“Here in the Philippines, our vision is to promote health to all individuals. Therefore, our products are fresh, natural, and preservative-free,” a calling which Kathleen Say, Fruit of Life, Inc.’s VP for Marketing, lived by since the company was established in 1995. For 12 years, the company focused on coconut by-products and promotes the health benefits of the popular tropical fruit.
Fruits of Life, Inc. has a variety of coconut-based products. From virgin coconut oil (VCO) to creams and even coconut jelly, the company assures consumers that quality and safety are induced in every product.
But among the company’s healthy offerings, the Lipa Fresh Buko Juice is the most popular. Aside from its fresh, mouth-watering flavor, Fruits of Life saw the potential of buko juice as a health drink.
The healthy benefits of Lipa Fresh Buko Juice
Made from the best raw materials and ingredients, Lipa Fresh Buko Juice is guaranteed to be very refreshing while it gives you the essential nutrients needed for your health.
Coconut, in general, was believed to be a “miracle” fruit for having numerous health benefits. Among the most popular benefit of coconut juice is that it is a detoxifying beverage. Most health experts recommend drinking coconut juice when experiencing urinary tract infection (UTI).
However in a recent study conducted by the University of the Philippines Los Baños, coconut juice was proven to be an alternative for artificially made sports drink. Just like the sports drink, coconut juice has electrolytes that helps replenish lost body fluids during rigorous activities. It is also very rich in potassium, a lot higher than the content of a sports drink.
“Lipa Fresh Buko Juice is also a natural sports drink. It helps retain the fluids needed for your active lifestyle, at the same time, it cleanses the kidneys from toxins. You will feel the cleansing effect after you drink Lipa Fresh Buko Juice,” Kathleen relates.
Buko in a bottle
Before, fresh buko juice is often served in its natural shell. Most people believed that serving them in its natural shell preserves the freshness and natural taste of the juice. However, many consumers take into consideration the convenience of drinking a coconut juice. Thus, a new packaging of the fresh buko juice began.
Kathleen, together with her team at Fruits for Life, Inc, saw the need for re-packaging on fresh buko juice. From its natural shell, the juice was packaged in plastic bottles making it convenient, sanitized, and leak-proof.
However, the major concern for this innovation on buko juice was the preservation of the quality and taste of the fresh buko juice. Thorough research and observing food safety standards, Lipa Fresh Buko Juice does not compromise the natural freshness of the coconut.
The humble, yet, successful beginnings of Lipa Fresh Buko Juice
With only five people working in both production and delivery when Fruits of Life first started, the company was still able to sell a quality product to the market. Most of their first clients were food establishments who, up to now, carry Lipa Fresh Buko Juice.
Among the company’s first clients were popular restaurants and establishments such as Mann Hann, Chopstix, Sun Moon, New Sun Beam, House of Minis, DEC, and the ADB (Asian Development Bank) cafeteria.
The list of clients has grown and has even distributed to other outlets such as sports centers, badminton centers, golf course clubhouses, health institutions, entertainment center and even more food establishments. Added to the list are Riviera Badminton Centers, Wack-Wack Country Golf Club, Philippine Navy Golf Club, Villamor Air Base Golf Club, Music 21, Power Plant Mall, Superbowl of China, Sukhotai, Subway, Phobac, Tender Bob’s, Circo Grille, Thai B-B-Q, Macau, Zaifu, Isshin, Longrain, Milky Way, Dencio’s, Chicken Bacolod, Hapchang, ABS-CBN cafeteria, and GMA cafeteria.
Lipa Fresh Buko Juice are also sold at SM, Robinsons, and Unimart supermarkets.
Fruits of Life – braving the odds and reaping rewards
For more than 10 years, Fruits of Life has always maintained the quality of its coconut by-products. The company follows very strict quality control and sanitation procedures in order to ensure customers’ safety and satisfaction.
The company’s high regard for quality products and good manufacturing process was acknowledged through its BFAD (Bureau of Food and Drugs) approval in 1997. Two years after, Lipa Fresh Buko Juice underwent a strict Japanese quality standards test. Fruits of Life, once again, passed and was allowed its first airfreight shipment to Japan.
The achievements of Lipa Fresh Buko Juice brought about the development of more new products such as: Lipa Fresh Buko Melon (a combination of buko and melon juice), Lipa Miracle Oil (the company’s first virgin coconut oil product), and the Coconut Juice in Can.
With the company’s ingenious use of the coconut, the Philippine Coconut Authority awarded Lipa Fresh Buko Juice the Product Processor Innovator Award for Buko Juice. Fruits of Life sees the recognition as the most valuable for it was given by the authority in the coconut industry. Also, the company considers it as a true recognition for its efforts in promoting coconut juice as a health drink.
Be Healthy. Go Global.
Fruits of Life did not limit its market to the Philippines. In fact, the company has joined international food fairs to promote its products in the global market.
The company first participated at the Asian Ethnic Food Fair in 2000. Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the fair helped food entrepreneurs like Fruits for Life, Inc. to create awareness on their products to the local and international market. On the same event, the company launched the new packaging of Lipa Fresh Buko Juice. Since joining its first-ever international trade show, Fruits of Life carry on with IFEX (International Food Exhibition), formerly the Asian Ethnic Food Fair, as a regular exhibitor.
Only good words Kathleen gives to CITEM’s support for her company. Through CITEM-organized fairs, she met a lot of food distributors and importers abroad where in it opened satisfactory business opportunities for her company. “I have traveled and met a lot of food distributors and importers abroad. They often say that our country offers many unique and quality products,” Kathleen relates.
Fruits of Life also supports the governments’ campaign for better product packaging that will make Filipino-made products competitive in the global market. “Packaging says a lot about the company and their product image and professionalism. If you look at products nowadays from China or Thailand, their packaging has been very creative and attractive and almost at par with Japan. This attracts the consumers and urges them to buy,” Kathleen adds.
Aside from better product packaging, the company is determined to develop more coconut products. And although many claims that their beverages are better, healthier, and more natural, Kathleen believes that nothing beats the freshness and the health benefits of the coconut juice. Fruits of Life will continue to research for new innovations that will make their buko products fresh, well and healthier to meet the satisfaction of their customers.
“We would like to continue creating awareness and appreciation on the great benefits of the coconut and the fruit of life. Our vision is to have a healthy world,” Kathleen ends.
For more information on Fruits of Life’s products, visit their website at www.lipabuko.com.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Lightworks Resources, Inc. : Creating timeless artworks
Contemporary yet timeless. An inspiration that dwells in the interconnections of all life forms. Lightworks Resources, Inc. is a product of one man’s masterful creation that has fascinated the world of design.
Twenty years ago, Ravi Singh, a director of natural medicine, has a hobby of décor and furniture making. In his garage and lanai, he crafts unconventional home pieces that are functional. His collection, however, grew which seem to be unbearable to fit in their house. Supportive of her husband’s enthusiasm in design, Rashmi Tolentino-Singh suggested to make Ravi’s hobby into a business. In 1989, Lightworks was established.
Lightworks first used narra as their main material. This was because of Ravi’s fascination over the sturdy Philippine narra wood. However, strict environment laws prohibited the company to use narra, and also, there is a limited market for narra products. “We can’t export narra. Narra has a specific market that’s why we decided to do other product lines.” Rashmi relates. Lightworks sought other materials like ceramics. But the business on ceramics was not doing well because of the competition in China and Vietnam.
Despite the hurdles, Lightworks did not stop creating new home ideas. They used much bolder materials, which at that time, the design industry finds it modern and avant-garde. Using materials such as copper, silver, gold, and fiberglass. They gilded these materials and transformed them into gargantuan fixtures that are high-end and ageless.
A collection of high-quality home furnishings
At lightworks, Ravi heads the design team. He often gets his inspiration from the bounty of nature, human life, and the lotus flower – all of which has a symbolical meaning in their lives.
The design process does not take too much time. But deliberating on what the market would expect from them may take a while. In this aspect, Rashmi assists Ravi on how to market their products. Each product underwent series of research. Not wanting to disappoint their clients, the Singhs see to it that they come up with something that is striking and memorable to whoever sees it. Recognizing the product itself is a way of associating it to the Lightworks brand.
The present collections of Lightworks are mostly metal structures, although, some are made out of fiberglass, wood, stones, and natural fiber. These metal sculptures underwent a process called gilding, which they also used in their ceramics. Gilding is an age-old process of covering an item with a thin layer of gold. This is common in East and South Asia. The gilding process, which Lightworks is known for, was a product of Ravi’s research.
Lightworks presents products that are well-thought of. All of them are exciting to see and can be described as beyond reproach. Apart from wall arts, they also have indoor/outdoor furniture; large sculptural plant holder, vases; murals, panels, tiles; wall art discs, mirrors, sconces; water sculptures or fountains for table, wall and large sculptural installations; tabletops like vases, bowls, trivets; architectural pieces like door floor tiles, basins, platforms, claddings. Creating these items may take a month or more depending on the size and type of mold of the product. However, buyers are willing to wait because they know that Lightworks gives them only the best.
All it needs: hardwork and optimism
For almost 20 years in the business, thee company has shown great passion for the art, relentless dedication and service to their clients, and most of all, they have helped improved the lives of almost 300 people. With all of their hardwork, the design-led and excellence-driven partnership of Ravi and Rashmi put Lightworks ahead of its game.
The successes that Lightworks has gained served as their motivation to be at their best. They do not rest on their laurels, but, treat it as a reminder that buyers expect a lot from them and that they have to surpass their high expectations. And though they have done very well in their craft, Ravi and Rashmi continues to explore trendier designs for their upcoming product lines. As Rashmi puts it, “when you say challenge, I say it is an opportunity. I turn it positive, otherwise, I would be stressed. We find an opportunity to make it better.”
The Singhs’ optimistic views on the business seem to reflect in their products. There is a feel of well-being and joy that is embodied in varied forms of sculptural and decorative home pieces.
Making a mark in the international market
Lightworks was a hobby atelier that has become a successful export furniture company. As Rashmi recalls, she never thought that their company could become big and would be recognized internationally. The Singhs are grateful to the people who have opened the doors for them, particularly, former heads of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), Mina Gabor and Precy Omikting. CITEM has seen the potential of this budding company during their early years.
When they first joined a trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, Lightworks brought with them an enormous wall art which amazed the buyers. The company’s display stood out despite the small booth of the Philippines at the show. The positive feedback from Germany opened a lot of opportunities for Lightworks. They also joined other international trade shows like Macef in Milan, Maison et Objet in Paris, Ambiente and Tendence in Frankfurt. Lightworks also exhibits their products in some shows in the US, other countries in Europe, and Asia. Their participation brought them a number of reputable clients who were honored to carry the Lightworks brand.
“Our distributors, when they join shows in Europe, they represent us. They use Lightworks sa booth nila. Unlike when other distributor shows, the product is just part of the theme. We have a strong presence on Italy and also in Paris because we are the only company that represents the Philippines in Maison and carries the Philippine flag,” Rashmi proudly shares.
Up to this day, Lightworks is also an active participant for the Manila F.A.M.E. International, CITEM bi-annual trade show. It has opened another company, Bato Balani, which is based in Cebu. Bato Balani offers a wide range of products that uses different materials like shells.
For more information on Lightworks, log on to www.lightworks.com.ph
Twenty years ago, Ravi Singh, a director of natural medicine, has a hobby of décor and furniture making. In his garage and lanai, he crafts unconventional home pieces that are functional. His collection, however, grew which seem to be unbearable to fit in their house. Supportive of her husband’s enthusiasm in design, Rashmi Tolentino-Singh suggested to make Ravi’s hobby into a business. In 1989, Lightworks was established.
Lightworks first used narra as their main material. This was because of Ravi’s fascination over the sturdy Philippine narra wood. However, strict environment laws prohibited the company to use narra, and also, there is a limited market for narra products. “We can’t export narra. Narra has a specific market that’s why we decided to do other product lines.” Rashmi relates. Lightworks sought other materials like ceramics. But the business on ceramics was not doing well because of the competition in China and Vietnam.
Despite the hurdles, Lightworks did not stop creating new home ideas. They used much bolder materials, which at that time, the design industry finds it modern and avant-garde. Using materials such as copper, silver, gold, and fiberglass. They gilded these materials and transformed them into gargantuan fixtures that are high-end and ageless.
A collection of high-quality home furnishings
At lightworks, Ravi heads the design team. He often gets his inspiration from the bounty of nature, human life, and the lotus flower – all of which has a symbolical meaning in their lives.
The design process does not take too much time. But deliberating on what the market would expect from them may take a while. In this aspect, Rashmi assists Ravi on how to market their products. Each product underwent series of research. Not wanting to disappoint their clients, the Singhs see to it that they come up with something that is striking and memorable to whoever sees it. Recognizing the product itself is a way of associating it to the Lightworks brand.
The present collections of Lightworks are mostly metal structures, although, some are made out of fiberglass, wood, stones, and natural fiber. These metal sculptures underwent a process called gilding, which they also used in their ceramics. Gilding is an age-old process of covering an item with a thin layer of gold. This is common in East and South Asia. The gilding process, which Lightworks is known for, was a product of Ravi’s research.
Lightworks presents products that are well-thought of. All of them are exciting to see and can be described as beyond reproach. Apart from wall arts, they also have indoor/outdoor furniture; large sculptural plant holder, vases; murals, panels, tiles; wall art discs, mirrors, sconces; water sculptures or fountains for table, wall and large sculptural installations; tabletops like vases, bowls, trivets; architectural pieces like door floor tiles, basins, platforms, claddings. Creating these items may take a month or more depending on the size and type of mold of the product. However, buyers are willing to wait because they know that Lightworks gives them only the best.
All it needs: hardwork and optimism
For almost 20 years in the business, thee company has shown great passion for the art, relentless dedication and service to their clients, and most of all, they have helped improved the lives of almost 300 people. With all of their hardwork, the design-led and excellence-driven partnership of Ravi and Rashmi put Lightworks ahead of its game.
The successes that Lightworks has gained served as their motivation to be at their best. They do not rest on their laurels, but, treat it as a reminder that buyers expect a lot from them and that they have to surpass their high expectations. And though they have done very well in their craft, Ravi and Rashmi continues to explore trendier designs for their upcoming product lines. As Rashmi puts it, “when you say challenge, I say it is an opportunity. I turn it positive, otherwise, I would be stressed. We find an opportunity to make it better.”
The Singhs’ optimistic views on the business seem to reflect in their products. There is a feel of well-being and joy that is embodied in varied forms of sculptural and decorative home pieces.
Making a mark in the international market
Lightworks was a hobby atelier that has become a successful export furniture company. As Rashmi recalls, she never thought that their company could become big and would be recognized internationally. The Singhs are grateful to the people who have opened the doors for them, particularly, former heads of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), Mina Gabor and Precy Omikting. CITEM has seen the potential of this budding company during their early years.
When they first joined a trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, Lightworks brought with them an enormous wall art which amazed the buyers. The company’s display stood out despite the small booth of the Philippines at the show. The positive feedback from Germany opened a lot of opportunities for Lightworks. They also joined other international trade shows like Macef in Milan, Maison et Objet in Paris, Ambiente and Tendence in Frankfurt. Lightworks also exhibits their products in some shows in the US, other countries in Europe, and Asia. Their participation brought them a number of reputable clients who were honored to carry the Lightworks brand.
“Our distributors, when they join shows in Europe, they represent us. They use Lightworks sa booth nila. Unlike when other distributor shows, the product is just part of the theme. We have a strong presence on Italy and also in Paris because we are the only company that represents the Philippines in Maison and carries the Philippine flag,” Rashmi proudly shares.
Up to this day, Lightworks is also an active participant for the Manila F.A.M.E. International, CITEM bi-annual trade show. It has opened another company, Bato Balani, which is based in Cebu. Bato Balani offers a wide range of products that uses different materials like shells.
For more information on Lightworks, log on to www.lightworks.com.ph
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Weaverscraft Inc.: A Homey Lifestyle woven to Perfection
Hand-woven, embellished, and practical – best describes Weaverscraft Inc.’s one-of-a-kind pieces. Conceived with a creative mind, homegrown materials were intricately crafted to jazz up your home.
Indigenous materials come alive as Angelo R. Baltazar and Eredito P. Feliciano, owners of Weaverscraft Inc., integrates modern elements to traditional handicrafts. Natural elements, such as, rattan, buri, bankwang and Havana are woven onto wood and metal foundations that produce a three-dimension functional art.
Best sellers, such as, baskets, storage and bath items, and home accessories are utilized as accent pieces because of its chic designs, which gives the home its exquisite and stylish ambiance.
Going NUTS over a BASKET CASE…
It was an ingenious move for Baltazar and Feliciano to start with a simple product that would eventually skyrocket their company to success.
In 1983, Weaverscraft Inc. was established in Angeles City, Pampangga. With only six skilled workers at that time, the group produced wicker baskets as fillers for furniture-loaded containers. Through this mini-showcase, many noticed the intricate weaving and original designs of their baskets that led to sales orders here and abroad.
The company’s first overseas delivery was for The Furniture Company in the US wherein the company’s baskets were used as enhancements for furniture shows. The unique craftsmanship was such a sight that the US market could not resist. The company eventually exported items to the US that also became their primary client.
With the growing demands for the baskets, Weaverscraft Inc. expanded their product lines as they get to explore more raw materials. From decorative and functional baskets, they have made home accessories; storage and bath items premiere commodities.
Untangling the knots
Success is not far from reach… but the path through it, is far more challenging. This is probably the case of Weaverscraft, as the company achieved its goal.
Just like any other businesses, Weaverscraft was not spared from the rough times. The company tried and failed as they began with the expansion of their product lines. Among the challenges the company faced were: shortage in raw materials, low sales, and quality problems.
Weaverscraft dealt with competition as well. Their contemporaries gave the company reasons to step up their game as they produce distinct, quality, and world-class items.
“In the export industry, competition may be tough. So we have to make sure that the following are achieved: timely delivery, good quality products, continuous product offerings, strong research and development team, participation in local and international shows, visiting corporate offices of our clients, and of course, excellent customer service,” Julie Sarmiento, VP for Marketing, enumerates.
With all these in check, Weaverscraft Inc. evolved into a multi-million-peso company with markets expanding all over the world.
They came…they saw…they conquered!
Weaverscraft’s success is a common tale of determination with a dash of innovativeness. In the first place, who would have thought that a simple wicker basket would be the center of attention in a chockfull of stunning furniture pieces? Yet, this was made possible because of the company’s exceptional creativity. Imprinting the latest trends to a traditional craft gives a common rattan furniture piece a modernized and functional look.
Showcasing their products, Weaverscraft sees to it that they often join in trade fairs. One of which is the Manila F.A.M.E. International, a Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) organized event, which helped launch to the foreign market brilliant Filipino craftsmanship. Their Manila F.A.M.E. participation eventually brought in more buyers to the company.
“We met a lot of buyers from the trade fair and some of these buyers are now one of our major buyers,” Sarmiento proudly shares.
In the April 2006 Manila F.A.M.E., Weaverscraft bagged the Best Product Design for Lumina on their 6-feet Twisted Buri Midrib floor lamp at the Katha Awards. Designed by top fashion couturier, Cesar Gaupo, the creation was a dramatic play of lights and silhouette intertwined to a buri material.
The recognition that Weaverscraft received is the beginning of what is yet to come. It inspires the team to do more distinct home decors and venture out to untapped markets that are not familiar with Filipino craftsmanship.
“We plan to double the business in five years. We also want to become the trendsetter in home furnishings and the biggest company in Asia. Aside from the US market, the management also plans to penetrate the European and Middle East market,” Sarmiento quipped.
As Weaverscraft continues to awe buyers with their wonderful creations, it only proved that the future of Filipino home furnishings promise something bigger. “Filipino manufacturers will lead the Home Furnishing industries because of their creativity and dedication to their undertaking,” Sarmiento ends.
Want to see more of Weaverscraft Inc.’s hand-woven home furnishings? Visit their showroom at Manga Road, Pulungbulo, Angeles City, Pampangga. You may contact them at (6345) 888-3636 and (6345) 323-5314; fax at: (6345) 322-8171; or email: juliesarmiento@weaverscraftinc.com. Check out their website: www.weaverscraftinc.com.
Indigenous materials come alive as Angelo R. Baltazar and Eredito P. Feliciano, owners of Weaverscraft Inc., integrates modern elements to traditional handicrafts. Natural elements, such as, rattan, buri, bankwang and Havana are woven onto wood and metal foundations that produce a three-dimension functional art.
Best sellers, such as, baskets, storage and bath items, and home accessories are utilized as accent pieces because of its chic designs, which gives the home its exquisite and stylish ambiance.
Going NUTS over a BASKET CASE…
It was an ingenious move for Baltazar and Feliciano to start with a simple product that would eventually skyrocket their company to success.
In 1983, Weaverscraft Inc. was established in Angeles City, Pampangga. With only six skilled workers at that time, the group produced wicker baskets as fillers for furniture-loaded containers. Through this mini-showcase, many noticed the intricate weaving and original designs of their baskets that led to sales orders here and abroad.
The company’s first overseas delivery was for The Furniture Company in the US wherein the company’s baskets were used as enhancements for furniture shows. The unique craftsmanship was such a sight that the US market could not resist. The company eventually exported items to the US that also became their primary client.
With the growing demands for the baskets, Weaverscraft Inc. expanded their product lines as they get to explore more raw materials. From decorative and functional baskets, they have made home accessories; storage and bath items premiere commodities.
Untangling the knots
Success is not far from reach… but the path through it, is far more challenging. This is probably the case of Weaverscraft, as the company achieved its goal.
Just like any other businesses, Weaverscraft was not spared from the rough times. The company tried and failed as they began with the expansion of their product lines. Among the challenges the company faced were: shortage in raw materials, low sales, and quality problems.
Weaverscraft dealt with competition as well. Their contemporaries gave the company reasons to step up their game as they produce distinct, quality, and world-class items.
“In the export industry, competition may be tough. So we have to make sure that the following are achieved: timely delivery, good quality products, continuous product offerings, strong research and development team, participation in local and international shows, visiting corporate offices of our clients, and of course, excellent customer service,” Julie Sarmiento, VP for Marketing, enumerates.
With all these in check, Weaverscraft Inc. evolved into a multi-million-peso company with markets expanding all over the world.
They came…they saw…they conquered!
Weaverscraft’s success is a common tale of determination with a dash of innovativeness. In the first place, who would have thought that a simple wicker basket would be the center of attention in a chockfull of stunning furniture pieces? Yet, this was made possible because of the company’s exceptional creativity. Imprinting the latest trends to a traditional craft gives a common rattan furniture piece a modernized and functional look.
Showcasing their products, Weaverscraft sees to it that they often join in trade fairs. One of which is the Manila F.A.M.E. International, a Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) organized event, which helped launch to the foreign market brilliant Filipino craftsmanship. Their Manila F.A.M.E. participation eventually brought in more buyers to the company.
“We met a lot of buyers from the trade fair and some of these buyers are now one of our major buyers,” Sarmiento proudly shares.
In the April 2006 Manila F.A.M.E., Weaverscraft bagged the Best Product Design for Lumina on their 6-feet Twisted Buri Midrib floor lamp at the Katha Awards. Designed by top fashion couturier, Cesar Gaupo, the creation was a dramatic play of lights and silhouette intertwined to a buri material.
The recognition that Weaverscraft received is the beginning of what is yet to come. It inspires the team to do more distinct home decors and venture out to untapped markets that are not familiar with Filipino craftsmanship.
“We plan to double the business in five years. We also want to become the trendsetter in home furnishings and the biggest company in Asia. Aside from the US market, the management also plans to penetrate the European and Middle East market,” Sarmiento quipped.
As Weaverscraft continues to awe buyers with their wonderful creations, it only proved that the future of Filipino home furnishings promise something bigger. “Filipino manufacturers will lead the Home Furnishing industries because of their creativity and dedication to their undertaking,” Sarmiento ends.
Want to see more of Weaverscraft Inc.’s hand-woven home furnishings? Visit their showroom at Manga Road, Pulungbulo, Angeles City, Pampangga. You may contact them at (6345) 888-3636 and (6345) 323-5314; fax at: (6345) 322-8171; or email: juliesarmiento@weaverscraftinc.com. Check out their website: www.weaverscraftinc.com.
Viviendo Philippines: Making VCO the healthy solution
Before Philippine virgin coconut oil (VCO) became infamous for its healing and replenishing effects, the country’s coconut oil underwent a series of studies and scrutiny. In a previous finding, coconut oil was reported to cause high cholesterol and heart abnormalities. These reports have somehow affected the country’s economy because coconut was among our major exports.
However in 1983, a group of scientists at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños (UPLB) was determined to overshadow the negative reports on coconut oil. Believing that coconut oil is good for the health, the group requested Paul Mamangun to lead a research that would reveal to the public the healthy benefits of the coconut oil.
Eventually, the doubts on the coconut oil have been eliminated after Paul’s daughter, Ana Maria, conducted
an experiment on coconut oil during her elementary years. Introducing the ANH (A No-Heat) process, the oil’s healthy properties are retained thus the development of the virgin coconut oil.
Ana’s experiment motivated Paul to further study and research on ANH-VCO. In their successful research, the Mamanguns share their knowledge on VCO to colleagues. It also gave him and his wife, Tess, an idea to establish Viviendo, a company that would launch VCO as a healthy alternative.
Passion and patience – the perfect mix to success
The key to Viviendo’s success is passion and patience. The Mamanguns have dealt with the hard times in terms of financial, research, and development of new products. But through this, it is their advocacy for VCO as the healthy alternative drives them to carry on with the business.
Patience, likewise, is another factor. The development of new ANH-VCO products usually takes years to accomplish. Viviendo wants to give consumers the best VCO product there is in the market. According to Tess, it is about giving your customers the truth about your product makes them a reliable manufacturer of VCO.
“Well for me is that you have to have passion, patience, and you’ve got to be truthful to what you’re giving to your clients… Hindi naman ito something na bibiglain mo e. We do not believe in the idea na kailangan mong I-mechanized ang pag-produce ng VCO para marami kang ma-produce. Sa amin kasi we would want to handcraft it lahat kaya we have to have patience and the art for it (This is not something that you instantly produce because we don’t believe in mechanizing VCO just to produce more. We would want to manually produce VCO that’s why our people should have a lot of patience and the art for it),” Tess adds.
This work attitude is also imparted to the employees of Viviendo. Sharing the company’s vision, Viviendo employees have learned the advocacy of VCO thus they are capable of spreading the good new that VCO brings.
Viviendo in the world market
VCO does not only create a buzz here in the local market. But it is also the latest craze among health and wellness enthusiasts all over the world. And with the popularity of VCO, Viviendo does not stop on developing new products that would appeal to the mainstream market.
With the company’s overwhelming success in China, Viviendo found a new niche market in the US. Their participation in the Natural Products Expo in Anaheim, California, USA helped Viviendo promote the Philippine VCO and its benefits. This also led Paul to go back to research and develop new personal care products that would still use VCO as the essential component. Among Viviendo’s new products are: ANH-VCO lipsticks, lip balms, body balms, and facial creams. Viviendo now also has a food product line. Still VCO-based, they now have coconut tea, coconut honey, Kalamete coconut jam, and coconut sugar that have all undergone the ANH process.
Viviendo re-brands itself when they sell their products in the international market. Yet, consumers are assured of the best quality ANH-VCO products. The company sells the Viviendo line in selected retail stores like Rustans and Shopwise. However, the Mamanguns are focused more on exporting their new product line because of the growing demand for natural products.
Aside from the positive work attitude and knowledge on the products, Viviendo also credits their success to government and non-government organizations who supported them in promoting VCO to the export market. Among them was the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). Through their trade event, BIO-Search, a Philippine Health and Wellness Show, Viviendo promoted not only their product but also VCO, in general, to the export industry. CITEM’s support catapulted the Philippines as a major producer of VCO in the world. It also gave small and medium entrepreneurs, like Viviendo, to venture out to other by-products so as to show the flexibility of the virgin coconut oil.
“We attribute our success, in a way, sa support ng CITEM of all government agencies. It was CITEM and DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) who helped us. So kung ano kami ngayon, it was through CITEM for the support it has given to us (Whatever we have achieved today, it was through CITEM for the support it has given to us),” Tess shares.
Advocating wellness the natural way
Upon reaping the success of their research on VCO more than 2 decades ago, Viviendo was able to explore the other benefits of the product. VCO became more than just a dietary supplement. Viviendo introduced to the market a line of personal care, hair care, and cosmetics products that use VCO as the main ingredient.
Just like the VCO as a dietary supplement, the other by-products also have the essential properties that replenish the skin and hair. In fact, the effects are a lot faster than any commercial brands.
“Nakita namin that VCO is also good for the skin and hair. At immediate ang effect! When we joined a trade fair in China, nakita namin ‘yung mga Chinese na after nilang ipahid ang lotion sa skin after a few minutes ang ganda ng effect sa skin nila (We realized that VCO is also good for the skin and hair. The results are immediate! When we joined a trade fair in China, we noticed that after the Chinese rubbed the lotion onto their skin in a few minutes the effect on their skin was really good),” Tess shares.
With these overwhelming results, Viviendo is determined to do more research and development on VCO for new product lines. Through these natural-made products, consumers are given the option to live the healthy way.
For more information on Viviendo Philippines’ products log on to: www.coconuthaven.com.
However in 1983, a group of scientists at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños (UPLB) was determined to overshadow the negative reports on coconut oil. Believing that coconut oil is good for the health, the group requested Paul Mamangun to lead a research that would reveal to the public the healthy benefits of the coconut oil.
Eventually, the doubts on the coconut oil have been eliminated after Paul’s daughter, Ana Maria, conducted
an experiment on coconut oil during her elementary years. Introducing the ANH (A No-Heat) process, the oil’s healthy properties are retained thus the development of the virgin coconut oil.
Ana’s experiment motivated Paul to further study and research on ANH-VCO. In their successful research, the Mamanguns share their knowledge on VCO to colleagues. It also gave him and his wife, Tess, an idea to establish Viviendo, a company that would launch VCO as a healthy alternative.
Passion and patience – the perfect mix to success
The key to Viviendo’s success is passion and patience. The Mamanguns have dealt with the hard times in terms of financial, research, and development of new products. But through this, it is their advocacy for VCO as the healthy alternative drives them to carry on with the business.
Patience, likewise, is another factor. The development of new ANH-VCO products usually takes years to accomplish. Viviendo wants to give consumers the best VCO product there is in the market. According to Tess, it is about giving your customers the truth about your product makes them a reliable manufacturer of VCO.
“Well for me is that you have to have passion, patience, and you’ve got to be truthful to what you’re giving to your clients… Hindi naman ito something na bibiglain mo e. We do not believe in the idea na kailangan mong I-mechanized ang pag-produce ng VCO para marami kang ma-produce. Sa amin kasi we would want to handcraft it lahat kaya we have to have patience and the art for it (This is not something that you instantly produce because we don’t believe in mechanizing VCO just to produce more. We would want to manually produce VCO that’s why our people should have a lot of patience and the art for it),” Tess adds.
This work attitude is also imparted to the employees of Viviendo. Sharing the company’s vision, Viviendo employees have learned the advocacy of VCO thus they are capable of spreading the good new that VCO brings.
Viviendo in the world market
VCO does not only create a buzz here in the local market. But it is also the latest craze among health and wellness enthusiasts all over the world. And with the popularity of VCO, Viviendo does not stop on developing new products that would appeal to the mainstream market.
With the company’s overwhelming success in China, Viviendo found a new niche market in the US. Their participation in the Natural Products Expo in Anaheim, California, USA helped Viviendo promote the Philippine VCO and its benefits. This also led Paul to go back to research and develop new personal care products that would still use VCO as the essential component. Among Viviendo’s new products are: ANH-VCO lipsticks, lip balms, body balms, and facial creams. Viviendo now also has a food product line. Still VCO-based, they now have coconut tea, coconut honey, Kalamete coconut jam, and coconut sugar that have all undergone the ANH process.
Viviendo re-brands itself when they sell their products in the international market. Yet, consumers are assured of the best quality ANH-VCO products. The company sells the Viviendo line in selected retail stores like Rustans and Shopwise. However, the Mamanguns are focused more on exporting their new product line because of the growing demand for natural products.
Aside from the positive work attitude and knowledge on the products, Viviendo also credits their success to government and non-government organizations who supported them in promoting VCO to the export market. Among them was the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). Through their trade event, BIO-Search, a Philippine Health and Wellness Show, Viviendo promoted not only their product but also VCO, in general, to the export industry. CITEM’s support catapulted the Philippines as a major producer of VCO in the world. It also gave small and medium entrepreneurs, like Viviendo, to venture out to other by-products so as to show the flexibility of the virgin coconut oil.
“We attribute our success, in a way, sa support ng CITEM of all government agencies. It was CITEM and DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) who helped us. So kung ano kami ngayon, it was through CITEM for the support it has given to us (Whatever we have achieved today, it was through CITEM for the support it has given to us),” Tess shares.
Advocating wellness the natural way
Upon reaping the success of their research on VCO more than 2 decades ago, Viviendo was able to explore the other benefits of the product. VCO became more than just a dietary supplement. Viviendo introduced to the market a line of personal care, hair care, and cosmetics products that use VCO as the main ingredient.
Just like the VCO as a dietary supplement, the other by-products also have the essential properties that replenish the skin and hair. In fact, the effects are a lot faster than any commercial brands.
“Nakita namin that VCO is also good for the skin and hair. At immediate ang effect! When we joined a trade fair in China, nakita namin ‘yung mga Chinese na after nilang ipahid ang lotion sa skin after a few minutes ang ganda ng effect sa skin nila (We realized that VCO is also good for the skin and hair. The results are immediate! When we joined a trade fair in China, we noticed that after the Chinese rubbed the lotion onto their skin in a few minutes the effect on their skin was really good),” Tess shares.
With these overwhelming results, Viviendo is determined to do more research and development on VCO for new product lines. Through these natural-made products, consumers are given the option to live the healthy way.
For more information on Viviendo Philippines’ products log on to: www.coconuthaven.com.
Tsukiden Software Philippines, Inc. (TSPI): Elevating Filipinos in software development
“Most Japanese still do not know this and this is the challenge we face in the lucrative but difficult to penetrate Japanese market” -- courageous words from Tsukiden Software Philippines, Inc.’s (TSPI) Engineering Director, Joseph Valdez, a Physics and Computer Engineering graduate of the Ateneo and Executive-MBA graduate of AIM.
Seventeen years in the business, TSPI has weathered the cyclic busts and booms of the software development industry. As one of the pioneers in embedded systems development outsourcing here in the Philippines, TSPI adapts to the changing trends and bleeding-edge technologies that are inherent of the industry.
Geared up for business
Tsukiden Software Philippines, Inc. was an offshoot of Tsukiden Electronics Industries Inc. (TEII). Back in 1987, TEII was engaged in floppy disk and hard disk assembly for a Japanese multinational company. Noticing the Filipinos’ talent for programming and debugging, the company decided to venture into software development as well. Thus, TSPI was founded in 1990 as a pioneer software development company.
The timing was great for TSPI. In the late 80s to early 90s, the famed Japanese bubble economy burst and many Japanese companies were looking for ways to cut costs. And as companies as well as government turned to IT to streamline their operations, Japan experienced a shortfall of their local talents in software development. The search for talents abroad, especially Japan’s neighboring Asian countries, to augment and at the same time to cut costs began in earnest. Consequently, the Philippines was one of the countries that benefited from this imminent decision of companies to outsource their software development.
TSPI was fortunate to have two Japanese clients courtesy of TEII upon their launch in 1990. These clients decided to try out the Filipino’s mettle for software development. The first 15 engineers of TSPI were trained in Japan, giving them the hands-on experience of embedded systems and ASIC (application specific integrated circuits) design and development.
Lost in translation? NOT
“One of our difficulties in catering to the Japanese market is the language and cultural barrier,” Valdez confessed. Filipino companies who have tried to dip their fingers in the market acknowledge this. Needless to say, foreign companies who want to get into the Japanese market, have to learn Nihonggo. But more importantly, companies need to adapt with the way Japanese do business.
TSPI finds ways to address language barriers between its Filipino and Japanese. One of which is teaching Nihonggo to Filipino employees, and English to the Japanese expatriates.
“Although in our company, the barrier exists for Filipinos and Japanese, we address the problem by providing Japanese lessons to our Filipino engineers and on the other, English lessons to the Japanese. But we understand that it will take much more to hurdle this. We need to have cross-cultural interventions in order to manage the gap. These misunderstandings and miscommunications are very costly. They lead to rework, loss of confidence and ultimately loss of client.” Valdez said.
Software development is not just about having the technical expertise. Perhaps more important is to understand the client’s needs. And that is why TSPI strives to listen to the expressed and unexpressed wishes of their clients.
“We try be in touch with our clients almost on a daily basis. Japanese want to know what is going on all the time. “Our clients also have a set of criteria for evaluating and ranking their vendors. We make sure that we follow these set of criteria. We try hard to continuously adapt, improve our processes, tweak our procedures and refine our services, if only to win that heartwarming smile and elusive approval of our Japanese clients.” Valdez adds.
Armor to success: innovation
TSPI is one of the first companies who have engaged in the business of custom software, firmware, and hardware. And with seventeen years of experience, the company has definitely withstood the ups and downs of the business and is continuously innovating new ideas, products, and services to suit the demands of the industry.
Among the company’s expertise include: embedded systems development , telecommunications applications, business applications, ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) design, and wireless applications.
A CMMI Level 3 company, TSPI is known for its embedded systems development. Working with some Japanese multinationals, the company has created embedded systems for handheld gadgets, office equipments and appliances. One of TSPI’s well-known clients for embedded systems is NEC.
The more, the better
Japan is one foreign market where Filipino service providers need not to worry. While Japanese outsource a huge chunk of their software development to China and India, the unserved portion of the pie will be more than enough to keep the few service providers brimming with work.
Competition among local software development companies is unnecessary. TSPI shares the same thoughts of other software development companies in the country. They, too, believe that the emergence of software development companies indicates that Filipino engineers are knowledgeable and can be trained in the fast changing technologies in software development.
“I think the more important task at hand is to achieve a critical mass of successes such that the Japanese continue to be convinced that the Philippines is indeed a reliable destination for their IT outsourcing needs. We need to serve each of our clients well so that the overall impression on the Philippine IT industry remains high,” Valdez advises.
Promoting the software development industry, TSPI and other software development companies often participate local and international trade shows. Among the trade shows which TSPI joins is the e-Services Philippines ands e-Services Philippines goes to SODEC (Software Development Expo and Conference) organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). The company’s participation to SODEC gave them and the whole Philippine delegation a positive response. By just having a Philippine booth at SODEC, many Japanese companies are surprised but are becoming more aware of the country’s edge in software development.
“The presence of the Philippine booth at SODEC puts the country in the minds of the Japanese. During our first year at SODEC, there was this Japanese who kept on going back and forth glancing at the ‘Philippines’ block of letters festooned on top of our booth. He finally went in and inquired, ‘Can you do software in the Philippines? Why is there a Philippine booth here?’ He seemed so surprised that Filipinos can actually do software programs. We were also of course surprised ourselves. This only goes to show that a lot of Japanese are still unaware of the Filipinos’ capability to do software development. For this reason alone, the Philippine booth should always be at SODEC every year,” Valdez suggests.
TSPI, today and tomorrow
As our everyday lives begin to be intertwined with ICT, it is not surprising that more applications are being developed that makes information within the reach of everyone anytime anywhere. Many Filipinos are now constantly on the hunt for new technology and are also getting a hand on the development of applications that enhance the way we lead our daily lives.
TSPI is among the many companies in the Philippines that seek opportunities for Filipino software developers to take part of. The company is very determined to make their services available to other markets aside from the Japanese. Through this huge step, this will help the Filipinos be competitive and make them world-class in the field of ICT.
“We will open ourselves to opportunities not only in the Japanese market but also in other markets as well. This will not only spread our risks but also utilize the inherent capability of the Filipinos in the English language. This year we will also be participating at CommunicAsia 2007 in Singapore. This is our first time and we look forward to a noteworthy experience,” Valdez ends.
For more information on Tsukiden Software Philippines, Inc., visit their website at www.tspi.com.ph.
Seventeen years in the business, TSPI has weathered the cyclic busts and booms of the software development industry. As one of the pioneers in embedded systems development outsourcing here in the Philippines, TSPI adapts to the changing trends and bleeding-edge technologies that are inherent of the industry.
Geared up for business
Tsukiden Software Philippines, Inc. was an offshoot of Tsukiden Electronics Industries Inc. (TEII). Back in 1987, TEII was engaged in floppy disk and hard disk assembly for a Japanese multinational company. Noticing the Filipinos’ talent for programming and debugging, the company decided to venture into software development as well. Thus, TSPI was founded in 1990 as a pioneer software development company.
The timing was great for TSPI. In the late 80s to early 90s, the famed Japanese bubble economy burst and many Japanese companies were looking for ways to cut costs. And as companies as well as government turned to IT to streamline their operations, Japan experienced a shortfall of their local talents in software development. The search for talents abroad, especially Japan’s neighboring Asian countries, to augment and at the same time to cut costs began in earnest. Consequently, the Philippines was one of the countries that benefited from this imminent decision of companies to outsource their software development.
TSPI was fortunate to have two Japanese clients courtesy of TEII upon their launch in 1990. These clients decided to try out the Filipino’s mettle for software development. The first 15 engineers of TSPI were trained in Japan, giving them the hands-on experience of embedded systems and ASIC (application specific integrated circuits) design and development.
Lost in translation? NOT
“One of our difficulties in catering to the Japanese market is the language and cultural barrier,” Valdez confessed. Filipino companies who have tried to dip their fingers in the market acknowledge this. Needless to say, foreign companies who want to get into the Japanese market, have to learn Nihonggo. But more importantly, companies need to adapt with the way Japanese do business.
TSPI finds ways to address language barriers between its Filipino and Japanese. One of which is teaching Nihonggo to Filipino employees, and English to the Japanese expatriates.
“Although in our company, the barrier exists for Filipinos and Japanese, we address the problem by providing Japanese lessons to our Filipino engineers and on the other, English lessons to the Japanese. But we understand that it will take much more to hurdle this. We need to have cross-cultural interventions in order to manage the gap. These misunderstandings and miscommunications are very costly. They lead to rework, loss of confidence and ultimately loss of client.” Valdez said.
Software development is not just about having the technical expertise. Perhaps more important is to understand the client’s needs. And that is why TSPI strives to listen to the expressed and unexpressed wishes of their clients.
“We try be in touch with our clients almost on a daily basis. Japanese want to know what is going on all the time. “Our clients also have a set of criteria for evaluating and ranking their vendors. We make sure that we follow these set of criteria. We try hard to continuously adapt, improve our processes, tweak our procedures and refine our services, if only to win that heartwarming smile and elusive approval of our Japanese clients.” Valdez adds.
Armor to success: innovation
TSPI is one of the first companies who have engaged in the business of custom software, firmware, and hardware. And with seventeen years of experience, the company has definitely withstood the ups and downs of the business and is continuously innovating new ideas, products, and services to suit the demands of the industry.
Among the company’s expertise include: embedded systems development , telecommunications applications, business applications, ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) design, and wireless applications.
A CMMI Level 3 company, TSPI is known for its embedded systems development. Working with some Japanese multinationals, the company has created embedded systems for handheld gadgets, office equipments and appliances. One of TSPI’s well-known clients for embedded systems is NEC.
The more, the better
Japan is one foreign market where Filipino service providers need not to worry. While Japanese outsource a huge chunk of their software development to China and India, the unserved portion of the pie will be more than enough to keep the few service providers brimming with work.
Competition among local software development companies is unnecessary. TSPI shares the same thoughts of other software development companies in the country. They, too, believe that the emergence of software development companies indicates that Filipino engineers are knowledgeable and can be trained in the fast changing technologies in software development.
“I think the more important task at hand is to achieve a critical mass of successes such that the Japanese continue to be convinced that the Philippines is indeed a reliable destination for their IT outsourcing needs. We need to serve each of our clients well so that the overall impression on the Philippine IT industry remains high,” Valdez advises.
Promoting the software development industry, TSPI and other software development companies often participate local and international trade shows. Among the trade shows which TSPI joins is the e-Services Philippines ands e-Services Philippines goes to SODEC (Software Development Expo and Conference) organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). The company’s participation to SODEC gave them and the whole Philippine delegation a positive response. By just having a Philippine booth at SODEC, many Japanese companies are surprised but are becoming more aware of the country’s edge in software development.
“The presence of the Philippine booth at SODEC puts the country in the minds of the Japanese. During our first year at SODEC, there was this Japanese who kept on going back and forth glancing at the ‘Philippines’ block of letters festooned on top of our booth. He finally went in and inquired, ‘Can you do software in the Philippines? Why is there a Philippine booth here?’ He seemed so surprised that Filipinos can actually do software programs. We were also of course surprised ourselves. This only goes to show that a lot of Japanese are still unaware of the Filipinos’ capability to do software development. For this reason alone, the Philippine booth should always be at SODEC every year,” Valdez suggests.
TSPI, today and tomorrow
As our everyday lives begin to be intertwined with ICT, it is not surprising that more applications are being developed that makes information within the reach of everyone anytime anywhere. Many Filipinos are now constantly on the hunt for new technology and are also getting a hand on the development of applications that enhance the way we lead our daily lives.
TSPI is among the many companies in the Philippines that seek opportunities for Filipino software developers to take part of. The company is very determined to make their services available to other markets aside from the Japanese. Through this huge step, this will help the Filipinos be competitive and make them world-class in the field of ICT.
“We will open ourselves to opportunities not only in the Japanese market but also in other markets as well. This will not only spread our risks but also utilize the inherent capability of the Filipinos in the English language. This year we will also be participating at CommunicAsia 2007 in Singapore. This is our first time and we look forward to a noteworthy experience,” Valdez ends.
For more information on Tsukiden Software Philippines, Inc., visit their website at www.tspi.com.ph.
S.C. Vizcarra: Unravel the secrets (to success) of the original bag lady
Segundina C. Vizcarra struggled hard to provide a better life for her family. Coming from a very poor family, she didn’t get the chance to go to school. Instead, she worked as an embroiderer for the rich and famous.
Her intricate embroidery made a wealthy matron a fanatic. Doña Angela Tuason helped Segundina put up her own embroidery shop at old Ermita in 1925. The exquisite craftsmanship became a buzz among the affluent families in Manila. They had her embroider handkerchiefs, tablecloths, shirts, and even traje de bodas (wedding gowns)
A couple of years after, Segundina was requested to open another store at a US military base in Pampangga, Fort Strotsenberg (now Clark Air Base). Her embroidery shop was the first concessionaire at Clark, making it the first ever trade shop in US military bases worldwide. The embroidery business was successful at the base. In total, she was able to open 16 stores in all 27 US military bases including the bases in Hawaii and Guam.
It was her skill in embroidery elevated her status in life. The success of S.C. Vizcarra became a legacy that was passed on to her equally creative daughter, Vicky Amalingan – the bag lady.
The tradition goes on…
Although the war may pose as a tragic memory to most Filipinos, this period still became a full circle moment for Segundina’s embroidery shop. It was during this period that she got to meet war icons such as President Dwight Eisenhower and General Douglas McArthur. They admire the S.C. Vizcarra embroidery and have frequent the shop for embroidered barong tagalogs, shirts, and other personal items. It was also during this period when Segundina was requested to embroider the last US flag in time for Philippines’ independence from the US on July 4, 1946.
A year after, the Philippine government requested her to embroider a 12-piece piña (pineapple) tablecloth set to be presented to Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II on her wedding day. Then a decade after, she was given the Merchandise Appraisal Award by the Allied Art of Seattle for her fine quality embroidered works.
The success of her embroidery business carried on until the tumultuous years of the Martial Law era. It was also at this time that the Philippine government finally recognized her significant contribution to the development and promotion of the cottage industry. She was among the very first recipients of the Panday Pira award.
However, political uncertainties pushed the decline of Segundina’s business. She was forced to close most of her stores particularly those at the US bases and even her store in Ermita.
The 80s may not be a good decade for S.C. Vizcarra. However, Segundina managed to keep the business for her growing workers. Thus, she went into the export side of the business.
The tradition of quality export and service lives on through her daughter, Vicky. She has carried on with the exporting business. And like her mom, she has also dedicated her life to the business that has provided a good life for the family and to their workers. “S.C. Vizcarra is not only about money…it is more of a mission. Maybe I am staying here because of the memory of my mother. But most importantly, it’s also because of the people,” Vicky shares.
After decades of making embroidery items, Vicky refocused the company into a houseware and home décor manufacturing company. Her first exported products were the watermelon baskets.
Together they stand
Changing the line of business brought good things to S.C. Vizcarra. Most of their houseware products were a hit among foreign buyers. The export business was really good that the company ships four to five containers per week.
However, tough competition aroused during the later years of the 90s. As China inched its way on becoming a trading superpower, the Philippine export industry had its ups and downs. And as for S.C. Vizcarra, it is time to do an overhaul.
“China came and so there were a lot of ups and downs for us. We didn’t even come close. By the year 2000, it was really bad already. I have decided to come back and upgrade,” Vicky relates.
And although their baskets are doing well in the international market, still, Vicky felt that it is time to focus on product design which the Filipinos are very much competitive. From baskets, she conceptualized the wicker pillows. Just like her baskets, the wicker pillows attracted more buyers and were even featured in an international magazine. More than that, it got a lot of buzz when celebrity fashion designer, Giorgio Armani, and lifestyle diva, Martha Stewart, became avid fans of the unique pillows.
Consequently, the ASEAN Center in Japan requested Vicky to do a stint in fashion accessories. Her first project, handbags. With no background in design, she immediately turned down the offer. However, the group still persuaded her to give it a try. With so much thought and considerations, she accepted the challenge.
Together with her weavers, Vicky began to design handbags. As compared to pillows and baskets, handbags are a tough one to make. The company doesn’t have enough materials nor do they know where to get them. Instead, her weavers thought of other ways to create a handbag. With only a few months before another trade show in Japan, S.C. Vizcarra was able to showcase 50 handbags which were instantly sold out. Before they left Japan, other manufacturers and buyers in the trade show placed their orders for the bag. In fact, it was even more than what she has expected. From that show, they sold about US$ 278,000.
“The buyers were really impressed. I think we made about US$ 278,000. My God! It was better than before…You know, I wasn’t really into fashion and I didn’t realize that so many wanted our handbags,” she excitingly shares.
The new product line sheds new light to Vicky’s business. The handbags brought in more income than those of their other products. Most of their clients are fascinated with the intricate weaving of indigenous materials and unique designs of the handbag.
Its initial success in the international market drew a lot of inspirations for Vicky and her workers. Thus, she encouraged her workers to be more creative when it comes to weaving handbags. “What we do is that we work and I always tell our people what we like to do is to widen your ideas. I want to get their creative ideas. I want them to use their creative juices, be artistic, and create something which others have not seen,” she narrates.
Fortunate for Vicky, her workers were always ready to support her endeavors. And though handbag making is quite new to them at that time, they are very eager to learn and are now reaping the success of their hardwork.
Handbags crafted to perfection
S.C. Vizcarra handbags are a hit among Japanese and European market. This was very obvious when they first launched the handbag line at the Manila F.A.M.E. International, a bi-annual event organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), many Japanese buyers swarmed their booth and were very pleased with the items. Up to this day, the bulk of S.C. Vizcarra’s exported handbags go to their Japanese buyers who often order 5,000 to 200,000 pieces.
Avant-garde yet traditional – this is how buyers describe Vicky’s fabulous collection of handbags. It is a stylish fusion of local and synthetic materials whose designs are crafty and high-end – fit for the classy fashionista.
Vicky’s bags are not just trendy. They are award winning as well. The Tekawitha bag won best design at the Manila F.A.M.E. International Katha Awards. The win was totally unexpected. “Pinilit ko lang gawin yan. Ni hindi ko pa nga balak isali yan kasi feeling ko that time maraming mali (I was just trying to create that. I don’t even have plans of joining that at the Katha Awards because I felt that what I did was wrong),” she explains. However, it was also this bag that became an instant hit in Europe.
Aside from the trend-setting bags, her pillows have also gained international recognitions. It won the G-Mark award, a recognition given to the good quality design, at the ASEAN Japan Centre. It was also recognized at the UNESCO and was given the Award for Excellence.
And as S.C. Vizcarra continues to emerge as a top Filipino quality exporter, Vicky finds more avenues as to where she can promote fine Filipino craftsmanship. She is currently re-branding and elevating S.C. Vizcarra to cater the high-end market in the US. One of the company’s current projects is working with a popular fashion and lifestyle brand that would carry her signature wicker pillows and handbags.
Throughout these achievements, Vicky is always grateful that she had a hard-working bunch that is persevering, patient, and willing to sacrifice long hours of work just to get the job done. She says that it is not easy to find people like what she has right now. Most of them have worked for her mom and are still with her to push through with the business. There are tough times running the business. But seeing the desire of her people inspires her to do more and look for more business opportunities.
“It is because of them why I am still doing this business. They have been with through good and rough times. What I do is that I encourage to do good and make the Philippines standout through our products and designs,” Vicky ends.
For more information on S.C. Vizcarra, log on to www.scvizcarra.com.
Her intricate embroidery made a wealthy matron a fanatic. Doña Angela Tuason helped Segundina put up her own embroidery shop at old Ermita in 1925. The exquisite craftsmanship became a buzz among the affluent families in Manila. They had her embroider handkerchiefs, tablecloths, shirts, and even traje de bodas (wedding gowns)
A couple of years after, Segundina was requested to open another store at a US military base in Pampangga, Fort Strotsenberg (now Clark Air Base). Her embroidery shop was the first concessionaire at Clark, making it the first ever trade shop in US military bases worldwide. The embroidery business was successful at the base. In total, she was able to open 16 stores in all 27 US military bases including the bases in Hawaii and Guam.
It was her skill in embroidery elevated her status in life. The success of S.C. Vizcarra became a legacy that was passed on to her equally creative daughter, Vicky Amalingan – the bag lady.
The tradition goes on…
Although the war may pose as a tragic memory to most Filipinos, this period still became a full circle moment for Segundina’s embroidery shop. It was during this period that she got to meet war icons such as President Dwight Eisenhower and General Douglas McArthur. They admire the S.C. Vizcarra embroidery and have frequent the shop for embroidered barong tagalogs, shirts, and other personal items. It was also during this period when Segundina was requested to embroider the last US flag in time for Philippines’ independence from the US on July 4, 1946.
A year after, the Philippine government requested her to embroider a 12-piece piña (pineapple) tablecloth set to be presented to Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II on her wedding day. Then a decade after, she was given the Merchandise Appraisal Award by the Allied Art of Seattle for her fine quality embroidered works.
The success of her embroidery business carried on until the tumultuous years of the Martial Law era. It was also at this time that the Philippine government finally recognized her significant contribution to the development and promotion of the cottage industry. She was among the very first recipients of the Panday Pira award.
However, political uncertainties pushed the decline of Segundina’s business. She was forced to close most of her stores particularly those at the US bases and even her store in Ermita.
The 80s may not be a good decade for S.C. Vizcarra. However, Segundina managed to keep the business for her growing workers. Thus, she went into the export side of the business.
The tradition of quality export and service lives on through her daughter, Vicky. She has carried on with the exporting business. And like her mom, she has also dedicated her life to the business that has provided a good life for the family and to their workers. “S.C. Vizcarra is not only about money…it is more of a mission. Maybe I am staying here because of the memory of my mother. But most importantly, it’s also because of the people,” Vicky shares.
After decades of making embroidery items, Vicky refocused the company into a houseware and home décor manufacturing company. Her first exported products were the watermelon baskets.
Together they stand
Changing the line of business brought good things to S.C. Vizcarra. Most of their houseware products were a hit among foreign buyers. The export business was really good that the company ships four to five containers per week.
However, tough competition aroused during the later years of the 90s. As China inched its way on becoming a trading superpower, the Philippine export industry had its ups and downs. And as for S.C. Vizcarra, it is time to do an overhaul.
“China came and so there were a lot of ups and downs for us. We didn’t even come close. By the year 2000, it was really bad already. I have decided to come back and upgrade,” Vicky relates.
And although their baskets are doing well in the international market, still, Vicky felt that it is time to focus on product design which the Filipinos are very much competitive. From baskets, she conceptualized the wicker pillows. Just like her baskets, the wicker pillows attracted more buyers and were even featured in an international magazine. More than that, it got a lot of buzz when celebrity fashion designer, Giorgio Armani, and lifestyle diva, Martha Stewart, became avid fans of the unique pillows.
Consequently, the ASEAN Center in Japan requested Vicky to do a stint in fashion accessories. Her first project, handbags. With no background in design, she immediately turned down the offer. However, the group still persuaded her to give it a try. With so much thought and considerations, she accepted the challenge.
Together with her weavers, Vicky began to design handbags. As compared to pillows and baskets, handbags are a tough one to make. The company doesn’t have enough materials nor do they know where to get them. Instead, her weavers thought of other ways to create a handbag. With only a few months before another trade show in Japan, S.C. Vizcarra was able to showcase 50 handbags which were instantly sold out. Before they left Japan, other manufacturers and buyers in the trade show placed their orders for the bag. In fact, it was even more than what she has expected. From that show, they sold about US$ 278,000.
“The buyers were really impressed. I think we made about US$ 278,000. My God! It was better than before…You know, I wasn’t really into fashion and I didn’t realize that so many wanted our handbags,” she excitingly shares.
The new product line sheds new light to Vicky’s business. The handbags brought in more income than those of their other products. Most of their clients are fascinated with the intricate weaving of indigenous materials and unique designs of the handbag.
Its initial success in the international market drew a lot of inspirations for Vicky and her workers. Thus, she encouraged her workers to be more creative when it comes to weaving handbags. “What we do is that we work and I always tell our people what we like to do is to widen your ideas. I want to get their creative ideas. I want them to use their creative juices, be artistic, and create something which others have not seen,” she narrates.
Fortunate for Vicky, her workers were always ready to support her endeavors. And though handbag making is quite new to them at that time, they are very eager to learn and are now reaping the success of their hardwork.
Handbags crafted to perfection
S.C. Vizcarra handbags are a hit among Japanese and European market. This was very obvious when they first launched the handbag line at the Manila F.A.M.E. International, a bi-annual event organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), many Japanese buyers swarmed their booth and were very pleased with the items. Up to this day, the bulk of S.C. Vizcarra’s exported handbags go to their Japanese buyers who often order 5,000 to 200,000 pieces.
Avant-garde yet traditional – this is how buyers describe Vicky’s fabulous collection of handbags. It is a stylish fusion of local and synthetic materials whose designs are crafty and high-end – fit for the classy fashionista.
Vicky’s bags are not just trendy. They are award winning as well. The Tekawitha bag won best design at the Manila F.A.M.E. International Katha Awards. The win was totally unexpected. “Pinilit ko lang gawin yan. Ni hindi ko pa nga balak isali yan kasi feeling ko that time maraming mali (I was just trying to create that. I don’t even have plans of joining that at the Katha Awards because I felt that what I did was wrong),” she explains. However, it was also this bag that became an instant hit in Europe.
Aside from the trend-setting bags, her pillows have also gained international recognitions. It won the G-Mark award, a recognition given to the good quality design, at the ASEAN Japan Centre. It was also recognized at the UNESCO and was given the Award for Excellence.
And as S.C. Vizcarra continues to emerge as a top Filipino quality exporter, Vicky finds more avenues as to where she can promote fine Filipino craftsmanship. She is currently re-branding and elevating S.C. Vizcarra to cater the high-end market in the US. One of the company’s current projects is working with a popular fashion and lifestyle brand that would carry her signature wicker pillows and handbags.
Throughout these achievements, Vicky is always grateful that she had a hard-working bunch that is persevering, patient, and willing to sacrifice long hours of work just to get the job done. She says that it is not easy to find people like what she has right now. Most of them have worked for her mom and are still with her to push through with the business. There are tough times running the business. But seeing the desire of her people inspires her to do more and look for more business opportunities.
“It is because of them why I am still doing this business. They have been with through good and rough times. What I do is that I encourage to do good and make the Philippines standout through our products and designs,” Vicky ends.
For more information on S.C. Vizcarra, log on to www.scvizcarra.com.
PSi Technologies Inc.: Breaking new ground in packaging power solutions
For 18 years, PSi Technologies Inc. (PSi) has been the leading provider of power semiconductor assembly and test services for the semiconductor market. Its comprehensively made products and services make PSi the choice and trusted partner of major semiconductor manufacturers around the world.
Despite stringent competition, PSi goes way beyond its competitors. Aside from supplying the best quality products and services, the company also ensures clients top-notch reliability and on-time delivery of their products.
Now, the company continues to grow as it employs over 3,000 workers in their two plant facilities situated in the Philippines’ industrial zones: Taguig and Laguna. PSi proves that they are the undisputed name in the semiconductor assembly and test industry.
Paving the way for electronics manufacturing outsourcing
Founded in 1988, PSi started out as a subcontractor for ICs (integrated circuits) assembly and test. In the mid-90s, the company shifted direction to a bigger specialized segment, the power semiconductors. The company’s decision to venture into power semiconductors led to greater business opportunities and stable business partners.
Having realized that the power semiconductors are very useful to every electronic device, PSi began manufacturing power semiconductors for a diverse customer-base. The company has developed power semiconductors for automotive systems, consumer electronics, computer motherboards and peripherals, electronic office equipment and industrial products, and telecommunication and networking equipment.
Throughout the process of building state-of-the-art power semiconductors, many companies took notice and decided to tap PSi for their semiconductor needs. With its low-cost turnkey outsourced solutions for comprehensive package design, assembly and test, and shipment services, PSi enjoys strong customer relationships with the industry’s big names such as: Fairchild, Infineon Technologies, ON Semiconductors, Philips, STMicroelectronics, and Texas Instruments.
Gearing up for success
Building a strong bond with multinational companies wasn’t an easy task. Yet, PSi was able to pull it off by constantly showing potential clients high-quality products and services.
Although it proves to be a stable industry, the semiconductor market has always been challenging. As technology advances, changes, assemblies, and tests should be done in order to come up with a modern and upgraded device.
Competition is another pressing challenge in this industry. Aside from the Philippines, some Asian countries have stepped up the level of competition in electronics. China and Taiwan are among the popular countries that have improved their skills in electronics, high-tech facilities, and most importantly, have lower costs of labor and production that directly challenges Philippines’ outsourcing industry.
However, these are just a few of the company’s worries. For Freddie Canlas, PSi’s Sales and Marketing Head, they face a more challenging part of the business – strict customer requirements. Employing the company’s vision as to be the preferred supplier for power packaging solutions, the people at PSi ensures their clients they only get the best products and services.
“The market has always been challenging. Tough competition from places like China whose price is the biggest factor that we compete with. Of course, we follow stringent customer requirements, quality, delivery, and all different requirements. But with our new vision-mission and our quality philosophy, the strategy that you have to employ is to be the best over-all. We don’t intend to be another China. But we want to be the best in quality, delivery, reliability, and service level. We may not be the best in price but we should be the best in those other components,” Canlas proudly shares.
Throughout the experience of establishing what is now deemed as the largest power semiconductor company, PSi Technologies Inc. had set the standards of superior electronics manufacturing and placed the Philippines on the map of cutting edge assembly and test.
PSi, competing with the best in the world
According to Canlas, Filipino engineers are highly technical, competitive and advanced when it comes to assembly and test. Many companies abroad tap Filipino talents because of their knowledge and interest in technology. For decades, our engineers have mastered the art and sciences of assemblies, thus, making Filipinos the best in this field.
“One of the best in the world! If not, the best in terms of technical competency in the assembly and test market… It has been 3 or 4 decades that we have mastered the science and art of assemblies. I think the Filipinos are best in this area and is arriving to the fact that there are thousands of Filipinos abroad working for multinationals and other local companies abroad. We are actually contributing a lot to the business of these companies, in the area of assemblies,” he states.
The Philippines may not be well known in the area of electronics. However through companies like PSi, Filipinos’ electronic and technical skills were nurtured and were able to produce highly advanced semiconductors and other integrated devices. As PSi showcases its products to its international market such as US, Europe, and other countries in Asia, the country is slowly emerging as the next electronics hub in the world.
“Well right now, I’m giving these global competitors a run for their money in terms of assemblies and tests. We are probably the best in this area, if not, one of the best in this segment,” Canlas predicts.
Although having established a stable business in the area of power semiconductor assembly and test, PSi is still on the road promoting the country’s potential in electronics. The company is actively participating in local and international trade fairs to showcase their products. Among the recent event they joined was the Industry Link goes to Semitech, a selling mission to Taiwan organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). This event highlights companies whose specialties are in the semiconductor sector of electronics.
Throughout Semitech, PSi got to know the Taiwan market, the trends, and business opportunities from which the company can be able to sell their products. PSi was also able to meet potential clients in Taiwan. Canlas hopes that after making a good impression to the Taiwanese market, PSi’ power semiconductors will be used in some of the biggest companies in Taiwan.
Canlas is happy with the support that CITEM gives to the electronics industry. “CITEM has always been supportive of us. When we went to Semitech, CITEM was also a part of that. The event for us was significant because CITEM was good in helping us promote our (participants) products.”
This month, PSi was also a participant at the 1st ASEAN Electronic Business Opportunities Exhibition and Conference (AE-BOEC) held at the Makati Shangri-la, Manila, Philippines.
Empowering electronics in the Philippines
PSi’s success in the power semiconductor market did not stop them from doing more research and development of new, high-powered devices. The company wishes to come up with more advanced products that would satisfy the needs of their clients.
The company has been focusing on the expansion of their power semiconductor packages. It recently featured a new power package, Power QFN (Quad Flat No-Leads), which combines some of the best performance advantages of chip-scale packaging and multi-chip modules. This new package has an improved power handling and thermal advantages compared to the previous power packages PSi built. The Power QFN could be used in a variety of applications. These applications are cellphone, PDAs, portable music and video players.
Apart from producing new power semiconductors, PSi plans to tap the Japanese market. Since the electronics industry is huge in Japan, the company plans to sell their existing products and services.
“We want to come up with more advanced products for our customers that are of high-capabilities to be able for them to utilize our services… We want to do business with our existing customers, which, as of the moment is very large already. We also want to tap other markets, for example, the Japanese market. We want to have a good share on that market. We want to expand our existing capabilities,” Canlas insights.
Behind all these aspirations, PSi also wishes that SMEs in their industry would be able to share the same success like they did. It may be tough at first because of the stiff competition among electronics companies and the unpredictable market. But setting up small goals such as product design and test development outsourcing, SMEs will soon be recognized in the market as assembly and test manufacturers.
“It would be good for our SMEs to start from an activity that doesn’t require much capital. One of those is product design, test development, outsourcing services from companies and countries. Eventually, revenues will come in for the company to grow and will be able to really be ready for complete service activities. Start small, grow, and then…grow bigger,” Canlas suggests.
At this point, PSi enjoys the achievements that the company has raked throughout the years. It wasn’t easy to create a name in the industry. Yet, the company’s multi-talented workforce was able to work tirelessly in creating innovative devices for everyday applications. PSi – a noted brand in semiconductors, a pioneer in advanced electronics!
PSi Technologies, Inc.’s main headquarters is located at Electronics Ave., FTI Special Economic Zone, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines. For more information on the company, products and services, you may contact the Sales and Marketing Dept. at: (632) 838-4688 / (632) 838-4694; fax: (632) 838-4648; email: fmcanlas@psitechnologies.com.ph. Or visit their website at www.psitechnologies.com.
PSi also has another plant site located at Lot B2-5, Carmelray Industrial Park II, Barangay Tulo, Calamba, Laguna, Philippines.
Despite stringent competition, PSi goes way beyond its competitors. Aside from supplying the best quality products and services, the company also ensures clients top-notch reliability and on-time delivery of their products.
Now, the company continues to grow as it employs over 3,000 workers in their two plant facilities situated in the Philippines’ industrial zones: Taguig and Laguna. PSi proves that they are the undisputed name in the semiconductor assembly and test industry.
Paving the way for electronics manufacturing outsourcing
Founded in 1988, PSi started out as a subcontractor for ICs (integrated circuits) assembly and test. In the mid-90s, the company shifted direction to a bigger specialized segment, the power semiconductors. The company’s decision to venture into power semiconductors led to greater business opportunities and stable business partners.
Having realized that the power semiconductors are very useful to every electronic device, PSi began manufacturing power semiconductors for a diverse customer-base. The company has developed power semiconductors for automotive systems, consumer electronics, computer motherboards and peripherals, electronic office equipment and industrial products, and telecommunication and networking equipment.
Throughout the process of building state-of-the-art power semiconductors, many companies took notice and decided to tap PSi for their semiconductor needs. With its low-cost turnkey outsourced solutions for comprehensive package design, assembly and test, and shipment services, PSi enjoys strong customer relationships with the industry’s big names such as: Fairchild, Infineon Technologies, ON Semiconductors, Philips, STMicroelectronics, and Texas Instruments.
Gearing up for success
Building a strong bond with multinational companies wasn’t an easy task. Yet, PSi was able to pull it off by constantly showing potential clients high-quality products and services.
Although it proves to be a stable industry, the semiconductor market has always been challenging. As technology advances, changes, assemblies, and tests should be done in order to come up with a modern and upgraded device.
Competition is another pressing challenge in this industry. Aside from the Philippines, some Asian countries have stepped up the level of competition in electronics. China and Taiwan are among the popular countries that have improved their skills in electronics, high-tech facilities, and most importantly, have lower costs of labor and production that directly challenges Philippines’ outsourcing industry.
However, these are just a few of the company’s worries. For Freddie Canlas, PSi’s Sales and Marketing Head, they face a more challenging part of the business – strict customer requirements. Employing the company’s vision as to be the preferred supplier for power packaging solutions, the people at PSi ensures their clients they only get the best products and services.
“The market has always been challenging. Tough competition from places like China whose price is the biggest factor that we compete with. Of course, we follow stringent customer requirements, quality, delivery, and all different requirements. But with our new vision-mission and our quality philosophy, the strategy that you have to employ is to be the best over-all. We don’t intend to be another China. But we want to be the best in quality, delivery, reliability, and service level. We may not be the best in price but we should be the best in those other components,” Canlas proudly shares.
Throughout the experience of establishing what is now deemed as the largest power semiconductor company, PSi Technologies Inc. had set the standards of superior electronics manufacturing and placed the Philippines on the map of cutting edge assembly and test.
PSi, competing with the best in the world
According to Canlas, Filipino engineers are highly technical, competitive and advanced when it comes to assembly and test. Many companies abroad tap Filipino talents because of their knowledge and interest in technology. For decades, our engineers have mastered the art and sciences of assemblies, thus, making Filipinos the best in this field.
“One of the best in the world! If not, the best in terms of technical competency in the assembly and test market… It has been 3 or 4 decades that we have mastered the science and art of assemblies. I think the Filipinos are best in this area and is arriving to the fact that there are thousands of Filipinos abroad working for multinationals and other local companies abroad. We are actually contributing a lot to the business of these companies, in the area of assemblies,” he states.
The Philippines may not be well known in the area of electronics. However through companies like PSi, Filipinos’ electronic and technical skills were nurtured and were able to produce highly advanced semiconductors and other integrated devices. As PSi showcases its products to its international market such as US, Europe, and other countries in Asia, the country is slowly emerging as the next electronics hub in the world.
“Well right now, I’m giving these global competitors a run for their money in terms of assemblies and tests. We are probably the best in this area, if not, one of the best in this segment,” Canlas predicts.
Although having established a stable business in the area of power semiconductor assembly and test, PSi is still on the road promoting the country’s potential in electronics. The company is actively participating in local and international trade fairs to showcase their products. Among the recent event they joined was the Industry Link goes to Semitech, a selling mission to Taiwan organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). This event highlights companies whose specialties are in the semiconductor sector of electronics.
Throughout Semitech, PSi got to know the Taiwan market, the trends, and business opportunities from which the company can be able to sell their products. PSi was also able to meet potential clients in Taiwan. Canlas hopes that after making a good impression to the Taiwanese market, PSi’ power semiconductors will be used in some of the biggest companies in Taiwan.
Canlas is happy with the support that CITEM gives to the electronics industry. “CITEM has always been supportive of us. When we went to Semitech, CITEM was also a part of that. The event for us was significant because CITEM was good in helping us promote our (participants) products.”
This month, PSi was also a participant at the 1st ASEAN Electronic Business Opportunities Exhibition and Conference (AE-BOEC) held at the Makati Shangri-la, Manila, Philippines.
Empowering electronics in the Philippines
PSi’s success in the power semiconductor market did not stop them from doing more research and development of new, high-powered devices. The company wishes to come up with more advanced products that would satisfy the needs of their clients.
The company has been focusing on the expansion of their power semiconductor packages. It recently featured a new power package, Power QFN (Quad Flat No-Leads), which combines some of the best performance advantages of chip-scale packaging and multi-chip modules. This new package has an improved power handling and thermal advantages compared to the previous power packages PSi built. The Power QFN could be used in a variety of applications. These applications are cellphone, PDAs, portable music and video players.
Apart from producing new power semiconductors, PSi plans to tap the Japanese market. Since the electronics industry is huge in Japan, the company plans to sell their existing products and services.
“We want to come up with more advanced products for our customers that are of high-capabilities to be able for them to utilize our services… We want to do business with our existing customers, which, as of the moment is very large already. We also want to tap other markets, for example, the Japanese market. We want to have a good share on that market. We want to expand our existing capabilities,” Canlas insights.
Behind all these aspirations, PSi also wishes that SMEs in their industry would be able to share the same success like they did. It may be tough at first because of the stiff competition among electronics companies and the unpredictable market. But setting up small goals such as product design and test development outsourcing, SMEs will soon be recognized in the market as assembly and test manufacturers.
“It would be good for our SMEs to start from an activity that doesn’t require much capital. One of those is product design, test development, outsourcing services from companies and countries. Eventually, revenues will come in for the company to grow and will be able to really be ready for complete service activities. Start small, grow, and then…grow bigger,” Canlas suggests.
At this point, PSi enjoys the achievements that the company has raked throughout the years. It wasn’t easy to create a name in the industry. Yet, the company’s multi-talented workforce was able to work tirelessly in creating innovative devices for everyday applications. PSi – a noted brand in semiconductors, a pioneer in advanced electronics!
PSi Technologies, Inc.’s main headquarters is located at Electronics Ave., FTI Special Economic Zone, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines. For more information on the company, products and services, you may contact the Sales and Marketing Dept. at: (632) 838-4688 / (632) 838-4694; fax: (632) 838-4648; email: fmcanlas@psitechnologies.com.ph. Or visit their website at www.psitechnologies.com.
PSi also has another plant site located at Lot B2-5, Carmelray Industrial Park II, Barangay Tulo, Calamba, Laguna, Philippines.
Pinoy GSM Reloading Center: E-Loading: A Sweet Success Story
Anytime anywhere the very handy cellphone can now be reloaded at your convenience in a fraction of a cost of prepaid cards. From the neighborhood stores to the roving balut vendor, reloading had literally gone a long way. No need to have a stall or a kiosk for the reloading business. All you need is a cellphone and the reliable SIM card.
Introducing e-Loading (electronic loading) – a popular technology that eliminates the hassles of collecting, scratching, and disposing prepaid cards. Convenient and affordable, e-Loading becomes an indispensable small and medium enterprise.
E-loading centers are everywhere and with its growing popularity, Elbert Lo (General Manager of Pinoy GSM) and Joy Morillo (Sales/Marketing Manager) developed a small business that brings fast, lucrative profits for small-time retailers.
Reloading ala Pinoy GSM
When Pinoy GSM was formed in April 2005, Elbert and Joy have one thing in mind – a business that is trendy.
Pinoy GSM is mainly involved in the mobile industry particularly in reloading via SMS. Although major telecommunications networks have the same service, Pinoy GSM revolutionized reloading in a very convenient way.
Coming up with a new system was a breakthrough for these budding entrepreneurs. Knowing that the competition in reloading business is tough, Elbert created a new system in e-loading that major telecomm networks could not or may not do.
Reloading, Pinoy GSM way, begins with the “all-important” SIM card. No need to change or dispose your present SIM card. All you need to have is an activated Pinoy GSM SIM card to launch your reloading business.
Joy explains that their version of e-loading is not complicated. For example, you are a Globe subscriber who wanted to start an e-loading business. Normally, a retailer would buy 3 to 4 SIM cards of different networks to dispense load. In Pinoy GSM’s universal loading system, they will activate your Globe SIM card and you can dispense load to all other networks.
This system of integrating all the networks e-loading service in just one SIM is an advance technology that only Pinoy GSM can do. “I think having a new system of integrating everything is a trendy thing,” Joy proudly relates. Aside from cellphone e-loading, Pinoy GSM also provides Internet, telephone, and online game reloading.
Network busy to message sent – Pinoy GSM Reloading Center had it covered
Introducing a new product to the market poses a lot of challenge. The operations, promotions, employees, and the market are among the concerns of Pinoy GSM.
Joy and her staff experienced minor problems in the course of running the business. However, they immediately remedied these problems to give the best service to their customers. As the pioneer of a universal loading system, Pinoy GSM ensures that their system will not backfire thus polishing their system is done regularly.
Somehow, network problems do not start with Pinoy GSM. Busy networks or poor network coverage usually come from the major telecomm companies. These network problems affect their business. Consequently, the load sent by a Pinoy GSM dealer will not reach its destination.
As Joy recalls the first years of Pinoy GSM, she describes it as hard yet easy. Adapting to the system of the major networks was challenging but once they were familiar with it, everything ran smoothly.
“At first, may mga problema talaga… We have to adapt and polish the system. Some of the major networks aren’t easy kasi may problema din ang mga systems nila. So, we have to anticipate those problems (At first, we have experienced some problems that we need to adapt and polish our system. Some of the networks aren’t easy since the systems of the major networks encounter some problems.),” Joy narrates.
Surpassing all trials that came along, Elbert and Joy are in control of their hit reloading business. Despite having to start out with only 10 people as their staff, the company now has 29 franchisees all over the Philippines and is still growing.
Pinoy GSM E-loading: a trendsetter hit
With only over a year in the business, the company remains to be innovative as it continues to gear up their system.
Pinoy GSM is so into the reloading business that they’ve exerted a 100% of their time and effort. The company is also aware that competitors may arise since e-loading is an uncomplicated thing. That’s why they don’t limit the e-loading transaction to cellphone to cellphone. They also created a web transaction interface where in dealers could load up your phone thru the web.
“We’re really into it. Basta kung anong ino-offer ng mga network companies, we also try to offer them… We constantly innovate. Kasi kung hindi, maiiwan ka e (We try to offer what other network companies offer. We constantly innovate, because if not, we’ll be left behind),” Joy points out.
And they don’t stop from just cellphone reloading, they also try to research for other things where in they could integrate with reload. This determination is probably the reason why Pinoy GSM stands still despite the threat of competition.
However, the company already has an edge because of the recognitions it has acquired from trade fairs and special events. Most of the time, the company joins job fairs and trade events. These helped them a lot especially when the company was starting out.
Among the events they participated were last year’s Department of Tourism Job Fair and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) trade events like E-Services Philippines and IFEX.
The most memorable, however, is the E-Services Philippines where in Pinoy GSM won in the Best Technology Category for their universal load dispensing system. They also won runner-up in the wireless/mobile category for the same product. Joy was so proud of their achievement at E-Services Philippines considering the fact that they only decided to join a few minutes before the competition.
“In E-Services, they have a panel of judges and they scrutinize your products. So if they tell you are the winner, you have to be proud of it. It only means that they really decided on the product,” Joy proudly recalls.
These recognitions only proved that Pinoy GSM is force to be reckoned under wireless services. It also shows how advance and creative Philippine IT is.
Today: the Philippines, Tomorrow: the World and… Google?!
From a small establishment along the busy sidewalk of Cubao, Pinoy GSM now takes on the world. The company’s biggest goal is to have an international franchise. Almost half-million Filipinos are working abroad, Joy realized that there is a probable big market out there.
A lot of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) inquire about Pinoy GSM’s e-loading system. OFWs nowadays see the potentials of e-loading. Aside from giving fast and convenient load, this will also provide a small business for them.
Through these inquiries, Joy is set on pushing for the export market. As they cover e-loading to all networks and services, Pinoy GSM is most likely to sell, not only among the OFWs, but also to foreign clients.
As Joy and the rest of Pinoy GSM work on this achievable goal, Joy still dreams of an ambitious aspiration. It may sound bizarre but she wishes Pinoy GSM to be searchable at Google or Yahoo. She also dreams that one day she’ll see the phrase, powered by Pinoy GSM as it was used in some companies’ systems.
Unfazed with competition or some copycats, Joy believes that Pinoy GSM will continue empowering its system. As the first service provider for integrated e-loading system, the company is set to be recognized in the Philippines and the rest of the world.
Pinoy GSM sales office is located at 605 EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City, accessible via the Southbound MRT Cubao Station. You may also contact them at these numbers: 414-1050, 415-1144. Or email at hello@pinoygsm.com.
Introducing e-Loading (electronic loading) – a popular technology that eliminates the hassles of collecting, scratching, and disposing prepaid cards. Convenient and affordable, e-Loading becomes an indispensable small and medium enterprise.
E-loading centers are everywhere and with its growing popularity, Elbert Lo (General Manager of Pinoy GSM) and Joy Morillo (Sales/Marketing Manager) developed a small business that brings fast, lucrative profits for small-time retailers.
Reloading ala Pinoy GSM
When Pinoy GSM was formed in April 2005, Elbert and Joy have one thing in mind – a business that is trendy.
Pinoy GSM is mainly involved in the mobile industry particularly in reloading via SMS. Although major telecommunications networks have the same service, Pinoy GSM revolutionized reloading in a very convenient way.
Coming up with a new system was a breakthrough for these budding entrepreneurs. Knowing that the competition in reloading business is tough, Elbert created a new system in e-loading that major telecomm networks could not or may not do.
Reloading, Pinoy GSM way, begins with the “all-important” SIM card. No need to change or dispose your present SIM card. All you need to have is an activated Pinoy GSM SIM card to launch your reloading business.
Joy explains that their version of e-loading is not complicated. For example, you are a Globe subscriber who wanted to start an e-loading business. Normally, a retailer would buy 3 to 4 SIM cards of different networks to dispense load. In Pinoy GSM’s universal loading system, they will activate your Globe SIM card and you can dispense load to all other networks.
This system of integrating all the networks e-loading service in just one SIM is an advance technology that only Pinoy GSM can do. “I think having a new system of integrating everything is a trendy thing,” Joy proudly relates. Aside from cellphone e-loading, Pinoy GSM also provides Internet, telephone, and online game reloading.
Network busy to message sent – Pinoy GSM Reloading Center had it covered
Introducing a new product to the market poses a lot of challenge. The operations, promotions, employees, and the market are among the concerns of Pinoy GSM.
Joy and her staff experienced minor problems in the course of running the business. However, they immediately remedied these problems to give the best service to their customers. As the pioneer of a universal loading system, Pinoy GSM ensures that their system will not backfire thus polishing their system is done regularly.
Somehow, network problems do not start with Pinoy GSM. Busy networks or poor network coverage usually come from the major telecomm companies. These network problems affect their business. Consequently, the load sent by a Pinoy GSM dealer will not reach its destination.
As Joy recalls the first years of Pinoy GSM, she describes it as hard yet easy. Adapting to the system of the major networks was challenging but once they were familiar with it, everything ran smoothly.
“At first, may mga problema talaga… We have to adapt and polish the system. Some of the major networks aren’t easy kasi may problema din ang mga systems nila. So, we have to anticipate those problems (At first, we have experienced some problems that we need to adapt and polish our system. Some of the networks aren’t easy since the systems of the major networks encounter some problems.),” Joy narrates.
Surpassing all trials that came along, Elbert and Joy are in control of their hit reloading business. Despite having to start out with only 10 people as their staff, the company now has 29 franchisees all over the Philippines and is still growing.
Pinoy GSM E-loading: a trendsetter hit
With only over a year in the business, the company remains to be innovative as it continues to gear up their system.
Pinoy GSM is so into the reloading business that they’ve exerted a 100% of their time and effort. The company is also aware that competitors may arise since e-loading is an uncomplicated thing. That’s why they don’t limit the e-loading transaction to cellphone to cellphone. They also created a web transaction interface where in dealers could load up your phone thru the web.
“We’re really into it. Basta kung anong ino-offer ng mga network companies, we also try to offer them… We constantly innovate. Kasi kung hindi, maiiwan ka e (We try to offer what other network companies offer. We constantly innovate, because if not, we’ll be left behind),” Joy points out.
And they don’t stop from just cellphone reloading, they also try to research for other things where in they could integrate with reload. This determination is probably the reason why Pinoy GSM stands still despite the threat of competition.
However, the company already has an edge because of the recognitions it has acquired from trade fairs and special events. Most of the time, the company joins job fairs and trade events. These helped them a lot especially when the company was starting out.
Among the events they participated were last year’s Department of Tourism Job Fair and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) trade events like E-Services Philippines and IFEX.
The most memorable, however, is the E-Services Philippines where in Pinoy GSM won in the Best Technology Category for their universal load dispensing system. They also won runner-up in the wireless/mobile category for the same product. Joy was so proud of their achievement at E-Services Philippines considering the fact that they only decided to join a few minutes before the competition.
“In E-Services, they have a panel of judges and they scrutinize your products. So if they tell you are the winner, you have to be proud of it. It only means that they really decided on the product,” Joy proudly recalls.
These recognitions only proved that Pinoy GSM is force to be reckoned under wireless services. It also shows how advance and creative Philippine IT is.
Today: the Philippines, Tomorrow: the World and… Google?!
From a small establishment along the busy sidewalk of Cubao, Pinoy GSM now takes on the world. The company’s biggest goal is to have an international franchise. Almost half-million Filipinos are working abroad, Joy realized that there is a probable big market out there.
A lot of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) inquire about Pinoy GSM’s e-loading system. OFWs nowadays see the potentials of e-loading. Aside from giving fast and convenient load, this will also provide a small business for them.
Through these inquiries, Joy is set on pushing for the export market. As they cover e-loading to all networks and services, Pinoy GSM is most likely to sell, not only among the OFWs, but also to foreign clients.
As Joy and the rest of Pinoy GSM work on this achievable goal, Joy still dreams of an ambitious aspiration. It may sound bizarre but she wishes Pinoy GSM to be searchable at Google or Yahoo. She also dreams that one day she’ll see the phrase, powered by Pinoy GSM as it was used in some companies’ systems.
Unfazed with competition or some copycats, Joy believes that Pinoy GSM will continue empowering its system. As the first service provider for integrated e-loading system, the company is set to be recognized in the Philippines and the rest of the world.
Pinoy GSM sales office is located at 605 EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City, accessible via the Southbound MRT Cubao Station. You may also contact them at these numbers: 414-1050, 415-1144. Or email at hello@pinoygsm.com.
Mercelles: Sparkling jewels revealing the beauty of nature
More than just the precious baubles, Mercelles fine jewelries stand out for its lovely, delicate designs. With inspirations from nature’s elements, these jewelries become a masterpiece that last ‘til eternity.
Like most women, Mercedes Llamas has a fascination over fine jewelry. Her interest led her to establish Mercelles in 1980. According to Mercedes, Mercelles started out as a hobby. She finds fulfillment in creating and offering jewelries of fine flawless quality to the local market. Few years later, the company became successful and famous for its high-fashion jewelries, and had set the standards for stunning craftsmanship.
Mercedes was fortunate to have her family help out in the business. Her daughters, Yvette and Josephine, assist in managing the other two Mercelles shop located in Makati. Yvette heads a shop at the Rockwell Powerplant Mall in Makati while Josephine is the company’s in-house designer. The fine artistry of Mercelles jewelries was a product of Josephine’s boundless imagery.
Flowers, wildlife, and heavenly bodies were among the company’s muses for their jewelry collections. However, the nature’s elements draw strong inspiration to Josephine’s designs. Water, particularly, is her most favored element. An avid scuba diver, she is always at awe with the beauty she sees underwater. “My daughter is a diver and she loves what she sees underwater. So she has designed a lot like corals and pearls…and I think, nature is the best provider of ideas and inspiration,” Mercedes quipped.
Versatile jewelry-makers
Although Mercelles is famous for its haute couture designs for jewelry, the company still manufactures pieces that exude simplicity and class.
Mercelles has a wide range of fine jewelry that cater to the different tastes of its customers. Most of their clients are Filipinos who prefer the classic, timeless looks. Among the well-loved jewels are pearls, diamonds, and gold. On the other hand, the avant-garde designs appeal more to foreign customers. Precious colored stones such as rubies, sapphires, aquamarines and keshi black pearls serve as centerpieces for a flamboyant jewelry piece.
“Some of our designs are really avant-garde. But we also make classic designs because we noticed that Filipinos tend to go for the classic designs. It’s the foreigners who are more trendy and design-oriented. They are always looking for new designs, something that is different and unique. So we have both,” Mercedes shares.
Mercelles is also versatile when it comes to their gold. Aside from manufacturing 18 karat gold jewelries, the company also uses 14 karat gold and platinum depending on the preference of the customers. “Normally, we have mostly 18 karat gold jewelries. But if a customer insists on having 14 karat gold, then that’s the time we do it. Or sometimes, we have customers that prefer platinum,” she adds.
The trend: All that glitters and glows…
Mercelles’ trait for fine jewelry is sparkling elegance. This season, the company sets the trend on diamond, pearls, and gold jewelries. Dabbling with these fine gemstones, fantasies of a luxurious lifestyle become a reality.
Diamonds, they say, are forever. According to Mercedes, any shades of diamonds are sure to brighten every piece of jewelry. That is why Mercelles never gets to extinguish diamonds to every jewelry they make. It’s the sophistication of diamonds make it a recurring trend.
Other than diamonds, pearls are a timeless favorite. Chic, classy, timeless – pearls are a staple in Mercelles jewelries. The Llamases have always loved pearls. In fact, most of their jewelry collection features different shades, forms, and kinds of pearls. And despite its opaque covering, pearls have an innate glow that stands out even in a chockfull of precious and semi-precious stones.
Philippine fine jewelry in the international market
Exceptional creativity and excellent craftsmanship have always been Philippines’ selling point for fine jewelry. Mercelles, particularly, has been applauded for its intricate detailing of several precious colored stones, pearls, and gold into an exquisite and expensive jewelry.
In fact, Mercelles’ jewelry have been recognized by international award-giving bodies for its unique, elaborate pieces. In their Water Collection, the pearl-heavy neckpiece named “Waterfalls” won the best design for the necklace category at the 2003 Perles de Tahiti Asia in Hong Kong. Two years after, Mercelles won at the same event. This time, they nabbed the best design for accessories category for their creation, Apoy (fire). Apoy is an armband that succumbs to 18karat gold armlet with Tahitian keshi pearls, rubies, and sapphires. The winning pieces are creations of Josephine.
Yet despite all of its achievements, Mercelles faces tough competition and challenges themselves to create more unique pieces. Today, Asian countries such as Korea, Thailand, China and Hong Kong are starting to become competitive when it comes to jewelry designs. And as compared to the Philippines, they have an abundant supply of precious colored stones and are selling jewelries at a lower price to the market.
“Actually the challenge really is to compete with the international market because the goods that come from Korea, China, Thailand and Hong Kong are much cheaper,” Mercedes relates. But she remains positive. Realizing foreigners’ appreciation for the aesthetics and no matter how pricey the product is, Filipino jewelry manufacturers are sure to find a niche in a very competitive global market. At present, Mercelles has clients from Belgium and Italy.
Joining trade fairs have also helped Mercelles promote and sell their line of jewelries. Among the trade fairs that the company has participated was the Manila F.A.M.E. International, a Center for International Trade Expositions and Mission (CITEM) trade event that highlights modern designs on furniture, home decors, and fashion accessories. Through the Manila F.A.M.E., Mercelles was able to showcase to a diverse market design-driven, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Throughout these recognitions and accolades, Mercedes still wishes that the government would further promote Philippines’ potential in jewelry design and manufacturing. Given ample support, Mercedes foresees that the fine jewelry industry will stand out in the international market.
It’s about passion fulfilled…
So far, Mercedes is satisfied with the progress of her small business. Lasting more than two decades in the jewelry industry, it only proved that Mercelles was a product of passion fulfilled. It opened a lot of opportunities for Mercedes. Through Mercelles, she uncovered her intrinsic creativity and that there are other ways of imprinting an image.
Her vision was brought to life through these jewels. It was a dream realized and an enrichment of one’s individuality.
“It is more of fulfilling your creativity. So by that alone, you fulfill yourself. More than anything, I don’t think it’s really much on the financial. There isn’t much there. But there is a lot that provides the individual’s growth, your fulfillment,” she ends.
If you want to see more of Mercelles’ fine jewelry collection, log on to www.mercelles.com.
Like most women, Mercedes Llamas has a fascination over fine jewelry. Her interest led her to establish Mercelles in 1980. According to Mercedes, Mercelles started out as a hobby. She finds fulfillment in creating and offering jewelries of fine flawless quality to the local market. Few years later, the company became successful and famous for its high-fashion jewelries, and had set the standards for stunning craftsmanship.
Mercedes was fortunate to have her family help out in the business. Her daughters, Yvette and Josephine, assist in managing the other two Mercelles shop located in Makati. Yvette heads a shop at the Rockwell Powerplant Mall in Makati while Josephine is the company’s in-house designer. The fine artistry of Mercelles jewelries was a product of Josephine’s boundless imagery.
Flowers, wildlife, and heavenly bodies were among the company’s muses for their jewelry collections. However, the nature’s elements draw strong inspiration to Josephine’s designs. Water, particularly, is her most favored element. An avid scuba diver, she is always at awe with the beauty she sees underwater. “My daughter is a diver and she loves what she sees underwater. So she has designed a lot like corals and pearls…and I think, nature is the best provider of ideas and inspiration,” Mercedes quipped.
Versatile jewelry-makers
Although Mercelles is famous for its haute couture designs for jewelry, the company still manufactures pieces that exude simplicity and class.
Mercelles has a wide range of fine jewelry that cater to the different tastes of its customers. Most of their clients are Filipinos who prefer the classic, timeless looks. Among the well-loved jewels are pearls, diamonds, and gold. On the other hand, the avant-garde designs appeal more to foreign customers. Precious colored stones such as rubies, sapphires, aquamarines and keshi black pearls serve as centerpieces for a flamboyant jewelry piece.
“Some of our designs are really avant-garde. But we also make classic designs because we noticed that Filipinos tend to go for the classic designs. It’s the foreigners who are more trendy and design-oriented. They are always looking for new designs, something that is different and unique. So we have both,” Mercedes shares.
Mercelles is also versatile when it comes to their gold. Aside from manufacturing 18 karat gold jewelries, the company also uses 14 karat gold and platinum depending on the preference of the customers. “Normally, we have mostly 18 karat gold jewelries. But if a customer insists on having 14 karat gold, then that’s the time we do it. Or sometimes, we have customers that prefer platinum,” she adds.
The trend: All that glitters and glows…
Mercelles’ trait for fine jewelry is sparkling elegance. This season, the company sets the trend on diamond, pearls, and gold jewelries. Dabbling with these fine gemstones, fantasies of a luxurious lifestyle become a reality.
Diamonds, they say, are forever. According to Mercedes, any shades of diamonds are sure to brighten every piece of jewelry. That is why Mercelles never gets to extinguish diamonds to every jewelry they make. It’s the sophistication of diamonds make it a recurring trend.
Other than diamonds, pearls are a timeless favorite. Chic, classy, timeless – pearls are a staple in Mercelles jewelries. The Llamases have always loved pearls. In fact, most of their jewelry collection features different shades, forms, and kinds of pearls. And despite its opaque covering, pearls have an innate glow that stands out even in a chockfull of precious and semi-precious stones.
Philippine fine jewelry in the international market
Exceptional creativity and excellent craftsmanship have always been Philippines’ selling point for fine jewelry. Mercelles, particularly, has been applauded for its intricate detailing of several precious colored stones, pearls, and gold into an exquisite and expensive jewelry.
In fact, Mercelles’ jewelry have been recognized by international award-giving bodies for its unique, elaborate pieces. In their Water Collection, the pearl-heavy neckpiece named “Waterfalls” won the best design for the necklace category at the 2003 Perles de Tahiti Asia in Hong Kong. Two years after, Mercelles won at the same event. This time, they nabbed the best design for accessories category for their creation, Apoy (fire). Apoy is an armband that succumbs to 18karat gold armlet with Tahitian keshi pearls, rubies, and sapphires. The winning pieces are creations of Josephine.
Yet despite all of its achievements, Mercelles faces tough competition and challenges themselves to create more unique pieces. Today, Asian countries such as Korea, Thailand, China and Hong Kong are starting to become competitive when it comes to jewelry designs. And as compared to the Philippines, they have an abundant supply of precious colored stones and are selling jewelries at a lower price to the market.
“Actually the challenge really is to compete with the international market because the goods that come from Korea, China, Thailand and Hong Kong are much cheaper,” Mercedes relates. But she remains positive. Realizing foreigners’ appreciation for the aesthetics and no matter how pricey the product is, Filipino jewelry manufacturers are sure to find a niche in a very competitive global market. At present, Mercelles has clients from Belgium and Italy.
Joining trade fairs have also helped Mercelles promote and sell their line of jewelries. Among the trade fairs that the company has participated was the Manila F.A.M.E. International, a Center for International Trade Expositions and Mission (CITEM) trade event that highlights modern designs on furniture, home decors, and fashion accessories. Through the Manila F.A.M.E., Mercelles was able to showcase to a diverse market design-driven, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Throughout these recognitions and accolades, Mercedes still wishes that the government would further promote Philippines’ potential in jewelry design and manufacturing. Given ample support, Mercedes foresees that the fine jewelry industry will stand out in the international market.
It’s about passion fulfilled…
So far, Mercedes is satisfied with the progress of her small business. Lasting more than two decades in the jewelry industry, it only proved that Mercelles was a product of passion fulfilled. It opened a lot of opportunities for Mercedes. Through Mercelles, she uncovered her intrinsic creativity and that there are other ways of imprinting an image.
Her vision was brought to life through these jewels. It was a dream realized and an enrichment of one’s individuality.
“It is more of fulfilling your creativity. So by that alone, you fulfill yourself. More than anything, I don’t think it’s really much on the financial. There isn’t much there. But there is a lot that provides the individual’s growth, your fulfillment,” she ends.
If you want to see more of Mercelles’ fine jewelry collection, log on to www.mercelles.com.
Locsin International: Letting you experience the Art of Fine Living
Defying the conventions of design and transforming homegrown pieces into luxurious home furnishings -- Locsin International is a toast to the design industry as it offers the world an exotic range of stylish and functional furniture. Perpetually acclaimed for its unique designs, Locsin’s impressive collection has been featured in international design magazines, showrooms, and became centerpieces in lavish houses across the globe.
The Locsin philosophy of design is transforming a traditional furniture into a contemporary work of art that is comfortable and elegant -- a private sanctuary for your heavenly escape.
The beginnings of Locsin International
Roberto M. Locsin, manufacturer and exporter of furniture and lamps, established Locsin International in 1979. Together with his wife, Cindelyn B. Locsin, their solid partnership led to successful business ventures in the international furniture market.
Locsins’ first business deal came unexpected. Through the many letters sent to prospected buyers, a company from Belgium replied and ordered for baskets and buri furniture at the time the company was still in the process of registration. The company’s first export order was challenging yet rewarding. Its initial export order was US$ 5, 000 – a hefty price for a company that was just starting. However, the Locsins have to ship the order in 45 days. And although the production period was limited to a month and a half, the company pushed through with the shipment by buying the baskets and buri furniture from subcontractors.
Like any other start-ups, the company had its ups and downs. However, they were very fortunate to have overcome the challenges. And now, almost 3 decades in the business, Locsin International is committed to service excellence and continues to emerge as one of the leading makers of fine quality home furniture.
Masterful craftsmanship
Diverse, functional, and innovative best describe a Locsin International creation. Extensive product research and development are needed to create one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture. Locsins’ team of designers continues to explore new materials and unconventional design concepts as it transforms into practical yet wonderful home ideas.
A lot of Locsin International’s home pieces are awarded for its superior quality and modern designs. Most of the recognitions came from various government, non-government organizations and institutions, and local and international design events.
Among the company’s list of achievements are: Golden Shell Awardee for Design Excellence (1995), Likhang Pilipino Award – Best in Design Consultancy and Likhang Pilipino Award – Bagong Sibol Award at the Philippine International Furniture Show (2003), Best Product Design at the Manila F.A.M.E. International Katha Awards (2003), G-Mark Award (2004), Best Booth Award at the Cebu X and the Philippine International Furniture Show (2006), and the Best Booth Award at the Manila F.A.M.E. International Katha Awards (April 2007).
Many local and international exhibitions have requested Locsin International to showcase their vast collection of impressive products. Every time Locsin International exhibits, design experts give them great reviews.
World-class Filipino designers + unconventional themes = Extraordinary pieces of furniture
A genie lamp, a melon, an onion, and even a cracked egg – these are just few inspirations which Locsin International immortalized through their furniture and home decors. The pieces may look very odd but that was the very reason why the design world goes loco over Locsins’ astonishing brand of furniture and decors.
Locsins’ unusual themes for extraordinary home pieces were a product of his team of designers’ boundless vision. Nine Filipino designers, both renowned and upcoming, have crafted ingénue pieces of furniture and home decors that were applauded in international design shows, raved by design critics, and in-demand in the international market.
Among Locsin International’s infamous home pieces were the Genie Chair and Onion by Tony Gonzales, Ampie by Val Padilla, Mactan set by Jeffrey de Leon, Nero Chaise Lounge by Robert Mose, Shinju lamps and Balboa chair by Leo Saño, Dumagat screen by Rocilyn Laccay, Elphaba chair by Regina Locsin, and Marui lamps by Pia Sta. Romana. The company’s new designer, John Atienza, is in the process of creating new pieces. Soon, his works will be showcased in Locsin International’s showroom and in international design shows.
Well-known in the design industry and have even established their own companies, these designers still find pleasure in designing for Locsin International. It was Roberto’s mission to promote Filipino craftsmanship to the international scene inspires these designers to perpetually come up with pieces that are truly world-class.
Welcoming challenges and rewards, Locsin International is grateful
The challenges in running the company were great lessons for Roberto and his team. Through these hurdles, they push themselves to achieve excellence and meet client satisfaction.
As a daily routine, Roberto sees to it that he personally checks the quality of their products. He does the rounds in the factory, inspects the furniture together with his inspectors, and often calls meeting with his supervisors and workers. He is fortunate to have his family help him in the business. Aside from his wife and his managers, his daughters, Regina and Rocilyn, assist him in the business. They also work as designers for the company.
At present, Roberto’s main problem is the sudden change in the dollar-peso exchange rate. He admits that this turn in the economy has affected the company’s competitiveness in the market. However, he is positive that despite the new challenge Locsin International will make up for the competition by continue giving the market innovative designs.
“There are a lot of competitors not only within the country but also from our Asian neighbors. We just try to constantly innovate and come up with new designs in order to counteract these challenges,” Roberto related
Locsins’ journey to success was about beating the odds and valuing partnership with an agency that exalts the ingenuity of Filipino craftsmanship. Throughout Locsin International’s progress in the furniture industry, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions was among the company’s important partners. It is through CITEM-organized shows and trade missions did the company got the majority of its buyers. With CITEM’s help, Locsin International is updated with the latest trends in furniture design and the current demands of the market
“CITEM has been an important, if not, the main partner in our progress throughout the years. It is through the shows organized by CITEM that we have been getting buyers that provide us business. Furthermore, the agency has helped us in foreign missions and being able to keep abreast of the trends in the market,” Roberto happily recalled.
And yet despite the challenges which the export industry is facing, Roberto still urges the agency to continue organizing foreign exhibition. In that way, he says, there could be more exposure and awareness to Philippine-made products which will eventually lead to more business deals.
“We wish that CITEM keeps on improving their shows and organize more foreign exhibitions so that there could be more exposure of Philippine products in the international market,” Roberto said.
The tradition of superior quality continues
Locsin International is definitely ahead of the pack. The company’s aesthetic vision brought them to international recognition and promoted the country’s impeccable breed of Filipino designers.
The company may have face new challenges today. However, Roberto and his team are prepared and are keen on making the company grow. He eyes for new markets and develop more new products that will be next toast in the design industry.
With hardwork, positive attitude, honesty and integrity, ethical business practice, and foresight, no doubt that Locsin International is one of the leading furniture manufacturers in the country today.
For more information on Locsin International’s products, visit www.locsin.com.
The Locsin philosophy of design is transforming a traditional furniture into a contemporary work of art that is comfortable and elegant -- a private sanctuary for your heavenly escape.
The beginnings of Locsin International
Roberto M. Locsin, manufacturer and exporter of furniture and lamps, established Locsin International in 1979. Together with his wife, Cindelyn B. Locsin, their solid partnership led to successful business ventures in the international furniture market.
Locsins’ first business deal came unexpected. Through the many letters sent to prospected buyers, a company from Belgium replied and ordered for baskets and buri furniture at the time the company was still in the process of registration. The company’s first export order was challenging yet rewarding. Its initial export order was US$ 5, 000 – a hefty price for a company that was just starting. However, the Locsins have to ship the order in 45 days. And although the production period was limited to a month and a half, the company pushed through with the shipment by buying the baskets and buri furniture from subcontractors.
Like any other start-ups, the company had its ups and downs. However, they were very fortunate to have overcome the challenges. And now, almost 3 decades in the business, Locsin International is committed to service excellence and continues to emerge as one of the leading makers of fine quality home furniture.
Masterful craftsmanship
Diverse, functional, and innovative best describe a Locsin International creation. Extensive product research and development are needed to create one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture. Locsins’ team of designers continues to explore new materials and unconventional design concepts as it transforms into practical yet wonderful home ideas.
A lot of Locsin International’s home pieces are awarded for its superior quality and modern designs. Most of the recognitions came from various government, non-government organizations and institutions, and local and international design events.
Among the company’s list of achievements are: Golden Shell Awardee for Design Excellence (1995), Likhang Pilipino Award – Best in Design Consultancy and Likhang Pilipino Award – Bagong Sibol Award at the Philippine International Furniture Show (2003), Best Product Design at the Manila F.A.M.E. International Katha Awards (2003), G-Mark Award (2004), Best Booth Award at the Cebu X and the Philippine International Furniture Show (2006), and the Best Booth Award at the Manila F.A.M.E. International Katha Awards (April 2007).
Many local and international exhibitions have requested Locsin International to showcase their vast collection of impressive products. Every time Locsin International exhibits, design experts give them great reviews.
World-class Filipino designers + unconventional themes = Extraordinary pieces of furniture
A genie lamp, a melon, an onion, and even a cracked egg – these are just few inspirations which Locsin International immortalized through their furniture and home decors. The pieces may look very odd but that was the very reason why the design world goes loco over Locsins’ astonishing brand of furniture and decors.
Locsins’ unusual themes for extraordinary home pieces were a product of his team of designers’ boundless vision. Nine Filipino designers, both renowned and upcoming, have crafted ingénue pieces of furniture and home decors that were applauded in international design shows, raved by design critics, and in-demand in the international market.
Among Locsin International’s infamous home pieces were the Genie Chair and Onion by Tony Gonzales, Ampie by Val Padilla, Mactan set by Jeffrey de Leon, Nero Chaise Lounge by Robert Mose, Shinju lamps and Balboa chair by Leo Saño, Dumagat screen by Rocilyn Laccay, Elphaba chair by Regina Locsin, and Marui lamps by Pia Sta. Romana. The company’s new designer, John Atienza, is in the process of creating new pieces. Soon, his works will be showcased in Locsin International’s showroom and in international design shows.
Well-known in the design industry and have even established their own companies, these designers still find pleasure in designing for Locsin International. It was Roberto’s mission to promote Filipino craftsmanship to the international scene inspires these designers to perpetually come up with pieces that are truly world-class.
Welcoming challenges and rewards, Locsin International is grateful
The challenges in running the company were great lessons for Roberto and his team. Through these hurdles, they push themselves to achieve excellence and meet client satisfaction.
As a daily routine, Roberto sees to it that he personally checks the quality of their products. He does the rounds in the factory, inspects the furniture together with his inspectors, and often calls meeting with his supervisors and workers. He is fortunate to have his family help him in the business. Aside from his wife and his managers, his daughters, Regina and Rocilyn, assist him in the business. They also work as designers for the company.
At present, Roberto’s main problem is the sudden change in the dollar-peso exchange rate. He admits that this turn in the economy has affected the company’s competitiveness in the market. However, he is positive that despite the new challenge Locsin International will make up for the competition by continue giving the market innovative designs.
“There are a lot of competitors not only within the country but also from our Asian neighbors. We just try to constantly innovate and come up with new designs in order to counteract these challenges,” Roberto related
Locsins’ journey to success was about beating the odds and valuing partnership with an agency that exalts the ingenuity of Filipino craftsmanship. Throughout Locsin International’s progress in the furniture industry, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions was among the company’s important partners. It is through CITEM-organized shows and trade missions did the company got the majority of its buyers. With CITEM’s help, Locsin International is updated with the latest trends in furniture design and the current demands of the market
“CITEM has been an important, if not, the main partner in our progress throughout the years. It is through the shows organized by CITEM that we have been getting buyers that provide us business. Furthermore, the agency has helped us in foreign missions and being able to keep abreast of the trends in the market,” Roberto happily recalled.
And yet despite the challenges which the export industry is facing, Roberto still urges the agency to continue organizing foreign exhibition. In that way, he says, there could be more exposure and awareness to Philippine-made products which will eventually lead to more business deals.
“We wish that CITEM keeps on improving their shows and organize more foreign exhibitions so that there could be more exposure of Philippine products in the international market,” Roberto said.
The tradition of superior quality continues
Locsin International is definitely ahead of the pack. The company’s aesthetic vision brought them to international recognition and promoted the country’s impeccable breed of Filipino designers.
The company may have face new challenges today. However, Roberto and his team are prepared and are keen on making the company grow. He eyes for new markets and develop more new products that will be next toast in the design industry.
With hardwork, positive attitude, honesty and integrity, ethical business practice, and foresight, no doubt that Locsin International is one of the leading furniture manufacturers in the country today.
For more information on Locsin International’s products, visit www.locsin.com.
Fruits of Life, Inc – Lipa Fresh Buko Juice: Refreshingly healthy
“Here in the Philippines, our vision is to promote health to all individuals. Therefore, our products are fresh, natural, and preservative-free,” a calling which Kathleen Say, Fruit of Life, Inc.’s VP for Marketing, lived by since the company was established in 1995. For 12 years, the company focused on coconut by-products and promotes the health benefits of the popular tropical fruit.
Fruits of Life, Inc. has a variety of coconut-based products. From virgin coconut oil (VCO) to creams and even coconut jelly, the company assures consumers that quality and safety are induced in every product.
But among the company’s healthy offerings, the Lipa Fresh Buko Juice is the most popular. Aside from its fresh, mouth-watering flavor, Fruits of Life saw the potential of buko juice as a health drink.
The healthy benefits of Lipa Fresh Buko Juice
Made from the best raw materials and ingredients, Lipa Fresh Buko Juice is guaranteed to be very refreshing while it gives you the essential nutrients needed for your health.
Coconut, in general, was believed to be a “miracle” fruit for having numerous health benefits. Among the most popular benefit of coconut juice is that it is a detoxifying beverage. Most health experts recommend drinking coconut juice when experiencing urinary tract infection (UTI).
However in a recent study conducted by the University of the Philippines Los Baños, coconut juice was proven to be an alternative for artificially made sports drink. Just like the sports drink, coconut juice has electrolytes that helps replenish lost body fluids during rigorous activities. It is also very rich in potassium, a lot higher than the content of a sports drink.
“Lipa Fresh Buko Juice is also a natural sports drink. It helps retain the fluids needed for your active lifestyle, at the same time, it cleanses the kidneys from toxins. You will feel the cleansing effect after you drink Lipa Fresh Buko Juice,” Kathleen relates.
Buko in a bottle
Before, fresh buko juice is often served in its natural shell. Most people believed that serving them in its natural shell preserves the freshness and natural taste of the juice. However, many consumers take into consideration the convenience of drinking a coconut juice. Thus, a new packaging of the fresh buko juice began.
Kathleen, together with her team at Fruits for Life, Inc, saw the need for re-packaging on fresh buko juice. From its natural shell, the juice was packaged in plastic bottles making it convenient, sanitized, and leak-proof.
However, the major concern for this innovation on buko juice was the preservation of the quality and taste of the fresh buko juice. Thorough research and observing food safety standards, Lipa Fresh Buko Juice does not compromise the natural freshness of the coconut.
The humble, yet, successful beginnings of Lipa Fresh Buko Juice
With only five people working in both production and delivery when Fruits of Life first started, the company was still able to sell a quality product to the market. Most of their first clients were food establishments who, up to now, carry Lipa Fresh Buko Juice.
Among the company’s first clients were popular restaurants and establishments such as Mann Hann, Chopstix, Sun Moon, New Sun Beam, House of Minis, DEC, and the ADB (Asian Development Bank) cafeteria.
The list of clients has grown and has even distributed to other outlets such as sports centers, badminton centers, golf course clubhouses, health institutions, entertainment center and even more food establishments. Added to the list are Riviera Badminton Centers, Wack-Wack Country Golf Club, Philippine Navy Golf Club, Villamor Air Base Golf Club, Music 21, Power Plant Mall, Superbowl of China, Sukhotai, Subway, Phobac, Tender Bob’s, Circo Grille, Thai B-B-Q, Macau, Zaifu, Isshin, Longrain, Milky Way, Dencio’s, Chicken Bacolod, Hapchang, ABS-CBN cafeteria, and GMA cafeteria.
Lipa Fresh Buko Juice are also sold at SM, Robinsons, and Unimart supermarkets.
Fruits of Life – braving the odds and reaping rewards
For more than 10 years, Fruits of Life has always maintained the quality of its coconut by-products. The company follows very strict quality control and sanitation procedures in order to ensure customers’ safety and satisfaction.
The company’s high regard for quality products and good manufacturing process was acknowledged through its BFAD (Bureau of Food and Drugs) approval in 1997. Two years after, Lipa Fresh Buko Juice underwent a strict Japanese quality standards test. Fruits of Life, once again, passed and was allowed its first airfreight shipment to Japan.
The achievements of Lipa Fresh Buko Juice brought about the development of more new products such as: Lipa Fresh Buko Melon (a combination of buko and melon juice), Lipa Miracle Oil (the company’s first virgin coconut oil product), and the Coconut Juice in Can.
With the company’s ingenious use of the coconut, the Philippine Coconut Authority awarded Lipa Fresh Buko Juice the Product Processor Innovator Award for Buko Juice. Fruits of Life sees the recognition as the most valuable for it was given by the authority in the coconut industry. Also, the company considers it as a true recognition for its efforts in promoting coconut juice as a health drink.
Be Healthy. Go Global.
Fruits of Life did not limit its market to the Philippines. In fact, the company has joined international food fairs to promote its products in the global market.
The company first participated at the Asian Ethnic Food Fair in 2000. Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the fair helped food entrepreneurs like Fruits for Life, Inc. to create awareness on their products to the local and international market. On the same event, the company launched the new packaging of Lipa Fresh Buko Juice. Since joining its first-ever international trade show, Fruits of Life carry on with IFEX (International Food Exhibition), formerly the Asian Ethnic Food Fair, as a regular exhibitor.
Only good words Kathleen gives to CITEM’s support for her company. Through CITEM-organized fairs, she met a lot of food distributors and importers abroad where in it opened satisfactory business opportunities for her company. “I have traveled and met a lot of food distributors and importers abroad. They often say that our country offers many unique and quality products,” Kathleen relates.
Fruits of Life also supports the governments’ campaign for better product packaging that will make Filipino-made products competitive in the global market. “Packaging says a lot about the company and their product image and professionalism. If you look at products nowadays from China or Thailand, their packaging has been very creative and attractive and almost at par with Japan. This attracts the consumers and urges them to buy,” Kathleen adds.
Aside from better product packaging, the company is determined to develop more coconut products. And although many claims that their beverages are better, healthier, and more natural, Kathleen believes that nothing beats the freshness and the health benefits of the coconut juice. Fruits of Life will continue to research for new innovations that will make their buko products fresh, well and healthier to meet the satisfaction of their customers.
“We would like to continue creating awareness and appreciation on the great benefits of the coconut and the fruit of life. Our vision is to have a healthy world,” Kathleen ends.
For more information on Fruits of Life’s products, visit their website at www.lipabuko.com.
Fruits of Life, Inc. has a variety of coconut-based products. From virgin coconut oil (VCO) to creams and even coconut jelly, the company assures consumers that quality and safety are induced in every product.
But among the company’s healthy offerings, the Lipa Fresh Buko Juice is the most popular. Aside from its fresh, mouth-watering flavor, Fruits of Life saw the potential of buko juice as a health drink.
The healthy benefits of Lipa Fresh Buko Juice
Made from the best raw materials and ingredients, Lipa Fresh Buko Juice is guaranteed to be very refreshing while it gives you the essential nutrients needed for your health.
Coconut, in general, was believed to be a “miracle” fruit for having numerous health benefits. Among the most popular benefit of coconut juice is that it is a detoxifying beverage. Most health experts recommend drinking coconut juice when experiencing urinary tract infection (UTI).
However in a recent study conducted by the University of the Philippines Los Baños, coconut juice was proven to be an alternative for artificially made sports drink. Just like the sports drink, coconut juice has electrolytes that helps replenish lost body fluids during rigorous activities. It is also very rich in potassium, a lot higher than the content of a sports drink.
“Lipa Fresh Buko Juice is also a natural sports drink. It helps retain the fluids needed for your active lifestyle, at the same time, it cleanses the kidneys from toxins. You will feel the cleansing effect after you drink Lipa Fresh Buko Juice,” Kathleen relates.
Buko in a bottle
Before, fresh buko juice is often served in its natural shell. Most people believed that serving them in its natural shell preserves the freshness and natural taste of the juice. However, many consumers take into consideration the convenience of drinking a coconut juice. Thus, a new packaging of the fresh buko juice began.
Kathleen, together with her team at Fruits for Life, Inc, saw the need for re-packaging on fresh buko juice. From its natural shell, the juice was packaged in plastic bottles making it convenient, sanitized, and leak-proof.
However, the major concern for this innovation on buko juice was the preservation of the quality and taste of the fresh buko juice. Thorough research and observing food safety standards, Lipa Fresh Buko Juice does not compromise the natural freshness of the coconut.
The humble, yet, successful beginnings of Lipa Fresh Buko Juice
With only five people working in both production and delivery when Fruits of Life first started, the company was still able to sell a quality product to the market. Most of their first clients were food establishments who, up to now, carry Lipa Fresh Buko Juice.
Among the company’s first clients were popular restaurants and establishments such as Mann Hann, Chopstix, Sun Moon, New Sun Beam, House of Minis, DEC, and the ADB (Asian Development Bank) cafeteria.
The list of clients has grown and has even distributed to other outlets such as sports centers, badminton centers, golf course clubhouses, health institutions, entertainment center and even more food establishments. Added to the list are Riviera Badminton Centers, Wack-Wack Country Golf Club, Philippine Navy Golf Club, Villamor Air Base Golf Club, Music 21, Power Plant Mall, Superbowl of China, Sukhotai, Subway, Phobac, Tender Bob’s, Circo Grille, Thai B-B-Q, Macau, Zaifu, Isshin, Longrain, Milky Way, Dencio’s, Chicken Bacolod, Hapchang, ABS-CBN cafeteria, and GMA cafeteria.
Lipa Fresh Buko Juice are also sold at SM, Robinsons, and Unimart supermarkets.
Fruits of Life – braving the odds and reaping rewards
For more than 10 years, Fruits of Life has always maintained the quality of its coconut by-products. The company follows very strict quality control and sanitation procedures in order to ensure customers’ safety and satisfaction.
The company’s high regard for quality products and good manufacturing process was acknowledged through its BFAD (Bureau of Food and Drugs) approval in 1997. Two years after, Lipa Fresh Buko Juice underwent a strict Japanese quality standards test. Fruits of Life, once again, passed and was allowed its first airfreight shipment to Japan.
The achievements of Lipa Fresh Buko Juice brought about the development of more new products such as: Lipa Fresh Buko Melon (a combination of buko and melon juice), Lipa Miracle Oil (the company’s first virgin coconut oil product), and the Coconut Juice in Can.
With the company’s ingenious use of the coconut, the Philippine Coconut Authority awarded Lipa Fresh Buko Juice the Product Processor Innovator Award for Buko Juice. Fruits of Life sees the recognition as the most valuable for it was given by the authority in the coconut industry. Also, the company considers it as a true recognition for its efforts in promoting coconut juice as a health drink.
Be Healthy. Go Global.
Fruits of Life did not limit its market to the Philippines. In fact, the company has joined international food fairs to promote its products in the global market.
The company first participated at the Asian Ethnic Food Fair in 2000. Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the fair helped food entrepreneurs like Fruits for Life, Inc. to create awareness on their products to the local and international market. On the same event, the company launched the new packaging of Lipa Fresh Buko Juice. Since joining its first-ever international trade show, Fruits of Life carry on with IFEX (International Food Exhibition), formerly the Asian Ethnic Food Fair, as a regular exhibitor.
Only good words Kathleen gives to CITEM’s support for her company. Through CITEM-organized fairs, she met a lot of food distributors and importers abroad where in it opened satisfactory business opportunities for her company. “I have traveled and met a lot of food distributors and importers abroad. They often say that our country offers many unique and quality products,” Kathleen relates.
Fruits of Life also supports the governments’ campaign for better product packaging that will make Filipino-made products competitive in the global market. “Packaging says a lot about the company and their product image and professionalism. If you look at products nowadays from China or Thailand, their packaging has been very creative and attractive and almost at par with Japan. This attracts the consumers and urges them to buy,” Kathleen adds.
Aside from better product packaging, the company is determined to develop more coconut products. And although many claims that their beverages are better, healthier, and more natural, Kathleen believes that nothing beats the freshness and the health benefits of the coconut juice. Fruits of Life will continue to research for new innovations that will make their buko products fresh, well and healthier to meet the satisfaction of their customers.
“We would like to continue creating awareness and appreciation on the great benefits of the coconut and the fruit of life. Our vision is to have a healthy world,” Kathleen ends.
For more information on Fruits of Life’s products, visit their website at www.lipabuko.com.
Inzpect Technologies Inc.: Excelling in Philippine automation
While everybody was buzzing about the emergence of semiconductor manufacturing in the Philippines, less was known that machineries for processing these microchips were manufactured here. In fact, a number of them were small and medium enterprises that are supplying automated equipments to multinational and foreign companies.
Among them was Inzpect Technologies Inc. Founded in 2003, the automation company is like the infamous bible character, David, who seem quiet and powerless. And yet, this newcomer braved the odds as they face the Goliaths of the automation industry. At present, Inzpect develops advanced automated equipments that have been very useful to many semiconductor and electronic companies.
A Series of Fortunate Events
After quitting their day jobs, Rolli Laya (President/Sales & Marketing Manager) and Jose Sumalabe (Vice President) decided to venture in a small business that would make use of their expertise in design and engineering. However, running the business wasn’t easy as it seems. It was a rough start as they faced such challenges like financial and manpower.
“Nung umpisa bale, talagang mahirap. Kabi-kabila ang mga utang para makapagumpisa at para sa pagpopondo ng equipments (It was really hard when we started. We have to borrow money to keep up with the financing of equipments),” recalls Neng Laya, Inzpect’s Personnel Manager.
Fortunately, some of Laya and Sumalabe’s acquaintances from their previous jobs helped in getting them on the right track. Having the right contacts and interested buyers helped Inzpect surpass the struggles of the business. Through them were they able to sell their first products.
“Actually parang swerte rin e. Kasi parang dere-derecho ang pasok. Kasi dati may nasalihan na silang company. Humiwalay na lang sila at nagtayo ng sariling business. Since kilala na rin si Rolli sa ibang companies, sa pagpapaliwanag niya naintroduce ang mga products namin (We were fortunate because since we started, the orders for our products kept on coming. Rolli and Jose were employees before. When they left their respective companies, they decided to establish their own business. And since is quite known to some companies, it was easy for him to introduce our products and services),” Neng adds.
The sacrifices and the hardships paid off in a short span of time. Now, Inzpect continues to manufacture, distribute, and supply equipments to some multinational companies in the country.
Challenging the competition
Despite the stiff competition among automation companies, Inzpect does not dwell on competing with their contemporaries. Instead, they are overwhelmed with the continuous growth of their industry and is very satisfied with the accomplishments that local automation companies have achieved.
However, what Rolli thinks is their biggest adversary is with the international companies. Considering their advanced facilities and very sufficient funds, these foreign companies are sure to get the confidence of any major client. But Inzpect is not easily rattled with this posing threat. Although admittedly those foreign companies are more high-tech, still, the company is very optimistic in selling and promoting their products. And compared to their foreign competitors, Inzpect gives the same quality of products and services at a fraction of a cost.
“Yung target competition namin is ‘yung mga foreign same type of companies. So ang lagi naming ipinagdidiinan e is yung quality. Like, marami na kasing existing automation companies pero ang mine-maintain namin is ‘yung quality na kumbaga kumparablena sa foreign. ‘Yung quality comparable pero ang price mas mura. At sa tingin ko ‘yun ang maiooffer natin (Our target competition are the foreign companies with the same type of business. But what we always say to our clients is that what these foreign companies can offer, we can too at a lower price),” Rolli says.
Recognizing Filipino world-class quality in the arena of automation
“Magaling talaga ang mga Filipino engineers…pang-world class talaga (Filipino engineers are very talented, truly world-class),” Rolli says it with conviction.
Having worked with some of the most hardworking, resilient, and skillful young and experienced engineers, Inzpect sees the Filipinos’ potential in the competitive world of design and advanced engineering.
The company’s automation group itself has a solid experience in design, integration, and manufacturing of automatic equipments for various industrial applications. Among these are: ICOS and Rahmonics Vision Integration, Automatic Strip to Strip Loader and Unloader machines, Tape and Reel System with Mark Orientation and Inspection Machines, and Test Handlers. These equipments are often used in factory processes such as bottling, packaging, and even in pharmaceuticals.
Inzpect always believed in the Filipinos’ ability to compete in the global market. According to Rolli, it is Filipinos’ adept knowledge in engineering and design that makes international companies want to do business in the Philippines. He also mentioned that it was our value for excellence that attracts foreign buyers to acquire Philippine-made products.
The Road to Global Success
Although Inzpect had established itself as a reliable automation manufacturing company, Rolli is focused on selling and promoting Philippine-made machines to the global market. The company’s first move was to build an affiliation with Cognex Corporation, a leading supplier of machine vision sensors and system. This helped the company to establish other partnerships with local and foreign companies, as well as sell their automated equipments to the international market.
Among the company’s international clients are China and Mexico. Most of the products that they require from Inzpect are for manufacturing processes. The company’s latest products are the vision systems. These vision systems are mainly used for product inspection.
Inzpect also joins trade fairs to further promote their products. A year after establishing the company, they joined Industry Link, a Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) trade event for industrial materials. This allowed them to showcase their own line of products and promote Filipino skills in machine automation.
Yet throughout the company’s successes, still, Rolli wishes that the government would extensively promote the country’s potential in machine manufacturing. He also hoped that their industry would be given ample support and priority so as to make it bigger and better.
At present, Rolli and the rest of Inzpect are happy with the satisfactory sales of the company. As they welcome more clients, new innovations are built for faster and more efficient processes. The company also plans to open a machine shop to accommodate repairs and systems rehabilitation. He also advises other entrepreneurs to have a lot of patience in running the same kind of business. Considering that there are minimal resources, it is definitely a long journey to success.
To learn more about Inzpect’s products and services, log on to www.inzpect.com.
Among them was Inzpect Technologies Inc. Founded in 2003, the automation company is like the infamous bible character, David, who seem quiet and powerless. And yet, this newcomer braved the odds as they face the Goliaths of the automation industry. At present, Inzpect develops advanced automated equipments that have been very useful to many semiconductor and electronic companies.
A Series of Fortunate Events
After quitting their day jobs, Rolli Laya (President/Sales & Marketing Manager) and Jose Sumalabe (Vice President) decided to venture in a small business that would make use of their expertise in design and engineering. However, running the business wasn’t easy as it seems. It was a rough start as they faced such challenges like financial and manpower.
“Nung umpisa bale, talagang mahirap. Kabi-kabila ang mga utang para makapagumpisa at para sa pagpopondo ng equipments (It was really hard when we started. We have to borrow money to keep up with the financing of equipments),” recalls Neng Laya, Inzpect’s Personnel Manager.
Fortunately, some of Laya and Sumalabe’s acquaintances from their previous jobs helped in getting them on the right track. Having the right contacts and interested buyers helped Inzpect surpass the struggles of the business. Through them were they able to sell their first products.
“Actually parang swerte rin e. Kasi parang dere-derecho ang pasok. Kasi dati may nasalihan na silang company. Humiwalay na lang sila at nagtayo ng sariling business. Since kilala na rin si Rolli sa ibang companies, sa pagpapaliwanag niya naintroduce ang mga products namin (We were fortunate because since we started, the orders for our products kept on coming. Rolli and Jose were employees before. When they left their respective companies, they decided to establish their own business. And since is quite known to some companies, it was easy for him to introduce our products and services),” Neng adds.
The sacrifices and the hardships paid off in a short span of time. Now, Inzpect continues to manufacture, distribute, and supply equipments to some multinational companies in the country.
Challenging the competition
Despite the stiff competition among automation companies, Inzpect does not dwell on competing with their contemporaries. Instead, they are overwhelmed with the continuous growth of their industry and is very satisfied with the accomplishments that local automation companies have achieved.
However, what Rolli thinks is their biggest adversary is with the international companies. Considering their advanced facilities and very sufficient funds, these foreign companies are sure to get the confidence of any major client. But Inzpect is not easily rattled with this posing threat. Although admittedly those foreign companies are more high-tech, still, the company is very optimistic in selling and promoting their products. And compared to their foreign competitors, Inzpect gives the same quality of products and services at a fraction of a cost.
“Yung target competition namin is ‘yung mga foreign same type of companies. So ang lagi naming ipinagdidiinan e is yung quality. Like, marami na kasing existing automation companies pero ang mine-maintain namin is ‘yung quality na kumbaga kumparablena sa foreign. ‘Yung quality comparable pero ang price mas mura. At sa tingin ko ‘yun ang maiooffer natin (Our target competition are the foreign companies with the same type of business. But what we always say to our clients is that what these foreign companies can offer, we can too at a lower price),” Rolli says.
Recognizing Filipino world-class quality in the arena of automation
“Magaling talaga ang mga Filipino engineers…pang-world class talaga (Filipino engineers are very talented, truly world-class),” Rolli says it with conviction.
Having worked with some of the most hardworking, resilient, and skillful young and experienced engineers, Inzpect sees the Filipinos’ potential in the competitive world of design and advanced engineering.
The company’s automation group itself has a solid experience in design, integration, and manufacturing of automatic equipments for various industrial applications. Among these are: ICOS and Rahmonics Vision Integration, Automatic Strip to Strip Loader and Unloader machines, Tape and Reel System with Mark Orientation and Inspection Machines, and Test Handlers. These equipments are often used in factory processes such as bottling, packaging, and even in pharmaceuticals.
Inzpect always believed in the Filipinos’ ability to compete in the global market. According to Rolli, it is Filipinos’ adept knowledge in engineering and design that makes international companies want to do business in the Philippines. He also mentioned that it was our value for excellence that attracts foreign buyers to acquire Philippine-made products.
The Road to Global Success
Although Inzpect had established itself as a reliable automation manufacturing company, Rolli is focused on selling and promoting Philippine-made machines to the global market. The company’s first move was to build an affiliation with Cognex Corporation, a leading supplier of machine vision sensors and system. This helped the company to establish other partnerships with local and foreign companies, as well as sell their automated equipments to the international market.
Among the company’s international clients are China and Mexico. Most of the products that they require from Inzpect are for manufacturing processes. The company’s latest products are the vision systems. These vision systems are mainly used for product inspection.
Inzpect also joins trade fairs to further promote their products. A year after establishing the company, they joined Industry Link, a Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) trade event for industrial materials. This allowed them to showcase their own line of products and promote Filipino skills in machine automation.
Yet throughout the company’s successes, still, Rolli wishes that the government would extensively promote the country’s potential in machine manufacturing. He also hoped that their industry would be given ample support and priority so as to make it bigger and better.
At present, Rolli and the rest of Inzpect are happy with the satisfactory sales of the company. As they welcome more clients, new innovations are built for faster and more efficient processes. The company also plans to open a machine shop to accommodate repairs and systems rehabilitation. He also advises other entrepreneurs to have a lot of patience in running the same kind of business. Considering that there are minimal resources, it is definitely a long journey to success.
To learn more about Inzpect’s products and services, log on to www.inzpect.com.
Holy Cow! Animation Inc.: Animation, the new toast to TV advertising
Remember Chuckie and Ilong Ranger? They are today’s well-liked animated characters that have debuted as endorsers in a television commercial. Chuckie, the Cowboy, is the image of a popular chocolate drink while Ilong Ranger, the talking nose, stars in a hit commercial for a medicine brand.
The bright mix of colors, smooth transitions, and tactful dialogues fascinate viewers each time they appear on the screen. A lot have wondered whether foreign animators made the cartoons. But would you believe that these animated commercials were created here in the Philippines?
Opening its doors to animation, the advertising industry has welcomed Filipino animators in their roster of talents. Slowly breaking away from the traditional form of advertising, which means using models or celebrities as endorsers, the industry has learned to use this medium to execute a commercial.
Eventually, our Filipino animators have also ventured into producing TV series and full-length films in the international scene. The UK, Japan, and some countries in the Middle East are just a few of the Philippines’ clients for their animation needs.
Amidst this revolution in animation, one company is setting the standards for quality Philippine animation. Unconventional and funny, you’ll probably scream…Holy Cow!
Holy Cow—Setting the trend in Philippine animation
Named after a popular expression, Holy Cow! Animation Inc. was the brainchild of the husband and wife tandem, Dani and Marlyn Montano. Introducing a new look in advertising, Holy Cow uses 2D/3D animation for its TV commercials (TVCs).
Fascination over animation led this duo to embark into this highly competitive business. Dani, who had previously worked with several advertising agencies for their animation requirements, is the company’s Group Creative Director. His wife, Marlyn, manages the company and works meticulously on marketing the services of Holy Cow. Combining their knowledge in advertising and animation, it came naturally that they pursue a business that brought out their passion.
Joining the Montanos are some of the country’s most experienced animation directors, 2D/3D artists, and production coordinators who have extensively handled short and long-form animation productions. Seven years in the business, the company has collaborated with leading advertising agencies in the country and in the region.
All for the Love of Art
If it means sacrificing a bit of luxury, then by all means, it was Montanos’ pleasure of doing it. Without second thoughts, they have made several cost-cutting measures just to keep up with operation and funding of the salaries for their employees.
“Before we were employees so we were the ones getting our salaries. But this time we will be paying people and ensure having money for operations. So the first thing that we did is evaluate how much money we had and evaluate what are the clear essentials, such as, investing on equipments. We cut off all our credit cards except for an international credit card which we need for transactions and travel. It’s a temptation – credit cards are temptations! We wanted to have full consideration on the operation of the business,” Marlyn shares.
Aside from some financial concerns, the Montanos have to deal with skeptics from some prospected clients. Although it has been more than 20 years that entertainment giants such as Warner Bros., Walt Disney, Cartoon Network, and Hanna Barbera have been outsourcing to the Philippines for their animation requirements, animation in Philippine advertising seems unpopular. However through Holy Cow’s creative take on its cartoons, it convinced big players in advertising to tap a new age medium.
With the confidence given to them by their clients, the Montanos are inspired to excel in all their projects. For the love of animation, the duo together with 20 plus staff, dealt with criticisms, pressures at work, and extensive hours to give their clients quality and realistic cartoons.
“We have to prove ourselves na kaya namin e (that we can do it). We try to put or investments creatively. Good thing about the business is that we are able to use our contacts in TVCs. We know them and we were able to build a strong relationship with them. Another thing about advertising is that they are in the loop. They know that animation was used by big companies such as Coca-Cola in their advertisements. Nakaka-excite lalo na kung ipe-present mo ‘yung concept mo sa kanila (It excites us each time we present new concepts to them),” Marlyn added.
Animation in TV advertising
From movies to TV series, animation has tickled the emotions of both the young and the old. Its wide viewership became the thrust of Holy Cow in integrating animation to TV commercials.
Less drama, inexpensive cost – these are the reasons why the Montanos preferred animation over live action when producing a TV commercial. A good storyboard and imaginative play of characters are all it takes to come up with an exciting cartoon capable of promoting a product.
“In animation, you don’t have to deal with talents…you don’t have to pay them. Also, animation gives you an opportunity to create a style that you want. It can be anything. It can go beyond what live talents can do,” Marlyn points out.
To date, Holy Cow has produced TV’s popular animated TV commercials: Milo, Neozep, Chuckie, Nips, Globe Telecom, and Nokia Phonethics.
Filipino ingenuity in world-class animation
Aside from producing animated TVCs for ad agencies in the Philippines, Holy Cow also creates short and long-form animation abroad. Outsourcing their animation services, the company has produced TV ads and series in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the UK, and France.
Although often compared to other cartoon channels for the similarities in style and characterization, the Montanos believed that Filipino animators, in general, have learned to adapt to an advanced technology, evolved from the traditional 2D art, and developed their skills in creating high-resolution and life-like digital animation.
Holy Cow may have also gotten their inspiration to draw more quality animation from the successes of some Filipino animators in big movie outfits in the US. Gini Cruz-Santos, for example, caused a sensation when she created Disney’s new and well-liked characters such as: Elastigirl and Violet of The Incredibles, Dorie of Finding Nemo, and Mike and Sully of Monsters Inc. Her achievements in animation became the standard of what Filipino artists can do in this technology-driven medium.
As many of our local animators and animation companies continue to establish their name in the international scene, the government is very vocal on its support to the industry. The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), in particular, helps in building up the animation industry. Through their annual Outsourcing Conference and Exhibition, e-Services Philippines, CITEM highlights the superb talent and creativity of Filipino animators making the Philippines the preferred outsourcing partner of entertainment giants worldwide.
“CITEM has done a lot for the animation industry. They created an awareness that the government is actually promoting animation and is helping the industry to become better. ‘Yun ang magandang naitulong ng CITEM din sa amin (That’s the best thing that CITEM also did for us in our business). I think until now they have been helping with the promotion of the industry,” Marlane speaks on behalf of their fellow animation company-owners.
Filipino animators have arrived! Their creative skills, passion for work, and zest for life exudes as they imprint on blank canvass visual ingenuity. Consistent with the quality of work that surpassed even the most technical and industrial countries in the world, our artists’ boundless imagination and sensible storylines makes Philippine animation a pro among Asian counterparts.
To know more about Holy Cow! Animation Inc., log on to: www.holycowanimation.com.
The bright mix of colors, smooth transitions, and tactful dialogues fascinate viewers each time they appear on the screen. A lot have wondered whether foreign animators made the cartoons. But would you believe that these animated commercials were created here in the Philippines?
Opening its doors to animation, the advertising industry has welcomed Filipino animators in their roster of talents. Slowly breaking away from the traditional form of advertising, which means using models or celebrities as endorsers, the industry has learned to use this medium to execute a commercial.
Eventually, our Filipino animators have also ventured into producing TV series and full-length films in the international scene. The UK, Japan, and some countries in the Middle East are just a few of the Philippines’ clients for their animation needs.
Amidst this revolution in animation, one company is setting the standards for quality Philippine animation. Unconventional and funny, you’ll probably scream…Holy Cow!
Holy Cow—Setting the trend in Philippine animation
Named after a popular expression, Holy Cow! Animation Inc. was the brainchild of the husband and wife tandem, Dani and Marlyn Montano. Introducing a new look in advertising, Holy Cow uses 2D/3D animation for its TV commercials (TVCs).
Fascination over animation led this duo to embark into this highly competitive business. Dani, who had previously worked with several advertising agencies for their animation requirements, is the company’s Group Creative Director. His wife, Marlyn, manages the company and works meticulously on marketing the services of Holy Cow. Combining their knowledge in advertising and animation, it came naturally that they pursue a business that brought out their passion.
Joining the Montanos are some of the country’s most experienced animation directors, 2D/3D artists, and production coordinators who have extensively handled short and long-form animation productions. Seven years in the business, the company has collaborated with leading advertising agencies in the country and in the region.
All for the Love of Art
If it means sacrificing a bit of luxury, then by all means, it was Montanos’ pleasure of doing it. Without second thoughts, they have made several cost-cutting measures just to keep up with operation and funding of the salaries for their employees.
“Before we were employees so we were the ones getting our salaries. But this time we will be paying people and ensure having money for operations. So the first thing that we did is evaluate how much money we had and evaluate what are the clear essentials, such as, investing on equipments. We cut off all our credit cards except for an international credit card which we need for transactions and travel. It’s a temptation – credit cards are temptations! We wanted to have full consideration on the operation of the business,” Marlyn shares.
Aside from some financial concerns, the Montanos have to deal with skeptics from some prospected clients. Although it has been more than 20 years that entertainment giants such as Warner Bros., Walt Disney, Cartoon Network, and Hanna Barbera have been outsourcing to the Philippines for their animation requirements, animation in Philippine advertising seems unpopular. However through Holy Cow’s creative take on its cartoons, it convinced big players in advertising to tap a new age medium.
With the confidence given to them by their clients, the Montanos are inspired to excel in all their projects. For the love of animation, the duo together with 20 plus staff, dealt with criticisms, pressures at work, and extensive hours to give their clients quality and realistic cartoons.
“We have to prove ourselves na kaya namin e (that we can do it). We try to put or investments creatively. Good thing about the business is that we are able to use our contacts in TVCs. We know them and we were able to build a strong relationship with them. Another thing about advertising is that they are in the loop. They know that animation was used by big companies such as Coca-Cola in their advertisements. Nakaka-excite lalo na kung ipe-present mo ‘yung concept mo sa kanila (It excites us each time we present new concepts to them),” Marlyn added.
Animation in TV advertising
From movies to TV series, animation has tickled the emotions of both the young and the old. Its wide viewership became the thrust of Holy Cow in integrating animation to TV commercials.
Less drama, inexpensive cost – these are the reasons why the Montanos preferred animation over live action when producing a TV commercial. A good storyboard and imaginative play of characters are all it takes to come up with an exciting cartoon capable of promoting a product.
“In animation, you don’t have to deal with talents…you don’t have to pay them. Also, animation gives you an opportunity to create a style that you want. It can be anything. It can go beyond what live talents can do,” Marlyn points out.
To date, Holy Cow has produced TV’s popular animated TV commercials: Milo, Neozep, Chuckie, Nips, Globe Telecom, and Nokia Phonethics.
Filipino ingenuity in world-class animation
Aside from producing animated TVCs for ad agencies in the Philippines, Holy Cow also creates short and long-form animation abroad. Outsourcing their animation services, the company has produced TV ads and series in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the UK, and France.
Although often compared to other cartoon channels for the similarities in style and characterization, the Montanos believed that Filipino animators, in general, have learned to adapt to an advanced technology, evolved from the traditional 2D art, and developed their skills in creating high-resolution and life-like digital animation.
Holy Cow may have also gotten their inspiration to draw more quality animation from the successes of some Filipino animators in big movie outfits in the US. Gini Cruz-Santos, for example, caused a sensation when she created Disney’s new and well-liked characters such as: Elastigirl and Violet of The Incredibles, Dorie of Finding Nemo, and Mike and Sully of Monsters Inc. Her achievements in animation became the standard of what Filipino artists can do in this technology-driven medium.
As many of our local animators and animation companies continue to establish their name in the international scene, the government is very vocal on its support to the industry. The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), in particular, helps in building up the animation industry. Through their annual Outsourcing Conference and Exhibition, e-Services Philippines, CITEM highlights the superb talent and creativity of Filipino animators making the Philippines the preferred outsourcing partner of entertainment giants worldwide.
“CITEM has done a lot for the animation industry. They created an awareness that the government is actually promoting animation and is helping the industry to become better. ‘Yun ang magandang naitulong ng CITEM din sa amin (That’s the best thing that CITEM also did for us in our business). I think until now they have been helping with the promotion of the industry,” Marlane speaks on behalf of their fellow animation company-owners.
Filipino animators have arrived! Their creative skills, passion for work, and zest for life exudes as they imprint on blank canvass visual ingenuity. Consistent with the quality of work that surpassed even the most technical and industrial countries in the world, our artists’ boundless imagination and sensible storylines makes Philippine animation a pro among Asian counterparts.
To know more about Holy Cow! Animation Inc., log on to: www.holycowanimation.com.
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