The new entrepreneurs

Rizal said “the youth is the hope of the nation.” With most older public officials failing us, we have to look at the youth to alleviate our dismal economic situation. We feel optimistic about the new group of entrepreneurs we met in the course of our marketing. We believe they can help bring about financial stability and independence.

One such young man is Manny, whose food outfit has the catchy name Kukz’Boss (Cook si Boss). We chanced upon him at the opening of the recently-concluded Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX) at the World Trade Center. He brought back memories of a carinderia and its offerings – his native Nueva Ecija’s alfajol (ginataan to the rest), dinuguan, sinampalukang manok and the unique adobong pusit at baboy. He sells them as rice toppings (P48 per serving) at his stall in St. Francis Square in Mandaluyong City. Call 710-5875.

Dimple (Betsy Roanne Carmeli) is a young lady whose company, Pandelites Food Corporation based in Sta. Maria, Bulacan  (tel. 044-641-5687), produces bakery products using ube such as ube loaf (P52), ube-macapuno ensaymada (P20 per), and ube-choco brownies (P16 each.)

Honey and Daisy’s Pastries in Angeles, Pampanga (tel. 045-887-1971) has, among others, marzipan made of cream, sugar, butter and nuts rolled into balls topped with more nuts. They come in cartons of 16 (P130) and  8. They also have multi-flavored polvoron for P50.

Donabel and Ivi are not entrepreneurs but they typify today’s market-oriented youth. When we met them at MAFBEX, they were busy putting together the products of Gourmet Farms, Inc. based in Silang, Cavite. This firm has gone a long way since its beginning in 1987 when motorists would stop by for a meal made of greens grown at the farm. Now, it is a name to reckon with via a product line that includes their own brand of coffee and tea, salad dressings and sauces, organically grown vegetables, herbs and spices. The group is also selling the 1883 Routin brand of coffee sweeteners in Irish Creme, French Vanilla, and Caramel.

Among the newcomers at the Expo, we met Mike and Christo of Out of Africa Co. Limited based in Richmonde Hotel, Ortigas, tel 637-7777. They are active in Thailand and have expanded in the Philippines, with a themed restaurant, Out of Africa BBQ Steakhouse. They are in the market for those who want to franchise. But what is African food? Christo explains the cuisine is a mixture of Eastern flavor, delicate Western taste and traditional African dishes, the latter mainly roasted meats (braaivles or braai) and the pot food (potjiekos). They also have fish and shellfish on the menu. Soon there will be an Out of Africa Restaurant in Metro Manila.

Food fairs always give us the chance to revisit past discoveries and check on how they are doing. One such find is Wrapsody, the producer of the chewy and uniquely delicious pili nut-filled pastries from Daraga, Albay. When we walked into the stall, Erwin, the young man behind the company, was only starting to put his wares on display, yet there were already buyers. He is eyeing the potentially big export market for his pastries and other products like roasted chili garlic pili. Call 0916-643-0969.

Eng Bee Tin’s new line consists of hopia made of ube and macapuno or cheese. They are priced from P27 to 40 per.

A word for the organizers of this past MAFBEX. Please observe strict punctuality. The 10 a.m. opening was delayed by 30 minutes. By 11 o’clock only a handful of exhibitors were ready for the buyers. Exhibitors might also want to prepare enough loose change so as not to lose customers who may not be patient enough to wait. The Expo staff did not know where to direct visitors. Instead of attending to buyers, most of the staff were seen eating, grouped together in the middle of the aisles, blocking the way and talking among themselves. Worldbex Services International, which organized the event, might want to train their people better, or seek guidance from professional outfits.

E-mail comments and questions to: [email protected]