When Catherine Tiu-Tan speaks about Akari, the Filipino brand synonymous with lighting and electrical products, she does so with a mix of reverence and quiet pride. For her, the story of Akari is not just a corporate history—it is a family journey spanning generations, rooted in resilience, unity, and the belief that education is the greatest inheritance.
From Small Beginnings in Binondo
The company’s story began long before Akari was officially established in 2002. Its roots go back to 1966, when Catherine’s father, Dr. Carlos Tiu, founded Carlson Trading. Armed with just ₱10,000–20,000 in seed capital—savings from his schoolteacher mother who later became a dressmaker—he started selling electrical supplies from a cramped apartment in Binondo. “At that time, we had one office table, one office staff who was my father, one delivery vehicle—initially a calesa—and one dream,” Catherine recalled
Dr. Tiu was not only a student at Mapúa Institute of Technology but also a working student at an electrical store in Santa Cruz. The hands-on experience equipped him with knowledge of the trade, eventually leading to Carlson Trading becoming the exclusive distributor of Toshiba lighting in the Philippines—a partnership that continues today.
The Birth of Akari
In 2002, the family introduced Akari, a brand name derived from the Japanese word for “bright light.” But despite its Japanese-sounding name, Akari is proudly Filipino. “Akari is a Japanese word that means bright light. But all Akari products are 100% for the Filipinos and conceptualized by Filipinos,” Catherine emphasized
The family’s vision was clear: provide high-quality lighting and electrical products at an entry-level price point to serve everyday Filipino households. Over time, Akari expanded its range to include fans, extension cords, wiring devices, emergency lights, mosquito killers, and even solar-powered products. In 2012, they launched NextLED (NXLED), a more premium brand focused on smart lighting solutions.
Growing Up in a Family Business
For Catherine and her six siblings, working in the family business was never imposed—it was simply woven into daily life. “Even before we were aware that there was a term called employment, we lived in a very small apartment in Binondo. After we did our homework, we helped our father do little things for the office,” she said
The dining table doubled as a study desk, and the ground floor of their home served as the office. Tasks as simple as filling up deposit slips, checking invoices, or typing letters became early training in accounting, inventory, and finance. “It was very natural for us to transition to working for him. Such that when we graduated, there was no doubt that we were going into the family business,” she added
Although she briefly worked outside while completing her MBA, Catherine soon joined the company full-time. Today, she serves as Executive Vice President, while her brother Christopher leads as CEO. Each sibling manages a specific area of the business, supported by professional managers—a model that blends family stewardship with professional governance.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Akari’s strength lies in its ability to stay relevant while preserving its identity. It has distribution in over 1,000 outlets nationwide through hardware chains like Ace Hardware, True Value, and Wilcon. The brand also works closely with developers such as Ayala Land and SMDC, even creating a specialized product line, the “H series,” for the latter.
The company has also embraced digital platforms, expanding its presence on Shopee, Lazada, and GrabMart, while launching its own online store. This adaptability proved critical during the pandemic, when Akari accelerated its direct-to-consumer strategy.
Beyond sales, innovation remains a priority. NXLED’s tagline, “bulbs with brains,” reflects its focus on smart technology—Wi-Fi enabled and voice-controlled lighting products tailored for modern households.
Corporate Social Responsibility as a Family Value
While many companies treat corporate social responsibility (CSR) as compliance, the Tiu family sees it as an extension of their values. “People sometimes use social responsibility as a way to comply. In our family, we don’t treat it as a way to comply,” Catherine’s son Gerard explained during the interview
Education, in particular, is a lifelong advocacy. The family recently acquired a school in Angeles City, Pampanga, which they are reorganizing to reopen under Akari management. They also channel scholarships through Adamson University, where a building now bears their patriarch’s name. “Education is supposed to be for anybody and for everybody,” Catherine said
Their community work extends to disaster relief, with solar-powered lights and rechargeable fans distributed in calamity-hit areas. “Rainy season is Akari season,” Catherine quipped, explaining how their products provide power and safety during blackouts
Investing in Sports and Youth Development
The Tius’ advocacy also stretches to sports. Through scholarships and sponsorships, they have supported Adamson University’s basketball and volleyball programs for nearly a decade. In 2022, they launched the Akari Chargers, a professional women’s volleyball team competing nationally. They also contribute to the national volleyball program by providing training equipment and technical support like video review systems.
For Catherine, sports are not just about competition but about character-building. By supporting both education and athletics, the family hopes to create opportunities for young Filipinos to excel.
A Legacy of Values
Despite the company’s growth, Catherine insists that the foundation of their success is not just strategy or products but people. “More than your balance sheet line items or your financial statements, the number one thing that makes the company succeed for decades is our staff, our team,” she affirmed
At 87, her father remains sharp, involved, and inquisitive—proof that the entrepreneurial spirit endures across generations. Catherine sees her role not just as a leader in the company but as a steward of her family’s values: resilience, humility, education, and service.
As Akari continues to brighten Filipino homes, its story illuminates something greater: the power of family unity and shared purpose to turn a small dream into a lasting legacy.
