The most touching moment of Dioceldo Sy’s 67th birthday celebration was the unveiling of a deeply personal tribute – his daughter, Denice Sy, authored a children’s book in his honor.
Titled “Dioceldo’s Big Dream”, the book captures the inspiring journey of Dioceldo, Ever Bilena Cosmetic Inc.’s founder and CEO who’s also hailed as the Father of Philippine Cosmetics, from childhood to his remarkable achievements in the cosmetics industry.
Co-authored by Ivan Arlantico and illustrated by Angelica Valdez Agulto-Pulido, the book draws inspiration from biographies like Big John (about John Gokongwei), A Letter to My Grandchildren by Waltermart founder Wilson Lim Jr., and Manila Bulletin’s Emilio Yap biography. Denice expressed that “Dioceldo’s Big Dream” is not for sale but was created as a family keepsake, ensuring that her father’s legacy lives on for generations.
The book was unveiled as part of a grand birthday celebration, spearheaded by Dioceldo’s life partner, Christine Codrington and his children, Denice and Donway, at Sage Grill in Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Over 100 of Dioceldo’s closest friends and family gathered to surprise him. Hosting the event was his brother, Silliman Sy, Ever Bilena’s COO, who set the tone for an evening filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and surprises.
Among the distinguished guests were business leaders such as Herbert Sy of SM Markets, Robina Gokongwei-Pe of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., Luis Yu of Landers Philippines, Samuel Po of JS Unitrade Merchandise Inc., Atty. Nilo Divina of Divina Law, and retired Bloomberry President & COO Thomas Arasi. Also in attendance were Miss Grand International 2021 1st Runner-Up Samantha Bernardo-Moore, actress Ara Mina, boxing champion Gerry Peñalosa, and Greek Ambassador to the Philippines Ioannis Pediotis and his wife, Aliki Pediotis. His high school batchmates reunited for the special occasion as well.
