Tycoon John Gokongwei, Jr. is Forbes Asia’s fourth richest man in the Philippines. With a net worth of $3.2 billion, he has indeed amassed great wealth and power over the years. While he may be the rich man that we know today, it wasn’t the case many years ago. This July, Dream Big Books, an imprint of Summit Books, shares the life story of the man behind famous brands Chippy, C2, Robinsons Malls, and Cebu Pacific to name a few, through a children’s book called Big John. 

What was originally meant to be a personal birthday gift for John Gokongwei, Jr.’s 85th birthday by his children turned into a book which the Gokongwei family has generously shared with the public. 

Written by Yvette Fernandez and illustrated by Abi Goy, Big John tells the riches-to-rags-to-riches story of John Gokongwei, Jr., who was once little John with no money at all.

Having lost his father at an early age and being the eldest child in the family, little John had to assume responsibility and be the man of the house. At the tender age of fifteen, he decided to become an entrepreneur who bought and sold grocery items.

With heart, determination, and vision, little John was able to triumph over life’s difficulties and build the many businesses that his family owns today. Big John also gives insights on the path to entrepreneurship and lays down questions you should be able to answer with "yes" before you go into business. 

A heartwarming story about dreaming big, working hard and never giving up, Big John sets to inspire and teach the value of family more than anything.

A portion of the proceeds of Big John will be donated to the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation. Established in 1992 to support Philippine education, it has donated facilities, granted scholarships, and supported school programs in the country.

Dream Big Books is a collection of inspiring stories written for children that will kindle within them a desire to help change the world we live in for the better.

Big John is available in newsstands, bookstores and supermarkets nationwide for only P125. For more details, visit www.summitmedia.com.ph/books or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/summitbooks.