Tony Tan Caktiong is the founder, CEO and Chairman of the 2nd largest fast-food chain in the Philippines (next to McDonald's), Jollibee. He is the recipient of the 2004 Entrepreneur of the Year, Philippines and Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, World. In 2010, Forbes listed Tan Cakationg as the sixth richest Filipino with a net worth of USD 980 million. Tony Tan Caktiong’s Jollibee has been one of the most admired, most copied, most innovative and most professionally-run company here in the Philippines. Tony Tan Caktiong’s Life and his Jollibee Company is another rags to riches story of an entrepreneur that truly inspires me a lot. He was the third of seven siblings born to poor parents who migrated from the Fujian province in China to look for a better life here in the Philippines. Grace Ang Tan Caktiong said, "We had to do everything by ourselves in the beginning! Pati janitorial services--I even cleaned the toilet." This is the manifestation that everyone starts from scratch and experienced ups and downs before they become successful. Grace and Tony Tan Caktiong put up an ice cream parlor two months after graduating from college. That ice cream parlor eventually offered sandwiches to patrons until the couple decided on adding the store's popular Yum burger and Chicken Joy to the menu. When customers began to ask for more than just ice cream, the two decided to add sandwiches to their menu. Eventually, they found out that more people were ordering hamburgers more than their ice cream. That was when they decided to focus their business in selling hamburgers instead. "When there's no cashier, you do the cashier, if there's no cook, you do the burger, if there's no janitor, you clean the toilet. It's like your neighborhood mom-and-pop store," Grace candidly said, sharing thoughts on how they operated their first store. "We also served the customers (as waiter and waitress), and then at night, we do the accounting by ourselves," Grace added. They’re very hard working and persistent and wanted to grow their business. And now, aside from the famous Jollibee store, Jollibee Foods Corp. also operates Chowking, Greenwich, Mang Inasal, Red Ribbon Bakeshop, Burger King, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, San Pin Wang, and Chow Fun.

At the age of six, Oprah Gail Winfrey was living with her grandmother in poverty. By the age of nine, she had been sexually abused by her cousin, an uncle, and a trusted family friend. At thirteen, she had run away from home, and by fourteen, she had become pregnant and had lost her child after birth. Nevertheless, Oprah was able to overcome these initial setbacks. Now, at the age of fifty-three, she is one of the most powerful women in the world. Oprah's life undoubtedly unfolds into the classic American rags-to riches story. After overcoming a difficult childhood, she has not only earned the title of one of "the richest African-American of the 20th century"[1], but has also managed to become one of the most influential individuals in the international arena. However, while many self-made Americans coming from disadvantaged backgrounds work their way up so that they can live their lives in comfort and gain personal recognition in their communities, Oprah was determined to do more for humanity. Not only has Oprah managed to become rich and powerful, but she uses her fame and power to help those in need. Oprah unselfishly gives back a portion of the fortune she has acquired over the years to help people living in poverty and lacking the opportunity to succeed - actions which set her apart from many others.