Food enterprise blossoms on a wish and prayers

THE STORE outsources production of noted delicacies, which are then repacked with Rowena’s seal of approval. Photo by Ma. Esther Salcedo-Posadas, Contributor

TAGAYTAY CITY – Rowena Mendoza, proprietress of the renowned Rowena’s pasalubong store, openly credits her success to God.  The business started in 2000 upon giving up employment, after marriage and the first child.

“Hindi ako sanay na wala akong sariling kita.”  (I’m not used to not earning my own money.)  After her family moved to Tagaytay, she discovered the possibility of selling lumpiang prito (fried vegetable wrap), pansit (noodles), and turon (banana on lumpia wrapper) right outside her home, that is along the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Highway.  She was so excited at the idea of earning P10 for her pansit.  Thus, she brought out a big umbrella and started selling.

One thing led to another until she found herself aiming for a Colette buko (coconut) pie franchise in the area. As fortune would have it, her application was rejected since there were already many franchisees in the area.  From the very beginning, Rowena had the habit of praying daily to God.  She would utter a simple request, “Lord, bigyan mo po ako ng trabaho or negosyo para pag humingi ang nanay ko, may ibigay ako.” (Lord, give me work or a business enterprise so that if my mother asks for money, I have something to give her.)

ROWENA sells goodies such as dilis (anchovies), peanuts, tarts, coffee beans and much more. Photo by Ma. Esther Salcedo-Posadas, Contributor

She started outsourcing and selling her own buko tarts until one day, a group of women from Ayala Alabang dropped by and sold out her items.  She found out that a newspaper writer recommended her product and gave it a good rating.  Through word of mouth, her clientele grew until she opened her first air-conditioned store on December 8, 2003.  To date, the store had already undergone two more extensions that include a coffee shop.  On weekends, tourist buses and other travelers would drop by her store.  Rowena’s has opened branches in hotels and other areas.  She was invited to sell her goods at the Summit Ridge Hotel in Tagaytay, and will open soon.

Many people ask for her success secret.  She explains that her business strategy involves discussing her every move with God that is akin to a close relationship with a father.  “When I wake up in the morning, I pray to thank for blessings – ask God to bless the business and people who buy from me.

Nowadays, Rowena is aiming to finish a reception hall (150 to 200 persons capacity), swimming pool, and private chapel behind her store.  Once again, she asked the Lord for the money to raise funds.  She recalled how she wanted the lot (that she is currently developing) behind her store and made a promise to God that if she acquires it, she would build a chapel.  By the looks of it, the prayer was already granted.

“Nanaginip ba ako?” (Am I dreaming?), Rowena sometimes wonders aloud.  She has a few pieces of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs:  1) prayer, 2) humility, 3) treat others well.  “Wag mag-interes nang hindi sa iyo.  Kung anong meron ka, ma-kontento ka. (Don’t covet other people’s goods.  Be content with what you have).”  She also encourages good deeds.  “Kung anong tinanim mo, iyon din and aanihin.” (You reap what you sow).