Don Tomas Liao Lamco- Stalwart of the Pre-war Chinese Community

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Don Tomas Liao Lamco

Don Tomas Liao Lamco Before the emergence of giant malls and supermarkets in Cebu, he owned the largest pre-war department store called "La Belleza" as well as the international trading enterprise Tomas Liao Lamco & Co. in Norte America St. (now D. Jakosalem). Fluent in Spanish, Chinese and Cebuano, he was an expert in trading and the financial markets during his time. As a prominent figure in Cebu’s pre-war Chinese community, he served as a senior leader of the Cebu Chinese Chamber of Commerce leading up to World War II. 

Published in 1913, here is what the Rosenstock's Reference Library of the Philippines said about him on page 64:

"Born on February 3rd 1876 in Amoy, China. Son of Liao Sig and Tan Gui. Educated in a private school in Amoy; came to Manila, 1890, where he studied Spanish and Mercantile Courses in private schools. First worked in the store of his uncle in Cebu, being agent and travelling for the firm to and from Manila and other ports. Present manager of "La Belleza" general store of Cebu, importing, wholesale and retail business, and the agent in Cebu of several large importing firms in Manila. Married, October 20th 1901 to Tan Wie in Amoy, China. Office and residence, 19 Cale Norte American, Cebu. P.I".


Tomas Liao Lamco as a young boy in China


In Jobers R. Bersales research on prominent Chinese in prewar Cebu, Don Tomas was also involved in the anti-Japanese boycott in Cebu, which was spearheaded by young firebrands like Lim Tian Teng and Go Tao between 1931-33, when he and a fellow officer of the Cebu Chinese Chamber of Commerce, alongside its president, Manuel Gotianuy, were asked by Bag-ong Kusog for their stance on the boycott. 



As a co-founder who spearheaded the establishment of the Cebu Chinese Cemetery in 1915 with Benito Tan Unchuan, Don Tomas subsequently provided witness testimony in a legal case concerning residential encroachment along the cemetery’s borders.


Children of Tomas Liao Lamco-
3rd row (L-R) Victoria, Manuel, Dominga
2nd row seated (L-R) Diding, Claudio "Dic", Nene
1st row kneeling- Apolonia "Bebe"


The young Claudio "Dic" Liao Lamco with his Mom


Claudio "Dic," one of Don Tomas’s sons, married Rosario "Charing" Villamor, the daughter of Jose and Doña Feliza "Daday" Villamor, co-founder of the Asilo de la Milagrosa. Jose was the son of Asterio Espina and Balbina Villamor. Claudio and Rosario's son, Leo Villamor Liao Lamco, married Rosalind "Baby" York Cui, grandaughter of Gil Cui, brother of Don Pedro and Benigna Cui, the sibling founders of Hospicio de San Jose de Barili. Leo and Rosalind have four children: Louie, Liezl, Liza, and Queli.


Source- Jobers Reynes Bersales
Pictures courtesy of Liezl Cui Liao Lamco-Beltrano

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