Legacy of Entrepreneurship: Our Family's Journey

Carlos Tanguinlay Palanca, Sr., born Tan Quin Lay in Xiamen, China in 1869, was a prominent Filipino-Chinese businessman and philanthropist during the American era in the Philippines. He immigrated to the Philippines in 1884, where he began his career as an apprentice in a relative’s hardware business. By 1890, he had opened his own store, setting the stage for his future business ventures.

Carlos Palanca is best known as the founder of La Tondeña, a distillery he started in 1902. His business acumen was evident as he diversified into textile trading and later focused on the liquor industry. Palanca’s foresight in modernizing equipment and shifting from nipa palm to molasses as a raw material helped his company grow to become one of the top liquor suppliers in the country.

During his career, Palanca demonstrated a keen understanding of the value of expertise. He hired American experts A.B. Powell, G.H. Tilbury, and H.J. Shoemaker, who were instrumental in managing and operating the distillery’s complex apparatus. His business thrived particularly during the alcohol consumption boom between 1906 and 1929, with revenues increasing significantly.

In 1924, Palanca expanded his empire by acquiring the distillery arm of Ayala y Cia, which included brands such as Ginebra San Miguel, Ginebra Ayala, and Colonial Rum. He also ventured into manufacturing alcohol motor fuel through the Philippine Motor Alcohol Corporation (PMAC), showcasing his innovative approach to business.

Apart from his business achievements, Carlos Palanca was also a dedicated patron of education and philanthropy. He valued education highly and instilled this in his children. In his honor, his heirs established the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature in 1950. These awards have since become a prestigious platform for recognizing and nurturing Philippine literary talent.

Carlos Palanca’s legacy is also commemorated in Manila, where Echague Street in Quiapo was renamed Carlos Palanca Street in his honor. His contributions to both business and culture have left an indelible mark on Philippine history.

Major Matthew J. Gatti, a first-generation Italian American whose life story reads like a gripping novel, emerged from the humble beginnings of a Catholic orphanage during the Great Depression to achieve legendary status. At the tender age of sixteen, he enlisted in the United States Army, igniting an extraordinary journey that would define his legacy. 

Between 1933 and 1936, Gatti dominated the boxing ring as the U.S. Army’s South Pacific lightweight champion, showcasing his indomitable spirit and unwavering determination. His prowess in the ring propelled him forward, earning him a promotion to the Air Force, where he distinguished himself as a commanding officer during the tumultuous battles of World War II.

Beyond the battlefield, Gatti’s magnetic charisma and exceptional leadership skills endeared him to audiences across Europe and the United States. Post-war, he orchestrated spectacular shows for enlisted men, infusing joy and entertainment into the lives of those who had weathered the ravages of conflict.

While navigating the demands of a distinguished military career, Gatti also embraced the joys of family life, marrying and raising two daughters. His assignments in cultural hubs such as Italy, Germany, and France enriched the Gatti family’s appreciation for the arts.

Settling in California post-retirement, Gatti’s entrepreneurial spirit soared as he founded the American Continental Circus and the Canadian International Circus in 1963. These ventures blossomed into the iconic Circus Gatti, captivating audiences worldwide for five decades. From 1960 to 2010, Gatti Productions and MJG Entertainment emerged as pillars of the global family entertainment landscape.

Yet Major Gatti’s impact transcended the confines of the circus tent. He cultivated enduring bonds with local dignitaries, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and Shriners, embodying a generosity of spirit that knew no bounds. A steadfast advocate for the underprivileged, Gatti tirelessly donated tickets to disadvantaged children and families, bringing laughter and solace to countless lives. His circus troupe’s visits to hospitals, military bases, Indian reservations, and state penitentiaries exemplified his commitment to spreading joy to those in need.

Major Matthew J. Gatti’s legacy resonates as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of service, and the enduring impact of philanthropy. His life narrative is a saga of triumph over adversity, a dedication to noble causes, and an everlasting imprint on the realm of entertainment and beyond.