Sunday, April 08, 2007

ANG TIBAY NAMAN

Strange. Ever since living in Manila, whenever shopping for footwear, I’d always be drawn to those created by a particular Canadian manufacturer. To date, my collection of sneakers, sandals, and slippers purchased locally bear its trademark.

It used to be when I cared not for any particular brand; I’d buy whatever style fancied me, or whatever was on sale, without adherence to brand loyalty. That applied to both dress and sports shoe purchases. Darn, when I used to play tennis, I’d even favor those lightweight shoes produced by an obscure company, Bata. However, these days, whenever my casual or sports shoes needed to be replaced, first and foremost, I’d be heading over to a shop that carries Merrell.


The only other time I remember being so fixated to a particular shoe brand was when I was a youngster. Although my parents bought me a pair of shoes only twice a year back then — for Christmas and the new school year — I would wear nothing but a pair of Ang Tibay Shoes. I loved them. In fact, I learned how to tie my shoe laces on my own with my pair of Ang Tibay dress shoes. However, by the second or third grade, I began to favor its penny loafers; I would just slip them on and off my feet.

There was only one Ang Tibay Shoe store that I remember — on Avenida Rizal next to the Manila Opera House where the ReyCard Duet regularly held court. However, by the time I reached high school, my taste for shoes changed, but I’d still browse through its window displays whenever passing by (my high school was in the nearby Doroteo Jose).

Imagine my delight when a couple of months ago, I came across a book that illustrated the life of the man behind Ang Tibay Shoes. His name was Toribio Teodoro; his life, a true rags-to-riches story.

Born
on April 27, 1887 in Grace Park in Caloocan City, he had to quit school at 12 and worked at a cigar factory to help his parents make ends meet. He married Florentina Alcantara when he was barely 16 in 1903. His enthusiasm and diligence soon made him one of the highest wage earners in that factory. However, having had enough of the cigar business, which he realized held no future for him, he quit after eight years of working there and got himself a job at a slipper-making company. He even took a second job in the evening at another slipper factory doing odd tasks, and before too long honed his skills as a slipper craftsman.

Fueled by ambition and determination, in 1910, in partnership with a friend, Juan Katindig, they set up a slipper factory at Calle Cervantes, now Avenida Rizal. He was just 23. They started taking in small jobs but soon was churning out a substantial inventory they called Ang Tibay.

In 1921, by mutual consent, Toribio bought out his partner for P43,000, an equal division of their company’s assets, and went on to establish Ang Tibay Footwear Factory in 1922. Esco and Hike Shoes dominated the local shoe manufacturing industry back then, but Toribio traveled to the United States in 1928 to buy sole-cutting machineries. With the installation of these machines and with a staff fully-trained to operate them, by 1930, Ang Tibay was producing 1,000 pairs of shoes daily and was able to effectively compete against the local shoe industry giants.

The great success of Ang Tibay Shoes also enabled Toribio to branch into other enterprises such as Botica de Sta. Cruz, Central Surety and Insurance Co., Photo Chemical Industries, the Manila Grand Opera House, and six other movie houses. Although his education did not go beyond second grade, he wrote and spoke both Spanish and English proficiently. He was also an excellent writer in Tagalog.

He became a widower, but eventually met someone who was to become his second wife, Marta Teodoro; she gave him six children. His two sons -- Prudencio and Francisco -- helped him rehabilitate Ang Tibay Shoes after the Second World War. By the early 1950s, Ang Tibay’s production rate was up to 3,000 pairs of shoes daily; hence, becoming the country’s leading footwear manufacturer at that time.

Toribio Teodoro died on August 30, 1965, but his life story will forever remain an inspiration for many people.

Happy Easter everybody!



Source:
Silent Storms
Inspiring Lives of 101 Great Filipinos
By Fernando A. Bernardo
Anvil Publishing, Inc.







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posted by Señor Enrique at 8:47 AM


71 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

that IS inspiring. sayang sana hanggang ngayon buhay parin yung brand nila.

i'd love to see a filipino brand stand out.

April 08, 2007 9:48 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

My sister and I would then rave about Syvel's, Parisian and Rempson shoes. But I think I did hear of Ang Tibay from my brothers and uncles.

Such an inspiring story! I understand Ang Tibay is no longer in the market? I believe it's the want of new designs, that caused it to lag behind. Is that right, Eric?

April 08, 2007 11:27 AM  

Blogger carlotta1924 said...

i've heard of ang tibay shoes from my older titas. how long did a pair last?

happy easter din señor! =)

April 08, 2007 12:33 PM  

Blogger abet said...

hello eric,

happy easter..kadadating ko lang po kasi..nga pala congrats for being one of the nominee in the phillippine web awards...nice going eric keep it up!!!

April 08, 2007 1:21 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sayang! Pinoy brand pa naman. I hope i-revive ito. But Merrell brand is really a tough brand. :)

April 08, 2007 1:38 PM  

Blogger Animal welfare advocate said...

Who would not love to have the most coimfortable footwear there is? Take care of your feet and it'll take you places, right? Lest you just want to kick off and stay in Boracay for the rest of your friggin' life! :-).

Now you, Senor Enrique, are a good photographer and your feet have taken you to places that resulted to being hailed as having the Best Photo Blog there is in this lovely country of ours, now, would you mind visiting our rescue and rehabilitation center in Capas, Tarlac and shhot our rescued there and promote animal welfare in this beautiful country of ours? we'd love to serve you tea and cookies, or whatever we can find.

:-). Nice blog. Love the pictures. Congrats!

April 08, 2007 2:03 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Hi Rick!

Talagang sayang nga. Like you, I'd love to see Filipino brands to be recognized worldwide.

But from what I heard in the news, our country is fast becoming the center of jewelry design and production in the entire Asia. Our local furniture insudtry is also to be proud of. So, may be not in the shoe industry, but in others, I think we have some companies making a name for themselves.

April 08, 2007 9:57 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

I'm not really sure what caused Ang Tibay Shoes to close its doors, Rhoda. Nonetheless, it was a famous brand name back when I was a kid.

Would you believe that one of the children of the owners of Rempson was my sister's best friend? I think they, too, had given up on the shoe business and had ventured into supermarketing business.

April 08, 2007 10:00 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Hi Carla!

They didn't last more than a year since I wore my Ang Tibay Shoes a lot; not only in school, but on weekends as well when we went out. At some parties, I'd end up running around while playing with my cousins so, I really wore mine out fast. Same in school. There were lots of playing in the schoolgrounds.

Hey, don't forget to take some pics to share with us while you're over there in the States! Have fun. Ingat din!

April 08, 2007 10:05 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Welcome back, Basey! How are you? I'm sure you're mighty glad to be back home.

Thanks and keep more in touch now that you're back, ok? :)

April 08, 2007 10:06 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

I don't know LAR if they'll ever revive Ang Tibay Shoes. Our shoe industry has really taken a beating from China's cheap imports that are flooding our market.

Tibay nga ng Merrell ... hehehe!

April 08, 2007 10:08 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Greg, no problem!

Email me your contact number and address/location of your center. In case I find myself passing by Capas, I'll definitely drop by and spend some time with you guys.

I've been to Capas once on our way to San Fabian.

Thanks for making me aware of your efforts!

April 08, 2007 10:11 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Very interesting post.

Sino ang makalimot sa Ang Tibay at Bata shoes. Natatandaan ko puro ganito ang sapatos ko bago dumating ang adidas at converse.

I guess ang pumalit na yata dito ay yong Zenco footsteps.

Talking about inspiration for many people, the story of the founder of Certeza Co.(along Edsa near GMA7) is also a great source of inspiration. I had his book. his life, I believe, covers a portion of Philippine history.

And you know what, karamihan ng naging empleyado nya ay naging successful at ang very visible is Mike Velarde.

April 08, 2007 10:34 PM  

Blogger NOYPETES said...

Eric,
Tayong mga nakapagsuot ng Ang Tibay shoes ang tunay na makakapagsabi na talagang matibay at mura pa ang isa sa mga tunay na gawang Pinoy nuon. Salamat at pina-alala mo rin yung Esco shoes. I went to PWU school of Music and Fine Arts. Our building was located right next to one of Toribio Teodoro son's house on Tennesse and M.Malvar in the vicinity of the PWU campus. Let's not forget Gregg Shoes in San Juan, another Pinoy high quality product back then. Our local rubber and canvas high tops such as the US Converse shoes look alike locally made Custombuilt shoes. Sturdee rubber shoes and the most famous among the masa!?....Elpo shoes!! Mostly advertised in Liwayway magazine and other Pinoy regional publications. I can remember one illustrated ad with "Epoy" in his button down shirt, folded up short sleeves, lower part of the shirt tied in a knot, jeans and his Elpo shoes walking on water to rescue a drowning dog. Very cartoony but it was very effective as a catchy ad.

Reading some of your past blogs, I noticed that you spent a lot of your childhood in the same community I grew up. Lest I forget, CONGRATULATIONS on your awards!

April 09, 2007 12:56 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Hi Rolly! Just tried googling Certeza CO. and the only thing I found is an abstract of the book, "Crime, Law and Social Change." I believe this deals with our forestry. Would be interesting to know more about such local folks and industies to provide further inspiration for some of our readers.

Iba na din talaga kung may nakakapag-alala sa mga ating kababayan na kaya nating umahon sa hirap pag may tiyaga at lakas ng loob.

Thnaks, Rolly!

April 09, 2007 6:21 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Gregg Shoes I remember Noypetes, but I was always true to Ang Tibay :)

Who was "Epoy?"

Did Flash Elorde help make Elpo popular as well? Ito ang rubber shoes ng mga siga, di ba? I remember they also came in black. Ang suwelas ba nito ang may naka-etch na "OXO?"

I used to have a pair of those white Custombuilt shoes for my high school gym class. I remember they would somehow become a bit yellowish if washed and put under the sun for too long.

You grew up not too far from where I grew up in Misericordia between Tayabas and Batangas.

BTW, I would love to know the six movie houses owned by Toribio, besides the opera house. This summer I will definitely spend some time in our National Library to look this up.

Thanks, Noypetes!

April 09, 2007 6:40 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Another interesting life story, one that should be a good model for every enterprising Filipino. However, I wonder why its shoe product did not became as succesful that it would live upto today. Maybe if he had not gone to other business, he could have focused in the shoe business and right now compete internationally among popular shoe brands.

April 09, 2007 5:38 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bro Eric,
I was born and raised in my beloved Manila sometime in the
50's kaya damang dama ko ang topic mo at mga comments ng mga suki mo sa iyong award winning blog. I hope and pray that you keep on blogging forever. Congratulations, more power and most of all good health.

God Bless

April 09, 2007 6:41 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

I really have no idea, Major Tom, why when I came back to Manila, there was no more Ang Tibay Shoes!

I've a feeling that perhaps, the overall local shoe industry just suffered a major decline. My sister's friend's shoe company also closed down when in fact, it was one of the larger outfits.

Perhaps, other fellow bloggers might have the insight that I lack in this matter. Now, I'm really curious.

April 09, 2007 7:28 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Thank you, Batapaloc (does this stand for Batang taga-Sampaloc?).

I can't help but share my memoirs since they readily come up whenever I'm seeking ideas to write about and post. And I'm glad there are others who enjoy reading them. I try to mix in some contemporary issues with them so as not to alienate our younger fellow bloggers.

Magkababata pala tayo, eh! Hehehe!

April 09, 2007 7:32 PM  

Blogger NOYPETES said...

Epoy was a caricature poster boy for ELPO shoes.

Yes Flash(Bay) Elorde wore Elpo shoes during his shoe shine days in the Visyas.

"OXO" was the pattern for the rubber sole on Custombuilts. A popular brand among the masa while the rich kids then ran around in their US Keds and Converse shoes from the Cartimar stores or the Sangley, Clark and Subic comissaries.

Was the CLOVER theater owned by Toribio Teodoro also?

Sturdee shoes was the hipper version of ELPO. It came in all black or Chocolate brown.

April 09, 2007 11:41 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

No mention of the names of the six movie houses that Toribio owned, Noypetes. I will have to research this at the National Library. Nonetheless, it goes to show how successful the man had become -- a true rags-to-riches story!

Thanks for clarifying the various brands of popular sports shoes back then. There is also a Cartimar in Recto nowadays, but it mostly boasts of shoe stores selling knock-offs from China. Gone are those commissaries, but most high end shoe makers from abroad now have presence in our local tony malls, or a section at Rustan's. Times have changed, huh?

April 10, 2007 6:37 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I vividly recall Ang Tibay and on the sort of upscale side, there was Camara Shoes and I remember it had also a store in Avenida. My Manila Police detective uncle used to have a bunch of these expensive shoes for showing off :)

I had a leather Valentino pair made in Marikina and I swear hanggang ngayon buhay pa after using it in snow and rain for years. It is still in a box in my garage waiting for disposal - faded but still very much intact :)

April 10, 2007 11:15 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

That name Camara Shoes now comes back to mind, though I never owned a pair, BW.

Wow! That pair of Valentino shoes from Marikina ought to be preserved for posterity :) Talk about sturdy workmanship. Talo ba ang Timberland!

April 10, 2007 11:45 AM  

Blogger -= dave =- said...

Nostalgia galore! Where is NM when we need him? Unfortunately I can't relate to this stuff, hehe.

At present, I'm wearing a pair of Rusty Lopez leather shoes. As far as I know, this is a Filipino brand. It's been two years, but this pair has withstood my daily office commute which involves about a kilometer of walking.

April 10, 2007 6:39 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Rusty Lopez happens to be popular. My nephew only buys these shoes to use for school. I think I had once purchased a pair of its leather slippers; well made, indeed.

Thanks for reminding us, Dave, of one of our local contemporary shoe manufacturers! This nostalgia trip can be consuming ... hehehe!

April 10, 2007 6:50 PM  

Blogger reyd said...

Ang Tibay nga!
Yan ang mga sapatos namin sa school, matibay talaga, then binili ako ng Gregg shoes also, tagal ko ding ginamit ito, until masikip na.
Yung Glenmore na sapatos ko naman, ni ayaw kong sumayad sa lupa... hahaha!
Wala na ata yang mga brands na yan. Those shoes that I bought from Marikina and a pair of Rusty Lopez's, did not last here in the Oregon rain.

Thanks Eric for a bit of the local history.

April 26, 2007 9:49 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Ay, ako naman, Reyd, loyal talaga sa Ang Tibay noong sa elementary ako. Sa high school karamihan sapatos kong local mana sa mga kapatid at Hush Puppies bili sa PX sa Subic.

Ang Glenmore ba ay yung sikat na shoe store sa Azcarraga (?) na pwede ding mag-pasadya? Kasi brother ko nag pa custom made ng chukka boots tulad ng sa Beatles na eventually namana ko din:)

Gregg alam ko sikat pero hindi ako naka-suot niyan.

Sa Oregon ata bagay lalo na tuwing winter ay Timberland at Columbia!

Thanks, Reyd!

April 26, 2007 11:25 AM  

Blogger reyd said...

Yes, Glenmore is the one in Azcarraga(Recto) and Gregg shoes factory was close to our place in San Juan along N. Domingo, kaya ayun ang mga shoes of most schools in San Juan area.
Here in Oregon, the sole must be made of rubber at puro peke na rin ang tindang sapatos. :lol:

April 26, 2007 11:01 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

I think may Glenmore pa sa Recto pero maliit na lang at parang shoe repair shop na lamang. I think what I'll do is stop by and nose around; if anything interesting comes up, I'll post.

What? May mga pekeng sapatos na sa Oregon na gawang China? Whoa! And all along I thought the States is very stringent when it comes to infringement.

April 27, 2007 5:01 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

One of the movie houses was named Marta, located at Rizal Avenue Extension near the Ang Tibay compound at Caloocan City. We used to have family reunions at the Ang Tibay compound where the factory was housed. My Dad and Mom used to wear custom-made Ang Tibay shoes. By the way, Toribio Teodoro is my grand uncle. I'll ask my Tita what the names of the other movie houses are.

Thanks for writing about Ang Tibay!

April 27, 2007 8:09 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Hi Trafalgar!

Your granduncle's life story shall remain an inspiration, indeed, to our fellow Filipinos! I'm just happy to have come across it and share it with my readers.

I'd truly appreciate if you could somehow advise us of the other movie ouses he owned :)

I guess, being at Rizal Avenue Extension in Caloocan City, the Ang Tibay compound would be near the old Victory Liner terminal where we used to take its buses to Subic!

Thanks again!

April 27, 2007 8:33 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's me again. Can't get in touch with my Tita. But my Mom and Kuya remember 3 movie houses. One is Marta, between 4th and 5th Avenue along Rizal Avenue Extension. Second is Florentina located beside Marta. Third is Star Cinema, located along Avenida Rizal near Recto. They also remember the Manila Grand Opera House located at Avenida near D. Jose.

Did you know that Don Toribio Teodoro also founded a Filipino Church in 1932? Founded, in the sense that he was instrumental in gathering 6 Protestant denominations to unite as one church. It was named Iglesia Evangelica Unida de Cristo. Unida Church, as it is more commonly known, is still existing and is celebrating it's 75th year anniversary this year.

God bless!

April 30, 2007 6:33 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

I didn't know about that, Trafalgar! Wow! I suggest that his surviving family create a special Web site for him, because like I said, his life story is a true inspiration to fellow Filipinos!

Many thanks for the information. They are appreciated, indeed!

April 30, 2007 8:25 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Greetings!

I stumbled upon your post on google while researching on various information about Ang Tibay Shoes. I would first want to congratulate you on a wonderful entry. I am Lorenzo Teodoro, the great grand son of Don Toribio Teodoro. I am currently researching on more facts that are known about him on the internet. I come from the line of Francisco Teodoro(one of the sons you mentioned in your entry). He passed away the day after my birthday in December 2, 1993. Anyways, I would just like to add that Ang Tibay no longer exists, but they are now known as Good Fit shoes, but I am unaware of its success. Thank you so much for this info and it truly makes me proud to know that a lot of people do respect him for everything he has contributed to the country during his time. He still remains an inspiration to me.

Keep up the good work with your blog... its great!

August 12, 2007 10:54 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Many thanks as well for leaving a message. This absolutely makes my blogging efforts feel worthwhile.

Glad to be of service!

Want to know something really uncanny? I was thinking of Ang Tibay Shoes yesterday afternoon.

See the article I had posted today:

http://senorenrique.blogspot.com/2007/08/cubao-reinvented.html


Good luck, and please share with us any more information you may stumble upon online :)

August 13, 2007 9:35 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Its so weird how i stumbled across your blog and how you know more about my family's history than I do. I am Misha Teodoro, the great granddaughter of Toribio Teodoro
and granddaughter of Prudencio Teodoro and the youngest among his grandchildren. I am so interested in my family's heritage that I just had to google Ang Tibay to know more about it, your blog actually helped me a lot more that the other results that came up. I read the previous post by Lorenzo and how strange it is that he is my second cousin and i didn't even know that he existed. It's so great how you still remember Ang Tibay, and how i wish i could have lived during its existence. It would be great if you could update me when you find more information about Ang Tibay. I'd love to hear more from you, if you could e-mail me at misha_teodoro@yahoo.com that would be great! :) thanks

August 17, 2007 10:11 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Hello Misha!

It is indeed a wonderful feeling how my humble site is able to help "connect" people.

Hopefully, Lorenzo will come back to browse this entry and find your comment, and thereby initiate a sort of get together with members of your families. That would be wonderful, indeed.

I will email you if anymore information comes up about the Ang Tibay shoe family.

Regards and good luck!

August 18, 2007 6:09 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi sir..i'm jannette, though i was born in 70's eh kilala ko ang ang tibay shoes... why? because the father of my father mr.santos camara, the owner of camara shoes, is very proud to tell us his story with the ang tibay... in fact i still have the photo of my grandfather when he was still working as sapatero at ang tibay...i do still remember lagi nya sinasabi na 'yan natutunan ko sa ang tibay...' God Bless...

August 31, 2007 10:02 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Thank you for dropping by and leaving such a ligh-hearted message, Jannette :)

Yes, I remember Camara Shoes! And I'm so glad that your grandfather, Mr. Santos, had also done very well like Mr. Toribio of Ang Tibay Shoes. I tip off my hat to local folks like these men for making such wonderful contributions to our life and culture :)

Again, thank you!

September 01, 2007 7:54 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi! I'm Martina Teodoro Quirino - like Misha, I am one of Toribio Teodoro's great granddaughters, granddaughter of Prudencio Teodoro. We cousins are very proud of our family's history, and it is really touching that he is remembered and celebrated. My mom passed this site to me - I'll be sure to check it often. I'd like to know more as well... (Hi Misha! and Enzo!)

September 05, 2007 10:30 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

I am simply overjoyed, Martina!

A reunion is definitely in order here for you guys :)

And perhaps, I may crash in for a couple of minutes to take a group photo!

September 05, 2007 11:01 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

It’s amazing to have this kind of opportunity to ask people regarding the Ang Tibay. I know this post of mine would not be of interest with you all, because it is about the Ryuha related with the Son of the owner of Angtibay and Ismael steal. Ryuha means Old School of the Samurai in Japan. The school teaches all about killing and the way of the warrior. I know this sounds a little bit odd for Angtibay to be related with this kinds of stuff, but this what was told to me by my late Sensei, that the son of the owner of the Angtibay, together with the Son of the owner of Ismael steel and with other millionaires trained on this Ryu, “Ishin Ryu” under Edwin . Although I am not so sure to remember what I was told, Edwin’s last name is either Renonos or Renoso. I remember surely that Sensei told me that Edwin was a Son of a Philippine Consulate in Japan who was on Duty before and after WW2. Edwin was born on 1931 and was taught since childhood by the last Soke (Head Master) of Ishin Ryu, also named Yoshisada like the name of the Founder of Ishin Ryu, Suzuki Yoshisada. Sad to say, I had forgotten the last name of the Soke as well. To make the story short, Edwin became so skilled that he cannot clench his fingertips because he was always ordered by the Soke to stab a huge stone with his fingertips. He had his picture doing this when he was a kid, crying, while stabing this stone, and he got it displayed on their Mansion at Sta. Mesa. In fact Edwin’s Family as told by my Sensei were very rich during their time that he had his own Gym Beside their 3 storey Mansion. He only taught Ishin Ryu exclusively as to the other millionaires too, the son of Ang tibay and Ismael Steal. One of his students, or shall we say his friends, because they were almost the same age, was Haime Ramos and my Sensei’s teacher his house boy, Mimi Nessia. Mimi was his poorest students that Edwin pity him that he gave him money so that he could hangout with them to have dinner at a restaurant serving dear’s meat. Until now I myself can’t believe that these people were so rich to eat a Philippine endangered specie. Sr. Mimi’s last visit there was last 2000 and he was told Sr. Edwin was on vacation. Last 2002 Sr. Mimi died at the age of 72. For sure Sr. Edwin now, is 76 years old. The sad thing is, I myself don’t know where this big Mansion in Sta. Messa is located having a huge gym within its compound. I will be glad if you people could help me.

October 07, 2007 4:04 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

That's quite an awesome family history, Mimi. Thank you! Hopefully someone will respond with the information you seek.

Again, thank you for sharing!

October 08, 2007 5:51 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi! It's me again, Lorenzo Teodoro. Kinda funny cause I met up with my cousin, Michele, today and she was talking about your blog. She stumbled upon it and told me about how she was researching on Ang Tibay and found some interesting information from your site. It was cool cause she told me about how my cousins also stumbled upon the site. I know Martina, we met before... and as for Misha I don't think I've met her, but I do know her father. I just realized today how most of the great grandchildren of Don Toribio are still so fascinated and interested in everything that he has contributed in his lifetime, especially for the shoe industry in the Philippines. I do hope that one day Ang Tibay could be re-established, regardless of who carries the ball this time. I would just really love to see it stand tall again. (Hi cousins!!!)

October 28, 2007 1:53 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Many thanks, Lorenzo, for keeping us all updated with the reunion with some of your cousins.

I do agree, being a big fan of Ang Tibay, that perhaps, somehow a new establishment will be opened even if a shoe store that carries different brands, but the name of the establishment would be "Ang Tibay Shoes." And of course, some nice pictures of the past to sort of adorn a wall. This would somehow make Don Toribio's legacy alive and known to more of our youths today.

Again, thank you, Lorenzo! I sincerely hope that other relatives of yours would stumble upon this entry and make contact with you :)

October 28, 2007 6:40 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

By the way, Lorenzo, would you send me your email address at:

senorenrique@gmail.com

I will try to contact someone at a local media company to pick up this entry and do a story on Ang Tibay Shoes and Don Toribio.

Thanks!

October 28, 2007 6:44 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello! I would like to acknowledge this site. It's quite interesting. I am Charlie Teodoro, the grandson of Don Toribio Teodoro, and the youngest son of Francisco Teodoro. I heared about this site from my nephew, Enzo. He spoke so enthusiastically about your entry, I just had to see for myself. I am astounded by your knowledge on Ang Tibay, and very much pleased and flattered by all the comments that were posted by various people. I am very proud to have learned that the legacy of my grandfather still remains in the heart and thoughts of many Filipinos today. Thank you and God speed.

October 29, 2007 3:55 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Thank you for dropping by and leaving a comment, Charlie.

Indeed, I was pleasantly surprised at the auspicious responses of fellow bloggers, as well as those from the family of Don Toribio such as yourself. Apparently, Ang Tibay Shoes remains in the consciousness of many local folks. I just wish that your family would someday open up a store with the same name.

Again, thanks much for visiting. I wish your entire family continued success.

Cheers!

Eric

October 29, 2007 7:41 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello! Like my cousins Lorenzo, Martina and Misha, I am one of Don Toribio's great-granddaughters, my name is Alexandra, grandaughter of Francisco. I am also proud of our family's history, and our great-grandfather's rags-to-riches story is very inspiring. It's so nice to know that there are still people who remember our family's legacy. I am so blessed to finally see this site as my cousin Lorenzo and Uncle Charlie mentioned it to us. Once more, I can feel a sense of family pride and I thank you for keeping our family legacy alive through your blog. :)

November 22, 2007 11:06 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Hello Alexandra!

Indeed, a pleasure having you here :)

Hopefully, mainstream media will pick up this article and do a major feature on your great grandfather's legacy, with all of you younger generation included.

Your great grandfather will always be an inspiration to all Filipinos :)

Best regards to all of you and God bless!

November 23, 2007 5:30 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi. I'm Rachel Teodoro-Santamaria. Grand niece of Toribio Teodoro (my grand father is Julio Teodoro, brother of Lolo Ibiong). Thank you for your post on Ang Tibay - imagine connecting families with your blog!

You may be interested to know that we have a photocopy of a magazine that details the history of Ang Tibay, Lolo Ibiong's rise as shoe magnate (even a bit of info on Lolo Julian, his father). Not sure, though, if this is the same magazine you stumbled upon.

Señor, many thanks again for sparking inspiration in our youth by reliving the past.. More power to you and God bless!

February 12, 2008 10:56 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Hi Rachel!

If nd when you get a chance to scan the magazine article that you have, please email me a copy at:

SenorEnrique@gmail.com

I'd truly appreciate it. :)

Auspicious turn of events such as this fuels my blogging energies. Glad to be of service :)

Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment!

February 12, 2008 12:19 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

greetings! i truly admire the hard work don toribio teodoro has done, and all that he has changed in this country. he truly is an industrialist, and from what i hear, one of the first millionaires in asia. that is a great achievement. let's not forget how the teodoros lived their lives in the philippines. lets not take it the wrong way, because i was extremely inspired by them as a child. they lived even grander that hollywood stars even by today's standards could kick it. it's a shame ang tibay's gone now. i hope one day they may be able to set it up again. i remember passing through the huge factory as a child, and thinking to myself if there could be any chance i could reach that level of wealth, power, and social status. the teodoros, especially when ang tibay underwent the scrutiny of "the godfather" himself, Mr. Francisco Teodoro, their wealth started to explode. he was the man to never mess around with (word in the street), but it would be quick to find that he was quite a funny man with a good heart, and had an eye for charity (i bet a lot of you did not even know that). although they were untouchable, and everything they wanted, they got at the snap of their fingers. everything they had in the 1960's onwards till the late 1980's was unheared of during that era and most importantly the philippines. from that white grace park mansion with a stupendous garden that could host a concert for hundreds of people (i heared), to the luxury cars that no one could afford back then, the yachts (yes, there were two), to the site of Francisco and his sons roaring down the north diversion road in italian exotic cars, (that my friends is like hallucinating. ferraris, maseratis, jaguars, and rolls royce's were nowhere to be found in this country) peeling off the asphalt of the then great roads of manila. in the most unexplainable way, inspite of the heritage of the company, they have inspired people like me (though i dont know them) to work as hard as i can to be able to attain even a fourth of what they have reached. they showed me that filipinos even back in the day were capable of making it, and that we are not destined to be servants only and to live a mediocre life. and for that, i will thank them. and i hope that one day they may be able to bring back what was once an inspiration to the filipino community.

more power to you and your blog senor!

-an anonymous dreamer from the 1960's.

ps- i met Francisco once, back when his son Mr. Tomas Teodoro was running for office in Caloocan in the early 1990's. And Mr. Tomas Teodoro was quite a classic gentleman, of the finest breed from manila's creme de la creme family in society. Again, a shame that they lost in Caloocan.

February 18, 2008 10:48 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am with over joy reading this blog and comments. Hi I am Edengrace Teodoro great grand daughter of Toribio Teodoro. I also came from the line of Francisco Teodoro my grand father, and his son Edward Teodoro, my father. Growing up I always heard about ang tibay shoes. Reading more about it makes me more proud of where I came from. Having cousin around the world I never met. Wishing that one of this days I get to meet them.
One of my aunts is seattle has a collection of stamps, she actually has a booklet of stamps framed at her house. Postage stamps of my great grand father Toribio Teodoro named as the National shoe maker of the Philippines.
I hope that Lorenzo and Misha still plan to have a get together. The Teodoro's in Seattle will sure he happy attend.

July 19, 2008 4:41 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

grabe yung mga yan. sobrang yaman nila dati as in ibang klase talaga as in. lahat meron sila nakakatawa yung mga mayayaman ngayon na akala mo kung sino e.. cguro sa ngayn mas ibang lebel narin yung yaman nung mga sy, tan, at cojuangco. pero dati, wala talagang tatatalo. lahat sa kanila na. mga pabrika, auto may porch ferrari rollsroys bmw benz lahat na ata meron. pati yung security nila hanep talaga. mas malupit pa sa presidente minsan. sayang sila. pero sa puso ko kung may magyayabang ngayon na mayaman, talunin niyo muna yung mga teodoro nung mayaman sila. tiyak mahihirapan kayo!

September 21, 2008 11:04 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS for this winning post! --TechScribe

September 29, 2008 8:53 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi! Good day! Congrats for winning the 2008 Philippine Blog Awards.

I am Gwyn, a student from the University of the Philippines - Diliman. I, together with my partner, Roxanne Flora, is writing a thesis on blogging ethics.

We chose the winners of the 2008 PBA as the respondents for our thesis. Can we ask for your help by being one of the online interviewees? We hope to hear from you soon.Thank you so much.

Respectfully yours,

Gwyn Ann Marie S. Ebol

January 07, 2009 8:59 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Hi Gwyn,

Yes, email me your questions: senorenrique@gmail.com

Thanks!

January 08, 2009 7:36 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for your positive reply. Ok, we will forward you the questions anytime soon.

More power to you!

-Gwyn

January 11, 2009 1:38 PM  

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April 10, 2009 2:09 PM  

Anonymous Skechers UK said...

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September 26, 2009 3:41 PM  

Blogger kmteodoro said...

Hi to all Teodoro Family and relatives. by the way im Kristian Maurice Teodoro i am also the grandson of Don Toribio Teodoro. he is also the great uncle. i am also the descendant of Judge Teodulo Teodoro 1st Judge of Pampanga-Bulacan. im looking forward meeting you all Teodoro Clan. heres my contact no. 09196509516

October 29, 2009 10:14 AM  

Blogger Unknown said...

May I hyperlink your post?

http://sanjuanmakati.wordpress.com/2010/02/21/flat-footed/

February 21, 2010 12:38 PM  

Blogger norman said...

hi.
please help me to identify and find out my historical background....my grandfather's mother is arcadia teodoro....according to her,she has a brother,but the problem is she did not explain/told their historical background...the only thing my grandfather told to my father was that,his mother had a brother which is related to ang tibay shoes.....

March 04, 2010 7:14 PM  

Blogger vincent teodoro said...

hi kmusta po........ kamag anak po kmi ni din toribio teodoro... natutuwa aman po alo dahil hanggang ngaun kilala pa din ang tibay shoes... kahit na wla na sa panahon natin ngaun ang tibay shoes may mga tai pa rin na kumikilala sa gwa pilipino.... sana ndi lang ikaw ang gumawa nito sanan lahat tau maalala ulit ang pangalang ang tibay shoes... god bless

March 10, 2010 10:27 PM  

Anonymous ruben said...

WAY BACK IN THE EARLY SIXTIES, WHEN I WAS ABOUT TO GRADUATE FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, I WAS ON A JEEPNEY AND WAS PASSING NEAR DOROTEO JOSE STREET, WHEN I SAW AN ODD LOOKING BUT OBVIOUSLY EXPENSIVE CAR BEHIND US.WHEN I LOOKED CLOSER, I READ ITS MARK ON THE GRILLE. IT WAS A ROLLS ROYCE. THEN IT TURNED LEFT ON DOROTEO JOSE STREET. CURIOUS, I ASKED AROUND WHOSE CAR IT WAS.AND GUESS WHAT, IT WAS OWNED BY THE GREAT TORIBIO TEODORO. QUITE AN ACHIEVEMENT FOR A SCHOOL DROP OUT IS'NT IT?

April 29, 2010 4:16 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello my name is Alexsandra Christine Marie Teodoro I am the great great granddaughter of don Toribio ,an my great grandfather is Fransisco an my grandfather is Edward I am twelve an researching history of my family an this is so exciting to me to be writing to someone thats knows.If you can contact me on facebook or email me this would be wonderful alilvsu@gmail.com thank you so much (salamatpo)

May 19, 2010 4:52 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good evening Mr. Bernardo, I'm currently finishing my thesis re the Leather Industry in Meycauayan. I'm interested about Ang Tibay Shoes since it's very related in my topic. Would you help me to have a broad information about the history of the said product? I would appreciate it very much :)My email is chatlon@yahoo.com.

August 30, 2011 7:53 PM  

Anonymous best organic seo services said...

Your blog is definitely worth a read if anyone comes across it. Im lucky I did because now Ive got a whole new view of this.

September 20, 2011 12:48 AM  

Anonymous Asen bani online fara investitie said...

Wow!Does shoes look pretty awesome!I want a pair.

October 28, 2011 5:03 AM  

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