CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — For the first time in its century‑long history, the Limketkai conglomerate is placing its top leadership in the hands of two women. Bonita Limketkai has been appointed chair of Limketkai Sons Inc., while Cindy Limketkai assumes the role of president. The move breaks a longstanding tradition where leadership passed through the male line, signaling a strategic pivot toward diversity, innovation, and a deeper commitment to the local community.
A Fresh Leadership Dynamic
The cousins‑in‑law bring complementary skill sets to the table. Bonita, who built businesses across Toronto, Shanghai, and New York before returning to Cagayan de Oro, describes herself as the visionary. Cindy, a McKinsey & Company alumna with an MBA from Columbia Business School, grounds decisions in data and analytics.
"I create the vision and strategy. Cindy implements," Bonita explains. Cindy adds, "Bonita and I recognize in each other hard work and grit."
Their leadership styles were forged through hands‑on experience. Cindy started as a cashier at her grandfather’s department store. Bonita, while a student overseas, worked manual jobs including painting, dishwashing, and cleaning—skills she still takes pride in.
From Retail Mall to 'Third Space'
Since taking over, the duo has quickly introduced changes at the iconic Ketkai Mall. Their flagship goal: transform the sprawling complex from a pure retail destination into what Cindy calls a "true third space"—a place people choose to spend time, not just to shop.
"We have to define what that means," Cindy says. "A place where people choose to spend time."
Bonita frames the mission in personal terms: "I'm a mother at heart. I made the center my new home—to clean, repair, and prepare for guests to stay."
Under their watch, new brands have entered the mall, a modern dining hall has debuted, and food and recreation have taken center stage. The 40‑hectare Limketkai Center, with over 500 stores and 107,850 square meters of leasable space, is undergoing its most dynamic transformation in years.
A Century of Service, Renewed
The Limketkai name has been synonymous with Cagayan de Oro for generations. Now, the new leaders emphasize that their businesses exist to serve the region that built them.
"The family has chosen a path forward," Bonita says. "They recognize that progress will come through diversity and innovation."
"We aim to elevate the quality of life for Kagayanons by supporting local entrepreneurs and pioneering innovative products and services," she adds. "We want to raise the bar on how we better serve our people—our employees, our customers, our community, our city."
Cindy echoes that sentiment, tying the present to the family's roots: "Our family’s 100‑year‑old story started with our grandfather’s entrepreneurship. We are building on this by committing to uphold our grandmother’s teachings to love and serve God, family and community. Our family business has soul. We know who we are, our purpose, and what we mean to Kagayanons."
