Born on Sept. 23, 1923, Socorro Ramos, the matriarch behind National Book Store (NBS), celebrated her 101st birthday this year. With more than a century of life behind her, Nanay Coring, as she is fondly called by those close to her, has witnessed not only personal milestones as a woman, mother, and businesswoman but also pivotal moments in Filipino history.
In 1942, Nanay Coring and her late husband, Jose Ramos, founded NBS, one of the largest retail chains for books, school supplies, and office supplies in the country. They secured a license from Hallmark in 1974 to produce greeting cards and other items. Then, in 1988, she founded Cacho Publishing, Inc. In 2004, she established the National Book Store Foundation, Inc., the company’s social arm dedicated to uplifting the lives of underprivileged children through education. These are just a few of the many milestones Nanay Coring has achieved. There’s no doubt that the recipient of the 1988 Pres. Corazon Aquino Gintong Ina Award for the Business and Industry Sector has many stories to share about her remarkable life.
Throughout her years, Nanay Coring has touched countless lives, especially those of the people who worked and continue to work at NBS. This year, to honor her and her significant contributions to society, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle spoke with two of NBS’s legacy employees about their fondest memories with Nanay Coring.
For 49 years, Lolit Regalado worked at NBS, retiring as an operations manager. Reflecting on her time there, Lolit has nothing but praise for Nanay Coring, who tirelessly worked alongside her employees and treated them like family.
“What I can’t forget was when Ma’am Coring joined us in preparing wholesale orders for our Manila and provincial customers during the school season. We often stayed up until the wee hours to ensure timely deliveries,” Lolit recalled. “Ma’am Coring would instruct me to order pancit, bread, and soda from Willy’s kitchen for everyone working overtime. After store hours, she would change into her slippers, grab her bangkito, pick up an invoice, and start checking quantities. She always made sure that the customers’ orders were delivered or shipped the following day.”
Nanay Coring’s work ethic and diligence inspired her employees to work just as hard while fostering a close relationship with her. “We were all sleepy and tired but remained alert because of Ma’am Coring’s presence,” Lolit said. “Instead of going home to rest after store hours, imagine the owner staying with us, checking invoices, laughing with us, and sharing stories. She truly made us feel like we were all part of the NBS family.”
Meanwhile, Bea Torres, the current director of the NBS Foundation, Inc., was touched by Nanay Coring’s humility and her commitment to remembering her roots.
“One of my most cherished moments with Nanay Coring was during a trip to Laguna. In one of our afternoon conversations, she expressed her desire to visit her hometown,” Bea reminisced. “Although I was initially hesitant, we found a way to make the trip possible. She was so excited and happy, recounting her childhood memories. We visited her old school and all the places she fondly remembered. That trip brought her so much joy.”
Nanay Coring’s legacy extends far beyond the walls of the National Book Store. Her dedication, compassion, and unwavering spirit have inspired countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know her.