Success in Every Bottle

Achieving greater heights in life requires faith and bravery.

In the summer of 2018, Yollie Perez of Calauan, Laguna, unexpectedly found success by selling mangoes and homemade "Alamang," a fermented condiment made of minute shrimp or krill.

At first, Alamang was not a family business. It was simply something they paired with mangoes, but when people in their barangay loved it, Yollie saw an opportunity. Encouraged by the positive response, she decided to turn it into an official business.

"When we started it, I started with plastic bottles as the main product’s packaging. Yollies' Alamang started from scratch but gradually grew," Yollie shared.

Overcoming Challenges

Like many entrepreneurs, Yollie faced struggles in the early stages of her business. She lacked the capital to increase production, hire staff, and expand her market reach. But with perseverance, faith, and determination, she pressed on.

It wasn’t until she learned about CARD SME Bank, a thrift bank under CARD MRI, that things began to change. Seeing the opportunity, she did not hesitate to seek assistance from CARD staff. Recognizing her passion and commitment, they helped her become an official client.

With the business loan she secured from CARD SME Bank, Yollie expanded her production and supported her family. Her hard work paid off—she was named Gawad Maunlad 2022 Winner and, later, the Institutional Winner of CARD SME Bank in the 2023 CARD MRI’s “Pagkilala sa Mga Likha ni Inay”. These milestones improved her product’s quality and packaging, allowing her to reach a wider market.

A Growing Business and Inspiring Others

As her success continued, Yollie became an inspiration to fellow entrepreneurs. On February 15, 2023, she was invited as a resource speaker at the 11th Business Symposium of CARD MRI Development Institute (CMDI), Inc., in celebration of Entrepreneur’s Week 2023.

Through strategic thinking and financial discipline, Yollie’s Alamang expanded beyond Calauan, Laguna, reaching neighboring towns and provinces. More than just growing her business, she also provided jobs in her community, becoming a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Today, she offers more than just Alamang. She has introduced Sinantolan, a Filipino dish made of minced cotton fruit (santol) cooked with shrimp paste, chili, onion, garlic, and coconut cream. Both products are available in various packaging options, including tubs, glass jars, and pouches.

Reaching Greater Heights

With her business flourishing, Yollie’s products are now available in major retail stores like SM City Calamba and SM City Sta. Rosa, as well as online platforms like Lazada. She has also gained numerous resellers and distributors, expanding her nationwide market.

Her Alamang manufacturing site is located in Barangay Dayap, Calauan, Laguna.

"Beyond my passion and commitment to success, I am deeply grateful to CARD. Our achievements today would not have been possible without their trust, support, and assistance. CARD has been my business partner, helping me see the success in every bottle of our products. They have been my wings, allowing me to fly and achieve my dreams," Yollie concluded.