Ian's Realm

1. BER2BYTES

Our visit to Ber2Bytes revealed that the business offers affordable surplus laptops, particularly in its Cagayan de Oro branch. Ms. Rube Bongulan shared that their products are imported from Japan, ensuring quality for tech-savvy customers. However, one noticeable challenge they face is in the repair of devices, as some technical issues cannot be resolved in-house. The store's location at Metz Arcade provides accessibility, but the limited staff and shorter Sunday hours may impact their ability to handle customer flow efficiently. Despite these hurdles, Ber2Bytes maintains a strong reputation for affordability and compliance, with all necessary business permits and certifications in place. ----------------------------------------------------

2. ROSE APPAREL

Our interview with Marga at Rose Apparel highlighted the store's dedication to providing affordable and trendy women's clothing. While their products are sourced from Manila and are of good quality, the business occasionally struggles with a lack of customers, which impacts their sales. The store's single-staff setup might limit their ability to engage with potential buyers effectively, especially during peak hours. However, their convenient location at Metz Arcade offers them visibility and accessibility. ----------------------------------------------------

3. OSMEÑA HYDRAULIC HOSE AND BEARING CENTER INCORPORATED

Osmeña Hydraulic Hose and Bearing Center stands out for its long history and specialization in industrial supplies like hydraulic hoses and bearings. The business benefits from its well-trained staff, with Mr. Roy, the accountant, providing insights into their operations. While they have established themselves as a reliable source for quality products, their dependency on Manila-based suppliers could pose a challenge in times of logistical delays. Their adherence to safety and compliance is commendable, with all necessary certifications in place, ensuring trustworthiness in their operations. ----------------------------------------------------

4. MOTO TRUCK

MOTO TRUCK has established a strong presence in the spare parts market, with three branches and 30 staff members across locations. Ms. Yasmin Kris Hachero emphasized the importance of their training and seminars, which ensures a skilled workforce. The business has no apparent issues at present, according to Ms. Hachero, but staying competitive in a growing market requires consistent innovation. Their long-standing operation of 30 years reflects their stability and trust within the community, bolstered by thorough documentation and well-sourced supplies from China ----------------------------------------------------

5. WANNABEES FAMILY KTV

Last November 22 Jessa, Francen, Angel, and I conducted the sixth part of our interviews with five business owners, each with a different type of business. Before starting the interviews, we asked for their permission to take video or audio recordings for documentation purposes. We prepared a set of questions for them to answer, focusing on their businesses. ----------------------------------------------------

1. BER2BYTES

Ber2Bytes is owned by Mr. Daniel Vincent Bertubin and is located at Metz Arcade, Barangay 24, Capt. Vicente Roa St., Cagayan de Oro City. The business was established in July 2023. Ber2Bytes specializes in selling surplus or pre-owned laptops and accessories. Currently, the business operates 12 branches, with the Cagayan de Oro branch offering the most affordable laptops compared to other locations, according to Ms. Rube Bongulan, a staff member we interviewed. The laptops sold in the store are imported from Japan. The branch employs two staff members and is open from 10 AM to 7 PM, Monday to Sunday. However, on Sundays, their operating hours are shortened to 2 PM to 6 PM. Regarding documentation, the business has acquired all the necessary permits and certifications to operate, including a business permit, barangay clearance, DTI registration, Certificate of Registration (COR), sanitary permit, and official invoice receipts. One of the challenges they face is in repairing devices, as they are not always able to resolve technical issues. ----------------------------------------------------

2. ROSE APPAREL

Rose Apparel is owned by Ma'am Rose Loyola and operates a single branch located at Metz Arcade, Barangay 24, Capt. Vicente Roa St., Cagayan de Oro City. The business was established in 2022. The store has one staff member, Marga, whom we interviewed. Their clothing supplies are sourced from Manila and shipped in bundles. Rose Apparel primarily sells women's clothing, although they also offer a limited selection of men's apparel. The store is open from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, Monday to Sunday. One challenge the business occasionally faces is the lack of customers, which can result in lower sales. Regarding documentation, the store has acquired the necessary permits to operate, including a business permit and DTI registration. ---------------------------------------------------

3. OSMEÑA HYDRAULIC HOSE AND BEARING CENTER INCORPORATED

The business is a corporation owned by Mr. Leonard. It was originally established in the 1980s, but the current name of the store was adopted on September 25, 2017. The store is located on Osmeña Street, Cagayan de Oro City. The business specializes in selling bearing materials, hydraulic hoses, hose fittings, filters, and related products. Their supplies are sourced from Manila. The store employs a total of 11 staff members, including Mr. Roy, whom we interviewed. He serves as the accountant for the business. As a corporation, the business is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Regarding documentation, they have acquired all necessary permits, including a Certificate of Registration (COR), Certificate of Occupancy, and Fire and Safety Inspection Certificate. ----------------------------------------------------

4. MOTO TRUCK

MOTO TRUCK is owned by Mr. Patrick Chua and is located at 278 Osmeña Street, Cagayan de Oro City. The business specializes in selling spare parts and has been operating for approximately 30 years. The company has a total of three branches: the main branch on Osmeña Street and additional branches in Cugman and Valencia. Their supplies are sourced from China. The business employs a total of 30 staff members across its branches. According to Ma'am Yasmin Kris Hachero, one of the staff members we interviewed, the store is not currently facing any problems. She also mentioned that all staff are required to undergo training and seminars before starting work. The business has obtained all the necessary documents for its operations, including a business permit, DTI registration, and official invoice receipts.

5. WANNABEES FAMILY KTV

Wannabees Family KTV is owned by Ms. Wilma Go and was established in November 2023. The KTV is located on Max Y. Suniel Street, Cagayan de Oro City, and employs a total of three staff members. The business is centered around karaoke, providing a space where people can enjoy singing and having fun with friends. They offer a "Happy Hour" promotion from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, during which customers can enjoy discounts on their purchases. Wannabees Family KTV has acquired the necessary documents for its operations, including DTI registration, a business permit, and barangay clearance. The location for the business was carefully planned to ensure its success. The idea for the business stemmed from the owner's love of singing. ---------------------------------------------------

LINK TO THE INSIGHTS OF WEEK 11-12

1. SNEAKERS INSOLE

Our interview with Ms. Hazel, a staff member at the store, went smoothly as she was very approachable and readily agreed to the interview. Upon entering the store, I immediately noticed that there weren’t many customers passing by. One reason for this could be its location, which is not very visible to potential customers. Additionally, the physical store itself is not noticeable enough to attract people to come in. Ms. Hazel mentioned that this is one of the reasons their in-store sales are not very high. However, since they also sell online, the store continues to operate. ----------------------------------------------------

2. BULLECER METAL CRAFT

Our interview with Mrs. Bullecer was insightful, as we learned a lot from her about their business industry. Mrs. Bullecer was very kind throughout the interview and shared many things that were new to us. One notable point was that the metal craft industry they are part of is experiencing a decline. She explained that this is due to the increasing number of professionals entering the field, which has resulted in fewer workers available for their business. She also shared that, in the past, this kind of work was primarily self-taught or passed down from one generation to the next — her husband, for example, was taught by his father. Nowadays, however, people can attend welding classes to formally acquire these skills. I was truly amazed to learn that their hard work has allowed their children to graduate and pursue professional careers. ----------------------------------------------------

3. AC GAS LPG

Ms. Sison has only been working in the store for a few months, but she still answered the questions we asked, particularly about the problems the store occasionally faces. One major issue is low sales, which I believe is due to competition with other stores—especially since customers often have their own preferred gas brand, which the store sells. On a positive note, the store’s visibility makes it easier for customers to locate. It’s also great to know that they offer delivery services, as it’s inconvenient for customers to hand-carry gas tanks. However, delivery can sometimes be a challenge because their sidecar is occasionally unavailable due to maintenance issues. When this happens, they have no choice but to cancel deliveries. ----------------------------------------------------

4. HAPPY PULP PACKAGING

Our interview with the staff didn’t go as smoothly as planned because there were customers coming in to buy. However, this is a positive sign, as it shows that their store is already well-known among customers. Their location near the street also makes it easier for people to find. Interestingly, they even have some foreign customers, which indicates that their products are trusted. The staff were very busy at the time, yet they still mentioned that, despite having many customers, their sales are sometimes not very high. I believe this could be because they sell products that are also available elsewhere at lower prices. Some people tend to prioritize quantity over quality. ----------------------------------------------------

5. 8 SPOT BILLIARD HALL

Last November 8 Jessa, Francen, Angel, and I conducted the fifth part of our interviews with five business owners, each with a different type of business. Before starting the interviews, we asked for their permission to take video or audio recordings for documentation purposes. We prepared a set of questions for them to answer, focusing on their businesses. ----------------------------------------------------

1. SNEAKERS INSOLE

Sneakers Insole is a business that sells various sneakers. It is owned by Mr. Reuel Majaducon Ruelan II. The store was established in 2023, although they have been selling shoes online since 2021. Their supplies are shipped from Manila, and they are open from 11 AM to 7 PM, Monday to Friday. There are three staff members in the store; however, the one we interviewed was Ms. Hazel, who is a colleague of the owner from their church. The store is currently in a rented location. They have all the required documents to operate their store, including a Business Permit, Certificate of Registration (COR), DTI registration, Sanitary Permit, and BIR registration. Ms. Hazel shared that their biggest challenge is going a week without making a sale. However, they continue to generate online revenue. Additionally, although there are shirts displayed in their store, those belong to the COOP beside their establishment, managed by the OIC, and not to Sneakers Insole. They have attempted to find partnerships, but for now, the business is solely owned by Mr. Ruelan. ----------------------------------------------------

2. BULLECER METAL CRAFT

Bullecer Metal Craft, as the name suggests, specializes in metal crafts. The business is owned by Mr. Rafael M. Bullecer, but we interviewed his wife, Mrs. Rosalinda Bullecer. The business originally started in Corrales in 1988 and was owned by Mr. Bullecer's parents. It was eventually passed down to him, and it has been operating under Mr. Rafael's management for the past 13 years. They produce metal crafts such as gates, grills, and other custom metal projects, and they also offer home services. They have only one branch. Mrs. Bullecer shared that business has slowed down, so they have shifted to an on-call model, where customers call if they need work done. Either Mrs. Rosalinda or Mr. Rafael then contacts the workers to complete the job, which is why there are no staff regularly present at the establishment—they wait for customer calls. Their supplies are sourced from local hardware shops in the city. They have all the required documents to operate, including a Business Permit, Certificate of Registration (COR), DTI registration, Sanitary Permit, and BIR registration. The store is open from 8 AM Monday to Sunday, though occasionally they may open earlier or later if a customer calls at a different time. ----------------------------------------------------

3. AC GAS LPG

Next is AC GAS LPG, a business that sells LPG tanks. It is owned by Mr. Roberto Tan Reyes and is located at Nazareth. They primarily sell the FIESTA Gas brand, but they also offer other brands such as Petron Gasul, Prycegas, and more. In addition, they sell stoves and stove accessories. Currently, they have three staff members, two cashiers and one laborer. We interviewed Ms. Mae Amor Sison, one of the cashiers. They have the necessary permits to operate, including a Business Permit, License to Operate, DILG permit, and Sanitary Permit. Their boutique is currently located in Nazareth, but they are in the process of moving it to Pagatpat. They also deliver to customers using their own sidecar, though they encounter challenges when the sidecar is out of service. ----------------------------------------------------

4. HAPPY PULP FOOD PACKAGING

Happy Pulp Food Packaging is a business that sells food packaging products such as cups, plates, and various food containers. It is owned by Mr. Reynald Tan and was established last year, in 2023. They offer wholesale and retail options, but only for specific items. Their supplies come from Manila, with some items shipped from abroad. Currently, there are seven staff members working in the business. Their store is located at Tomas Saco St. Nazareth and their warehouse also serves as their store, which they are renting. One of their challenges is low sales. They have acquired all the necessary documents to operate, including a Business Permit and Certificate of Registration (COR). The store is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Saturday. ----------------------------------------------------

5. 8 SPOT BILLIARD HALL

The last business we visited is the 8 Spot Billiard Hall, located on Pabayo St. The business is owned by Ma’am Marjorica Joan Bautista and was established this year, on May 28, 2024. In addition to billiards, they also sell perfumes and food. There is one staff member working at the business and we interviewed Mr. Sergs which is the staff. They are open from 12 PM to 2 AM, Monday to Sunday. They are renting the location. They have acquired all the necessary documents to operate, including a Business Permit, Sanitary Permit, DTI registration, and they also have a bookkeeper registered at City Hall. Their supplies come from a billiard store in the city, McKenns. The food they sell is sourced from Savemore, with some items also purchased online. The store is currently facing challenges due to competition, as there are already many billiard spots in the area. -------------------------------------------------

LINK TO THE INSIGHTS OF WEEK 9 - 10:

WRITTEN BELOW ARE MY INSIGHTS FOR THE FOURTH PART OF INTERVIEWS IN EACH BUSINESS

1. AdTech Computer Sales & Services

Mr. Cuenca, our interviewee, was very approachable, which made our interview go smoothly. We learned a lot from him about the business, including their challenges, sales patterns, and scope of work. One of the challenges they often face, particularly Mr. Cuenca, is customer complaints. Although complaints are quite common in this industry, they can still be challenging to handle. We also learned that their sales fluctuate depending on specific dates or seasons, with some periods experiencing very high sales and others being slower. Lastly, we discussed the scope of their work. Since the shop name highlights services, they also handle repairs. When I asked if they could repair printers, Mr. Cuenca said yes. I initially expected him to repair all types and brands of printers, but he explained that he prefers or specializes in fixing Epson printers, as they are easier to repair compared to Brother printers, which require more complex work.

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2. ZEEMART CONVENIENCE STORE

Compared to our previous interview, which went smoothly, Ms. Salvaña, our interviewee, was very shy. In my opinion, she seemed curious about the reason for the interview. Since it’s a 24/7 convenience store, we asked her if there is a difference between their day and night sales, to which she said yes. She mentioned that their sales are higher at night than during the day. Based on the shop’s location, I agree that their night sales would be higher, as there is a bar across the street, which brings them more customers at night. Lastly, as I mentioned, they are a 24/7 convenience store, which led us to ask questions about the potential dangers of being open at night. She responded that sometimes drunk customers get into fights in front of the store. What makes it even more dangerous, in my opinion, is that there are no security guards at the store, so their security is limited. ----------------------------------------------------

3. PAWSTHRU PET SUPPLIES

During our interview with Ms. Angel and Mr. Julius, there were times we needed to pause when customers came in, which we understood. Both were very kind and approachable throughout the interview. Similar to previous interviews, Ms. Angel and Mr. Julius also mentioned that their sales fluctuate, with some periods being high and others low. Since they sell pet food and other pet products, we asked about the processes or requirements they need to meet before selling these types of products. They explained that they attended seminars and gained knowledge to sell these products responsibly. I believe this is essential because they are selling items that pets will consume; without proper knowledge, they could endanger the pets' health. Therefore, I applaud the initiative of Ms. Carreon, the owner, for ensuring her staff receives the proper training. ----------------------------------------------------

4. Loretta's Empanada

I think this was the most interesting interview we’ve had. At first, Ms. Dawn Dy was hesitant because she had previously been interviewed by other students who were very irresponsible, which she mentioned to us. However, as the interview progressed, it went smoothly. What made this interview particularly interesting was the business's history. It was started by her grandmother, Loretta, in 1960, hence the name of the store. The business has been passed down through generations for about 64 years. Ms. Dawn, the current owner, shared an interesting fact, she was the only one in the family with the courage to continue her grandmother’s legacy, as the empanada recipe is very challenging to make. I also watched several videos from vloggers promoting the store, especially the empanadas. We tried them ourselves and felt that our 35 pesos was well worth it. Ms. Dy is now facing a supply and demand challenge. Many people want to order their empanadas, but the time-consuming process and the effort required to gather ingredients make it difficult to keep up with demand. As a result, Ms. Dy encourages customers to pre-order so they can manage the time needed to prepare the empanadas. ----------------------------------------------------

5. GADGET PRO REPAIR SERVICES

Last October 25 Jessa, Francen, Angel, and I conducted the fourth part of our interviews with five business owners, each with a different type of business. Before starting the interviews, we asked for their permission to take video or audio recordings for documentation purposes. We prepared a set of questions for them to answer, focusing on their businesses.

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1. AdTech Computer Sales & Services

AdTech Computer Sales & Services is a business that sells computer parts and repairs computers and printers, specifically Epson printers. The owner of this business is Ma'am Anne. It is located on Corrales Ave. The business has been operating for 14 years in Cagayan de Oro, while the main branch in Iligan has been running for 17 years. The establishment has two staff members, and we interviewed the technician, Mr. Angelo Cuenca. Their business papers are complete, including registrations with BIR, DTI, and a business permit from City Hall. The store is open from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday. Supplies are shipped from Manila, with some coming from China, the U.S., and other countries. Their common issues often stem from customer complaints when they are unable to resolve a problem.

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2. ZEEMART CONVENIENCE STORE

This next business is a 24/7 convenience store located in Nazareth. It is owned by Mr. Zoren Jacob Jardin and was established in May 2024. The store has two staff members who work in shifts, covering the night and day. We interviewed the saleslady, Ms. Patty Salvaña. Their supplies are purchased from a grocery store, specifically in Palaña. Sales are higher in the evening than in the morning. They have acquired all the necessary documents to operate, including registrations with BIR, DTI, and a business permit.

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3. PAWSTHRU PET SUPPLIES

PAWSTHRU PET SUPPLIES is a store that sells pet food and other pet products. It is solely owned by Ms. Marianne Sistoso Carreon and is located at Nazareth, 6th St. The business was established in 2012 and has a total of four branches, located in Patag, SM Uptown, and the main branch in CM Recto near SM Downtown. They are only renting the spaces in 6th St. The store is open from Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm. There are two staff members, Ms. Angel and Mr. Julius, whom we interviewed. They have all the necessary documents to operate, including registrations with BIR, DTI, and a business permit. Additionally, the staff undergo seminars and orientations specifically about animals to ensure they sell products properly. The business was established because the owner is a dog lover.

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4. LORETTA'S EMPANADA

Loretta's Empanada is solely owned by Ms. Dawn Dy and is located on Pabayo, Gaerlan St. The empanada business was initially started by her grandmother, who is featured in the business logo. The recipe has been passed down from generation to generation since 1960. Ms. Dawn was the only one in the family who had the courage to continue what her grandmother started, as the process of making the empanada is quite difficult, which discouraged some of her siblings from getting involved. The business that Ms. Dy continued was established in 2019, starting as an online store and just then build a physical store. The physical store is open from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm. There are currently four staff members, including Ms. Dawn, who personally handles the cooking. All the empanadas are handmade, with no machines used in the process. They have complete documents, including DTI registration, BIR, a business permit, and a sanitary permit. While the exact sources of their supplies are undisclosed to maintain the exclusivity of the family recipe, Ms. Dawn mentioned that their ingredients are purchased from various groceries. The main challenge they face is balancing supply and demand, as it takes time to procure ingredients and produce the empanadas. Due to higher demand than they can supply, they encourage customers to pre-order for bulk orders.

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5. GADGET PRO REPAIRS SERVICES

The last business we interviewed is Gadget Pro Repair Services, owned by Mr. Arjo. It is located at Goking Building, Corner Jr. Borja, Corrales Ave., and has been running for 3 years. They have two branches, with the other one in Uptown. They offer gadget repairs, mainly for Apple products, which is their specialty. There are 5 staff members in the main branch and 2 in the Uptown branch. They have all the required documents, including DTI, BIR, a business permit, SSS, NCIII, and TESDA. The owner has no plans to expand the business further. He started the business out of his passion for fixing electronic devices, which he enjoyed even before launching it. The business specializes in level 3 repairs, such as fixing motherboards, power issues, signal problems, and data recovery. Like many in the tech field, their main challenge is customer complaints, especially when they are unable to fix a device, as they are well-known and customers have high expectations. -------------------------------------------------- LINK TO THE INSIGHTS OF THE FOURTH PART OF BUSINESS INTERVIEWS:

1. Johnny's Auto Parts

From working in a specific industry to creating a business in that industry, this is what happened in Mr. Ibala's journey as the owner of Johnny's Auto Parts. From this interview, I learned that a time will come when our work experiences might lead to the creation of our own businesses. I believe the location of the store is good, being near a busy street, but I also think there is a need to expand the store's space to provide parking.

2. Royal Glass Supply

I was amazed by how Royal Glass Supply started. It’s not just the name of the store that has changed over time, but also the owners, with each generation of the family taking over the business. In my perspective, based on the nature of the business, it is crucial to handle supply issues and home services carefully. If glass accidentally shatters during installation, it could have a significant financial impact. The location is good, with many people passing by the street.

3. Tech-Converge IT Solutions

Our interview with TECH-CONVERGE IT SOLUTIONS made me realize that our skills in a specific field could be a step toward a larger vision. Before the business had a physical store, it operated from home, with customers visiting their house for IT products. Customers began asking where their store was, even though they didn’t have one. That’s when they decided to open a store to better serve their customers. I believe listening to customer feedback was a key factor in their growth, and building the store was a good response to those needs.

4. Honyun Computer Store

Our interview with Ms. Tobito of Honyun Computer Store was very engaging. She explained many aspects of their business. While it isn’t a unique business, I noticed there were no direct competitors in the area. However, selling second-hand devices is challenging, as they must gain customer trust by ensuring that all items are in working condition. I agree with Ms. Tobito that the location is good, as it is near a busy street with a lot of foot traffic. However, a lack of parking space remains a problem.

5. NWOW Electric Bicycle

Last October 4, Jessa, Francen, Angel, and I conducted the third part of our interviews with five business owners, each with a different type of business. Before starting the interviews, we asked for their permission to take video or audio recordings for documentation purposes. We prepared a set of questions for them to answer, focusing on their businesses. ----------------------------------------------------

1. JOHNNY'S AUTO PARTS

The first interview is with Johnny's Auto Parts, a business established in 2004 and owned by Mr. Johnny Ibala. It is located on Vamenta Blvd, Cagayan de Oro, and specializes in selling car spare parts. This business is solely owned by Mr. Ibala and is registered under the DTI. They do not have any existing partnerships. Their operating hours are from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday.

Regarding legal documents, they have acquired the necessary permits for business operation, including a business permit, DTI registration, and BIR clearance. The business was started because of Mr. Ibala's knowledge of the industry, as his previous work experience was also in this field.

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2. ROYAL GLASS SUPPLY

Royal Glass Supply is owned by Sherwin Lo and was established in 2005. It is a business that sells glass, aluminum, and accessories, located at Cruz Taal - Rizal Street, Cagayan de Oro. The business is solely owned by Mr. Sherwin Lo. Before it became Royal Glass Supply, it was originally called Tay Chin Glass Store, established in 1965 by Mr. Sherwin's grandfather. Later, it was renamed Golden Glass and was owned by Mr. Sherwin's father, before finally becoming Royal Glass Supply. There are 13 staffs in the establishment. They cater to both walk-in customers and provide home installation services. Their supplies come from Manila and Cebu, and the store operates from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Saturday. In terms of permits, they have acquired all necessary documents for operation, including DTI registration, a Certificate of Registration from the BIR, and other documents like receipts and invoices.

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3. TECH-CONVERGE IT SOLUTIONS

Tech-Converge IT Solutions is solely owned by Ma'am Mae Catherine Nadal. It was established in 2023 and is located at Room 105, R.T. De Leon Plaza Building, Yacapin St., Cagayan de Oro City. As the name suggests, Tech-Converge IT Solutions sells IT products and also provides repair services and home service installations. The store is open from 8 30 AM to 5 30 PM, Monday to Saturday. They have two branches, with the other one located in Opol. Regarding legal documents, the owner has acquired all necessary permits for the business to operate, including the business permit, DTI registration, and sanitary permit. One issue the business occasionally faces is customer complaints about delayed services. Currently, there are no plans to expand, but they are hopeful for future growth.

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4. HONYUN COMPUTER STORE

Hunyon Computer Store is owned by Ma'am Kathlea and operates as a sole proprietorship under DTI. The business was established in July 2024 and is located at Brgy 08 Jr Borja, Don Apolinar Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City. We interviewed Ms. Shella Mae Tobito, who serves in an all-around role in the store, and she provided details about the business. Hunyon Computer Store sells IT products, surplus items, laptops, and accessories. They have four staff members - one guard, two salespeople, and two technicians. The store currently has only one branch and operates from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Saturday. Regarding legal documents, the business has acquired all the necessary permits for operation, including a business permit, DTI registration, receipt invoices, and a BIR certification. They source their supplies from Manila. One challenge the business sometimes faces is gaining customer trust, as they sell second-hand devices, and the functionality of these devices may not always be perfect.

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5. NWOW Electric Bicycle

NWOW Electric Bicycle is owned by Ma'am Jessica Seda. The business was established in 2019 and is located at J.R. Borja, Capistrano St. NWOW specializes in selling e-bikes. The store operates from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Saturday, and employs six staff members. In terms of documentation, the business has acquired all the necessary permits for operation, including a business permit, DTI registration, barangay clearance, and a fire and safety inspection. One challenge the business occasionally faces is that the physical store lacks enough space for their products.

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LINK TO THE INSIGHTS OF THE THIRD PART OF BUSINESS INTERVIEWS:

1. Greens&Sweets

The interview with Ms. Jandoc was very interactive. She is thoroughly knowledgeable in her area of specialization. I say this because she had a clear plan when starting the business, which aligned with something she loved doingᅳcooking. I believe this made it easier for her to start the business. She also leveraged her family's vegetable-selling business, which allowed her to focus on healthy foods. Ms. Jandoc's approach was brilliant because she took advantage of every opportunity to start the business she wanted. Additionally, Ms. Jandoc managed the legal documents appropriately. Even though she was operating her business online, she obtained a DTI permit to ensure no one else could use her business name. Acquiring that document was an excellent move because she wanted to make her business known, and she needed her business name to be unique and exclusively hers. We also learned how did she market her business and she said that she chose Instagram as her platform because she understood that most Instagram users are more outgoing than those on other platforms, which is why she focused on selling through Instagram. Given these facts, I believe Ms. Jandoc did a great job of finding her target market for the reasons mentioned above.

2. Cuadro Ocho Inc.

This second interview is quite inspiring for best friends who want to start a business together like us. This business was started by a group of friends who shared a similar vision in the business industry. They began by selling lumber in Iligan, and now they have 11 branches in different locations. This shows that their planning was very successful, including preparing and acquiring all the necessary legal documents, such as SEC registration and the BIR certificate. We also learned and noticed that their business's location was well-planned, considering factors like foot traffic and parking. This is important because they sell hardware supplies, and there may be times when customers purchase bulk products, which would only be possible with proper parking facilities.

3. FMN Agricultural Supply Inc.

The interview we had with this business was very insightful, and we learned a lot from it, especially regarding the process of acquiring the necessary documents. Ms. Tato explained everything they needed to obtain for the business to operate. All the required documents are visibly displayed inside the shop. I believe this is particularly important because they are selling agricultural products, and it could be harmful if they were not licensed to operate. Having these documents not only ensures safety but also builds trust with their customers, as it shows their confidence in the products they are selling. I also learned about the various seminars they needed to attend, such as Red Cross Training and BOSH (Basic Occupational Safety and Health). They also have a Fire Safety Inspection Permit. These permits must be renewed annually to avoid any legal conflicts and to ensure the business's continued legitimacy.

4. Color Mix Paint Center

We interviewed the business owner and found out about the struggles she had to endure in order to continue. Ms. Cabutan said that at first the company was making good sales and they thought it was wise to open another branch and so they did. However, over time, especially when the pandemic started, the sales reduced significantly. She had no other choice but to shut down the second branch and focused on the one branch only. I also realized that one of the causes of this was the location of the store. It was surrounded by many competitors and the store’s visibility was low for those in the road passing by. However, I would like to appreciate Ms. Tato for her strong determination as she is still running the business up to this day, despite all the challenges she faced just to stay in the market.

5. Jay-Q Grains Rice Trading

Last September 19, Jessa, Francen, Angel, and I conducted the second part of our interviews with five business owners, each with a different type of business. Before starting the interviews, we asked for their permission to take video or audio recordings for documentation purposes. We prepared a set of questions for them to answer, focusing on their businesses.

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1. GREENS&SWEETS

Greens & Sweets is owned by Ms. Regina Jandoc. The store is located in Door 4, FLC Building, Marigold Street, Carmen and was established last year, in 2023. However, the business itself began in 2021 when she was still a student and sold her products online through social media, specifically Instagram. The business focuses on selling healthy cuisine, using ingredients such as vegetables—especially lettuce—and fruits to create various dishes.

Ms. Jandoc saw an opportunity to start this business because of her passion for cooking and her love of vegetables. Additionally, her father operates a hydroponics farm, and their family has a history of selling vegetables. However, Ms. Jandoc found selling vegetables alone to be uninteresting, which motivated her to create a more dynamic business centered around healthy eating.

Her goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle, especially since she noticed many people transitioning toward healthier habits. Before officially launching her product line, she obtained a DTI permit nationally, even while selling online, to ensure that no other business could copy their brand name. Additionally, they have business permits from the barangay, the BIR, and an official receipt (OR), all of which are managed by their bookkeeper.

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2. Cuadro Ocho Inc.

Cuadro Ocho Incorporated is a hardware store that engages in both wholesale and retail. The business was established on August 9, 1988, and is located at Max Y. Suniel Street, Corner Ipil St., Cagayan de Oro, with a staff of 10. We interviewed the manager, Ma'am Marichu Villanueva, who declined to provide the owner's name.

The business currently has a total of 11 branches, with the main branch located in Cebu. As a corporation, Cuadro Ocho is registered with the SEC. The business originally started in Iligan, where a group of business-minded friends decided to venture into this field. Initially, they sold lumber, but eventually, they shifted to selling hardware and other construction materials.

Ma'am Villanueva mentioned that acquiring the necessary documents was their first step in building the business. This included securing registration from the SEC, BIR, City Hall, GIS, as well as the articles of incorporation and bylaws for the corporation.

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3. FMN AGRICULTURAL SUPPLY INC.

FMN Agricultural Supply Incorporation sells feeds, veterinary products, fertilizers, pesticides, and chemicals. We interviewed the branch supervisor, Ma'am Juanita H. Tato, who provided us with more details about the business. FMN Agricultural Supply Inc. is a corporation, registered under the SEC, and owned by Ma'am Concepcion F. Nunez. The branch has 5 staff members. The company currently operates a total of 9 branches, and the branch in Carmen was established on May 18, 2006.

The business requires multiple permits to operate. They obtain their business permit from the City Hall, where it undergoes city inspection. Additionally, they hold a Fire Safety Inspection Permit, Sanitary Permit, DTI Certificate of Registration, as well as registrations with SSS, DOLE, Red Cross, and Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH). Since they sell fertilizers, pesticides, and similar products, they are also registered with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority to legally sell these items.

Ma'am Tato also mentioned that fertilizers, feeds, and veterinary products each require different permits. Their supplies come from the main branch located in Baloy, where they have their own warehouse. Finally, she pointed out that competition and price wars with other stores are major factors affecting their sales.

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4. Color Mix Paint Center

The fourth business we visited is Color Mix Paint Center located at Carmen, owned by Ma'am Teresita Cabutad. The store exclusively sells paints and has only one staff member. The business was established in 2012 and is registered as a sole proprietorship, making it regulated by the DTI. They have obtained necessary permits, including a Business Permit, BIR registration, DTI registration, and a Sanitary Permit.

The store operates from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday. Ma'am Cabutan noted that the store's location is the main reason why their sales are not as high. However, she mentioned that when they first established the business, sales were strong because there were fewer competitors at the time. Unfortunately, things changed during the pandemic, and their sales began to decline.

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5. JAY-Q GRAINS RICE TRADING

The fifth and last business we visited was Jay-Q Grains Rice Trading, located on V. Castro St., Carmen, and owned by Mr. Garciano Baldelamar. However, we interviewed the store manager, Ma'am Analyn Tagaro. The business sells rice, both retail and wholesale. As it is solely owned by Mr. Baldelamar, it is registered under the DTI. The store operates from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Sunday.

They do not have any other branches and only employ two staff members. Like other businesses, they have a business permit from the city, a barangay clearance, and a sanitary permit. We were informed that all their documents are complete, as they have never been penalized, and the permits are renewed annually. The rice they sell comes from Cotabato, and some is imported, with certain sacks sourced from Vietnam.

Ma'am Tagaro added that their imported rice is slightly more expensive, with the imported variety priced at ₱1,340 per half sack, while the local rice costs ₱1,140 per half sack. They only sell half sacks of rice.

LINK TO THE INSIGHTS OF THE SECOND PART OF BUSINESS INTERVIEWS:

NJESS GENERAL MERCHANDISE - After interviewing Ms. Barton, I realized some things about creating a business. There is no clear path as to what kind of business you will operate in the future. Sometimes, it will align differently with your passion or with the previous business you owned. For example, Ms. Barton sold soft drinks and beers but later started a new hardware supply business. It also began selling lansang (nails) before becoming a shop. Furthermore, from what I have noticed in our environment or the location, Ms. Barton's choice of selling hardware supplies was good, as she has no other competitors in the area. She is the only one who is selling hardware supplies. Additionally, my family recently purchased supplies from them, and their service was excellent. Their business is doing well, as they have already become a supplier for contractors, engineers, and others, which reflects the high quality of their services. HAPPY SIP - During this second interview, I believe that Ms. Rema Hasan has been in the business industry for a long time. It is because before we could even ask any questions, she clarified that she wouldn’t discuss their sales— a topic we hadn’t planned to ask about anyway, as we understand it’s personal and confidential. Interestingly, she was the only business owner we interviewed who proactively mentioned this before we even began asking questions. She also mentioned that the business isn’t doing as well as she had hoped, and explained that this is largely due to the nature of the product—milk tea. She pointed out that milk tea isn’t a daily necessity for most people, which makes it harder to sell consistently. I agree with her perspective, as I enjoy milk tea myself. However, there are times when people, including myself, prioritize eating food over having a milk tea. Despite these challenges, Ms. Rema remains committed to her business. Her perseverance is evident as she runs the business while looking for solutions to improve its performance. Ms. Rema is dedicated to keeping the business operating, even when faced with challenges. AJ WATER REFILLING STATION - This third interview is somehow different from our previous ones because of the unique reason behind why the business was built. While many business owners start their ventures primarily to earn money, Mrs. Jamito’s motivation was different. She created her business for her children, with the intention of leaving them something they can rely on when she and her husband are no longer around. I believe the location of their shop is a significant issue. The shop is situated near a road, and there’s no available parking space. It’s challenging to run a business like Mrs. Jamito’s refilling station without proper parking. If customers are only buying one gallon and can carry it, it’s not a problem. However, when they want to purchase larger quantities and need to load them into their car, the lack of a parking area becomes a major inconvenience for customers. JASMINE GARDEN - Mrs. Dap-og’s motivation and perseverance are truly remarkable. She has been selling flowers since 1992 and continues to do so today. I believe her passion for flowers likely comes from a deep fondness for them, making it feel more like a hobby than just a business. During our interview, I noticed the wide variety of flowers she sells, with different sizes and types. It made me realize that the process of loading and unloading these flowers, especially the heavier ones, must take a lot of time and effort. Running a business for 32 years and counting is no easy feat, especially with many competitors in the area also selling a variety of flowers. What sets their businesses apart is how they are managed.

Last August 30, Jessa, Francen, Angel, and I, interviewed 5 business owners. Each of them has different businesses. Before we started the interview, we asked them for their permission to let us take a video for documentation purposes. Some of them agreed, but some of them told us not to take a video and just let us take a voice recording. We made some questions for them to answer based on all the business itself.

1. N JESS GENERAL MERCHANDISE

Miss Carmela Barton owns N Jess General Merchandise, a hardware store located at Zone 12 Upper Carmen, Door 3 LACAR Bldg. Her business started in 2015. They were also selling wholesale products of soft drinks and beers before, but the business went down as one of their staff members failed to do his/her job. Moreover, before the N Jess General Merchandise established, they were only selling nail hardware. The money they made from selling these nails was the one they used to start this business. Also, with the help of her father, who was an OFW before. They built this business so that her father does not need to go abroad anymore. Miss Barton also said that this serves as a retirement plan for her father. Moreover, we asked them about the first process they made before creating this business.

Miss Barton said that the first thing they did was to find a place, then the location, and lastly, to find suppliers. They have an estimated total of 17 staff working for them, especially since their business requires manpower. Their business also deals with partner contractors, where contractors, engineers, etc. will ask for their supplies. Furthermore, they also encounter a downfall where the sales are not that high, but nevertheless they are still able to pay for things they need to pay.

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2. HAPPY SIP

Happy Sip is owned by Ms. Rema Hasan and Ms. Merlyn Hasan, sisters who decided to start a business together. It is located in Zone 12, Upper Carmen, near the multicab terminal. This business, owned by the sisters, is a franchise store, with the main branch located in Manila. Happy Sip primarily focuses on selling milk tea, but the sisters decided to expand the menu, and now they also sell coffee and snacks like fries, siomai, and more. They started this business on March 5 of this year.

The business is solely managed by Ms. Rema and her mother, with no partnerships with other companies. Before Happy Sip started, Ms. Hasan's mother ran a business selling second-hand clothes (ukay-ukay), but sales declined. This decline prompted the Hasan sisters to create a separate business to generate additional income.

Regarding the process of starting the business, Ms. Rema explained that the first step they took was contacting the franchise. After receiving approval, they then made arrangements with the supplier for their products. However, Ms. Rema noted that one of the challenges they face is managing inventory, as they need to request supplies from Manila, which can take time to arrive.

Additionally, Ms. Rema mentioned that sales are not as high as they would like, which she anticipated because their products are not essential goods. She compared it to rice, a basic necessity that people need regularly.

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3. AJ WATER REFILLING STATION

The third one is the AJ Water Refilling Station, this business is owned by Mrs. Leonor Jamito and located at Zone 12-C UZLAI. The business started operating on June 28, 2024. Their business also has no partnerships with other companies and is just solely managed by them. There are only 3 people who are working in their store, which is their family member. We asked about how the business was going, and she told us that they needed to be patient because there are times when sales are high and also sometimes they're low.

Mrs. Jamito's reason as to why she created this business is because she wants to leave something for her children, and this is their business. She said that she wanted her children to have this business because we do not know how long we will still be in this world. Furthermore, Mrs. Jamito's first step before diving into this business is to save money because she knows that they need a large amount of capital to build this business.

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4. JASMINE GARDEN

The fourth one is the Jasmine Garden, which is owned by Mrs. Amelita Dap-og. She started selling since 1992, up to this day. However, during that time she said that she was only selling a small amount of flowers or that there were not that many variations of the flowers she was selling. Her store is located in Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City. There were no partnerships involved from other companies; she and her family are solely managing the business. Additionally, there are 3 staff working on her business, which are just her family members, the husband, Alejandro Dap-og, and her son, Staline Dap-og.

Mrs. Dap-og is not just focusing on selling varieties of flowers; they also cater to landscaping. They joined a lot of floral displays, such as festivals, for example, this Higalaay Festival. They were invited from the LGU to display their florals in Gaston Park also for the beautification of the place. Moreover, they have participated in contests and won some prizes, specifically "Best in Flowering" and "Best in Bonsai Plant."  Furthermore, in order for them to have their business displayed, they are required to submit their business permit.

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5. AQUARIST FISH SHOP

Our last stop is AQUARIST AQUARIUM FISHSHOP, owned by Mrs. Devenia Socorro M. Chua, located on Rizal Fernandez Streets, Brgy 1. The store was built in 2010, but the business has been operating since 1993. The owner manages the business herself, with no partnerships involved. There are three people working in the business: Mrs. Chua, her husband, and their son.

The business primarily sells different types of fish, although they have expanded to include other animals and pets. They also sell aquarium accessories and fish food. The business was created to generate extra income, and also because her husband has a passion for fish and enjoys keeping various kinds.

To start the business, they invested in setting up aquariums to house the fish. Mrs. Chua mentioned that their first step was to find a reliable supplier who could provide them with a steady supply of products over the long term.

LINK TO THE INSIGHTS OF THE FIRST PART OF BUSINESS INTERVIEWS: https://www.tumblr.com/eiyuhnnn/763238664659763200/written-below-are-my-insights-for-the-first-part?source=share

MBTI TEST RESULT

As I took the MBTI test, or the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, I felt like I didn’t completely know myself. Back in junior high school, one of my friends asked me to take the MBTI test to learn about my personality. So I took the test, and the result showed that I was an ESFJ at that time. For a long period, I believed that I was an extrovert, also because this is how my friends identify me before. They also thought I was extroverted because I could easily get along with people, even if it was our first meeting. We all relied on this as the reason to identify my personality as extroverted. However, as time went by, the results changed.

This is only my second time taking the personality test, and it showed ISTP-A, with the first indicator showing that I am 51% introverted—quite different from the result I received in junior high school. I even took the test three times, thinking I might have skipped some parts or misunderstood the questions, but the result remained the same. However, after reading the analysis, I feel like this description fits me better.

I believe that the change in results indicates a development in my personality. It doesn't have to be seen in a negative way; rather, it suggests that I have gained more self-awareness and life experiences, which contributed to this shift in the results.

HERE ARE THE RESULTS UPON TAKING THE MBTI TEST:

51% Introverted: I prefer to be alone sometimes, avoiding social interactions because they can be draining for me. However, spending time with my friends helps me recharge, especially when it’s a smaller, more intimate group.

75% Observant: I pay more attention to the real and useful aspects of life because I am more observant than intuitive. I prefer not to take action based on information that I don't fully understand or know. This is something that I think will be useful to me in the future.

53% Thinking: I felt that this aspect of myself was both a strength and a weakness. I became aware that sometimes I would ignore someone's feelings in favor of focusing too much on the objectives and the outcome. I'll figure out how to achieve a balance on this.

79% Prospecting: I'm flexible and can easily adjust to a new environment. This aspect, in my opinion, will be helpful to me, but it will also present challenges when I have to incorporate it into a routine or long-term plan.

I've never considered starting a business because I've never felt motivated by anyone or anything. However, seeing some of my friends run their own businesses amazed me and gave me hope that maybe I could do the same one day. I wonder how they manage to run a business and continue their studies at the same time. Still, I'm hopeful that I can be like them someday.

HERE'S THE RESULT OF MY BERKELEY INNOVATION INDEX TEST:

The picture shows that my personal innovation mindset level is 64.64 out of 100, indicating that my innovation mindset is not yet fixed. However, this also means that there is room for improvement and growth.

This is my analysis and recommendations:

TRUST 47.33 - This component has the lowest score. This indicate that I do not easily trust people that it takes time to build this which is needed in a business. This also suggests that trust is a significant factor in business success, particularly in the world of innovation where collaboration with others is often involved, making trust a crucial part of the process.

RESILIENCE 65.0 - Resilience is essential in the world of innovation where things are not sure on whether it will go in my way or it will turn upside down. My score indicates me that I am there but I still need a slight push to really be there. It also indicates that my failures should not be a hindrance on taking another chance, I will set it as a lesson to avoid making the same mistakes that make me failed.

DIVERSITY: 62.5 - I got a score of 62.5 which I believe is fairly high enough. It indicates that I am open to new ideas from different perspective because I believe that we can learn things from each other.

BELIEF: 65.33 - Belief in one's own ideas and abilities is necessary to influence others and and find motivation to overcome obstacles. I got a score of 65.33 which indicates that I am confident in my ideas and abilities, that I can motivate someone to overcome challenges in life. Also, there's still a need to improve in this component.

ALLOCATION: 70.0 - I got a score of 70.0 which is high enough. This indicates that I know when to focus on perfection and when to allow good enough to be good enough to have an optimal balance of resources.

COLLABORATION: 65.0 - I always share my ideas when I have one. Especially when I think that my ideas could be helpful to my collaborators.

COMFORT ZONE: 70.0 - Having a wide comfort zone is correlated with growth mindset is necessary for a person to grow, adapt, and innovate. I got a score of 70.0 which is second to the highest score among other components. That indicates that I have comfort zone that helps me to grow adapt and innovate.