While some might expect the world’s wealthiest to flaunt their riches and power, many members of the upper echelon opt for more modest lifestyles. The case, at least, seems to ring true for the richest woman in the Philippines Teresita Sy-Coson, who recently earned praise for “patiently waiting” at the baggage carousel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Netizens React to Teresita Sy-Coson “Patiently Waiting” at NAIA’s Baggage Carousel
The mundane moment earned the spotlight when author and professor emeritus Jose “Butch” Dalisay Jr. shared a snap of Teresita Sy-Coson at the Manila airport’s Terminal 2. In the candid photo, the billionaire woman was seen in line beside the baggage carousel, seemingly waiting for her luggage among other passengers.
“It tells you something when one of Asia’s richest women waits patiently for her luggage to come off the carousel,” the author wrote in his caption.
“The board of one of her companies had a meeting in Iloilo over the weekend, and we met some of them taking a tour of the city, and we met them again at the Iloilo airport, but I saw none of the others at the carousel, with assistants presumably delivering their baggage to their cars.”
The photo circulated online, with users commenting on the seemingly humble moment.
“Rarely does one see a person of wealth lining up in solitary silence waiting to pick up her luggage,” wrote former presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. “There have been many photos of her in public but this one may be the most iconic–a woman steep in wealth and means but far steeper in humility and grace.”
“Feels good seeing this. And contrasts sharply with some others I have seen who behave like they are entitled,” said Angelito Pangalinan, writer and retired chairman of Dentsu Aegis Network Philippines.
“Not only the richest but also one of the most powerful in PH biz,” wrote The Manila Times writer Jing Garcia. “Saw her one time at Megamall pushing her dad’s wheelchair. Bodyguards are nowhere but I’m sure they’re somewhere lurking.”
Who Is Teresita Sy-Coson?
Teresita Sy-Coson is the eldest child of the late Henry Sy Sr., the founder of SM, one of Southeast Asia’s largest conglomerates. She is currently the vice chairperson of SM Investments, and serves as the chairperson of BDO Unibank.
Teresita and her five siblings inherited their father’s fortune after his passing in 2019. In 2024, the Sy siblings accumulated a net worth of $13 billion according to Forbes, making them the richest in the Philippines for several years in a row.
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