Ma(i)gazine

Feature Article

Title: The Dela Cuestas: Marikina’s Next Power Couple
Originally for publication in 88DB Magazine before project was scrapped

It sounds like just another love story. Michael and Rona dela Cuesta were childhood friends growing up in Marikina. Eventually, friendship blossomed into romance and they got married when they were 19 years old. Today, they have three beautiful children: Kurt Mckie, Marcus Michael and Michaela. Michael and Rona’s story has one additional element, though, that you don’t find too often: they run several successful businesses together.

It all started when Michael went to work for his eldest brother after he graduated from high school. His brother, who was a successful businessman by then, suggested that he start his own business. Michael decided that he wanted to drive his own jeepney, which his brother helped him acquire.

While Michael drove the jeep to earn a living, admittedly, he also did it for fun. During those days, it wasn’t uncommon for jeepneys to race against each other, often while carrying passengers. “May mga pasahero na gusto yun, lalo na yung mga estudyante, pero meron din naman  na hindi gusto yun kaya minsan, pagbaba nila, namumura ka rin, (Some passengers liked it, especially the students, but there were some passengers who hated it and would curse you as they got off the jeep.)” Michael narrated.

While driving the jeepney was enjoyable, it didn’t bring in a lot of income. With a family to take care of, he had to think of a more profitable business venture. Michael eventually sold the jeepney, and instead of making him pay back the cost of the jeep, his brother suggested that he use the money to start another business. He ended up opening a barbershop, but this time around, he had his wife beside him.

Before long, they also started renting out video arcade and videoke machines. Videoke machines are a fixture at a lot of Filipino parties and being the observant people that they were, Michael and Rona got the idea to start their own party needs store. This business was right up their alley too since Michael’s parents had a party needs store. This background knowledge made it easier for them to set up Mckie’s Party Needs.

As their ventures became more successful, they opened several other businesses: a water refilling station franchise, laundry shop, catering service, photo and video coverage, tarpaulin printing and even a lipat bahay business. It may seem like a hodgepodge of random business ideas, but they’re actually connected in one way or another. For example, their catering service evolved from their party needs store, and instead of letting the truck they use for transporting equipment stay idle for days at a time, they opted to use it for a lipat bahay venture. Aside from ensuring that they always have an alternative source income, these multiple related businesses have also, in a way, allowed them to be a one-stop shop.

Of course, not all their business endeavors have been completely successful. They once bought an expensive tarpaulin printing machine from China, but the quality of the printout was not so good, mostly because of the fact that it needed to run print after print so that the quality of the ink doesn’t deteriorate. It proved to be a learning experience for them, though. “Dapat pala ang ginawa ko, kumuha ng kumuha ng maraming kliyente, para tuloy-tuloy yung pag-print, (What I should have done was to get plenty of clients so that the printing would be continuous.)” said Michael.

HUSBAND + WIFE + BUSINESS = SUCCESS?

Running numerous businesses at a time is a hard task, but what is it like if you’re working with your better half?

As with anything, there are advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, you get to spend your days with your husband/wife. On the other hand, you may end up having arguments, particularly if you’re both opinionated.

It can also be a challenge if you have kids, especially if they’re toddlers. Luckily, in Michael and Rona’s case, their parents would help take care of the children.

With their businesses demanding a lot of their time and attention, finding time to spend with their children requires some creative time management. For them, family time usually occurs during weekdays, when they’re not so busy. It can be difficult sometimes, but all their hard work is for their children’s benefit.

Now that their kids are bigger, they also contribute in their own way by sometimes answering the phone or running errands. It is good practice for them since chances are the businesses will be passed on to them. When that time comes, the dela Cuestas will no longer just be a power couple; they’ll be a power family.

Feature Article

Title: Creating a Moveable Feast
Originally for publication in 88DB Magazine before project was scrapped

There’s nothing like a good home-cooked meal, particularly on special occasions, but when we don’t have the time or the skills, chances are we end up ordering from fast food restaurants. It’s not a very healthy lifestyle, but it seems as though we don’t really have a choice… or do we?

Makati residents may be familiar with The Urban Feast, a food delivery and catering company which specializes in gourmet cuisine that’s perfect for any family gathering or business meeting. At the helm of The Urban Feast are siblings Chef Deanne Deanne Panlilio-Montoya and Alain Panlilio.

Chef Deanne and Alain’s love affair with food began when they were children. Both of them loved to eat so it was a good thing that their mother was an avid cook. “There’s always food in our house,” narrated Alain.  It’s no surprise as well that their friends would frequently come over and eat at their house. “Masarap ang pagkain sa bahay namin, (The food at our house is delicious.)” said Chef Deanne. This early exposure to quality home-cooking had a profound effect on her perception of how food should be. “Importante sakin na masarap ang food sa bahay. (It’s important to me that home-cooked meals taste great.) ”

Their shared passion for mouthwatering food eventually resulted in a couple of business ventures for them prior to The Urban Feast.

If you’ve ever been to The Podium, then you’re probably familiar with Pinoydon Rice Bowls. It was Chef Deanne who came up with the idea for this innovative restaurant which combines Filipino dishes with Japanese cooking techniques. She came up with the idea very early one morning and immediately relayed it to her husband and her brother. About a year later, after countless hours of experimenting, food tasting and brainstorming, Deanne’s dream came to fruition at The Podium in Ortigas where the first Pinoydon Rice Bowls branch opened.

The Lunch Box Food Delivery, on the other hand, serves good home-cooked meals reminiscent of The Urban Feast, but its delivery is limited to the Loyola Grand Villas area. In a way, you could say that it’s a smaller, Quezon City-based version of The Urban Feast.

When it comes to handling their business ventures, Chef Deanne and Alain are very hands-on. Both of them work onthe recipes, while Alain handles graphic design and marketing details and Chef Deanne takes care of the operations and finance aspects of their businesses. They also have two partners in The Urban Feast: Martin Litton, who is also one of their partners in Pinoydon Rice Bowls, and Benson Reyes, whom they’ve known for almost a decade.

 In the beginning, The Urban Feast was a small-scale operation which operated from Chef Deanne’s house. “We manualized all our family recipes, made brochures and gave it around,” Chef Deanne said.

The concept was simple: to provide good home-cooked food to people who wanted to entertain in their homes or in their offices. Eventually the idea caught on and more orders started coming in. It was then that they started adding services like full catering and started investing in nice set-ups.

When the pair finally decided to make the business official, they received a lot of support from their friends who pitched in their own ideas. There were plenty of suggestions for the business’s name, but one in particular stood out. “When one of our friends suggested ‘Urban Feast,’ we were like, ‘That’s it! That’s it!’,” recalled Chef Deanne, adding that the name fit their concept to a T. “It’s about providing a feast in your urban home, so it’s perfect.”

The Urban Feast was doing good business as it is, but the turning point began with a call from Mr. Rino Gomez. He had heard about them and said that he wanted to try their food. He ended up ordering the NY Style Chinese! party package for his birthday celebration.

“He liked it so much that the very next day [after his birthday], he called me… and he said, ‘Can you supply to our office so we can send it as gifts to clients?’” narrated Chef Deanne. “That week alone, he ordered three times, all NY Style Chinese!” Before long, the clients of the brokerage firm where Mr. Gomez worked were contacting The Urban Feast and ordering from them. Thus began The Urban Feast’s meteoric rise. “Within a span of a month,” said Chef Deanne, “we had to move operations out of the house kasi amoy pagkain na lahat (everything smelled like food).” That was three years ago. Today, they have an endless stream of clients, majority of who are from banks since they’re the ones who are often the recipients of the gifts from the brokerage firms.

At first, their customers would only order NY Style Chinese!, since that’s what they were familiar with, but Chef Deanne encouraged them to try their other offerings and those who dared were not left disappointed.

Some of The Urban Feast’s dishes were originally their mom’s, titas’ and lolas’ recipes, while some were culled from Deanne’s travels.A lot of the current recipes, though, are Deanne and Alain’s own creations. They just play around with recipes, serve it to friends, and if it clicks, then they add it to The Urban Feast’s menu. “Normally, every 3 to 4 months, we try to add [new dishes]. We just added new items, so probably after Christmas, we’ll add something new,” said Chef Deanne.

When asked which among The Urban Feast’s menu their personal favorite is, Alain didn’t hesitate to answer. “Spanish, because our paella is world famous,” he said with a smile. “It’s everyone’s favorite.” The paella is actually one of Deanne’s recipes. As for the talented chef, her favorite dish is the risotto, stating that she loves cooking it and that she loves the taste. It’s also her husband’s and her kids’ favorite dish.

With The Urban Feast’s current success, one would think that opening a restaurant would be the next order of business. While they’re not ruling it out, Chef Deanne and Alain’s priority, at the moment, is building their following. “Right now, we want to expand first our loyal client base. We’re scared din kasi, because it’s bigger everything, bigger overhead… We want to concentrate more on expanding our market before eventually opening our own restaurant,” said Chef Deanne.

Feature Article

Title: Kall Food Service: A Cinderella Story
Originally for publication in 88DB Magazine before project was scrapped

What can you buy for P80? These days, it doesn’t seem like much, but back in the early 1990s, that small amount proved to be life-changing for Mrs. Bella E. Luces-Luciano. It may seem unbelievable, but because of her talent and business-savvy, she was able to turn P80 into a small packed meal delivery service and finally, into a thriving catering business.

Before becoming a successful restaurateur, Mrs. Luciano, after graduating with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of the East and passing the board exams, worked at a hospital’s dietary department prior to landing a job in a popular Manila fine-dining restaurant.

Initially, the packed meal delivery service was just a way for Mrs. Luciano and her two business partners, a dietitian and a cook, to earn extra income. Contrary to popular belief that you need a substantial amount in order to start a business, they began with less than a hundred pesos, and with the help of satisfied clients who spread word of their delicious food, their small business was soon serving up to 100 packs a day. Before long, the profits from their food delivery service ended up exceeding the income they received from their regular jobs. Eventually, Mrs. Luciano resigned from her work to focus on their growing business.

Around the time that they were approached by a research company who needed a caterer, Mrs. Luciano decided to register the business formally. Her two partners, however, decided to bow out and turn over ownership of the business to her and her husband. And so began Kall Food Service.

During the first months of their catering business, the pair did everything: Mr. Luciano served as driver, waiter and busboy, while Mrs. Luciano tested the recipes and did most of the actual cooking. Her restaurant experience proved invaluable at this point as she was able to apply what she had learned and observed from the cooks at the restaurant, using her knowledge to tweak recipes that she read from books. This is important because, as she puts it, “Iba ang actual sa libro. (The actual taste is different from the book.)”

Eventually, their hard work and sacrifice paid off and they were able to reap the fruits of their labor. The couple recalled that when they received their first big check, they passed by a church and thanked the Lord.  The whole time, Mrs. Luciano was clutching the bag containing the check close to her chest. Her cautiousness was understandable. “Iba yung galing sa pawis mo. (It’s different when you worked hard for it.),” said Mrs. Luciano.

The Lucianos never doubted for a minute that their business would be a success. “Proper marketing and proper management lang ang kailangan, (All you need is proper marketing and proper management.)” said Mr. Luciano. Of course, that’s not to say that it won’t be a challenge. “Wala namang madali. (Nothing is easy.)You will struggle… If you have an aim, kailangan magpagod ka. (If you have an aim, you have to work hard for it.)” He added, “The more effort you put in, the more income [you will earn.]”

This mindset served them well when they were tasked to serve 1,000 guests for a company Christmas party. They were still a relatively small company at the time, and what made it even more challenging was that they were given only 2-3 days to prepare. They were able to pull it off, though, and the event was a success. And why wouldn’t it be, with Kall Food Service’s delicious offerings?

Kall Food’s most popular dishes are the lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, roast beef, ox tongue pastel, and galantine, to name a few. When it comes to personal favorites, though, Mrs. Luciano’s favorite dish is the paella and Mr. Luciano’s favorite is the callos, which is his wife’s personal creation.

These days, the couple runs Kall Food with their daughter Kathlyn Anne Luces Luciano, for whom the business was named after. The couple isn’t relegated to adviser status, though. They’re still as hands-on as before. In fact, until now, Mrs. Luciano still tests recipes. The Lucianos show no signs of slowing down, and neither does Kall Food Service. Expect that in the near future, Kall Food Service will become a successful caterer with its wide selection of delicious and affordable food.

Feature Article/Press Release

Title: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Regime
Date: June 10, 2011
Source: http://lifestyle.ph.88db.com/?p=2136; 88DB.com

It is often said that health is beauty. If you look at people with healthy lifestyles, this adage seems to be true. More often than not, the glowing complexion associated with beauty can be seen in such healthy individuals. Why is that? One factor could be their skin’s hydration level. When the skin is dehydrated, it becomes dull and develops fine lines and premature wrinkles.  

On any given day, how well-hydrated do you think your skin is? You might be surprised. Moisturizers are not enough because they do not provide lasting hydration, and over the course of a typical day, your skin can become dehydrated without you knowing it. Even simple activities like drinking coffee or staying in an air-conditioned room can cause your skin to dry out. If that’s the case, what should one do in order to keep skin hydrated? For starters, you should avoid activities and environments that cause skin dehydration. If that’s not possible, however, there’s no need to fret. Neutrogena has got you covered.

During a recent press launch held at Whitespace in Makati, Johnson & Johnson Philippines Beauty Care Team Brand Manager Gabby Roxas introduced the new Neutrogena Hydro Boost Regimen.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Regimen consists of 5 products designed to give your skin up to 200% of the hydration it needs, while its 12-Hour Progressive Release System allows your skin to stay well-hydrated during the entire day.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Mousse Cleanser cleanses and balances the skin’s moisture level. The rich lather foams away impurities, while a special hydrating agent restores the skin’s moisture balance.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Clear Lotion (Toner) immediately tones and refines skin without causing tightness. It also gives a shower of fresh hydration for a dewy complexion.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Essence, on the other hand, has powerful hydration properties to keep skin plump, bouncy and supple.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel’s purified Hyaluronic Acid and Olive Extract continuously release moisture to the skin’s surface while boosting skin cell’s ability to retain water.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Mask boosts skin’s moisture level 14 times. It is made with smart-fit fabric with 14,000 micro-holes to deply infuse 25% more hydrating essence.

The products’ effects rely on three key ingredients: purified hyaluronic acid, olive extract and glycerin. Hyaluronic acid binds to water molecules and keeps it in the skin, making it more smooth and supple.

The Tuscany Olive Extract, which has a structure similar to the skin’s natural moisture shield, has moisturizing, protective and antioxidant qualities. Glycerin, on the other hand, keeps skin soft by helping to bind moisture to the skin, while keeping skin firm by stimulating the repair of the skin’s natural support systems.

Aside from the previously stated benefits, Neutrogena Hydro Boost’s oil-free formulation is lightweight and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling. Also, its results can be seen and felt immediately.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Regimen will be available exclusively at Watsons and SM Beauty sections.

News Article

Title: Stock Pick: Alliance Global Group, Inc.
Date: May 17, 2010 
Source: http://www.bworldonline.com/Research/stockpicks.php?id=0517; BusinessWorld

ALLIANCE Global Group, Inc.’s (AGI) inexpensive valuation, as well as the rosy prospects of its gaming business, earned it a “long-term buy” recommendation from Angping & Associates Securities, Inc.

“AGI is a cheap conglomerate, and gaming play, plus the value of its gaming business, in our view, is not yet fully priced-in,” analyst Jaycob V. Yedra said. “AGI, at its current price of P5.60, trades at a significant discount relative to the market,” he added.

AGI subsidiary Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc., through a joint venture with Genting Hong Kong Ltd. (formerly Star Cruises Ltd.), is embarking on the development of Resorts World Manila and Resorts World Bayshore City.

“Buying AGI will give you exposure to the Philippines’ promising property industry, resilient consumer sectors and our burgeoning gaming industry,” Mr. Yedra said. — M.A.L.B.

News Article

Title: Prices at retailers’ end climb by 3.6% in March
Date: May 12, 2010 
Source: http://www.bworldonline.com/Research/economicindicators.php?id=0385; BusinessWorld

THE RISE in retail prices of goods and commodities in Metro Manila slowed for the third month in March, suggesting inflation remained contained.

The general retail price index in the National Capital Region rose by an annual 3.6% in March, easing from February’s 3.9%, the statistics office reported on Wednesday.

On a monthly basis, retail prices fell by 0.1%, sustaining February’s 0.3% drop.

“Offhand, I would think it’s a good sign that inflation is still under control,” said Ernesto M. Pernia, an economist at the University of the Philippines.

The retail price of food, which accounted for bulk of the Filipino consumer’s basket, rose at a slower pace of 3% year-on-year from February’s 4.3%. Month on month, prices of food fell the most at the retail level at a monthly -0.9%.

Retail price increases in beverages and tobacco, crude materials, chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, as well as miscellaneous manufactured articles, similarly eased in March at annual rates of 2.4%, 3.1%, 2%, 4.3%, and 3.4%, respectively.

The costs of mineral fuels and lubricants, as well as manufactured goods, at the retail level, however, rose at a faster rate of 21.8% and 1.2%, respectively.

On a monthly basis, crude material costs fell by 0.1%. All other commodity costs posted modest increases.

Mr. Pernia, however, noted increasing price pressures.

“After elections, with consumer and investor confidence picking up, it’s likely that prices will tend to spike,” he concluded. — M.A.L.B.

News Article

Title: Stock Pick: Alaska Milk
Date: May 10, 2010 
Source: http://www.bworldonline.com/Research/stockpicks.php?id=0616; BusinessWorld

ALASKA MILK CORP.ís three-digit growth in the first quarter merited a “long-term buy/hold” recommendation from brokerage firm A&A Securities, Inc.

While analyst Jeng T. Calma admitted that the stock is currently thinly traded, news of the Uytengsu-led firmís earnings, planned expansion, as well as the release of its cash dividend, “will hopefully increase the demand for the stock.”

Alaska Milk reported last week that its net income surged by 165% to P523 million in the first three months of the year on the back of brisk sales.

Alaska Milk president and chief executive officer Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, Jr. also recently divulged Alaska Milkís expansion plans which are intended to increase powdered and liquid milk production capacity. The expansion is part of the companyís five-year growth plan aimed at doubling sales to P20 billion. Alaska Milk has also discontinued its distribution of Kelloggís products in order to focus on production of its core milk products.

Alaska shares were last traded at P8.80 apiece but the stockís price could eventually exceed its 52-week high of P9.20, Ms. Calma said.

“If you can get it at P9 or below, better,” she said, referring to the best time to buy the stock.

“The good thing about Alaska is it regularly gives cash dividends,” Ms. Calma added.

Alaska announced on May 4 a fivw-centavo per share cash dividend and a special dividend of 45 centavos per share.

Martin L. Santos, an analyst at the First Metro Securities Brokerage Corp., added that Alaska Milk shares are “not that followed because theyíre not that liquid.”

But given recent developments, he noted that Alaska Milk could track SM Development Corp. (SMDC), which recently gained investor interest following its strong sales figures.

“If the company does have aggressive expansion plans, it could possibly invite more interest from the investing public,” Mr. Santos said. — M.A.L.B.

Press Release

Title: 88DB.com promotes MSME growth
Date: March 14, 2011
Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/node/309245/88dbcom-promote; Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Micro and small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have long been considered the backbone of a country’s economy. The latest statistics* from the Department of Industry show that of the 780,437 businesses in the Philippines, 99.6% of these are MSMEs, with micro enterprises comprising 91.4% of the total number of MSMEs. MSMEs also provided 63.2% of the jobs generated in 2009.

The importance of these enterprises is clear to 88DB.com, which is why it is committed to helping SMEs expand and grow through digital marketing. Why digital marketing and not tri-media? “Usually start-ups and MSMEs are critical about their marketing budget and digital marketing is a more cost-effective way of promoting a brand, product, or service and the rate of response is higher than traditional media. 88DB.com is here to guide them and help them leverage on the site’s features and ad space,” says Racquel Cagurangan, general manager of 88DB.com.

88DB.com, the country’s first rich multimedia service and lifestyle portal, serves as a valuable tool that connects businesses with consumers. The website is divided into categories and subcategories, and each business’ ad is placed in the appropriate subcategory to make it easier for their clients to find them.

Entrepreneurs can also network and communicate with other entrepreneurs through the site’s features, like the forum and the mutual Q&A.

In their quest to encourage the development of MSMEs, 88DB.com has forged partnerships with several organizations who share the same goal. “88DB.com’s partnership with different organizations help MSMEs expand their reach and network, more visibility, more potential customers, therefore growth for their business,” says Cagurangan. 88DB.com’s partner organizations include the Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI), Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI) and Globe.