PAANO NAGSIMULA ANG NATIONAL BOOKSTORE | Ano Ang Nangyari sa National Book Store?

Summary

National Book Store, founded by Socorro “Nanay Coring” Ramos and her husband Jose Ramos, is one of the Philippines’ most iconic bookstore chains. From humble beginnings during WWII, Nanay Coring’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit turned challenges into opportunities, helping the store grow and expand into publishing, specialty stores, and even a college. Despite recent challenges from the pandemic, online shopping, and e-books, NBS continues to thrive, remaining a beloved institution for generations of Filipinos. This video traces the inspiring journey of Nanay Coring, the store’s growth, and its enduring legacy as a symbol of Filipino perseverance and innovation.

Takeaways

• 📚 National Book Store (NBS) is one of the Philippines' most iconic bookstore chains, widely recognized and cherished by Filipinos.
• 👵 Socorro 'Nanay Coring' Ramos, born in 1923, founded NBS and showed entrepreneurial skills from a young age despite facing childhood hardships.
• 🏪 NBS originated from the Goodwill Bookstore, which Nanay Coring and her husband Jose Ramos eventually bought and renamed in 1942.
• 🌏 During World War II, NBS adapted to Japanese occupation by selling non-book items and fulfilling difficult customer demands, showcasing Nanay Coring’s business ingenuity.
• 🏗️ After the war, the couple rebuilt NBS, moving it to Avenida Rizal and later expanding the store to a concrete two-floor building after a typhoon damaged the original store.
• 📝 NBS diversified its products over the decades, including greeting cards, publishing programs, and obtaining franchises like Hallmark, as well as licensing from international publishers.
• 🏢 The company expanded physically with the AlBeCer Building in 1965 and later opened multiple branches across major cities in the Philippines.
• 🎨 In 2017, NBS launched specialty stores such as Art Bar, Noteworthy, and Work Station, and also established NBS College as a tribute to Nanay Coring and the brand’s legacy.
• 💻 The rise of digital technology, online shopping, and ebooks, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, posed new challenges, resulting in some store closures and downsizing.
• 💪 Despite challenges, NBS remains a beloved brand with numerous branches nationwide, demonstrating resilience and a continuing commitment to serving Filipinos.
• ❤️ The story of NBS is not just about business but also highlights the values of perseverance, adaptability, and family legacy, making it a significant part of Filipino culture.

Q & A

Who founded the National Book Store and what was her early life like?

National Book Store was founded by Socorro Cancio Ramos, also known as Nanay Coring. She was born in Sta. Cruz, Laguna on September 23, 1923, and grew up experiencing hardships. Her parents struggled to support the family, and she started working at a young age, showing entrepreneurial skills even as a child.

How did Nanay Coring start her entrepreneurial journey as a child?

At a young age, Nanay Coring worked in a cigarette factory peeling old cigarettes to make new ones. She hired neighborhood kids to do the work for less pay, efficiently sharing labor and increasing productivity, demonstrating early business acumen.

How did Nanay Coring meet her husband, Jose Ramos?

Nanay Coring met Jose Ramos while managing a branch of Goodwill Bookstore in Escolta. They developed a romantic relationship despite family objections due to their age difference, eventually eloping and getting married at City Hall.

When was the National Book Store officially established?

The National Book Store was officially established in 1942 after Nanay Coring and Jose Ramos purchased the Goodwill Bookstore they had been managing.

How did the couple manage the bookstore during World War II?

During the Japanese occupation, they hid books that were censored, sold alternative products like candles and school supplies, and fulfilled specific customer demands such as slippers and typewriting paper, showcasing resourcefulness and adaptability.

What is the origin of the name 'National Book Store'?

Contrary to popular belief, the name 'National Book Store' was inspired not by a national institution but by the National Cash Register (NCR) brand. Nanay Coring liked the wavy design of the cash register and decided to name their store after it.

How did the National Book Store grow after World War II?

After WWII, the store was rebuilt and moved to Avenida Rizal in 1945. It expanded its products, started a publishing program, acquired the Hallmark franchise, and eventually grew to multiple branches in malls and major locations across the Philippines.

What other businesses and ventures did the Ramos family pursue?

Apart from National Book Store, the Ramos family expanded into convenience-type stores (NBS Book Express), publishing companies (Cacho Publishing, Capitol-Atlas, Anvil Publishing), specialty bookstores (Powerbooks), a Hong Kong branch (Metrobooks), and even established NBS College in 2017.

What challenges has National Book Store faced in recent years?

Recent challenges include the COVID-19 pandemic, competition from online shopping, the rise of eBooks, and the closure or relocation of some branches. Despite this, the company continues to operate and adapt to the changing market.

Why is National Book Store considered iconic in the Philippines?

National Book Store is iconic due to its long history, resilience through wars and natural disasters, wide availability in malls, and cultural impact on generations of Filipinos who grew up buying school supplies and books there, making 'Laking National' a popular phrase.

How did the Ramos family respond to setbacks such as typhoons or war damage?

The Ramos family consistently rebuilt and improved their stores after setbacks. For example, after a typhoon in 1948 damaged the store, they reconstructed it in concrete with two floors, demonstrating perseverance and strategic planning.

What innovations did National Book Store introduce to maintain customer interest?

Innovations included creating greeting cards and postcards featuring Philippine art, acquiring Hallmark's Philippine franchise, developing a publishing program, and launching specialty stores like Art Bar, Noteworthy, and Work Station to cater to different customer needs.