A HARD working man and a loving father, that is Bong Tan, 59, regional representative of Cherrylume, a world class galvalume corrugated sheet provider and the leading G.I. sheet brand in the country.
Raised and schooled by a Chinese father and Dabawenya mother, Bong has always been an independent kid before he became an established entrepreneur in the construction industry.
"I believe that small opportunities are often the beginning of a great enterprise," Bong, who was then a bank worker after finishing a degree at the Ateneo de Davao University in early 1980s, shared.
Earning a minimum wage in the bank, Bong decided to move to Manila and sought for a decent job with a higher salary rate.
"Struggling pa ako noon, hindi ako matanggap-tanggap sa mga malalaking companies," Bong recalled until he was hired as a sales executive in a steel company for almost a decade.
Within those years, Bong has always been the top agent.
But Bong always believes that bigger opportunities come and it's just a matter of embracing them.
He moved forward and worked for Elmer Ngo, the president of Cherrlyume.
"I am always a believer of the Jack Ma's phrase, `It’s better to start
with a good boss than to start with a good company'."
After years of pushing its brand, Cherrylume rose to prominence in Bong's area.
Family has motivated Bong all these years.
"We are not that rich to settle so the least I could do is to work hard and dream."
With the company running stable, Bong remains dedicated with his job.
"I am always fulfilled every time I am able to help. Mas masarap sa pakiramdam yung nakakatulong ka than seeking for help," Bong said.
He also spends quality time with his family.
"I am a disciplinarian father but I am open to them. Happy go lucky lang ako pero I always remind them to finish their studies," Bong, who described himself as a good provider, said.
Who is he as a lolo? Bong answered: "We, lolos, are defenseless when it comes to our grandchild."
Apart from a family man, Bong is also a sportsman having organized basketball tournaments in the city.
"We are helping local talents especially school based teams kasi we would also want to contribute to grassroots development," he said.
Just a month ago, Cherrylume in partnership with Mark Anthony Construction and Supply, sponsored a grassroots basketball for cagers 12 years old and below.
They also plan to continue their local basketball team in Davao City.