As the curtains rise on the 120th year celebration of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the spotlight falls on a household name that has woven its narrative into the tapestry of Filipino retail – the Gaisano Group. Set to receive the prestigious “Captain of Industry – Retail” award, the Gaisano legacy stands tall as a testament to resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
The roots of this storied journey trace back to 1933 when Modesta Singson Gaisano, alongside her sons, planted the seeds of a retail empire. What commenced as a modest venture burgeoned into something extraordinary. In 1946, White Gold unfurled its banners as Cebu’s first department store, marking the dawn of a transformative era in retail.
The Gaisano sons—David, Stephen, Henry, Victor, and John—embodied their mother’s entrepreneurial fervor, each forging distinct paths within the retail landscape. From the inception of the White Gold building in 1955 to the sprawling network of over 200 retail outlets and malls across the nation today, their dedication and values remained unwavering.
The narrative of the Gaisano Group resonates not merely as a retail giant but as a beacon of Cebuano entrepreneurship. It embodies the essence of the CCCI’s vision—being the driving force behind Cebu’s business growth and a global competitor.
The Gaisano Group’s exceptional contribution to shaping the retail and supermarket industry. From its humble origins in Visayas and Mindanao to its expansion into the fiercely competitive terrain of Metro Manila and Luzon, “Gaisano” stands as a beacon of excellence—a name synonymous with trust and quality.
As the matriarch, Modesta Gaisano, and her sons are commemorated for their pioneering spirit, the award serves as an ode to their tenacity, ‘can-do’ attitude, and unwavering determination. Their journey, an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, embodies the quintessence of Cebuano resilience—a legacy that propels not just economic progress but a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship.
Along with other captains of industry who shaped the business landscape of Cebu, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is set to honor the Gaisano Group during the 120th Year Celebration Gala Night on December 6 at Nustar Convention Center, SRP, Cebu City.
For ticket inquiries and reservations, contact Maribel Melgar at 0916-4641747 or email us at maribel@cebuchamber.org; info@cebuchamber.org.
