Follow your passion – Abigail Bacatan

When Abigail Bacatan opened BOYTapsi with hubby Wilson Bacatan, “we spent roughly around PhP70,000 all-in, including expenses for permits, tables, etc. Kinumpleto kasi namin lahat,” Abigail said. But since “garage set-up… kaya nakatipid kami.”

Going into business was a no-brainer.

“Me and my husband Wilson love to cook so we decided to open up this ‘tapsihan‘ business. Kesa luto lang kami ng luto, naisip namin na mag-business na lang; kumikita pa.“

It helped that “we love to eat ‘tapsi’ kasi kaya naisip namin, ‘Why not start tapsihan instead, para masaya?’.”

“Tapsi” are – basically – rice meals, with a serving already inclusive of rice, viands and fried eggs/omelettes. The term is derived from an earlier combo, the “tapa”, “sinangag” (fried rice) and “itlog” (sunny side up or fried egg).

“I dared my husband to make a ‘tapsi’ na kasing-sarap nung kinakainan namin and he did it and it even tasted better. Kaya talagang di na kami napigil to open a small ‘tapsihan‘,” Abigail said.

Looking back, Abigail said she never thought they’d have their own business.

“I was a medical practitioner/nurse and a marketer, but suddenly this food biz came up,” she said, adding with a laugh: “Maybe pag meron na-choke kakakain ng ‘tapsi’ magagamit ko yung pagiging nurse ko.”

There remain challenges; though some are actually… good – e.g. like when they have numerous orders coming at the same time. “Minsan nahihilo na ako specially pag wala yung helper. But that’s okay kasi si husband nag-he-help naman.”

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

“Go lang. Do not hesitate. It’s a gamble. Do not be afraid. Lakasan lang ng loob yan; basta masarap ang foods mo papatok ka,” she said. Also, “dapat may isa or three ka lang na specialty tapos doon ka lang mag-focus hanggang ma-master mo para doon ka makilala.”

In the end, she said, “do something that makes you happy.”

Wanna try the offerings of BOYTapsi? Head to FB or call/text 09277796388.