#week3-4

List of the insights that I gained from the interview:

1. Greens and Sweets

Being able to interview and knowing the story of Ms. Regina about her business, Greens and Sweets, gave us lessons and deeper insights into how business works.

While we were inside the Greens and Sweets, me and my groupmates felt welcomed and relaxed. Ms. Regina made the interview lighter, and she shared with us a lot of her experiences, from which we also learned a lot from her.

She shared with us that the inspiration behind her business was her hobby and passion for cooking during the pandemic. She even watched the whole season of Master Chef. It also helped that during the pandemic, her father was doing hydroponics with lettuce; then they were only selling it in a cup, but then she felt it was boring, so she thought of ways on how to elevate it since she knows how to cook.

We also learned about her marketing strategies back when her business is still starting. She chose Instagram for posting and promoting her product since, for her, Instagram is more aesthetic and it is more suited for her business at that time. Additionally, she said that if you want your business to have more exposure and for the general public to know about it, you can opt to promote it on Facebook.

She also made us feel at ease during the interview, she even said that she can also relate to us as she was also a student back then. As a kind gesture, she gave us their kani roll for free, making it an even more memorable experience.

2. Cuadro Ocho Incorporated

Cuadro Ocho Incorporated shows us new learnings and insights that we gained during our interview with them.

Cuadro Ocho Incorporated shows that a group of friends with a shared business vision can build something significant from humble beginnings. Starting from in Iligan, where they mainly sold lumber, they expanded into a fully hardware and construction materials company with 11 branches across different locations. It also shows that their success did not happen suddenly, they did careful planning, having the right legal documents like SEC registration and BIR certification to ensure their operations were legitimate.

The process of setting up a corporation like Cuadro Ocho Inc. involves a lot of legal documents, from the Articles of Incorporation to General Information Sheets (GIS), all of which are vital in maintaining transparency and legal compliance. These legal documents serve as a foundation and legitimacy, complying with the requirements of having a business.

Another insight that I gained is how they carefully consider the location of their stores. The foot traffic and parking are very important factors for them, especially the nature of their business, where heavy supplies often need to be transported. They clearly understand that choosing the right spot for a branch can make a big difference in customer convenience and sales.

3. FMN Agriculture Supply Inc.

The interview that we did for the FMN Agriculture Supply Inc. showed us the deeper importance of documents and insights about business.

Ms. Tato explained and shared with us the importance of complying with the legal documents and license for their business and also having business in general. Their having an FPA license aside from registering it with SEC and DTI, shows how crucial it is for businesses that are in line with agriculture to ensure compliance for the safety and well-being of their customers and the environment. It also demonstrates that they really ensure their products, like fertilizers and pesticides, meet safety and quality standards before they sell them. 

Having certificates and trainings is also important to this business, as per Ms. Tato. Attending trainings and seminars from the Red Cross and BOSH shows how a business needs to invest in learning and training for their staff. This gives their staff knowledge and preparedness against potential emergencies and hazards. Additionally, their Fire Safety Inspection and Sanitary permit, and their annual renewal for their documents, permits, and licenses indicate how important proper documentation is for businesses. Staying updated with renewals to avoid any legal issues, complying, and maintaining its legitimate business.

4. Color Mix Paint Center

Color Mix Paint Center gave us lessons that we can learn from and insights that we can get from having a business.

Mrs. Cabatud shared to us that one time, she felt that there was much growth that could happen, and so she ventured and established two more branches of Color Mix Paint Center in other locations. Her vision was to increase the customer base and expand her business. However, she had some problems such as the sales problems that hinder the business from sustaining the branches operations.

Therefor, Mrs. Cabutad brought the resolve to shut both branches after a long and hard thinking. It was a disappointment but she did not let disappoint join her as she had learned to deal with disappointments realistically. Instead of letting this be a problem for her business, she decided to concentrate on developing her one branch. In doing so, she was able to cut down costs, and focus more time on delivering outstanding service to her clients at the core business.

Mrs. Cabatud story shows that it is not always a straight upward march for a business and, in some cases, the decision to downsize might just be the best course of action for further growth. Because of her flexibility and willingness to grow from the situation, Color Mix Paint Center can still be continued to be presented as a business.

5. Jay-Q Grains Rice Trading

Jay-Q Grains Rice Trading showed us that despite challenges, you can still continue to provide quality products, and I also gained insights from it.

From the receipt we saw during our interview with her, one of the Philippine Red Cross staff attended Occupational First Aid and Adult Basic Life Support with CPR training. This training ensure that their staff are ready for any emergencies that may occurred even though they are not into medical field. Moreover, Ms. Tagaro pointed out that their business documents must be updated on a yearly basis to ensure they pass legal requirements.

Ms. Tagaro also informed us about the problems of the rice trading business saying that the price level may vary depending on supply and demand. There are other traders who also offer rice within the area and, therefore, a threat to the company through placing pressure on the prices. Nevertheless, the following are the challenges that the firm face with regard to its operation, Jay-Q Grains Rice Trading, continues to operate with a commitment to providing quality rice and ensuring that it complies with all legal requirements.

- Being able to interview and know these businesses, I have learned that sometimes, starting small means you have to get out of your comfort zone and learn how to elevate things and deal with different legal documents for compliance. It is very inspiring to see how dedication, passion, perseverance, and hard work can lead to growth and success. 

Me and my groupmates, Angel Jean Obsioma, Ian Gariel B. Ramas, and Francen P. Sellote, roam around the city to look for businesses that we can go to and ask the business owner or staff if we can ask a few questions regarding their business, so that we can gain knowledge and in-depth understanding about how business works, and we also asked permission if it is okay to take a picture.

Here is the list of the businesses we interviewed and the key information we gathered for week 3-4.

1. Greens and Sweets

Greens and Sweets was established in the year 2021 when she was still a student, but the physical store was built around May in the year 2023, which is their main branch that is owned by Ms. Regina Jandoc. This business offers healthy foods, like salad, sandwiches, and rolls, and also cookies, which are sweet foods; that is why it is called Greens and Sweets. They also do catering and joined some food bazaars. Their other branch is located at Barra, which just opened recently, in July 2024. Their overall number of staff for both branches is 5.

During the process of starting her business, she initially began selling online, specifically through Instagram. She registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as she informed us that it is acceptable to register a business with the DTI even if it only operates online without a physical store. She added that she opted for nationwide registration, as she was hoping and dreaming for her business to expand nationally. She also secured her business permit, registered with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and obtained official receipts (OR), and they have a bookkeeper to handle these matters. And she mentioned that having a business location is crucial since it’s required to obtain a business permit.

2. Cuadro Ocho Incorporated

Cuadro Ocho Incorporated was established on August 8, 1988, specializing in retailing and wholesale hardware and construction materials. This business is a corporation that is owned by a group of friends who are business-minded. They started first in Iligan, selling lumber, then eventually expanded into hardware and construction materials. Today, Cuadro Ocho Inc. boasts 11 branches, with the main branch located in Cebu. They have 10 staff only for the Max Y. Suniel Street, Corner Ipil Street branch alone and 300 staff for the entire branches.

The process that they go through to establish the business is to first get proper documents. Since this business is a corporation, they are required to have it SEC registered. Next is the BIR registered so that their business can legally issue official receipts (OR), file taxes, and even avail of tax credits or deductions. Another document is General Information Sheet (GIS), so as a SEC registered corporation, they are required to file GIS to maintain transparency and ensure compliance with the legal regulations. And lastly are the Articles of Incorporation, whose purpose is to outline basic details of the corporation, like its name and purpose, and are filed with the government, and the Bylaws are the set of internal rules as to how the corporation runs, like their meetings and decision-making.

The manager also shared with us that when deciding where to put the physical store, like any other business, they need to think and consider the foot traffic, as it helps assess if how many people will pass by that location or area. Also, think of the parking area, especially that their business can somehow involve the use of a car or a truck for their supplies, and the same goes to their customers.

3. FMN Agricultural Supply Inc.

FMN Agricultural Supply Inc. is a feeds, fertilizers, and pesticides seller. This business is a corporation, so they are SEC registered, and their president is Ms. Nunez F. Concepcion. The brfanch that is in FJJP+6HP, V. Neri St., Cagayan de Oro City, was established on May 18, 2006, and has 5 staff. They have a total of 11 branches, and the main branch is in the Osmeña Extension, Cagayan de Oro City, which is their main supplier as this branch will only distribute their supplies to the other branches. And their warehouse is located in Baloy.

For their business to operate, the supervisor that we interviewed, who is Mrs. Guanita H. Tato, said that they have to register it as a SEC, also to DTI, and business permit. She also added that since they are selling fertilizers and pesticides, they need to have an FPA (Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority) license, as it is to assure that their products meet safety and quality standards set by the government. This license is also to ensure that the fertilizers and pesticides that they are selling are properly registered, tested, and approved to protect the environment and the health of farmers and consumers.

Additionally, they need to obtain a Fire Safety Inspection certificate and a Sanitary permit. They are also required to attend some seminars, like those conducted by the Red Cross and BOSH (Basic Occupational Safety and Health). She also informed us that their documents need to be renewed annually, but as for the FPA, it is every 3 years.

4. Color Mix Paint Center

Color Mix Paint Center is a paint business that is owned by Mrs. Teresita Cabutad and was established in 2012. Her business is DTI-registered since it is a sole proprietorship. The paint center is located at Castro Street, Cagayan de Oro City, where she and her other staff operate. Their operating hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Mrs. Cabutad also mentioned that her supplies come all the way from Manila.

In terms of compliance, she emphasized that her business is not only DTI-registered but also has the necessary permits to operate. This includes registration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), securing a barangay clearance, and maintaining a Sanitary Permit to ensure they meet health and safety standards. These requirements are to ensure that her business operates and adheres to the regulations.

5. Jay-Q Grains Rice Trading

Jay-Q Grains Rice Trading is a rice business owned by Mr. Garciano Baldelamar. It is located at Castro St., Cagayan de Oro City, and has 2 staff. Their operating hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM every day. Their supplier of rice is from Cotabato, and they also have imported. 

As for their compliance to operate the business, they are DTI and BIR registered. They also have barangay clearance, Sanitary permit, and Business Permit Certificate. And the all around staff that we interviewed, who is Ms. Analya Tagaro, also showed us the official receipt from the Philippine Red Cross, which is where a staff member was a participant for training in Occupational First Aid and Adult Basic Life Support with CPR, which is intended for non-medical personnel. She also mentioned that they also have to renew their documents every year.

Here is the link for you to access my insights.

In this class we had a look at role play and used it in a setting where someone was a researcher, someone was a note taker, and the rest were playing the role of young people (teenagers) and were in a youth club that were being asked questions.

I was a young person with literacy problem along with Stuart, Jack and Lyle.

Bas was the notetaker who noted our replies and Lewis was the researcher who led the roleplay scenario.

It was very interesting because it forced us to come up with situations that could arise that we never thought about.  By trying to enact what may happen it creates an idea on methods to deal with it.  With the feedback given from each person after and collectively talking it through it means that we could improve the experience should we decide to do it for real.

We also had our first proper group meeting where we discussed roles and spoke about our strengths and weaknesses and gave the chance to people to put themselves forward for things they would like to do.  As it stands the roles in our group are as follows:

Stuart  - Chairperson, Researcher

Myself - Researcher

Lyle     - Animator

Jack    - Editor

Bas     - Videographer

Lewis  - Videographer

Me and Stuart have set a goal for ourselves to read into the research methods and create a report each highlighting the best ones and reasons for that and then show each other them to create a proper one which we will then discuss with the group on the next meeting.

Made this Tumblr page a week prior and didn’t have anything to put on it or edited it in anyway so worked on that as well during class time.