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There’s no ‘right timing’; just face your fears – Karen Tricia Aquino

Karen Tricia Aquino was initially scared to start her business. But when she opened ‘Kreations by K’, she got ROI in less than a month. “There’s no ‘right timing’. You just have to face your fears, just take that leap of faith and work hard.”

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Karen Tricia Aquino grew up in a family of dentists, “and I have practically lived my whole life under their shadow. I never knew any other career aside from being a doctor and that made me quite unhappy.”

As outlet from the stress, she used to bake.

One day, “I just had enough of it and decided that it’s time to move past this and chase after what would make me truly happy and satisfied. After fervent prayers and an excruciating period of time to think about what I want to do with my life, I brainstormed things I was good at and passionate about. My only criterion was that it should be something I would never get tired of learning about and eventually got my answer.”

At this point, baking entered the picture for her.

“Those practice sessions started out as an escape until it became a part of me. When I realized that there was potential, it no longer became practice. Baking was more than just relieving stress and it definitely was more than showcasing skills. Eventually, my end goal was to satisfy, to please, and make people happy and so I shifted my concentration from the medical field to the culinary arts.”

Karen scouted for good culinary schools within the metro until a friend of hers recommended a good school just a few minutes away from her home.

“I wasted no time and enrolled in Southville International School Affiliated with Foreign Universities (SISFU) and finished my degree in Culinary Arts. What reeled me in is its partnership and standardization with Pearson College, London,” she recalled.

Of course she was scared of starting her own business.

“I was fully aware that food industry is a very daunting world and so I always stuck to cooking for myself, my family and my friends,” she said.

But one day, “my mom and I tried something we’ve never done before. We wanted to see what our food would look like as packages we could maybe sell. Our packaging looked pretty good so I decided to try posting it on an online group within our community and check out the response. I am thankful I did that experiment because from there everything just fell into place and I slowly started adding more items in my menu until I was open for business.”

So with a capital of only PhP6,000 to PhP7,000 (loaned from her parents), she started ‘Kreations by K’.

“The person who inspires me the most is my mother. Despite her busy schedule in her clinic, she still finds time and still has the energy to cook delicious meals for the family. Despite how tired she must be, she still glows when she’s in the kitchen. I guess I got it from her, and I’m thankful that she pushes me to do my own thing and practice more,” she said.

“You need to come in prepared. Before you start your business make a work flow system that would best fit you and this includes weekly order entries, inventories, expenses, etc.”

Karen’s capital was handily returned in a few weeks.

“So far, one my greatest challenges is that I am a one woman show. I do everything from start to finish, resulting to limited stocks every week. I’m constantly developing my own system that would propel the business further, efficiently producing quality output,” she said.

Aside from this, another challenge she faces is the delivery method.

“It is very difficult to find couriers that would actually take care of the products that you send. So most of the time, I deliver the more fragile products personally.”

However, “the greatest challenge of all is this pandemic. Since the situation is worsening in our country, I’m currently thinking of ways to avoid physically leaving my kitchen to buy stocks or deliver food items. Sometimes that would make price a little higher but I’d like to think of it as an investment instead of a loss because it helps me avoid any possible exposure to the virus. It’s more like investing on yourself and your personal safety.”

With her business continuing to boom, “I am now able to set aside money as profit from my products. Selling cookies and desserts is a profitable venture. As Filipinos, we love to have dessert after a meal and we also love merienda. When you create a treat that is delicious without compromising its quality, people will come back for more.”

And for people who may want to also open their business, what tips can Karen give?

“You need to come in prepared. Before you start your business make a work flow system that would best fit you and this includes weekly order entries, inventories, expenses, etc,” she said. “There’s no ‘right timing’. You just have to face your fears, just take that leap of faith and work hard. Its honestly scary, but it’s your passion and your drive that will make you fly to greater heights.”

To try the tasty offerings of ‘Kreations by K’, head to its Facebook page or IG: @kreationsbykta.

BizWiz

Designer Len Cabili finds work-life balance with the help of world-class innovation

As a designer and cultural advocate, Cabili relies on constant collaboration with artisans, clients, and creative partners around the world.

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Filip+Inna founder and creative force Len Cabili has long been celebrated for her artistry and commitment to Filipino heritage through her work with Filipino artisans. Her pioneering fashion label bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern design, honoring the work of indigenous artisans while placing Filipino creativity on the global stage.

Behind her creative success is a lifestyle built on connection and innovation, helped made seamless by Smart Infinity, Smart’s premium postpaid brand. 

Empowered by technology, connected by purpose 

As a designer and cultural advocate, Cabili relies on constant collaboration with artisans, clients, and creative partners around the world. “I rely heavily on my network to get things done,” Cabili shares. “Smart Infinity genuinely takes the time to understand my needs not just in terms of connectivity, but how I want to experience it. It’s like having a concierge for my digital life.”  

Whether she’s deep in the mountains of Mindanao or speaking on global stages, Cabili counts on Smart Infinity and personalized assistance to stay connected and productive. 

“Since I travel frequently, Smart Infinity is my trusted partner that keeps me connected with my team, wherever I am. And when I unwind, being able to stream effortlessly helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance.” 

A premium digital partner for a world-class Filipino 

For Cabili, communication is the heartbeat of both her artistry and her relationships. “Communication is key to nurturing connections with family, friends, and collaborators,” she says. “Smart Infinity’s reliable connectivity ensures I stay in touch wherever I go, whether in Kalinga or Sulu.”

She adds, “Knowing I can rely on their support anytime gives me peace of mind. Their service feels truly personal, not just transactional.”

Smart Infinity, in many ways, mirrors Cabili’s own philosophy of excellence and intentionality. “In my work, craftsmanship and collaboration are central,” she explains.

“Technology has made the creative process more efficient and faster complementing the patience and skill behind every piece. Smart Infinity anticipates my needs by providing the best in technology and service to support my work.” 

The Smart Infinity Experience 

Through Smart Infinity, members like Cabili enjoy a world of exclusive privileges designed to elevate both work and lifestyle. These include: Worldwide Concierge Services for travel, dining, and personal assistance; Complimentary airport lounge access; and Smart Rewards with premium and luxury partners. 

Smart Infinity members also have access to a dedicated Relationship Manager and 24/7 personalized support and priority assistance at Smart Stores nationwide.

For Cabili, Smart Infinity is more than a mobile service, it’s a partner that empowers her to connect, create, and celebrate Filipino artistry on a global scale.

For more information on Smart Infinity’s offers, visit www.smart.com.ph/infinity, dial *800, or follow @smartinfinity on Instagram.

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Always connected, always creating: Chef Ina Bilbao stresses need to stay online to be on point

Whether she’s navigating the bustling food markets of South Korea or live-posting from a Michelin-starred pop-up in Taiwan, Ina’s digital presence is as vibrant as her dishes. In this exclusive feature, she shares how Smart Roaming keeps her seamlessly connected, productive, and worry-free while traveling the world.

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For culinary content creator and globetrotting chef Ina Bilbao, staying connected isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity.

Whether she’s navigating the bustling food markets of South Korea or live-posting from a Michelin-starred pop-up in Taiwan, Ina’s digital presence is as vibrant as her dishes. In this exclusive feature, she shares how Smart Roaming keeps her seamlessly connected, productive, and worry-free while traveling the world.

For Ina, connectivity is non-negotiable. “Before I head out on any international trip, I make sure I’ve pre-booked a Smart Roaming package,” Ina shares. “It’s always one of the first things I do because I know that as soon as I land, I need to be instantly connected to everything—from maps and apps to staying in touch with my team back home.”

One of the biggest challenges for frequent travelers like Ina is managing data usage without falling into the trap of bill shock. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new place and forget to keep track of data usage,” she says. “A Smart roaming package always helps me make sure I’m not running into any unexpected data charges.”

Smart GigaRoam’s transparent pricing and real-time data usage tracking help Ina stay in control, even in the busiest travel moments.

As a culinary explorer, Ina’s work depends on her ability to stay connected. “I’m always on the lookout for new spots to try, whether it’s a local hidden gem or a pop-up restaurant,” she explains. “I use navigation and transportation apps to get around, access e-wallets to pay for meals, and I’m constantly updating my social media for my followers.”

With Smart Roaming, Ina never misses a beat—or a bite.

Ina’s top tip for business owners and frequent flyers? “Never leave your connectivity to chance. Pre-book a Smart Roaming package so that the moment you land, you’re already online. Connectivity is the backbone of staying productive while traveling.”

She also recommends being mindful of data-heavy apps and checking usage regularly through the GigaRoam portal.

Having tried other roaming services in the past, Ina is confident in her choice. “Nothing beats the convenience and peace of mind that comes with Smart Roaming. The packages are affordable, and I never have to worry about my service dropping or getting hit with crazy bills.”

And if issues arise? “Smart Roaming’s customer support is always quick to respond. I can troubleshoot through the GigaRoam portal or check my phone settings to resolve things fast.”

For Ina, staying connected means more than just convenience—it’s about sharing her culinary journey in real time.

Chef Ina Bilbao’s recipe for stress-free travel? A dash of planning, a sprinkle of tech-savvy, and a generous helping of Smart Roaming. Whether you’re a business traveler, content creator, or simply someone who values staying connected, her story is a reminder that with the right tools, the world is truly at your fingertips.

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Women who are shaking up the fuel industry

Meet the women who are shaking up the industry by bringing Caltex with Techron clean fuels to motorists nationwide.

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There is a gender gap in the fuel industry with women only making up 22% of the global oil and gas workforce, and from that number, only 20% reach senior positions in oil and gas companies, highlighting the industry’s urgent need to provide them with more leadership opportunities. 

However, Caltex Filipina retailers are changing that by taking the reins of their fuels business and creating space in the industry for more women to grow and thrive. Meet the women who are shaking up the industry by bringing Caltex with Techron clean fuels to motorists nationwide.

Melissa Simeon

For Melissa Simeon, breaking into the industry was a no-brainer thanks to its reputation as a stable and essential business.  Inspired by her mother, Melissa put her resilience and business savvy to the test by becoming a Caltex Retailer.

Melissa and her husband Jules set up shop in Marilao, Bulacan. The site began operations in December 2021, servicing countless motorists in the Central Luzon region.

Although Melissa initially struggled as a woman in a male-dominated industry, this did not deter her confidence at all. Before entering the fuel industry, she had decades-long experience as an executive in transport and boiler manufacturing companies. “While the industry is male-dominated, I never saw that as a limitation—only as motivation. I overcame this by proving, through leadership and results, that women can thrive in any industry,” she said.

Melissa also said that Caltex has boosted her confidence by providing valuable business insights, networking opportunities, and operational support. She added, “I maximized these [opportunities given by Caltex] by staying engaged, continuously learning, and ensuring our stations provide the best service possible.”

Margaret Caballes-Jubane

Margaret Caballes-Jubane comes from a family of empowered Caltex women retailers that spans three generations. It all began in the 1960s, when her paternal grandparents, Rufina and Sabiniano Caballes Sr. set up their first Caltex Station in Davao City. Her father Wilfredo opened his station in 1971 and began a husband-wife tandem with Thelma Estoque-Caballes in 1978.

After registering as a Caltex Retailer in April 1998, Thelma underwent the Caltex Train the Trainer program and became a model site dealer. She has since trained Caltex dealers in Visayas and Mindanao, even inspiring some to become outstanding Caltex retailers themselves.

Over the years, the family business has grown from a single Caltex station into a network of stations and a fleet of tankers. As Margaret grew up watching her grandmother and mother thrive in the fuel industry, she felt inspired to follow in their footsteps. Her journey with Caltex began when she became a retailer in February 2005 and the rest is history.

She reflected, “Being exposed to the fuel industry early on made it a lot less intimidating because the focus was always on compliance with global standards and business growth, regardless of gender.”

While Margaret felt that women retailers tend to go under the radar in the fuel industry, their natural inclinations such as attention to detail and ability to nurture a team can help them shine. She added, “Because we lead with heart, we inspire others and create an inclusive space where everyone can shine alongside us.”

Vicky Alvarez

Vicky Alvarez took a leap of faith when she became a Caltex Retailer. After her family bought a  2,000 sqm property in Southwoods City during its early development stages in 2011, multiple fuel companies approached her to team up in building the township’s first gas station.

Vicky eventually chose Caltex after numerous talks with acquisition agent Jeff Enriquez. “It was his determination and Caltex/Chevron’s reputable name that led me and my family to become a Caltex retailer,” she recalled.

Vicky also admitted to feeling very reluctant to join the male-dominated fuel industry. Luckily, through constant prayer and the support of the Caltex brand, she found her voice.

“At first, I was nervous and reluctant, knowing that this industry is mostly led by men. However, with my faith in God, I was able to overcome that fear. The training program offered by Caltex was also instrumental in making me feel comfortable entering the industry – it allowed me to meet my peers,” she added.

Over the years, Vicky learned to utilize her gut instinct, as this uniquely feminine trait helps women become more resilient and self-confident. She said, “This gut instinct is unique to women, and I believe it helps empower our decision-making in this industry.” 

How Caltex is Paving the Way for Women in the Fuel Industry

Melissa, Margaret, and Vicky all believe the fuel industry is slowly opening up to women. After all, opportunities will always open up for people with the grit and determination to succeed –– regardless of their gender. “We are fortunate to be in a time when the results of our work as women speak for themselves and are duly recognized,” said Margaret.

The three women also thanked Caltex for supporting and trusting female entrepreneurs to run their retail sites nationwide. Vicky reflected, “Our business consultants from Caltex are hands-on in showing their support. Regular meetings with them throughout the year helped me feel supported as a woman.”

Melissa also encouraged more women entrepreneurs to join Caltex’s mission of making clean and quality fuels more accessible to Filipinos nationwide. “The fuel industry is not just for men — it’s for anyone with the drive to succeed. With Caltex’s support, dedication, and willingness to learn, women can thrive and make a real impact in this business.”

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