What were you doing when you were 19?

At 19, Socorro Ramos and her husband Jose opened her first bookstore in Escolta, Manila. It was 1942, and the humble venture marked the start of National Book Store (NBS).

Now 75, NBS operates a chain of 220 branches nationwide, and has been the go-to source of school and office supplies, greeting cards, and, of course, books for many generations.

Meanwhile, Ramos, or Nanay Coring, as she is fondly called, is 94, and she remains as driven as she was when she and her husband first launched their bookstore.

“What inspires me is to succeed. You must have that firm determination. Kung gusto mong umunlad, pagpursigihin mo. Kay bumaha ‘yan, bumagyo ’yan, umaraw ‘yan, mag-umpisa muli. Yung success niyan, nasa sa inyo,” she tells acclaimed broadcast journalist Cheche Lazaro when asked what motivates her.

A radiant Nanay Coring recently joined members of the Ramos family, employees, partners and friends to celebrate NBS’ 75th year at the Fairmont Hotel.

Xandra Ramos-Padilla, Sandy Uy; seated, Vivian Que-Azcona, Tessie Sy-Coson, and Robina Gokongwei-Pe

Nanay Coring with granddaughter and NBS managing director Xandra Ramos-Padilla (in red), Sandy Uy and Rowell Santiago

Nanay Coring with daughter-in-law Virgie Ramos of Swatch, and Ben Arlen Tan, director of Star Paper group

#NationalBookstories

Celebrities and people from all walks of life were also present to share their personal #NationalBookstories. Actress Judy Ann Santos, Queen of All Media Kris Aquino, journalist Lourd de Veyra, talk show host Boy Abunda, author Bo Sanchez, TV host Bianca Gonzalez, screen writer Ricky Lee all recounted their #NationalBookStories in video clips played on giant LED screens.

Piolo serenades Nanay Coring on her favorite song

The affair was also a night of surprises for the beloved Nanay Coring. Heartthrob Piolo Pascual serenaded Nanay Coring with her favorite song “Dahil sa Iyo,” Sarah Geronimo sang a tribute to individuals touched by the National Book Store Foundation, and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano performed for the first time a catchy song he composed for NBS.

Today, it’s Nanay Coring’s granddaughter, NBS managing director Xandra Ramos-Padilla, who is tasked with ensuring the family business endures amid shifting global trends. Ben Arlen Tan of the Star Paper group, a major partner of NBS for over 20 years, said, “with Xandra Ramos-Padilla at the helm, she who shares the passion and dedication of Nanay Coring, it looks like the leadership, spirit, heart and culture of NBS is in very capable hands.”

Besides instilling a love for reading among Filipinos and providing generations with quality merchandise, Nanay Coring is proud that NBS has helped improved the lives of many.

“To be able to help poor people succeed,” she says of her venture’s legacy. “Once upon a time, wala rin akong pera. Turuan mo silang magtrabaho. Kung paano kumita.”