BizWiz
Rise from tragedy, helm a business – Connie Hina
Connie Hina’s daughter, Lordei Camille Anjuli, was robbed, stabbed and left for dead over eight years ago. She survived, and is now baking as part of her therapy. And their biz’s offerings are good, too, now making a splash.
The formal start of Lordei’s Whip & Bake Corner was on June 9, 2020, “when one of our neighbors bought our first banana loaf and other neighbors signified their interest to buy,” Connie Hina said. “We decided to have a formal online launching by creating an FB Page on June 20, 2020.”
The startup capital: PhP1,400.
But prior to this, Connie said they have been sharing samples of their baked goods to neighbors and the gate guards (particularly when they had significant events like birthdays). These goods were a hit, and “we gathered positive feedback on the taste and consistency.”
And given the Covid-19 pandemic, “we realized that demand for food products that can be purchased online increased, especially since baked shops and restaurants are either closed or not operating regularly. We saw this as an opportunity to try the market of ready-to-eat products that can respond to people’s cravings for finely and uniquely delicious baked goods.”
A DEEPER STORY
But what not many may immediately know is that Connie’s family’s venture into this line of business was triggered by a tragic occurrence.
Eight years ago, her daughter, Lordei Camille Anjuli, was a fourth-year UP Diliman B.S Political Science student and active student leader. In the afternoon of the 1st of February 2012, inside the USC Office, Vinzons Hall, UP Diliman – while on volunteer duties for the University Student Council – Lordei was robbed, stabbed seven times in the left side of her head with an ice pick and beaten in the face with a metal object.
“Her assailants pretended to be applicants of a booth for the UP Fair,” Connie said.
The most fatal stab wound was the one that pierced through from the left to the right side of her brain (just like “na-barbecue”); likewise, a skull bone fragment of one centimeter in size got embedded in her brain. Moreover, the beating before the deadly stabbing fractured both of Lordei’s sinuses and nose bridge.
“Worst, the suspect locked the room of the USC Office before he fled, leaving my bloody and unconscious daughter lying on the floor. It took about 30 minutes before my daughter’s companion found a key to open the door, after which, she was rushed to the hospital,” Connie said.
Lordei survived as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) victim. But the double brain injuries impaired Lordei’s memory, speech, cognitive and motor skills.
“It is a miracle that Lordei survived; thank God. She was given a slim chance considering the magnitude of damage to her brain,” Connie said.
Lordei was confined in the hospital for more than three months, with almost a month of being in coma. Afterwards, she could not move her body, eat and talk. After her discharge, she continued with her rehabilitation and therapies at home – i.e. occupational, physical speech, neuro-psychology, etc. – to regain her brain-related functions that had been damaged.
Lordei can already walk, talk and eat on her own at present, but her right arm is still semi-paralyzed, she has memory lapses, and behaving like a child from time to time. Her injured hypothalamus affects her emotion and body temperature.
“Thank God she is not violent like other victims of TBI. She is still under continuous medication and therapies up to this moment,” Connie said.
To engage in a productive activity as part of her therapy based on the advice of her doctor, Lordei started baking.
“The business is also a way to help her augment the cost of her continued medication and therapies. As a single mother, I am the sole breadwinner for my daughter,” Connie said.
INSPIRATIONAL MOVE
Lordei is, of course, the inspiration for this business; but Connie said that her son Carlo, and niece Joyjoy (a nurse by profession) helped push this business forward.
“In fact, at that time when my daughter was stabbed, Carlo was baking her favorite, a blueberry cheesecake. It was still in the oven (when the tragedy happened) and the baking had to be stopped as we rushed to the hospital,” Connie recalled.
Looking back, this seemed like a field they were going to go into.
“My late mother – Nanay Inday Silveria – was an excellent cook. She could blend simple ingredients into something very delicious and palatable. The smile of those who ate her dishes was a reward for her,” Connie said. “It is from her where I learn how to cook and bake simple cakes.”
JUST A START
Connie is still planning to own another business – in agri-business, not baking. “I want to have a self-sufficient and sustainable farm in my home town in Southern Leyte; but come to think of it, the ingredients we used are from the farm – so it is more production or adding value of processed farm products,” she said.
Connie completed Master in Management – major in Development Management in her post graduate degree, and a B.S. in Agricultural Business Management in her college degree in UP Los Baños.
So the business is aligned with her expertise because the concept of management in general, and financial and marketing management, in particular are the same across business types. “So this business is like a laboratory for me – where I can apply practically what I learned from my academic studies and in my work experience as international consultant and trainer on financial inclusion and development management.”
FACING CHALLENGES
“Every business start-up is always faced with challenges in various degree as part of the ‘birth pains’. But so far, we encountered only minimal challenges like taking longer time to book courier for deliveries, non-availability of ingredients, especially now that many people are engaging in baking. There are also customers who want to buy right away, thinking that we have a physical store or outlet,” Connie said.
They have been coming up with specialized solutions – e.g. with the courier, they resort to other available courier or, “worst case scenario, we deliver using our car – which we also use for TNVS – like Grab,” Connie said.
For the availability of ingredients, “we buy in bulk so we have stocks.” And for those who want to buy right away, “we inform them to give us time and place the order at least two to three days prior to delivery date. Although there are instances when we have less delivery for a day, we accommodate them and they can order and have it delivered within the day.”
GOOD BIZ MOVE
Is this a profitable venture?
“There is not much of an investment cost here since we do not have a stall or a physical outlet. The main investments are the oven (of which the shelf life is already exhausted) and baking equipment and utensils. We bought a new portable oven though after two weeks to accommodate our batch delivery. I would say the cost is relatively not that much so I can say we already have attained our ROI since we started,” Connie said.
For people who may want to also open their business, what tips can Connie give?
“One must have a passion on something and transform that passion into concrete goals. Set a goal first then break it into do-ables – plan – take the first step to make it happen,” Connie said.
Then look at the market (demand and supply side). “What opportunity can one take advantage of – like in this pandemic – despite the many negative impacts it brings? There are also many opportunities.”
Connie also recommends for people to “be creative and always think of the satisfaction of the customer”; directly communication with customers (e.g. thank them during the first point of contact – regardless if they are only asking or placing order already, get their feedbacks after each complete order and send a personalized note); and for a family business, make sure that each involved member of the family is in the same mindset, commitment and passion.
Lastly, do the business not just purely for profit but on how this business can be of help.
“Our slogan is order for a cause. While the cause is for my daughter, but still, if my daughter can be helped and can get back to normal, she can help a lot more people (she already did before the tragedy happened). She is still hoping that she can be a lawyer someday and help the disadvantaged and discriminated who are deprived of justice and their rights,” Connie said.
In ending, Connie said to “always put God (or whoever one believes in – higher self) first in everything (regardless of what religion you belong to). Seek for guidance and bring Him in what you think, say and do. Have deep faith that in every business or undertaking, it is an expression of who you are – unique creation, regardless of status in life, gender orientation, etc.”
To support Lordei’s Whip & Bake Corner, head to Facebook; email lordeiwbc@gmail.com; or call/text 09566090363.
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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.
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.
BizWiz
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.
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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