EUGENE ERIK LIM

His looks are up to no debate. Dashing and statuesque, Erik might as well be mistaken for a modern-day matinee idol. But as a passionate entrepreneur with several businesses under his helm, he is definitely more than meets the eye.

Straight out of college, he worked in a manufacturing company, which was one of his family’s businesses. Erik, 31, is into mall development—as chief operating officer of Island Central Mactan (ICM), a mall in LapuLapu City that opened roughly a year ago. At the same time, he is also the president-slash-chief executive officer of Topline Business Development Corp., a franchising, real estate and fuel distribution company.

Erik, who confesses that he is “strict but with good reason,” has a holistic approach in running his businesses. He encourages a lot of input and teamwork from his staff.

“My goal as a businessman is not just about profit. It’s about helping society as a whole,” he explains with eagerness in his voice. He mentions the Mactan Wharf behind ICM as an example, which services a Cebu City-toMactan route, as a means to ease the traffic situation in Cebu. “It’s business with meaning,” he says.

“I want to set an example. If you really persevere, there will be opportunities. In order to make a good business, you need a good system. Get the right connections, hire good professionals and get good advice. That will make a great empire.”

Although Erik has no plans of tying the knot anytime soon, he does want to have his own family eventually. He wants someone who he “vibes” with, someone hardworking, understanding, God-fearing and family-oriented.