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Trustee Proximo is Barons Who’s Who awardee
The publication of THE ASIA 500 is the result of more than a decade of biographical research conducted by Barons Who’s Who. Barons Publishing Corporation is acknowledged throughout the world as a leading research institution and important biographer. Its editions are in the permanent reference collections of Harvard University, Stanford University, Cornell University, the United States Library of Congress and thousands of other public and private collections worldwide. Proximo, who hails from Jaro, Iloilo City, was born to a poor family. His father, a shoemaker, died when he was 5 years old. This left his mother, a plain housewife, and 5 other siblings to fend for themselves. The family subsisted on income derived from whatever menial jobs they can get. At the age of eight, Johnny earned a few bucks shining shoes for students studying at Central Philippine College. He earned money for his school expenses by selling newspapers and doing odd jobs. He was, at a young age, a jack of all trades. All these, he had to do while struggling to cope with his school work. He helped to put food on their table by begging for left-over food in restaurants. More often than not, patrons of the restaurant where he begged for food drove him away. But one day, a well dressed patron, asked Johnny to sit beside him and ordered food for him. That was the first positive influence in his young life. He resolved to spread that kindness to others. At the age of thirteen, Johnny
got his first break. A woman Baptist missionary and wife of the president
of Central Philippine College, noticed the hardworking youth. She took
him in as companion to her son who was then in the grade school. Through
the sponsorship of the family, he was admitted to the High School of CPC
under a work study scholarship program.
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The
G.I. Bill of Rights guaranteed his education. He went to college and graduated
from Far East University in Manila with a degree in Business Administration.
While in college, he sold anything he could put his hands on to raise money
for his living allowance and school expenses. He sold used cars, scrap
iron, rattan cranes, resin, Philippine movies and many others. The struggle
for survival gave rise to an entrepreneur.
His first break came when he tried to dabble in real estate. He started as a broker. His persistence and good nature enabled him to bag the good customers. He saved his commission and when he had enough, he bought a parcel of land, subdivided his lot and resold these at a handsome profit. Thus, he became a land developer and eventually a subdivision magnate. Johnny has hit the big time! He now owns several subdivisions and housing projects in many provinces in Luzon. He is either chairman, owner or founder of the following corporations: J.F. Proximo Holdings and Development Corp., Proxville Realty, Inc., Boulder Construction Company, Proxant Marketing Corp. His success enabled him to spread the kind ness which he, as a child, experienced in that restaurant in Iloilo City. The J.F Holdings and Development Corporation has built thousands of low cost houses for low-income groups and lowly government employee. These housing projects are located in several provinces in Luzon. With his resources, he focused on education. As this window of opportunity was opened to him by a kind-hearted missionary many years ago, he is providing the same opportunity to others now. In his subdivision in Malolos, Bulacan, he put up the International Montessori School and the Community Student Center. His exposure to the Baptist influences while working a companion to the son of the president of Central Philippine College instilled the evangelical zeal in Johnny. Now, he is an avid church planter and mission supporter. He donated lands to build churches on and provided financial backing for church mission works. His leadership in church and community affairs is well entrenched. He served as vice president of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. He also served as president of Metropolitan “Y” Men’s Club. He was also past director of the Rotary Club 3780 of Green Meadows, Quezon City. Presently, he is an elder in Ellinwood Malate Church in Manila. Proximo has also served as vice chairman of the Board of Trustees of CPU. Indeed, Johnny has spread the kindness well. His is a life well-lived. His is a life well shared. His is a life worth emulating. Married to Rufina Pabalan Proximo, Johnny has two children namely Sonny (26) and Michael (19). They are living in the classy Greenmeadows Subdivision in Quezon City, Metro Manila. Mrs. Proximo herself, is a young, vivacious and very industrious woman who is a big help to her husband in their real estate business.
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Johnny
F. Proximo, a member of the CPU Board of Trustees, recently received
the New Century Award from the Barons Who’s Who (USA) qualifying him as
member of the Asia 500. This includes those who have been cited as
Leaders for the New Century, based upon their unique accomplishments and
contributions to society.
