Concepcions fete mom Marivic on her 90th birthday
She is the mother who never gave up on him even when he didn’t ace his subjects, says GoNegosyo founder and businessman Joey Concepcion of his mother Maria Victoria Araneta Concepcion, fondly called “Marivic” by her friends and “Mamita” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Imagine if she did, we wouldn’t have Go Negosyo and the other leading businesses like RFM Corp. with Joey at the helm now.
The prominent Filipino industrialist clan led by Joey marked recently the 90th birthday of the family’s matriarch, Marivic, at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City.
Joey says of his mother’s unconditional love and support, “I guess I was not a bright student but you continued to help me, guide me.”
His mother, he said, serves as the rock and the inspiration of the younger Concepcions, who continue the family’s tradition of civic service and philanthropy.
For many years, Marivic has proven to be a capable executive as she helped run the businesses of her father Salvador Araneta, and continued the charitable work of her mother, Victoria Lopez-Araneta. Most notably, she continued the clan’s work with White Cross, an institution dedicated to providing proper care and temporary shelter for orphaned children in need. She was also the dependable partner of NAMFREL founder Jose Concepcion Jr. (“Joecon”) throughout his years in corporate and public service.
Joey’s younger brother John said lovingly to his mother, “As far back as I can remember, you have instilled in all of us the values of family, faith in God, living a simple and humble life, and always helping the less fortunate. I remember you would always remind us of these values, but what’s really remarkable was your living them every single day of your life. That consistency, to me, is the greatest lesson. My dad taught me how to be a good businessman and entrepreneur, but my mom is my moral compass.”
“Mom, thank you for being the heart of our family,” said her daughters.
Joey, who is married to the former Marissa Orosa, shared some anecdotes as well, “You know you set a curfew for us when we were teenagers. With my brothers, John and Bernie, we would escape from the window at night so we can meet our girlfriends, some of whom are our wives now.”
John added, “Mom, you are my conscience and every time that I would make decisions and if I think I’m not doing the right thing, I would always reflect of what Mom would say and you would guide me there. So, together, Mom and Dad have shaped me to be the person I am today and every achievement I achieved in my life I owe it to both of you so I’m deeply, deeply thankful. Thank you, Mom.”
Joey also paid tribute to his late father, who was married to his mother for over 65 years.
“The same path that my father tread as he was fighting against corruption—somehow I don’t know why I’m in the same path of helping poor people, many of our struggling entrepreneurs who are at the bottom of the pyramid. Somehow that has been my passion and I tried to look back and see, where did I ever get that passion to help people? Looking back, without Dad’s mentorship, I wouldn’t be here today. So, Mom, thank you for all you’ve done for us.”
And with a wink in his eyes, Joey added, “And we’re all good children!”
The intimate event gathered members of the Concepcions’ extended family and friends from near and far, including the Reyeses, Cojuangcos, Prietos, Punos, Köles, Santoses and Abellos.
