MANILA, Philippines—They sell all kinds of stuff—from meat-covered balls and noodles in boxes to multi-purpose skirts and fruit-flavored coffee. What’s even better—the Entrepreneurial Management students of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas College of Business Administration can sell their wares right at the mall, at Robinsons Malls’ Entrep Corner.
These young entrepreneurs will be at the Entrep Corner of Robinsons Place Imus, Cavite, until May 31.
Mekaninto
Jessie U. Aluzan, Adrian Ross L. Tan, Joachim Zachary C. Peña
We sell: Rice balls coated with ground pork meat. They are available in two flavors—spicy and garlic.
The lightbulb moment: The three of us wanted to eat fish balls and squid balls outside the campus. But a serving or two was never enough to fill a hungry stomach. So we thought of something Filipinos would want to eat and is filling.
People, who come up to our booth would usually ask us if we serve rice with meat balls. Our usual reply is that our meat balls have rice in them— “May kanin ito,” thus the name ‘Mekaninto.’
People should buy our product because it is a snack or meal rich in carbohydrates. Mekaninto does not have MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) or other preservatives.
Our target: Students and employees who need instant breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack. Our product is bite-size, you could eat it while on-the-go.
We love being young entrepreneurs: we feel we could contribute a lot to the economy. We turn our creative ideas into business opportunities. We need not be employees in other people’s companies but rather start our business and make it grow.
Tips for young entrepreneurs: Don’t be afraid to explore ideas no matter how weird it seems. Many big businesses began with crazy ideas that turned big hits. Focus on opportunities and be ready to face obstacles.
Crepinoy
Rachel G. Sapanhila, Laira R. Legaspi, Christian Carl G. Carigaba
We sell: Crepes that are very Pinoy. It is a set of three mini crepes. The customers can choose their desired variants—like ube, leche flan, mangga, fried lakatan bananas. The crepes are topped with sago and gulaman with delicious chocolate syrup.
The lightbulb moment: We’ve observed that crepes are becoming a favorite and many have established this kind of business. But no establishment offers Pinoy-style crepes. Crepinoy is inspired by our own culture and the flavors are native.
Our target: Filipinos with sweet cravings.
People should buy our product because... this is definitely a filling and satisfying snack/dessert. It is easy on the pocket—only P32. Since it is yummy, it will make your tummy happy.
We love being young entrepreneurs because... it brings a joyful feeling and fulfillment when we see our customers satisfied. It also makes us more competent and determined. What we do has tested our skills, determination, and certainly made us a better person. We used to be happy-go-lucky kids but we realized we could not be like that in this kind of work.
Being a young entrepreneur taught us a lot of things. It made us realize how valuable money and time are. We became “masinop” because we’d rather save our money for capital than go shopping. We don’t just dream, we make plans. We have goals.
Tips for young entrepreneurs: They should love what they’re doing because it really brings out the best in them. Think of it as doing what they have always wanted to do and they are earning at the same time.
Believe in what you are selling and in yourself as well. It should not be "puwede na ’to" attitude but “puwedeng puwede ito.” If you feel tired and weak, bear in mind that all the hard work, efforts you exerted, and your time will eventually have a payoff.
Take criticisms humbly and listen to them. It may help you improve your product and service.
Learn from your mistakes. Talk with successful entrepreneurs because you will learn so much from them. They will also inspire you.
Lastly, get support from your family, friends and relatives—financial support or moral, you’ll need it.
Buchikick
Benedick G. Dinio, Ephraim S. San Juan, Rachel Rhose C. Nilooban
We sell... Buchikick, bite-sized buchi in three variants— ube, yema and chocolate.
The lightbulb moment: The idea of the buchi was Benedick’s. He saw a potential to make change the regular buchi, to make it more appealing. We decided to put it in sealable packaging so it’s convenient to take it anywhere.
We positioned the product as a snack friends and families can share. A product that is fun to eat!
Our target: Friends and families who are fond of bonding and sharing.
People will buy our products because... of the emotional appeal of Buchikick. We believe Filipinos greatly their time with friends and families. Its distinct appearance may also compel them to try the product.
We love being young entrepreneurs because... it’s fun to produce our own product and sell it on the market. As young entrepreneurs, we feel empowered knowing that we’re our own boss. Plus at an early age, we are getting exposed to business.
We learn a lot from creating ideas, conducting feasibility studies, product formulation, selling and the likes.
Tips for young entrepreneurs: Determination to succeed and confidence in your product are key to success. Love what you are doing. Always do your best and be open to improvements. Believe in yourself and in your product.
Sweet Pumpkin
Melchor S. Aguinaldo and Ma. Christine Camille J. Crespo
We sell... pastillas, brownies, fudge and cake made from squash.
The lightbulb moment: We thought of this because we are fond of eating sweets. We want to offer something with a twist, a product that is not only delicious but healthy as well.
Our target: Everybody regardless of age, sex, social status, etc. Filipinos love to eat.
People will buy our product because.... for only P40 to P50 our they can enjoy a delicious and healthy dessert or snack.
We love being entrepreneurs because... there are so many opportunities open to us. We get support from everybody like parents, teachers, friends, etc.
Tips for young entrepreneurs: Find out first what they love to do, their passion. If they decide to turn it into a business, they should always remember three things—enjoy, enjoy and enjoy.
Kape’H
Emmanuel Francis P. Remoto, Jihan F. Ledesma, Andrea Gayle M. Morilla
We sell... coffee shakes with fruit and sweet combinations. It comes in eight flavors - Kape’h con Banana, Kape’h con Apple, Kape’h con Pinya, Kape’h con Mango and Kape’h con Mais, Kape’yema, Kape’nipig and Kape’stillas.
The lightbulb moment: We’ve seen the growing industry of coffee, its potential in the Philippine market and how fruit drinks stalls have mushroomed. The idea of combining the two led to the birth to KAPE’H.
Our target: The young and those with an active night life, lovers of cold coffee drinks.
People will buy our products because...It is like hitting two birds with one stone. The fresh taste of fruits and coffee and their health benefits for only P35.
We love being entrepreneurs because...our curiosity and drive for achievement are being satisfied. We like challenges. The risks make it more exciting, and let us explore more of ourselves as individuals.
Tips for young entrepreneurs: Don’t be afraid to do what you want as long as it helps you grow as an efficient and positive person, and it motivates you to do things not just for yourself but for other people. Serve the majority but remember to protect the interests of minority, for this group of individuals may be your niche and key to success.
Dream big but take small, slow but sure steps towards your goal. Remember that profit blends well with corporate social responsibility.
Vamoozaya
Rachelle M. Bago, Ma. Carmela R. Escover, Azalea Marie E. Tabugon
We sell... A skirt called vamoozaya. It can be used as a skirt, mini skirt and a top.
The lightbulb moment: Our group is composed of all girls, all “kikays” fond of playing around with clothes. When we buy our stuff we try to maximize its use. Then we thought of a product that is affordable and useful for the consumer-fashionistas like us. With our product, it is like buying two or three items of clothing for the price of one.
Our target: Ladies who are fond of wearing skirts and teenagers who like trying new things.
People will buy our products because... it’s not like an ordinary skirt out on the market. It can be used in different ways. It is practical and fashionable.
We love being entrepreneurs because... we earn money. Being a young entrepreneur also gives us more opportunities. We learn new things on how we will handle our business.
Tips for young entrepreneurs: They should not be afraid to think of new ideas. Always think positively that the product you prepared and worked hard for would be viable and profitable.
Thingamajigz
Raymund P. Abadiano, Noreen Claire L. Legaspi, Catherine D. Quinicot
We sell... bags and belts out of used tarpaulin such as in billboards.
The lightbulb moment: Our group thought of many products and ended up with this because of its social benefits, innovativeness and uniqueness. We thought of it around the time we were facing billboard problems during typhoons. We are proud to help with the useful disposal of billboards.
Our target: Active people who love trendy products.
People will buy our products because... they are unique and they are able to help lessen the burden of solid waste disposal in the country with every purchase.
We love being entrepreneurs because... we help with waste management and we’re glad to create value to our market in our own ways. Producing the products also squeezes the creativity out of us and we are also looking forward to expanding the business.
Tips for young entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurship for many people can mean many things. It can mean food for those unemployed while for others, it can be a phenomenon driving the economy forward. As young entrepreneurs, being focused, strong-minded, and loving your product are the basic things needed. Indeed, you must be the first one to love your product. The logic is that, if you love your product, you will know everything about it. You will be the first to know the outstanding points and it will be easier for you to sell it to your prospect buyers once you launch it.
Nood-A-Box
Paula B. Fariñas, April Jay C. Labarda, Angelique R. Yumul
We sell... noodles in boxes. It is an innovative way to serve the customers the most loved noodle recipes. We let customers customize their pasta, by letting them choose their noodles, sauce and toppings.
The lightbulb moment: We saw different kinds of pasta noodles out on the market. From that, ideas came. And to bring innovation to the concept, the company came up with creating noodle recipes and packaging it in a box.
Our target: Those with busy lifestyle who don’t have time to cook or to sit down and eat their meals in restaurants. Also students, workers and those who are budget-conscious.
People will buy our products because.. it’s affordable, the flavor is delightful and it is convenient and innovative.
We love being entrepreneurs because... it offers us a broad diversity of choices in expressing our creativity and skills. It encourages us to make a difference, to chart a course in business and to create great ideas that have not been tried yet. Entrepreneurship gives us the chance to provide satisfaction to people with changing lifestyle.
Tips for young entrepreneurs: They should focus on what they are doing; have fun while doing it because it brings out greater ideas. Don’t be afraid to do something new, be adventurous and be brave to take risks. Most importantly, believe in the potential of what you’re selling so that people would do the same.
Are you a young entrepreneur? Tell us about your products and get featured in 2bU. E-mail ls_2bu@inquirer.com.ph.
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