Business and journalism

As a young Filipino-Chinese kid who spent my childhood years staying in my paternal grandparents’ store during school breaks in Binondo, Manila, I personally witnessed how a measly 25 or 50-centavo profit from every item they sold was enough to put a smile on their faces.

Back then, I didn’t understand that it was my grandparents’ ploy to lure repeat customers by selling their wares at low prices. They didn’t care about earning a little as long as people kept coming to patronize their goods.

As far as I can remember, my Amah and Angkong only sold three items in their store along the busy Elcano St. – cellophanes, beans and panocha — but their business was really doing well.

For so many years, I observed with fascination how they gained loyal patrons from different parts of the metropolis and nearby provinces, who made wholesale purchases each time they visited the store.

Despite this rich upbringing in the world of business, my heart was always drawn to storytelling. While my relatives thrived on spreadsheets and market analyses, I found my passion in words and narratives. 

I was captivated by the power of a well-told story to inform, inspire, and connect people. This passion led me to pursue a career in journalism, a path that diverged significantly from the entrepreneurial legacy of my family.

Choosing journalism over business wasn’t an easy decision, though, as there was an unspoken expectation to follow in the family’s footsteps.

However, I knew that my calling lay elsewhere. Journalism allowed me to explore my curiosity, to ask questions, and to seek out the truth in a way that resonated deeply with me.

Interestingly, the skills and values I absorbed from my Chinese grandparents have been incredibly useful in my journalistic career. 

The analytical thinking, strategic planning, and relentless pursuit of excellence that are hallmarks of successful business practice have helped me navigate the fast-paced world of news and reporting. 

My ability to build and maintain relationships, a skill honed by watching how my grandparents conducted their business, has been crucial in developing sources and conducting interviews.

While I may not have followed the path my family envisioned, I’ve carved out my own niche that honors their legacy in its own way.