Success knows no limits; not even age. This was proven by the success of the entrepreneurs in Go Negosyo’s seventh book, Go Negosyo’s 50 Inspiring Stories of Young Entrepreneurs, which was officially launched last Thursday at the Glorietta 5 Activity Center. Hundreds of people, young and old, celebrated with us in an evening of simple cocktails and book signing.
I would like to thank everyone who supported us in the book launch, starting with Nanay Socorro “Coring” Ramos, the matriarch behind National Book Store; Esther Vibal, president of Vibal Publishing House, Inc.; and Mang Inasal founder Injap Sia for continuously supporting us in our advocacy and for sharing their thoughts during the event. Special thanks go to Jen Real-Lim (who is also featured in the book) and her students from Orange Dance Studio. They literally got the party started with their youthful opening number. And our host, Love Añover, was as lively as ever.
Why did we compile the success stories of 50 of the country’s young entrepreneurs? Aside from immortalizing the experiences of our young entrepreneurs, I know that there should be a constant need to motivate our youth to encourage them in taking that step towards attaining their dreams through entrepreneurship.
Let me give you a list of the young negosyantes that we featured in the book: Albert Stephen Tanjanco (Anjo Farms), Antonio Tiu (Agrinurture), and Mark Dulag (K-Yong Spirits and Winery) capitalized on agriculture, while Bang Omengan (Rock Inn & Cafe), Ivan Man Dy (Old Manila Walks), and Clang Garcia (Jeepney Tours) focused on tourism.
Alvin Tan (Technominds) and Brian Quebengco (Inovent, Inc.) are into the broader arena of information technology. Newer industries such as blogging and e-commerce became the turf of Anton Diaz (Our Awesome Planet), Tricia Gosingtian, Kim Lato (Kimstore), RJ David (Sulit.com), and Sheila Lina (Shopinas).
Meanwhile, young entrepreneurs such as Anna Meloto-Wilk, Dylan Wilk and Camille Meloto (Human Nature), Cristalle Henares (Belo Essentials), Denise Gonzales and Monica Eleazar (IndigoBaby), and Toby Claudio (Runnr) chose to devote their enterprises to personal care, baby care, and fitness.
Environment-conscious negosyantes such as Zarah Juan (Panda Cleaners) and Krie Lopez (Messy Bessy) created eco-friendly alternatives to products that are usually harmful to the environment such as detergents and house-cleaning materials.
Then we have Lester Lagos (The Urban Frog) and Benedict Carandang (Tuldok Animations) who are into graphic design, while James and Phil Younghusband (Younghusband Football Academy) and Michael Bian (Six Eleven Global Services) built enterprises that hone talents of individuals; Lourd Ryan Ramos (Creations by Lourd Ramos Salon) stayed true to his passion since the beginning and is now quite known in the beauty industry.
Bam Aquino and Mark Ruiz (Hapinoy) and Reese Ruiz (Rags2Riches) invested in social entrepreneurship, while Darwin and Mary Grace Santos (Li’l People Enterprises) and Kris Carlo Macapagal (Ink & Prints) were inspired by their personal experiences to begin their own business. Artists such as Pat Jalbuena (Kerplunk! Studios), Xander Angeles (Edge of Light Photography), and Raymund Punzalan and Jowee Alviar (Team Manila) harnessed their creative talents in art and made a profit out of it.
Clarisse Ann Paras (Bejeweled), Jerik Robleza and Dino Sarmiento (The Clothing), Kaye Garcia (Hot Pink Lingerie), Martina Manas, Enzo Banson, Katrina Tecson, and Ezra Capucion (The Twillery, Inc.), Christian Concepcion and Michael Concepcion (Greater Good), Ming Ong-Moya (Kathang Kamay), Nicole Whisenhunt (Nicole Whisenhunt Jewelry), Mich Dulce, and Veejay Floresca all made their mark in the fashion industry.
Lastly, we featured young entrepreneurs who changed the game in the food industry. Chef Hasset Go (MedChef), Chris Tiu (Happy Lemon), Emmanuel Carancho Jr. (Scramble King), GJ and Maricel Jimenez (Banapple), Ken Okuya (Okuya Food Express), Mark Gorriceta (Freska), Peter Chen and Juliet Herrera (Serenitea), and Richard Sanz (Bibingkinitan) introduced innovations that were followed by many other food entrepreneurs.
While we are on the topic of innovation, I’m sure all will agree that Edgar “Injap” Sia made waves in the food industry with Mang Inasal, the most popular barbecue fast-food chain in the Philippines. Injap recalls that he immediately grabbed the concept of being a pioneer in offering grilled inasal in a fast-food setup. The fast food flourished, but he felt the need to establish himself first. He gave himself two years to fully learn the ropes, after which he began expanding nationwide. Not long after, Jollibee Foods Corporation recognized Mang Inasal’s potential and took the brand under its wing.
When asked what his secret for success was, Injap stressed there is none. Rather, an entrepreneur must realize the importance of being “unique,” as well as believe wholeheartedly in himself and his ideas. Most importantly, Injap has the passion to drive himself and his Mang Inasal to success.
His story, along with the other 49 young entrepreneurs we have featured, are living testaments that success does not come with age, but with determination, innovation, and a positive attitude. With the release of our seventh book, I fervently hope that more individuals will be touched and inspired to move forward and take charge of their lives. It will be a joy for me and for Go Negosyo to hear what the next success story will be.
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