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Go out of your comfort zone – Lia Monica Chua

Meet Lia Monica H. Chua, who opened The Holy Crab PH with a starting capital of PhP50,000, but got ROI in just a few months. Every venture is a risk, she says, but challenge yourself to go out of your comfort zone.

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In October 2018, Lia Monica H. Chua opened The Holy Crab PH with a starting capital of PhP50,000. “We initially targeted being a supplier to restaurants and concessionaires,” she recalled, although “there, the competition was fierce, especially when it came to pricing. This nudged us to thinking of other ways to further build our business with the resources we had available, which then led us to coming up with an online food business with crab and shrimps as our main offerings.”

Lia said that going into any business always entails risks. But her former mentor (also currently a partner in Holy Crab PH) of three years encouraged her to start a business. “As a mentor, he has always inspired me to challenge myself and to go out of my comfort zone. Now, we work together in building our brand, our selection and our reach,” Lia said.

But Lia said she was always fascinated with entrepreneurs, including her father. “He always encouraged me to start my own business. There will be a lot more challenges, and a lot more uncertainty but being a business owner would prove to be fulfilling, just as my dad said.”

It helps that Lia graduated in Business Administration.

“But in terms of the actual cooking, I’m afraid I still need more experience,” she smiled. “As our line of business is largely dependent on how we prepare and cook the food, I relied on my partner as he has the know-how on sourcing our ingredients and on the actual cooking.”

But The Holy Crab PH is succeeding; so what they are doing is obviously working.

Lia said that “what sets us apart is our attention to detail, receptive customer service and how we value customer feedback.”

“The need to know and study about the facets needed in your business is important, but do not let your hesitations tie you down. Just take the leap.”

There remain challenges.

For one, “given that our line of business is food, it was critical to ensure the consistency of the taste and quality in the platters we serve. We needed to intensely train our staff on how to properly prepare and cook the food. However, we are directly affected when there is a movement in our staff (resignation, new hires, etc). We had to come up with a system to make sure that there will be minimal disruptions to our processes despite any changes,” Lia said.

Another ongoing challenge is product development to “keep your brand relevant to the market. Without this, the business will stagnate. Product quality is the main reason why your customers will order again from you. This is why it is essential to always, always get customer feedback.”

There is also the issue of scaling up. “When’s the right time to scale up? This was a question that we continuously pondered on. It was a big decision as it would mean we would be investing on equipment, ingredients, manpower, marketing efforts and so on. We were hesitant. But seeing as our sales trend was consistent enough to sustain our investments, and with the common aim to grow our business, we took the risk. There were areas where our investment did not return any income, but this did not dishearten us. Rather, we took the time to reassess what went wrong, and how we can do better. In time, we were able to see our overall sales go beyond our expectations.”

“There is always something new and change is constant. It is essential to be able to stay relevant and be aware of the trends. By being curious, you develop the urge to learn and become open to ideas.”

Nonetheless, looking back, Lia said that “every time we encountered problems, we always had an open mind and faced them head on. No shortcuts, no excuses. As long as you do not lose sight of your main objective in growing the business and are fully determined to give your utmost effort to meet that goal, you will be able to overcome any obstacle.”

For people who may also want to go into this line of business, what tips can Lia give?

First, she said, “don’t be afraid to the take the risk. There will always be doubts when you try out something new, but it’s always best to start somewhere than to never start at all. There are some who have the tendency to overthink to the point that they do not make any decisions any more, which is disastrous in any business. The need to know and study about the facets needed in your business is important, but do not let your hesitations tie you down. Just take the leap.”

Second, “surround yourself with people you aspire to be. This was the major turning point for me where I wanted to become more. Mindset for me is the hardest to change, but once you are able to shift your perspective, everything will follow. That is why it is important to surround yourself with the people you usually look up to, since you will unconsciously try to keep up with them and be inspired by them. Ultimately, you will keep pushing yourself forward and you will be able to reach to their level.”

And lastly, “be curious. There is always something new and change is constant. It is essential to be able to stay relevant and be aware of the trends. By being curious, you develop the urge to learn and become open to ideas,” Lia said.

For a business that reached ROI less than three months after opening,  Lia knows what she’s talking about. And yes, this could definitely help others too.

For more information about The Holy Crab PH, head to Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/theholycrabph) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theholycrabph/); or email holycrabph2018@gmail.com.

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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