Besa's

BESA'S SHOES AND SERVICES began on February 11, 1935 as a single proprietorship that the "Master Shoe Shine Boy" Mamerto Besa started. The great shoe shine boy humbly began his business by just shining shoes along the streets of Binondo in Manila, Philippines. Binondo happens to be the trade and financial district of the country during the early 1930's. As soon as he was able to save money from shining shoes, he was able to open his first Besa's store a block away from the former Manila Stock Exchange in Escolta which was the shopping center of Manila. By the early 1940's, the Japanese invaded Manila and World War II had begun. Because Mamerto's savings all went to dust due to bombings, he had to start from the beginning.

By the 1950's, after World War II, Mamerto, out of his earnings, decided to branch out to the emerging shopping central district of Manila, which was named Plaza Santa Cruz. The biggest shoe store in the country that time was Besa's Shoes compared to their neighbors, namely Shoe Mart, Camara Shoes, Ang Tibay and many others. During that time also, Mamerto Besa began selling genuine handmade shoes for men. Besa's became operational as the most complete shoe repair shop in Plaza Santa Cruz, Manila.

During the Marcos regime, Mamerto was able to have another shop in Mabini- even though there was no free trade and importation was very limited. The commercial importation of finished footwear and leather goods were prohibited during that time. Mamerto Besa, aside from being a successful businessman, was also a boxing promoter and stable owner. He was able to travel abroad which gave him the opportunity to bring home imported leathers and materials for his shoe business on a very regular basis.

By 1984, Armert Besa, the grandson of Mamerto, the son of Armando, saw a good location in Makati and suggested that Besa's shoe put up a store in Makati that will cater to the new banking and trade center of the country. Mamerto Besa opened another branch along the former Pasay road in Makati. Because of Armando's inclination with the media, radio forums, and journalism, he was able to advertise Besa's shoes. Besa's was mentioned in radio, newspapers, and magazines during Armando's management. During that time, Makati has become the next central business and commercial district of the country. The company was incorporated by Mamerto B. Besa, Amparo C. Besa, Armando C. Besa, and Alice S. Besa.

By the turn of the 90's, Besa's Shoes and Services began expanding with branches in Makati and Ortigas. Armert proposed that Besa's Shoes and Services will always be present in prime malls and in commercial business districts. He also gave emphasis on improving the quality of their shoes and services by using all imported materials from Europe.

At present, Besa's Shoes and Services is continuing to expand with branches in Alabang, Greenhills, Eastwood City, and Fort Bonifacio. The newly opened main office of Besa's Shoes and Services is located at the ground floor level of Festival Supermall, Filinvest, Alabang.