Say it with fireworks

"We have a responsibility in this business. I don’t sell big fireworks to people who don’t know how to use it. I make the prices a little bit expensive so people won’t have easy access to the fireworks we sell. It is dangerous especially when you don’t have enough knowledge on how to use it," explains Salvador "Doy" Tan, the man behind Starmaker, Inc., one of the most successful pyrotechnics companies in the country.

Starmaker, Inc. was established in 1995 for the manufacture of display shells. The company, known for its international fireworks standards, is backed up by Japanese technology. The fireworks it produces are the safest among the products in the market.

Only in his mid-30s, Doy is already an accomplished businessman. He recognizes that being in this business means going beyond the financial profits the company earns or being the best in the competition. Doy sets a good example to other businessmen by being socially-responsible in the way he runs his business.

"I want them to be fully aware that if a company does something wrong, everyone else in the industry is affected. All of us will be blamed. I myself, who is in this business won’t even touch a firecracker with my bare hands. I know it’s too dangerous," he says.

"There are some clients who force what they want on us because they say they saw it on TV. We tell them the effects are computer-generated. Sometimes pati sa confetti gusto nila totoong petals kasi daw scented. I told them we have to use Japanese papers because they’re light and attractive as they fall down. I give my suggestions to enhance the presentation," Doy explains.

Doy was at first apprehensive to enter the fireworks business. "I used to ask myself what I am doing in this kind of work since my interest is in water sports," he says.

Since it is a new company, Doy is always open to new ideas. He looks at various perspectives to see which one is the best. Just like any businessmen, he checks out competitors and travels abroad to acquire new ideas and observe. "When I travel I make sure to look for the latest technology but I also have to keep in mind that the products must suit the Filipinos’ tastes. In Japan, for example, fireworks go up one by one. Filipinos, on the contrary, don’t like this. Gusto nila sabay-sabay, makukulay at yung malalakas kapag sumasabog. What works best in other countries might not work here," Doy enthuses.

A down-to-earth person, Doy manages his staff effectively. He even brings his technicians along when he travels because he wants to share with them the information he acquires. He also asks his staff for ideas. According to him, "What’s the use if I am the only one who has the knowledge? I delegate work but most of all, I like people to have initiative."

He describes himself as obsessive-compulsive even if he has been in the industry for many years now, armed with a long list of achievements and clients. The company cannot afford to make a mistake. Doy and his team spend a lot of time preparing and practicing for any show. He is nervous even if his choreographers and technicians already know what to do.

He still follows some principles like putting his trust in the products he sells. He also checks the area to see what they can do to minimize, if not eliminate risks. Most importantly, Doy prays hard that everything will turn out well. He even advises people to place rocks on the side of the firecrackers to make it more stable when lit. Safety precaution is still the best practice.

It’s not surprising that numerous celebrations, events, TV shows and established companies have hired the services of Starmaker, Inc. The bottom-line would always be security issues associated with the fireworks displays and this was addressed by the efficient execution of Starmaker, Inc.

Watch the amazing pyrotechnics show the company mounts every Friday and Saturday at SM Mall of Asia. "I’m grateful for the trust given by the SM Mall of Asia to us. It is really a partnership," Doy says.

What’s in store for the company as the Yuletide season fast approaches? "We opened stalls at SM Malls and select Robinsons Malls but we only sell the small ones. We also have a New Year show at Mall of Asia and are working with other clients. I always tell clients we need to prepare early. Right now, Starmaker, Inc. aims for a show abroad next year. I hope it will push through. We can do it anyway. Filipinos can do what people in other countries are doing."