SM Group’s mother is ‘mothering’

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May 9, 2026 | 12:00am

Notes on the beat

MANILA, Philippines — Tycoon Teresita “Tessie” Sy-Coson is “mothering.”

Mothering these days means slaying. It became a popular slang term among Gen Zs and the LGBTQ+ community because of Vice Ganda’s role in the film “Call Me Mother.” In the movie, shown last year, Vice Ganda took on a distinctly maternal role despite not being an actual mother.

And slay – a high-praise term in modern slang used to describe someone doing something exceptionally well or achieving a great feat with confidence and style – is what Tessie or TSC has been doing throughout her career.

A mother of three,
TSC told The STAR that the most important business lesson she learned from her mother, Felicidad Tan Sy, is being diligent and focused.

These attributes are what she constantly brings to the table for the family’s business empire, where she currently sits as vice chairperson of SM Investments Corp. and chairperson of BDO Unibank Inc.

A graduate of Assumption College with a degree in Bachelor of Arts and Science in Commerce major in Management, TSC has diverse expertise in banking and finance, retail merchandising, mall and real estate development.

As the eldest of the six children of the late taipan Henry Sy Sr., TSC pointed out that she is just doing her part, “just like any eldest daughter would,” when it comes to leading her siblings in the SM Group.

At BDO, for instance, she said their purpose is simple – and that is to help individuals, families and businesses navigate the future with confidence.

She said the bank has been working toward this goal by improving its services, investing in its people, expanding access and strengthening its digital platforms so that customers can manage their finances more conveniently and securely.

Moving forward, TSC said that BDO would pursue responsible growth by enhancing the bank’s long-term capabilities.

“We will advance our technology, upgrade systems and expand service channels so we can better NOTES ON THE BEAT

SM Group’s mother is ‘mothering’ anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of our customers,” she said.

“We will continue to strengthen BDO and contribute to the progress of the communities we serve and the continued growth of the Philippine economy,” she added.

As BDO chairperson, TSC plays a central role in guiding the company’s board and ensuring its effectiveness by offering visionary leadership, fostering strong collaboration among directors and creating an environment that encourages open dialogue, critical thinking and constructive debate on key issues and long-term priorities.

Further, she ensures that the board of directors exercises robust oversight of the bank’s operations and senior management performance, while also leading efforts to uphold high standards of governance and independence, with the full support of all directors.

TSC has truly been giving peak mother energy, as Gen Zs like to call it.

Her colleagues in the business circle also offer only high praise.

Robinsons’ Robina Gokongwei-Pe described her as “absolutely brilliant in everything,” while Wilcon’s Rosemarie Bosch-Ong described her as being humble and a strong woman-leader.

Humility and simplicity have indeed been a trademark of the billionaire despite her status, as evidenced by a video recently circulating online where she was seen lining up at an SM Savemore store just like a regular customer.