Socorro Ramos is a prominent Filipino businesswoman widely known for her pivotal role in founding and succeeding the National Book Store, the largest bookstore chain in the Philippines.
Her journey to fame is a story of endurance, hard work and entrepreneurship.
Socorro, affectionately known as “Nanay Coring,” has turned her business into a retail giant. She started with a small stall selling school supplies and books.
File
- – Full name: Socorro Cancio Ramos
- – Nickname: Nanay Coring
- – Date of birth: September 23, 1923
- – Age: 100 years old
- – Gender: Female
- – Place of birth: Santa Cruz, Laguna, Philippines
- – Nationality: Philippines
- – Occupation: Businessman
- – Height: None
- – Parents: Emilio Ramos, Jose Ramos
- – Siblings: None
- – Wife/husband: Jose Ramos
- – Children: Alfredo Ramos, Benjamin Ramos, Cecilia Ramos-Galvez
- – Relationship status: Widowed
- – Net worth: $600 million
Early life and education
Socorro Ramos, now 100, was born on September 23, 1923, in Santa Cruz, Laguna, Philippines. Raised in a humble family, her childhood was marked by challenges that she turned into opportunities for growth.
Although details about her parents and siblings are scarce, it is known that she was raised in a community that valued hard work and perseverance.
Socorro attended Arellano High School in Santa Cruz, where she completed her basic education. Her experiences during these formative years laid the foundation for the entrepreneurial mindset and work ethic that would later shape her career.
Personal life
Socorro Ramos’ personal life is closely tied to her professional journey. She met her husband, Jose Ramos, through their shared passion for books and business.
Together they opened a small stall in Escolta, Manila in the 1940s. The couple’s partnership extended beyond business as they raised a family with three children: Alfredo Ramos, Benjamin Ramos, and Cecilia Ramos-Galvez.
Jose and Socorro worked tirelessly to grow their business, even as they faced many challenges, including having their store destroyed during World War II.
Despite these setbacks, they persevered, rebuilding the store and expanding its reach. Socorro’s resilience was further tested when she became a widow, but she continued to lead the National Book Store with determination and vision.
Career
Socorro Ramos’ career is a remarkable story of entrepreneurship and innovation. She and her husband started the National Book Store as a small stand selling books and school supplies. Their business faced significant challenges during World War II, including the destruction of their store.
However, Socorro and Jose’s resilience allowed them to rebuild and expand.
Under Socorro’s leadership, National Book Store grew into the largest bookstore chain in the Philippines, with branches nationwide.
The store diversified its product line to include stationery, greeting cards, and a wide range of books, from educational materials to bestsellers. Socorro’s business acumen and dedication to providing quality products at affordable prices have made National Book Store a trusted name in Filipino households.
Prize
- – Best Philippine Retailer awarded by the Philippine Retailers Association (2005)
- – Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young Philippines (2004)
- – Agora Award for Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship from the Philippine Marketing Association (2006)
- – Gawad Mabini, Commander of the Republic of the Philippines (2007)
- – Philippine Book Development Federation Lifetime Achievement Award (2018)
Net worth
Socorro Ramos’ net worth is estimated at $600 million. She amassed her fortune through the success of National Book Store, the largest and most popular bookstore chain in the Philippines.
Argumentative
Despite his successful career, Socorro Ramos has faced his fair share of controversy. One notable issue involved labor practices at the National Book Store. In the early 2000s, the company faced allegations about its treatment of its employees, including complaints of low wages and inadequate working conditions.
These allegations led to investigations by labor groups and government agencies. Socorro addressed these concerns by implementing reforms that ensured better wages and working conditions for her employees. Her willingness to listen and accommodate demonstrated her commitment to the well-being of her employees.
Another controversy involved allegations of monopolistic practices. As National Book Store grew, some competitors accused the company of using its dominant market position to control prices and unfairly restrict competition.
These allegations have prompted scrutiny from business regulators. Socorro and her management team have defended their practices, emphasizing their commitment to fair competition and customer satisfaction. Despite these challenges, National Book Store has continued to thrive, maintaining its position as a leader in the retail industry.
In addition to labor and competition issues, there have been occasional disputes over copyright and intellectual property. Some authors and publishers have claimed that National Book Store has engaged in illegal copying and selling of copyrighted material.
Socorro has worked closely with legal experts to address these claims and ensure that her business complies with intellectual property laws. While challenging, these controversies do not overshadow Socorro Ramos’s significant contributions to the retail industry and her role in promoting literacy and education in the Philippines.
Social media
- – Instagram: None
- – Twitter: None
