By Cyrus A. Natividad
Mr. Felix Tiu with Looking Forward hosts Mr. Cyrus Natividad and Ms. Nestle Taala.
Born Felicito Hupan Tiu to Fernando and Luz Tiu in Iloilo City on October 29, 1955, Felix Tiu spent two years of studying at Central Philippine University High School in 1970-1971. He started building his enterprises at a young age. His parents who were self-made traders of Chinese descent operated a candy store in Iloilo City. Following their footsteps, Felix became an entrepreneur who was acknowledged later as a captain of the hotel and restaurant industry in Iloilo and Cebu. He was into many different businesses. He and his wife Bernadette Chavez-Tiu founded their own trading company, Goldstar Philippine Traders. At this time they are owners of the Water World Resort in Western Visayas. Another Water World resort has recently opened in Cebu.
In an on-site interview by CPU TV Looking Forward at his Water World Resort in Alta Tierra Village-Iloilo, Tiu recalled his experiences at Central Philippine University during the Martial Law years. “That was the time,” Tiu said that he relied much on God – for guidance and protection.
Asked how he became very successful in business, Tiu shared these principles: “First is that you have to realize that success comes with God”, he said. “I always rely on the Lord in every endeavor”, Tiu added.
“I have faith in God, and because of this, God blessed my businesses.” In return, Tiu explained, “It is my responsibility to be generous to my employees.” He considered this as social responsibility, but he said, “I really see to it that my employees can live well with enough food, clothing and modest shelter,” he explained.
“I started selling oil, flour, margarine, and other baking goods using my savings of P10,000 pesos from previous business ventures. I only rented a small space in the supermarket area in Iloilo City.” He opened Eon Philippines Industries Corporation as his business grew bigger. It manufactured various local staples like bihon and sotanghon, flavoured juices; with lollipops being the main product.
In 1991, with a vision to provide “market vendors a chance at their businesses,” Tiu ventured into low-interest lending. He has increased his investments and has created a modest lending enterprise.” At the turn of the century in 2000, Felix Tiu purchased a property in Iloilo City and constructed the Eon Centennial Plaza Hotel. It has been the start of many more tourism development businesses in Iloilo and other parts of the country.
In gratitude to Central Philippine University, “we plan to extend to our alumni, a discount system in all our Hotels and Resorts, Tiu said. “We will be looking forward to celebrating with our batch during the Grand Alumni Homecoming next year in February 2020 with our utmost support”, Tiu emphasized.