Biz Buzz: A banker … and author
When veteran banker Eugene Acevedo turned into a senior citizen last March 24, he started wearing another hat.
The physicist-turned-banker became a published author with the launch of his memoir “Never Stand Alone.”
He told Biz Buzz that the first draft of the autobiography portion of the book took 19 days to finish.
The rest of the content comprised select speeches from his recent decades as a banker, from Philippine National Bank to his current CEO post at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.
The book is titled as such because he wanted to say “thank you” to mentors and friends who have helped move forward his career and personal life.
“I never believed in being self-made. Every time I see successful men described as self-made, often by their spin doctors, I roll my eyes. I insist that every man or woman who rises above the crowd is supported by other men and women who cared for, nurtured and mentored them,” he said in the introduction.
Net proceeds from the sale of his book will fund the tuition and other school fees of 10 BS Education students at De La Salle John Bosco College and physics scholars at his alma mater, University of San Carlos.
What’s next? The brand new author is now working on his second book. —Doris Dumlao-Abadilla
Levi’s gets a lot of love from SM
“Keep your pants on!” would be an apt thing to say to denim aficionados in the Philippines as the retail arm of the Sy-led SM Group has announced plans to open 10 to 15 more Levi’s boutiques inside their malls located outside Metro Manila in the next three to five years.
Jeffrey Lo, senior vice president and business unit head of SM Retail Inc., a franchisee of the Levi’s brand, told Biz Buzz that the expansion would increase the number of this brand’s stores in SM Supermalls from the current 22.
Lo said that the strategic expansion is aimed at bringing the Levi’s brand closer to the loyal customer base outside Metro Manila. At least four new stores are slated to open this year.
Other changes that customers can expect in existing branches include switching to the look of their new concept store. Tailor shop services will also be added to promote customization. —Alden M. Monzon INQ
