Salve San Juan, a 61-year-old entrepreneur from Naga City, has turned her love for cooking into a lifeline for her community through her brand, Golden Mama. Known for its bottled Bicolano delicacies like laing, ginataang santol, and Bicol express, Golden Mama faced significant challenges after Typhoon Kristine devastated the region, leaving her store and production warehouse submerged in floodwaters.
Despite the destruction, San Juan rallied her resources to provide food relief to fellow typhoon victims, offering hot meals and salvaged goods from her stock. Her resilience and commitment to helping others have been key to her decades-long journey as a businesswoman.
Golden Mama’s story began with a small food stall and just ₱5,000. Encouraged by her family, she transitioned into a bottled food business at age 50, steadily growing her brand by participating in Department of Trade and Industry workshops and honing her craft. In 2023, she joined PLDT and Smart’s eBizNovation program, where she learned digital marketing and e-commerce skills, further empowering her business.
Recently, PLDT and Smart invited her to showcase her products at the Communities Bazaar as part of the MVP Group’s Merry Ang Vibes ng Pasko celebration. This event provided a platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) like Golden Mama to connect with a broader audience and highlighted the telcos’ dedication to supporting Filipino entrepreneurs.
San Juan’s story exemplifies the resilience and creativity of Filipino MSMEs, and her partnership with PLDT and Smart reinforces the role of technology in enabling small businesses to thrive in a digital economy.
FAQ
What is Golden Mama known for?
Golden Mama is known for its bottled Bicolano delicacies, such as laing, ginataang santol, and Bicol express, all crafted with export-quality standards.
How did Golden Mama help during Typhoon Kristine?
After the typhoon, Golden Mama salvaged and sterilized remaining stock to prepare hot food packs and bottled goods, which were distributed to evacuation centers and churches in Naga City.
What programs helped Golden Mama grow?
San Juan participated in PLDT and Smart’s eBizNovation digital upskilling program, which taught her e-commerce strategies. She also attended various workshops organized by the Department of Trade and Industry.
How does Golden Mama align with PLDT and Smart’s goals?
Golden Mama’s success story aligns with PLDT and Smart’s commitment to supporting MSMEs through innovation and digital inclusion, promoting sustainable development goals like No Poverty and Decent Work and Economic Growth.
