John Gokongwei Jr. delivers his acceptance speech for the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of San Carlos. Handout

Determined, frugal, but generous.

These are the words that best describe the late John Gokongwei Jr. according to those closest to him.

Family and friends recalled fond memories in a documentary about Mr. John, or Big John as he is more known for his towering built and booming voice.

The biographical film, "A Boy, A Bicycle, and A Legacy," looks back on the late tycoon’s life through the eyes of the people he worked closely with, including beneficiaries of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation.

JG Summit Holdings Inc. CEO and President Lance Gokongwei, Mr. John’s only son, shared how his father’s lack of a college degree despite being a successful businessman paved the way for the establishment of the foundation.

“He had to work to support his mom and his five siblings. Nonetheless, my dad loved to read and to learn and the idea that he had to stop schooling was such a big disappointment for him," Lance said.

"Dad always believed that education was the key to nation-building. He wanted to give young people without the gift of college education - something he himself never had a chance to benefit from," he said.

READ: John Gokongwei: 'Never stop learning'

Despite being one of the top entrepreneurs during his time, the Gokongwei siblings recounted their father’s humble beginnings in business when he used to peddle soap, candles, and textiles using a bicycle.

These intimate narratives were tapped by the film’s director, Troy Bernardo, as his team focused on telling Gokongwei’s story through heartfelt stories.

"The difficult part in this whole process is getting the emotions out of the interviewees. Parang we succeeded in allowing them to express themselves without fear. I think that’s what makes the film powerful because they talked from the heart,” Bernardo said.

The film tells how Mr. John and his brothers dedicated the foundation to educating the next generation of Filipinos.

READ: Gokongwei a 'common man' who flew economy, kept nuts in pocket, son Lance says

In a surprise move during his 80th birthday, Mr. John gave 50 percent of his shares in JG Summit to the foundation. 

Gokongwei Brothers Foundation Inc. currently holds the largest share in the conglomerate, with its dividends assuring the foundation’s sustainability.

Over 1.5 million learners have benefited under GBF’s programs through scholarships and institutional endowments as it continues to live on to the Gokongwei legacy of giving equal opportunity for education.

Beneficiaries also took part in the film, sharing stories on how GBF was instrumental in their education and careers.

Producer and business journalist Lala Rimando, said the short film was originally planned to be a book, but was decided on by the Gokongwei family to tell Mr. John’s story in another medium to inspire not only the youth or those involved in business but in hopes to encourage more people to be part in nation-building.

“The family was concerned in telling the story of Mr. John and reaching as many audience as possible. The film is meant to target the widest possible audience and the way to do that is to tap at the heart. To make it very emotional and engaging and inspiring. Even if you’re not in business, even if you’re not a family member, even if you’re a student or a teacher, it’s also meant to inspire you to look at yourself and maybe ask am I giving back to society?” Rimando said.

The film is streaming on YouTube and is expected to be followed by a biographical book and podcasts on Mr. John’s life and business legacy.

The tri-platform memoir hopes to honor and remember the numerous ways Mr. John touched lives as a businessman, a family man, and a philanthropist.

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