The Bossings

CEBU, Philippines - Filipino entrepreneurs are the true heroes; that’s why the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company via its SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) Nation greatly honors and supports them.

“Small and medium-scale enterprises contribute largely to the Gross Domestic Product and to the nation’s export volume,” said Ms. Kat Luna-Abelarde, PLDT SME Nation vice president and head.

“These firms comprise the backbone of our economy. But the effects of entrepreneurship extend well and beyond the lives of the SME owner and his/her family.”

“This is because a business instantly creates job opportunities and provides livelihood for some people,” Abelarde added.

Three recipients of the first set of MVP Bossing Awardees last year presented themselves to members of the tri-media last August 22 for the launch of the 2011 MVP Bossings search, a component of the PLDT Bossing Ako Campaign started last year.

They are Mr. Steve Benitez of Bo’s Coffee, Mr. Joe Magsaysay of Potato Corner, and Ms. Siu Ping Par on behalf of Mr. Nelson Par of PR Gaz Haus.

It was learned, through a winner’s dossier, that in 1996, the first Bo’s Coffee outlet opened in Cebu. During this time, the modern café concept is not yet as familiar to the Filipino. Steve Benitez knew it wasn’t going to be easy but he mustered enough resolve to dive right into the venture. Now, Bo’s Coffee is the leading Filipino specialty coffee brand. With 48 branches today found all over the country, this Bossing is relentless in bringing Bo’s to even more Filipinos aggressively opening branches in more sites. Eventually, his plan is to expand to our neighboring countries, giving our Asian brothers a state of the Filipino café lifestyle.

“Managing and growing this leisure-driven business actually entails hard work and critical decisions,” Benitez warmed up to disclosing the path he had to tread. Bent on giving only top-grade service, this Bossing has even installed PLDT WiFi Hub in his cafés, making it possible for him to give free Internet service to his growing clientele.

According to Benitiz, guts is the best springboard upon which a Bossing achieves success. However, for modern technological solutions, he relies on PLDT SME Nation.

Mr. Joe Magsaysay conquers the world with hard work, as well, and a good product.

He fancied a mobile phone, a new car, and wanted to send his children to good schools. He then figured out that the best way to do this is by starting a business. So along with four partners, he put up Potato Corner – the SME that literally shook the way Filipinos enjoy French fries.

Now a very strong contender in the local food cart scene, Potato Corner has also opened branches in other countries such as the USA, Israel and Malaysia. This Bossing remains aggressive in spite of his accomplishments. He attributes his success to the WeRoam, PLDT’s mobile Internet device, as through this he is able to work closely with international partners even while visiting his sites.

Despite recessions being felt by giant economies of the world, Magsaysay is confident that the business stays in tip-top shape for as long as the craving for French fries remains among its base of clients. “We are a market-driven trade, so for as long as the munching stays, we are here to provide,” Magsaysay said. As for the health value of his product, Magsaysay is quick to point out: “anything taken excessively is bad.”

Magsaysay further enthused that it’s ambition which pushes him to become a successful Bossing. And that he has never stopped striving for excellence. Like Benitez, he relies on SME Nation for modern techno solutions.

Like any good partnership that leads to growth, the tandem of Mr. Nelson and Siu Ping Par started as one of the industry’s equipment suppliers before they eventually became the leading LPG refilling company that they are now.

Another secret that’s vital to Nelson and Siu’s successful enterprise lies in how efficient they could conduct business. In order to make it even convenient for their clientele, these Bossings trust PLDT SWUP, the GSM-based wireless ATM/Credit Card payment gateway.

Siu pointed out that passion is one of the most important driving forces when heading for success. Again, she credits SME Nation for providing solutions to techno needs that has brought their business to the next level, helping all recipients to expand globally and maintain competitive edge.

The other “2010 Bossing” recipients were Cecilio Pedro of Lamoiyan Corporation (manufacturer of Hapee Toothpaste); Sarabeth Salcedo of Baliwag Lechon; Cora Ong of CDO; Bam Aquino and Mark Ruiz of Hapinoy; Annabella Wisniewski of Raintree Group; Rey and Anais Lapid of R. Lapid’s Chicharon and Barbecue; Henry Lim Bon Liong of SL Agritech; Bobby and Jojo Claudio of Toby’s Sports; and Federico Moreno and Vina Morales of Ystilo Salon.