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 In our Filipiniana library is a treasure trove of images of Philippine life, history and culture from the 15th century to the early seventies. The 4" x 5" black and white photos include reproductions of engravings, lithographs, drawings, and other modes of visual representation, as well as original photos gathered and annotated by the Ayala Museum research department over several years.
We have over 35,000 photos at the moment and are expanding the collection.
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![[ Monthly Feature ]](images/monthly/andres-roxas.jpg)
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Don Andrés Soriano y Roxas, 1898–1964
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Don Andres Soriano y Roxas, born in Manila on February 8, 1898, was the son of Eduardo Soriano and Margarita Roxas y Ayala, daughter of Pedro Pablo Roxas y Castro and Carmen de Ayala y Roxas. In 1917, he graduated with a bachelor of commerce degree from the Escuela Superior de Comercio in Madrid, Spain. The Philippine Department of Finance gave him the title certified public accountant shortly after. He first worked as an accountant for the San Miguel Brewery before he was promoted to acting manager (1919), general manager (1924), and president (1931).
When the Second World War broke out in 1941, Soriano became infantry captain of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). A year later, he was promoted to the rank of major and assigned as military escort of President Manuel L. Quezon. He was the Secretary of Finance of the Commonwealth government-in-exile’s cabinet in Washington, D. C., and joined the American liberation forces when they landed on Leyte. For his services, Soriano received seven decorations from the American government. He was also awarded the distinguished service star with anahaw cluster by the Philippine government.
After the war, Soriano organized the country’s first commercial air transportation company—Philippine Air Lines. He was president of the company from January 30, 1946, to March 31, 1961. For his pioneering spirit and leadership in business and finance, he received multiple awards and citations, including “Model Employer,” an award given by President Quezon in 1937. He also received a plaque for the advancement of the aviation industry in the Philippines from the Airline Pilots Association of the Philippines in 1947; the “Businessman of the Year” award, also in 1947; and the Leadership Award from the Philippine Institute of Leaders in 1952.
Soriano married Carmen de Montemar on September 24, 1920. They had two children, Jose Maria Soriano and Andres Soriano Jr. He passed away in Boston on Dec. 30, 1964.
Reference:
Filipinos in History. Manila: National Historical Institute, 1994
Wings for a Nation: A History of Philippine Airlines. Manila: Philippine Airlines, c1983
Ayala The Philippines’ Oldest Business House, 1984
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