Xandra Ramos on Nanay Coring: She has always treated everyone fairly, no matter their stature
Xandra Ramos on Nanay Coring:
My childhood was full of memories with my Lola. Lola Socorro is an icon today, but to me, she is a great lola who taught and inspired me to be the best person that I can be. She has imparted to us these great life lessons: 1. Be Passionate, hardworking, and persevering.
Lola would always say, “If you work hard nothing is impossible. There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.” Lola mentored and molded me, not to just follow in her footsteps, but also pursue that things I am passionate about. When she saw my passion for books, she recruited me to be part of National Book Store. I worked under her mentorship. I learned everything in her playbook. She even created a “training program” for me where I spent some time in each department, learning the industry. She wanted me to experience and learn everything from bottom to top.
Throughout the years, I saw how passionate my Lola was. She had devoted so much time growing the business. What used to be a small, quaint store in Manila has now 239 branches all over the country. Last year, we opened 18 NBS stores, 4 new concept stores, 1 outlet store. Her sipag and tiyaga has brought National Book Store to where it is now. 2. Knowledge is power.
Lola has also instilled in us the value of education and continuous learning. Up to this day, Lola would read newspapers, cover to cover. Even with my MBA, I still strive to learn new things. I attend seminars and trainings to become the best person and leader that I can be. 3. Happiness is helping people.
Lola’s generosity has also transcended over the years. She has taught us to be caring and value the people we work with–from suppliers to partner lessors to our employees to people we don’t even know. She had shared what she knows to people and helped them with their needs. She has always treated everyone fairly, no matter their stature.
Today, as we celebrate Grandparents Day, I am reminded of Lola’s hardwork, perseverance, resilience, and humility, and I am grateful that Lola has instilled in me these same values.
Lessons are lifted from the book: An Open Book Thursdays with Nanay Coring (P595) written by Cecilia RamosLicauco with Yvette Fernandez published by Anvil Publishing is available at National Book Store.