Members of Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) recently gained insights from some of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs in a master class powered by PLDT Home Biz.
The one-day intensive program was designed to empower mompreneurs with a winning mindset and practical knowledge to grow their businesses. It featured three sessions covering entrepreneurial mindset development, product innovation and the use of AI and social media for marketing.
Bianca Larrañaga, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Wanderskye, emphasized that passion is a stronger driver of success than money. She advised entrepreneurs to identify what they love and use that as the foundation of their business.
Breaking into a market saturated with travel-related brands was not easy, she said, but Wanderskye’s commitment to quality and innovation helped it stand out. The company has since partnered with Rustan’s, The Travel Club and ROX and opened stores in Boracay, Siargao, Bohol and Metro Manila malls and airports.
Jaypee Morales, president and CEO of Rite Tea, echoed the sentiment, encouraging entrepreneurs to find everyday problems and create solutions.
While Rite Tea faced challenges in its early years, Morales said persistence, resilience and confidence in one’s vision can help business owners push through obstacles and achieve long-term success.
Building a memorable brand identity is one of the biggest hurdles in business. In the hospitality industry, where customers are often transient, making a lasting impression is critical.
For Rosario Juan, owner of Commune Café, a successful business needs a strong visual identity to attract customers, a personal touch, from excellent customer service to a well-designed physical space, and adaptability to market trends — what appeals to customers today may change tomorrow.
Commune Café has cultivated a unique personality and loyal customer base, leading to strong word-of-mouth marketing.
Carmen’s Best is now a household name, but when Francisco “Paco” Magsaysay launched it in 2007, he sold ice cream through individual orders. He emphasized that maintaining high standards and striving for excellence are essential for business success.
Meanwhile, Jorge Wieneke, co-founder of Potato Corner and founder of Tokyo Tempura, said identifying untapped opportunities is key. Potato Corner started as a small kiosk business but has since expanded to 11 countries, making it one of the most recognized brands in the industry.
Wieneke encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace experimentation and risk-taking, saying that failing fast and learning quickly leads to growth.
Zarah Jane Juan, founder of Zarah Juan, known for its Filipino-inspired bag designs, agreed. “Many entrepreneurs say that embracing failure is the first step to success. It may sound ironic, but it’s true.”
Social media is a powerful tool for building brand awareness and engaging customers. Platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn allow mompreneurs to expand their reach beyond the Philippines.
Jay Jazmines, CEO of nRocket Inc., said that AI, when used strategically, can be a game changer for businesses.
Fibo Lim, founder of the Fibo Lim Group of Companies, advised entrepreneurs to use social media not just for selling, but for connecting with customers by providing valuable and engaging content.
Maine Fontanilla, owner of Drizzled Chicken, shared platform-specific strategies: TikTok to attract customers, increase brand awareness and drive foot traffic; Facebook for handling online orders, showcasing menu options and streamlining the order process.
The master class was part of the PLDT Home Biz relaunch, which introduced faster Home Biz plans with exclusive benefits.
PLDT Home is also launching a dedicated Facebook community for subscribers, offering exclusive master classes, personalized one-on-one coaching sessions , expert customer support , and exclusive business perks
With the right mindset, strategy and tools, Madiskarte Moms are well on their way to building successful businesses.