It all started with a 500-peso capital, way back in 1975. Avelina Miranda used to cook pili nut sweets and sell them to train passengers and tourists in Naga City. In starting the business, she and her husband lived by the terms of “sipag at tiyaga”.

Three years after, wholesalers began ordering Avelina’s product by the bulk. So, the couple hired their very first employee to help them with the work. After almost a decade, they have finally decided to have a small shop and give birth to the business name “RPM Pili Candies”. The initials of the business name originated from the names of the couple’s children – Ray, Pastor Jr., and Minnie – all college graduates. At present, every member of the family is involved in the different operations of the business.

RPM Pili Candies is now one of the largest producers of pili nut products in the Bicol Region. Avelina stands by their reputation and remains very passionate about the taste and quality of the products.

With the positive, innovative and determined attitude of Avelina, the business grew tremendously. She actively participates in various trade shows and exhibits organized by private and government institutions to promote pili nut candies and pastries in difference parts of the country. 

For more than three decades of product development, RPM has become famous especially in Metro Manila. Their pili nut products are already distributed in the leading malls and supermarkets in the city. Their products are also circulated by distributors in the countries of Canada, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, USA, China, Lebanon and Norway.

From the 500-peso capital, because of honest hard work, Avelina and her family have turned their initial pili venture into more than a million-peso worth of business enterprise.

The Basic Necessity

Lyndon Tan always had the passion for agriculture. He was born, raised and educated in Naga City, where his family owned a rice mill.

In 1997, he established the Basic Necessity, Inc., where he decided to focus on the production of lettuce. He wanted to reduce, or even stop, the importation of the vegetable. Presently, his business venture has the largest greenhouse facility in the Philippines. Tan supplies high value crops such as pre-packed lettuce, culinary herbs, cherry tomatoes, etc. under the brand “Salad Time”. Basic Necessity products are distributed in leading supermarkets, hotel and restaurant chains, resorts, institutions and convenience stores nationwide.

With Tan’s dedication to his work, passion for agriculture, and trust in the competence of his workforce; Basic Necessity was certified by the Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system for the company’s high standard in sanitation and quality production.

The company’s commitment to consumers and trade custom is the secret to its success. Tan and his employees work together as they value their respect for each other and commitment to integrity, creativity and passion.
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Avelina Miranda and Lyndon Tan will be recognized as two of the Most Inspiring Bicolano Entrepreneurs on January 30, 2009 at the Go Negosyo sa Bicol Express Caravan, the very first of the continuing Go Negosyo campaign spearheaded by Presidential Consultant for Entrepreneurship Jose Ma. Concepcion III, at the Camarines Sur Convention Center.

Go Negosyo sa Bicol Express is presented by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship in partnership with Camarines Sur Governor Lray Villafuerte, and the support of the Micro Small and Medium Entrepreneurs Development Council led by Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila. The event will be graced by Senator Manny Villar and Presidential Management Staff Secretary Cerge Remonde, who is also the Chairman of the Cabinet Oversight Committee for MSME Development and recently inducted Press Secretary. Member agencies will also be present to reach out to the participants. Go Negosyo mentors and entrepreneurs will also be joining our forums to share their stories and business advice. Governors and local leaders from all the provinces in Bicol will be there as well.

Go Negosyo sa Bicol Express is also made possible with major partners: Camarines Sur Provincial Government, PLDT SME Nation, Smart Communications, Globe Business Solutions, RFM Corporation, National Bookstore, PAGCOR, The Philippine Star, San Miguel Corporation, Condura and Insular Life.

Go Negosyo also thanks event partners: V-cargo, Kettle Korn, and Select Media ; media partners: QTV 11, GMA 7, NBN 4, Philippine Daily Inquirer, ASPAC-LAW, Fullcircle Communications; government partners: Department of Trade and Industry - Batangas, Department of Science and Technology and Regional Operations Undersecretary Merle Cruz with Bicol Regional Director Joy Blanco, SBCorp Chairman Vir Angelo and President Benel Lagua, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Interior and Local Government, The President’s Social Fund.