr. Henry Sy Sr. We are grateful that National Book Store has been invited to be part of SM Malls since they opened North EDSA. They have always treated us as partners.
His vision and perseverance towards his dreams inspired a lot of entrepreneurs and enabled many of us to grow. His legacy will continue and inspire future generations.
Joey Concepcion:
In 2005, I, along with a number of entrepreneurs, banded together to launch GoNegosyo, with the battle cry of helping Filipinos rise above poverty through entrepreneurship. Henry Sy was an icon who served as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across the country. He emulated the winning attitudes needed to be successful as a businessman — hardworking, persevering, humble and kind. He was a great mentor to his children, as you can see: they have each continued to build upon his enduring legacy. They have also inherited his generous heart, initiating numerous programs to help the greater Filipino community. His son Harley was one of the founding trustees of GoNegosyo. Tessie also supports our programs, helping MSMEs and the ASEAN in achieving prosperity for all. Mr. Sy will continue to live on in the hearts of his children and in the memories of all those he helped and inspired. We bid farewell to a great man and an inspiring individual.
George Pua:
He loved Modern China’s southern pork. He would order for takeout 10 packs to keep in his ref; when his friends would visit him, he would give those away. He was the biggest Modern China endorser. Modern China chef Henry Sy is named after him.
Isidro consunji:
Tatang was an avid learner throughout his whole life in the field of business, leadership and citizenship. He set a high standard of ethics, morality and family life.
Johnlu Koa:
I can never forget the day he invited me to join him on his private jet to see Cebu from high up in order to convince me of Cebu’s potential. That was in 1992, just three years after I opened my first French Baker at the SM City North EDSA Annex mall, 30 years ago today. Although I didn’t actually take to the skies with Tatang, I eventually signed up for two spaces in Cebu, believing that his wisdom and vision was key to my own success. He became my mentor from that day on.
Every time a French Baker opened, he would find time to pass by and greet me, not about business but always asking “How’s your dad and mom, and how are they doing?” They were friends since before the war because Tatang said that he would hang out with my dad and some of his friends in my late granduncle’s sawmill. His favorite drink was root beer. I’d always make sure to offer him a glass every time he passed by my store. The biggest challenge came when he offered a 300-plus-square-meter space for me at the SM Mall of Asia. He attended my grand opening in 2006, albeit in a wheelchair, but dutifully stood up to cut the ribbon together with other dignitaries from the EU in the country. Since then he would come by, mostly at my spot in MOA just between 10 and 12 to inspect the mall, since it was new. He would point out small details to me to improve the look of the store and some foods we could sell. He would boast to me how his SM Malls were different, inventing his own model and not just copying from the US. He was referring to US malls where food shops are only zoned to be on the top floors to draw people up there.
As I celebrate 30 years since the opening French Baker in 1989, I can’t help but look back with nostalgia to numerous occasions when Tatang Henry shaped my thinking and influenced my actions. He is my hero and will always have a special place in my heart. He believed in the Filipino dream; he was an optimist; his vision was as clear as the sky; he understood the Philippines so well; he prepared the Philippines for the world.
Felix Ang:
Henry Sy Sr. will always be an inspiration. I am grateful to him because I started my car accessories at SM ACA 35 years ago. He was my ninong at my wedding and I will never forget his guidance in my early years as an entrepreneur. I greatly admired his wisdom and always looked up to him throughout my business career. Ninong’s example taught me to stick to my core business and my strength, which is automotive. He will always be in our hearts.