One time at 4 am, I received a very surprising text message from an OFW somewhere in the Middle East. I was groping for my cellphone to read the message and know the urgency of the text. A certain Vicky who works abroad texted me asking me to email to her the details of the Lechon(grilled hog) Cebu and Danggit business I have offered for residents of Metro Manila.
I Emailed her several business plans and options how she can avail of the opportunity I laid out online with the thought that maybe, she got some savings she can spare for this kind of business. Candidly, she replied that she eventually plans to settle back home and just go into business instead, taking into consideration the retailing business I offered her. Saying further that while people here in the country thinks that majority of the OFWs are enjoying the dollars they are getting abroad, they are actually at the forefront of abuses not only by the people they are serving with but the tough circumstances that they are facing everyday in their employment abroad. She for one was not given her salary for how many months.
Her story is actually a reality that had been overshadowed by our own beliefs, that they are lucky to have been given the rare opportunity to work outside and earn dollars. Countless of Filipino, nurses, engineers, domestic helpers and skilled workers may share the same stories, the same difficulties in varying degrees. The thought of solitude and loneliness and homesickness alone is one of them. The price they have to pay for venturing on a job in the name of economic prosperity. In the name of securing a better future for their loved ones who are equally at the same footing as they are in psychologically and emotionally.
I have heard majority of my friends and family who have migrated and worked abroad saying that at their twilight years, they still want to go home and stay here and enjoy the fruits of their toils and labor.
We practically grew up without a father. My Papang spent almost all his life working abroad. He comes home for only a month for every year. When he finally came home, he was already very sick of diabetes and eventually passed away. Good thing my mamang had made use of the income into good use. Putting up one business after another to make the money work and not just left on the very minimal interest banks offer. She was able to put up a mini mart, herd of cows and operated a dozen tricycle so as to generate income from the allotment money sent to us.
I think this is one good lesson I learned from both of them. Earn and make your earning work for you. Risk is inevitable, there was never a single book giving so much assurance that whatever business you get into will surely produce profit. No matter how you planned and draw and analyze each dot in your business blueprint..there is never a guarantee. But the beauty of risking is that there is also that chance of prosperity. Business is always a trial and error. What works for other may not necessarily work for you. And it is so seldom for one to instantly pick the right one for him. But you will never know what works well for you unless you start doing it.
Having made a solid study on the viability of Lechon Cebu in Metro Manila Market, I was in the impression that it is a very profitable business to start with. I was a bit apprehensive because the locally produced lechon in Metro Manila is a bit cheaper compared to lechon Cebu. Lechon Manila is sold at 400.00 PhP per kilo while Cebu lechon sold in Manila is sold at 600 to 700.00 PhP per kilo. While the discrepancy is worrying, the beauty is that your earning potential makes up the difference. :) Metro Manila is a fertile ground for Lechon Cebu. One reason is that almost everyone here knows exactly the popularity of Lechon Cebu and have tasted the difference between Lechon Manila and Lechon Cebu. Another reason would be, because Metro Manila is a very big market while competitors are very rare.
Having made some study and surveys, I have developed a business plan I offer to our prospective retailers. With only a very minimal investment, they are already earning less than a 1400 for one single transaction which profit can easily be realized in just a matter of a day, the most. What we offer is a very sound business opportunity as we help more than we are being helped. Our relationship with our customer does not end upon getting the order but as well helping each customer explore the potential of our business and providing free consultations and advise with their marketing needs. That is the reason why we just don't sell and leave..before we have the customer commit to sell, we sit down with them and discuss ways to enhance his selling activities and explore ways to maximize his resources towards coming up with a good profit.
We care for your investment that is why we get involved on your investment with us. We will work with you in making your investment work for you. If you are interested to try our Nonoy's Lechon Cebu and Dried Danggit, please contact me at 09296426967 or my email address at h.soleminio@gmail.com.
More power for all of you and we may be reaching that dream of economic prosperity for the coming years...and the best way to start is starting with us.
Lastly, let me share to you what the much revered Anthony Bourdain of Travel Channel’s No Reservation, taped October-November 2008 in the Philippines (Manila, Pampanga and Cebu)..noted on his anecdote: Before his Philippine visit, Bourdain has earlier declared Bali’s famous babi guling as his number one choice but that is history. Lechon or the Philippine roast pig, long a mainstay in Philippine parties, is considered a matter of pride by Filipinos. By reputation, the Cebu lechon is considered by most as the tastiest and crispiest, with such flavorful meat that condiments or sauce are typically not necessary anymore. And he considered it as the best in the world. So far no other lechon has yet equaled the taste Cebu’s lechon whether those made within the Philippines or made in some other countries in the world that he visited.
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