Amy’s kind of pan de sal

One of the most enterprising celebrities in showbiz is Amy Perez. The TV host/actress-turned-businesswoman has ventured into the food business with Kolache – a stall-type store that sells pan de sal, sandwiches, coffee and dessert. Kolache is a European word for pastry. Amy and her partners localized Kolache to mean bread with filling.

"In the beginning, I was just being asked to endorse Kolache. Instead, I became a partner," says Amy.

Kolache has branches in Lawton, UN Avenue, and Carriedo. "We are targeting the mass market. What we offer are freshly-baked pan de sal sandwich, coffee and dessert at very affordable prices. Kolache pan de sal sells at P10 to P12 depending on the filling. Brewed coffee sells at P12 per cup. "We source our coffee from the Mountain Province. It is similar to the branded ones. In Kolache, people can have a nice, filling meal and coffee at very affordable prices," says Amy.

Kolache is already flooded with franchise inquiries. "We have about 200 on the list. Kolache products are served fresh. Kolache has a commissary where its products are half-baked (only 80 percent). Thus, when they reach the outlet, they are baked again to fullness," Amy explains.

Amy sees to it that she finds time for her stores. "In our Lawton branch, people buy by boxes. The nice thing about it is yoiur appetite is satisfied even on a small budget," Amy proudly says.

She and her friends also ventured into the catering business called Jam. "We do PR and marketing, catering for various occasions and do consultations on what to prepare for different occasions."

A source of Amy’s inspiration is her six year-old son Adi. "I want to give the best to my son. It is his future I always think of."

Motherhood has made Amy more responsible. She has also learned how to manage her finances. She recalls that before Adi was born, she spent indiscriminately. "I used to be extravagant. But now, I have stopped buying signature bags and watches. My parents, since I entered showbiz never meddled in my earnings. That’s why I was able to buy anything I fancied. But my father has always reminded me to invest my money properly."

Thus, at 17, Amy already invested in real estate. Today, she has two houses that she rents out. And she has also built a house for her and her son.

"It is really different when you have a child. You become focused and you learn to prioritize things," she adds.

Amy’s only "extravagance" these days is playing badminton which she says, costs her about P150 per session. She relaxes by staying in her bathroom for long hours. And on rare occasions, she goes to the spa. "I seldom go out anymore. I stay home and watch DVDs. I spend time with my son," she concludes.

The Buddy Walk

Supporters and friends of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines came in full force last week to join the Second Buddy Walk, an event which jumpstarted the celebration of the National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month as declared by Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo under Proclamation No. 157.

Children and adults with Down Syndrome and their designated "buddies" as well as doctors, therapists, teachers, students, parents, movie and sports personalities joined the event, which started at the Rajah Sulayman Plaza (fronting Malate Church) on to Roxas Boulevard Baywalk and ended at the CCP Complex with a brief program and fellowship.

The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines aims to encourage the society to accept people with Down Syndrome and include them in the community activities, education and employment.

The Buddy Walk was developed in the United States by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote awareness of people with Down Syndrome. It is a wonderful, heartwarming event where thousands of people from coast to coast around the world participate each year.

Whether you have Down Syndrome or you know someone who does or you just want to show your support, call the Down Syndrome office at 895-3606 or 895-9642 for more information on other events and services for those with Down Syndrome.