Not all heroes wear a cape, some wears an apron and prepares delicious recipes in the kitchen. And so goes these Mompreneurs who run successful businesses in SM malls in Iloilo, Bacolod and Puerto Princesa.
Mompreneur, or "momtrepreneurs," is a slang term describing women who run their own businesses while also acting as a full-time parent, thus the word is the combination of “mom” and “entrepreneur”.
This Mother’s Day, these strong women are highlighted and honoured for their exemplary role in raising their families and tend to their own businesses and still manage to do it with flying colors.
Let us get to know their secret recipes for success.
MIA ROBLES-NG
Breakthrough Restaurant at SM City Iloilo
When in Iloilo, trying the delicious cuisine of the place is a must. Breakthrough Restaurant is a go-to place and as they say, you haven’t been to Iloilo if you haven’t gone to this place.
Mia Robles-Ng is the new generation handling this business of good-tasting Ilonggo cuisine to the Ilonggos as well as local and international tourists.
“Breakthrough Restaurant is a brainchild of my parents, Munding & Daday Robles. Both UP Diliman graduates - BS Marine Bio & Hotel and Restaurant Management respectively.
It started as a small - carinderia like , turo-turo style “eatery” with simply home cooked food and off the grill seafoods. Mr. Robles was not a fan of advertising before, he didn’t pay for any ad. Where Breakthrough is now is a result of hard work , “pag-amuma” sa customer, fresh food and just word of mouth from our patrons and friends.” shares Mia
She says that before her parents ventured in restaurant, Mr Robles was into fish culture/fish farming business and her mother was an HRM graduate--they decided to “join forces” and so Breakthrough Restaurant was born. Pioneering in the Sinugba nga Managat, the delicious fish was presumed as pest before, but Mr. Robles as fish enthusiast, knows that the meat of the Managat is really tasty.
Mia reveals that partnering with SM is a value-added factor, “it helped us reach more customers, the SM goers. Since Ilonggos really love SM.”
As the business grew, Mia and her family made sure that their employees are part of its growth, they made sure that their welfare are also taken cared of – “It feels nice to give livelihood to people too, to give them job and earn. Now we have scholarship programs to exceptional children of our employees. “
Adapting to the new normal is also a challenge, but with their business experience, Mia made sure that they cope with the situation — “It’s our first take in delivery service. Honestly, our food are best eaten dine in and or fresh off the grill, but we really have to adapt to this pandemic.”
Mia revealed that they used different medium like telemarketing and social media, to remind people that That they are still in business. “One good thing also is that our employees as willing to multi task - the waiters before are delivery riders now.’, Mia adds
Mia Robles-Ng says that SM has been really generous with their discounted rates on rentals. “It really helped us cope during this times.”
If there are things to learn with this whole experience, Mia has this to say—“Social media is key now, everyone’s on their phones. whatever they see interesting, looking yummy they will try. they will buy. but for them to be repeat customers, you have to really make a promise, that your product is good. that “ay kanamit gd man! i will eat this again! i will let all my family taste this”. Don’t just be instagramable! you have to have something that will make them call you again or come back to you again. Also…. that we have to live with this new normal, its ok to go out. to eat out! -as long as we follow health and safety protocols. We have to thrive again! Support Local also so we can help others thrive in our community.
Perhaps, continuing the success of Breakthrough Restaurant can be attributed to Mia’s mindset of motherhood—“As a mother, sometimes i think I am at my best, and sometimes I feel I am not good enough. I always want the best for my kids. Motherhood is a journey, I haven’t mastered it and that I need to be kind to myself too. To remind myself to trust my instincts and just “you do you”.
Breakthrough, being the home of delicious Ilonggo specialties Mia also has this to say of being an ideal mom-- “A mother is a home - where you feel safe and loved. Nurturing, encouraging and where you can be yourself.”