The Thought Leadership Presentation
Trix’s Ready-to-Cook Meals
Patrick Laurence Alfaro
The Epitome of PIE (Persevering, Influential, and Enthusiastic) Group
Juan Charlemagne R. Balbuena
Ashley Shaine Ann M. Cabanillas
Glenn Angelique R. Jawili
Liandrew D. Madronio
Miracle Grace G. Mangalino
Maelodie E. Uson
Jamiah Leigh E. Viernes
MGT1101 Section 12
Date of Submission: November 6, 2021
Table of Content
Overview of the Business
1
Company Address and Contact Details
2
Date of Virtual or Online Interview
2
Resume of Person Interviewed
3
Questionnaire Template
4
Transcript of the Interview
7
Photo Documentation
16
Individual Reflection Paper/ Personal Plan
18
Acknowledgement
24
References
25
Appendix/Appendices
26
Overview of the Business
A. Business Name
Trix’s Ready-to-Cook Meals is a start-up business venture that focuses on the
convenience of the people. Trix’s Ready-to-Cook Meals was derived from the owner’s
nickname, “Trix," and its purpose in providing freshly pre-cooked meals, paving the way
for the enterprise to be named Trix’s Ready-to-Cook Meals.
B. Form of Ownership
Trix’s Ready-to-Cook Meals is a sole proprietorship that is owned and controlled by
one person and has no legal separation between the owner and his business. Mr. Patrick
Alfaro is the one who is responsible for making decisions, responsible for all the losses,
debts, and receiving all the profits.
C. Form of Business
Trix's Ready-to-Cook Meals is a manufacturing business that sells meals for people
who do not have enough time to prepare a meal for themselves. It provides instructions on
the product packaging to aid the customers in preparing their selected meals. Furthermore,
among their products are Samgyup bundles which comprise ready-to-fry meats and various
side dishes, hotpot shabu-shabu sets, and various meat like chicken inasal, chicken wings,
and barbecue liempo. All their products are distributed by their trusted resellers which are
their Korean grocery partners. Currently, they have 5 Korean grocery partners such as Egpo
K-Mart, Ri-Rid K-Mart, Chugbog, Jeju K-Mart, and Wency’s K-Mart located in different
areas in Cavite.
D. Job Position
Mr. Patrick Alfaro is the sole owner of the business. He is responsible for managing all
business operations. The enterprise started amid the pandemic on November 15, 2020.
After learning that many people living in Imus have schedules that conflict with their food
preparation, Mr. Alfaro came up with an idea to establish a business that will resolve the
problem through ready-to-cook meals. Through this business, he aims to help his target
customers by providing a product that will be easy and convenient to prepare.
E. Business Vision
Trix’s Ready-to-Cook Meals visualizes itself to be the best ready-to-cook meals
provider in Imus City, Cavite.
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F. Business Mission
Trix’s Ready-to-Cook Meals aims to be the best ready-to-cook meals provider in Imus
City, Cavite by providing high-quality, affordable, and easy-to-prepare food for the
families to enjoy.
Company Address and Contact Details
A. Company Address
The company address of Trix Ready-to-Cook Meals is located in B9 L18 Ph2 Camella
Lessandra Bucandala V, Imus City, Cavite.
B. Contact Details
The business venture of Trix's Ready-to-Cook Meals can be found in their FB page
@Trix's ready-to-cook or their contact number 09052618486 for more information.
Date of Virtual or Online Interview
The Virtual Interview was conducted via Google Meet on October 29, 2021, at exactly
7 o’clock in the evening with the successful leader Mr. Patrick Alfaro and the presence of the
whole The Epitome of P.I.E. Group.
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Resume of Person Interviewed
Patrick Laurence B. Alfaro
Phone: 09052618486
Email: tricioalfaro@gmail.com
Address: B9 L18 Ph2 Camella Lessandara Bucandala V, Imus
City, Cavite
Birthday: October 10, 2000
A. Role
• Setting the goals of the business
• Bi-weekly planning for the business
• Makes the decisions to attain the objectives of the business
• Running business operations
• Controlling the resources and allocating them properly to manage the business
efficiently
B. Authority
As the sole manager of the business, he has control over
• Marketing the products to the public using different social media platforms
• Production, manning the overall process of manufacturing the products
• Accounting, overseeing and assessing the finances of the business
C. Responsibility
• Prepares the monthly or annual marketing plan of the business
• Communicates the product to the market
• Analyses the market trends and competitors
• In charge of preparing the financial documents of the business
• Ensures that all accounting activities comply with the regulations and standards
• Organizes the production schedule
• Ensures that orders are done and completed on time
• Responsible for monitoring the overall management of the business
• Provides suggestions and recommendations which can help the business to improve
• Ensures that the business have a healthy workplace
• Responsible for building and maintaining good relationships with customers
• Responsible for ensuring that budgets of the business were spent efficiently
D. Competency (Skills)
• Has a strong willingness to learn and adapt to the different areas in the business
• Has a strong commitment in providing solutions to different challenges that occur in
the business; a solution-oriented person
• Good at doing analyzation and computational activities
• Has good communicational skills
• Has the utmost integrity in supervising the overall management of the business
• Has the power to lead a group of people towards achieving the overall visions of the
business
• Flexible in handling the budget of the business
• Has the determination and courage to start a new project in relation to the business
• Has the ability to envision the future demands/needs of the business
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Questionnaire Template
Name: __________________________________________________________
Data Privacy Act of 2012
In accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and its Implementing Rules and
Regulations, in answering this form and disclosing your personal or sensitive personal
information, you consent for the Epitome of PIE of Far Eastern University to collect and
process any personal information and/or sensitive personal information for academic purposes
of this interview only and gathered information will be handled with strict confidentiality.
_____ YES, I agree and give consent.
_____ NO, I do not agree and give consent.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1.Entrepreneurship requires variety of task in operating a business such as marketing,
accounting, customer care and others. When you started your business Sir/Ma’am, have you
earned any of the following in preparation for the business:
_____ YES, I have earned college degree in business or entrepreneurship?
_____ NO, I have not earned college degree in business or entrepreneurship but
attended business trainings and seminars?
Others: __________________________________________________________
2. How long you have into this kind of business? ____________________. Is this your first
time/second time/third time to venture into entrepreneurship?
3. Engaging in business entails a lot of investments in terms of money, time, and sacrifices.
And despite of all these investments, still many have failed in their business ventures. Based
on your personal observation as a businessperson, is it a reality that not everyone is destined to
be a successful entrepreneur?
_____ AGREE
_____ AGREE with comments:
Comments here: _______________________________________________________.
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_____ DISAGREE
_____ DISAGREE with comments:
Comments here: _______________________________________________________.
4. As a businessperson do you prefer to:
_____ manage the business by yourself.
_____ manage the business by yourself and by family members.
_____ manage the business by yourself and hire employees.
Note: You may choose one answer or more than one.
5. How often do you plan for your business? What is the importance of having a plan?
__ Daily
__ Weekly
__ Bi-Weekly
__ Monthly
Others: ______________________________________________________________
6. Entrepreneurs or business-minded person do business because of:
___ passion for life.
___ recognition.
___ primarily to make a living.
___ this is what my family is doing since I was a child.
Note: You may choose only one or you may rank the choices according to your
preference (1-highest and 4- lowest).
7. Do you keep a journal or record of your daily business operation?
_____ YES, because it helps me to think for the future of my business.
_____ YES, because I want to have something to share to my employees and family.
_____ NO, I do not keep any journal or record of my daily business operation because
it is not my nature.
_____ NO, I do not keep any journal or record of my daily business operation because
I entrusted it to someone (my employee or member of my family).
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8. Regardless of situation, your DAILY attitude in business is BEING positive.
_____ YES
_____ SOMETIMES
9. In life as well as in business, nothing is certain or future proof? Do you plan to obtain or
have obtained insurance security for your business?
_____ YES, I plan insurance security for my business.
_____ YES, I already obtained insurance security for my business.
_____ NO, I have no plan of obtaining an insurance security for my business.
10. In our university, we adhere to the core values of Fortitude, Excellence or Uprightness, do
you also have certain values that follow and observe in your business operation?
_____ YES, I have, and these are: __________________________________________
_____ NO, I do not have.
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Transcript of the Interview
A. Transcription of the Interview
Question 1 - Entrepreneurship requires variety of task in operating a business such as
marketing, accounting, customer care and others. When you started your business Sir/Ma’am,
have you earned any of the following in preparation for the business.
I think hindi niyo pa ata alam ‘to pero I’m currently a 2nd year college student in
National University. To be honest, in staring a business, hindi mo kailangan masyado lahat
‘yan. Syempre, you may need basic stuffs, simple things na kailangan mong makuha because
in the end, lahat ng bagay na ‘yan matutunan mo as you go through and start your business.
The reason why it’s called a start-up, it’s because you need to build up your business.
Sometimes kasi we tend to over practice, over plan, over prepare on somethings para sa sarili
natin kasi somehow natatakot tayong mag try in the end but handling a business always comes
a risk. So dapat as an entrepreneur, kailangan maging risk taker ka talaga. To answer the
question, meron akong idea sa marketing, accounting kasi isa ‘yan sa mga na aral ko nung
Senior High School ako. But then again, malilit na bagay nalang sila. The things that would
really help you is kung ano yung mga bagay na aaralin mo as you start your business the
experience na makukuha mo for doing so at yung way mo rin para matutong mag-isa kasi ako
I really loved reading books at watching self-help videos that would really help yourself. So,
to answer the question, yes isang malaking bagay yung makapagtapos ka about sa mga
kailangan mong pagaralan but to really start a business hindi mo siya super kailangan. It would
really help to grow your business but then again to start hindi masyado.
Question 2 - How long have you been in this kind of business? Is this your first time/second
time/third time to venture into entrepreneurship?
Last 2019 I used to have a clothing line, but noong pumasok ang covid year 2020,
medyo tumigil siya, dahil bumaba ang sales ko eh. Syempre pandemic, nagbago ang needs ng
mga tao. Yung mga basic needs diba, yung shelter, food, then pangatlo lang ang clothing. And,
because ang mga tao noong pandemic, ang pinaka naging goal nila is to survive, kaya medyo
nabawasan ang market ng clothing side. I think agree kayo na maraming clothing shops ang
nagsara noong pandemic hindi ba. So ayun, ako nag lay low lang siya. So ayun, pag
entrepreneur ka kasi kailangan talaga na alam mo iyon, deep inside sa iyo may kailangan kang
i-solve na problem. Dapat kailangan mong gawin ito and all. So ayun, this is the second
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business that I have. Magkaiba sila syempre food ito, then yung isa is clothing. Nakaka 1-year
na ako sa business na ito.
Question 3 - Engaging in business entails a lot of investments in terms of money, time, and
sacrifices. And despite of all these investments, still many have failed in their business
ventures. Based on your personal observation as a businessperson, is it a reality that not
everyone is destined to be a successful entrepreneur?
Everyone has the capability to become successful but not everyone has the opportunity
to do so. But that doesn’t mean pwede ka nang tumigil because it’s all about, your willingness
to take risk in everything. It is not all about taking risk in terms of wala ka nang magagawa to
pataasin the chances of your survivability. Para kasing iniisip mo na 50 percent, 50/50, no, you
need to do something about it. Ang ibig sabihin lang ay, you have to make a necessary time
and effort in your business to become successful. For example, hindi ako nagbabasa ng books,
hindi ako gumagawa ng paraan to make things work and possible, hindi ko sina-sacrifice ang
paglalaro ko to handle my business. Alam ko na hindi ito magtatagal if I don’t take a lot of
time and effort to really handle a business and makes it successful. To answer your question,
yes, it takes a lot to make a business successful and it depends on the person who’s really to
take the opportunity and be willing to take the risk.
Question 4 – As a businessperson do you prefer to:
-
Manage the business by yourself
-
Manage the business by yourself and by family members
-
Manage the business by yourself and hire employees
Actually, lahat yan prefer ko, because lahat ‘yan nangyayare sa akin and mangyayari
sa akin. So, I started this business, hinandle ko siya ng mag-isa lang, lahat ‘yan ako. Kumbaga,
one-man team talaga ako, like, ako yung nag p-post, ako yung nag h-handle ng social media,
ako yung namimili, ako din yung chef, nag p-prepare, ako din yung, minsan ako din yung nag
d-deliver and all. Kasi, as an entrepreneur kailangan alam mo ‘yan lahat. I’m not saying na
kailangan ma-master mo lahat, I’m just saying na kailangan na alam mo kung paano
nangyayare, kung paano umiikot yung sistema; ano yung business plan, ano yung business
system mo, para mag work ‘yang business mo as a whole. Kasi ‘pag hindi, possible na
mahirapan ka maghandle niyan, ‘pag nando’n ka na sa higher level, kasi you need to have a
single idea or kahit yung pinaka, tip of the iceberg lang, about sa kung paano mo ihahandle
yung marketing, kung paano mo ihahande yung paggagawa ng products, and because if hindi,
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mahihirapan ka. Kasi, para kang nagawa ng isang lego na wala kang, na wala ka nung manual
‘di ba? So, as the owner, kailangan alam mo ‘yon lahat. Second, I’ll really appreciate my family
members because they’re one of the people na talagang tumutulong sa’kin, as of the moment,
wala pa talaga ‘kong employees; but we’ll get there. And the reason why na-aappreciate ko sila
is because, yung family members mo kasi, sila yung mga taong hindi naman mag t-take ng so
much from you, but, ilibre mo lang sila ng Jollibee after nung, after ka nilang tulungan okay
na sila and I really appreciate that. Bonding din namin ‘yon, sometimes. And lastly, kailangan
mo ‘din talaga mag-hire ng employees. I’ll be honest with you, I’ve been really praying na
magkaro’n ako ng employees soon, but it will really take a lot from me, so ‘yon. More on, one
of the requirements talaga para mag grow yung business mo in the future. So, it’s not something
na hihindian ko but it really is an option para mag grow yung business and ‘yon. Soon enough,
let’s see kung magkakaroon na ako ng employees.
Question 5 - How often do you plan for your business? What is the importance of having a
plan?
__ Daily
__ Weekly
__ Bi-Weekly
__ Monthly
Actually, hindi ako nag pa-plan ng isahan lang. I think the answer is bi-weekly but at
the same time mayroon din akong long-term goals. Mayroon din akong long-term plans. So,
for the sake of answering your answer, ay, your question rather, is I usually plan bi-weekly
with the idea of I tend to forget stuff din kasi kapag ka nag de-daily lang ako. So mahirap yun.
Kapag weekly naman, masyadong, sayang kasi yung, mayroon kasi akong ina-allot na day na
for planning lang which is Monday ko. So yung Monday usually nasa bahay lang ako, nakaupo,
nag la-laptop, planning for this week or for this two weeks na mayroon ako para sa Trix, so
yun.
What is the importance of planning? Uhm, mayroon kang direksyon kapag nag pa-plan
ka. Alam mo kung saan ka pupunta, hindi ka maliligaw. If you have a plan para sa week na 'to,
mas magiging, uhm, mas magkakaroon ng dahilan and reason, lahat ng gagawin mo sa buong
araw na mayroon ka. Diba? Yun. Magkakaroon ka ng goals every day, magkakaroon ka ng
goals every week na pwede mong ma-achieve, pwede mong hindi ma-achieve. But the idea
here is, you are, ahh, lahat ng steps that you would take sa buong week na iyon would still be,
ahh, be according to your plan, be according to the business plan na mayroon ka.
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Question 6 - Entrepreneurs or business-minded person do business because of passion for life,
recognition, primarily to make a living, this is what my family is doing since I was a child?
I believe the reason why number 1 I want to live 2 I want freedom I want to live with
the idea hindi ako mag llack in terms of financial need I am a dreamer marami akong dreams
na gustong ma-achieve plans na gustong magawa and to be honest isa sa pinaka the best thing
talaga na nangyare sakin is starting up this business and I know dito ako cinacall ni God. The
call I want to live because kaya I do this because I’ve called to handle and start a business to
provide jobs for really na hindi mo iisipin yung monthly kikitain na monthly na sswelduhin ko
because I have a business ako yung nag hhandle ng business na yon second I want freedom
kapag businessman ka hawak mo yung oras mo why because if naka gawa ka ng system that s
good enough to work for you if naka gawa ka ng business that could really run even though
hindi ka fully hands on you will gain freedom in terms of money time without pressure that’s
what I love for being a businessman syempre goal naman natin talaga is financial freedom buy
syempre part na lang yon ng marami na ring bagay ang na eenjoy ko I could have work as a
part time job yung panahong hindi pako nag aaral- gusto ko yung hindi ko kailngan mag work
ng 8-5 gusto ko yung nakaka tulog akong maaga hindi ko kailangan mag night shift things like
that the fact na meron akong own money na oinaiikot na hindi ko kinakailangan na cash mula
sa parents mo and somehow sila rin yung siusuportahan ko from time to time it was a really
great pleasure na nararamdaman again to live and to have freedom
Question 7 – Do you keep a journal record of your daily journal business operation?
Yes, I do but I’m using internet na meron akong google sheets meron din akong planner
and I think the app that I use is notion I think you can use it maganda siya sorry prinomote ko
pa pero maganda kasi talaga so ayon I use those tools para ma handle kung ano yung mga dapat
kong gawin at kung ano na yung mga nagawa ko and I really believe na kailangan ko nang
lumipat sa digital because ang hirap din kasi kapag sa sulat lang and kapag sa digital kasi
accessible talaga
Question 8 - Regardless of the situation, your DAILY attitude in business is BEING positive.
_____ YES
_____ SOMETIMES
It's hard to remain positive all the time. But if mayroon kang chance to be positive every
time, choose to be positive. Kasi in the end, handling a business talaga marami ka talagang
problems na haharapin e. Halos araw-araw mong, alam mo yun. Well to become an
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entrepreneur kasi some say na to become an entrepreneur you need to become a problem
changer [inaudible] a problem solver. So kailangan mong maging positve with the idea that
alam mo yun, alam mong kaya mo, and alam mong hindi mo kaya in terms of because hindi
mo kaya, you will rely to someone, higher, to a higher being which is si God. So yun, I become
posi--I can stay positive, because I know that God is with me. And I'm not handling this
business alone.
Question 9 - In life as well as in business, nothing is certain or future proof? Do you plan to
obtain or have obtained insurance security for your business?
Yes, it is part of the plan, and we will see in the near future ano yung gagawin ko, pero
hindi pa ngayon and I really think I must make my business secured. To answer your question,
yes, I really want to do it but in the near future. It’s one in my plan to obtain my security and
insurance in my business.
Question 10: In our university, we adhere to the core values of Fortitude, Excellence or
Uprightness, do you also have certain values that follow and observe in your business
operation?
In my life, I follow these four L.I.F.E. principles that I really uphold kahit saang area
ng buhay meron ako. So, number 1, L is leadership. I must have self-leadership all the time.
The leadership towards the people I manage and really work with. For example, business
partners and all. I must exemplify leadership that is really alam mo ‘yun, [when] people see
yung leadership na meron ako, they will really follow especially pag nagkaroon na ako ng mga
employees and all. Number 2 is I, integrity. I need to be trustworthy sa lahat ng bagay na
gagawin ko. Whenever sa pagrelease ng products, bills, and the things I will say sa mga clients
and all. Number [3], more on [a] personal thing, but I really believe that it is part of me handling
a business. One of the values talaga na ina-uphold ko. It is called faith. F, faith. I really have
faith na because of the idea God is faithful. Kakayanin mo. Maaabot mo yung sales every week,
every month. God will really provide for your business and all. Things like that. And then
lastly, Excellence. To do your best all the time. Excellent is not being 100% always. Excellence
means to do your 100% or you would do every time na may opportunity. Not because you want
to really earn respect from other people or gain popularity, but because you really want to
pursue and [may] purpose [ako] na hinahabol. That’s the reason why I am doing this business
because I want to honor God in the things that I do, magkakaroon ng mas maayos na buhay
ang family ko and my future family, and syempre ako. So, leadership, integrity, faith, and
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excellence, those are the values, core values, that I really uphold as I handle my business and
syempre my life din.
B. Interpretation of the answers
For question number 1,
To be honest in starting a business you don’t need all of that [formal study] but you
may need some basic stuff such as the simple things that you need to gain. In the end, you will
learn all of it [skills] as you go through. The reason why it’s called a start-up is because you
need to start in building your business. Sometimes we really tend to over practice, plan and
prepare because we’re scared to try. In handling a business, there’s always a risk so we need to
be a risk tasker. I have the prior knowledge in marketing and accounting because I learned that
when I was in Senior High School. But then again, it will become a small part. The things that
will help you [experiences] that you will going to learn as you go through. As you start your
business you will learn through your experience. It’s also important how you think that’s why
I love reading books to really learn and watch self-help vlogs. Yes, having [college degree]
have a huge contribution because you will have the knowledge. But to really start a business,
you don’t need that. It would really help in growing a business but it’s not important in
establishing one.
For question number 2,
Last 2019 I used to have clothing line, a man’s clothing line, but when the pandemic
started, it affected my business which was forced to have a closure since the needs and wants
of the people have changed. In today’s time, basic needs are what people prioritize first;
clothing needs comes third in the list. The goal of the people during the pandemic is to buy
food. Hence, the market on the clothing side decreases. As an entrepreneur, you must have an
insight and understanding with regards to a particular situation. You must keep in mind that
you have a problem to solve, and you must do something about it. Thus, this is the second
business that I have. This business is different from the first one that I handled because I am
now in the food industry, while before I was in the clothing industry. It has been 1 year since I
started my food business.
For question number 3,
Everyone has the capability to become successful but not everyone has the opportunity
to do so. But that doesn’t mean you can stop because it’s all about your willingness to take
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risks in everything. It is not all about taking risk in terms of there’s nothing you can do to
increase your chances of survivability. You have to make the necessary time and effort in your
business to become successful. you’re doing anything to make an effort such as reading
business books, not finding a way to make things work and possible, not sacrificing my time
in playing games to handle my business, basically, it will not last to handle a business and
makes it successful. As a business-minded it takes a lot to make a business successful and it
depends on the person who’s really to take the opportunity and be willing to take the risk.
For question number 4,
I prefer all of them because they are currently happening and will be happening to me
in the future. So, [when] I started this business I handled it alone, all of it [roles] are done by
me. I am a one-man team who's in charge of posting [contents], handling social media
[accounts], buying [necessities], I am also the chef, the one who prepares [orders], and
sometimes I deliver as well. Because as an entrepreneur, you need to know all of that. I’m not
saying that you need to master everything, but you must know how the business works and
how it flows; what is the plan, your business system, so that it can work as a whole. Because if
not, there’s a possibility that it will be difficult for you to handle the business if you are already
in a higher position. You need to be familiarized with how you will handle the marketing, the
production of products or it will be hard on your end. So as the owner, it is necessary that you
are knowledgeable enough about it. Second, I really appreciate my family members because
they’re the people who help me. As of now, I don’t have employees yet; but we will get there.
And the reason why I appreciate them [family members] is that they’re the people who don’t
take so much from you, a Jollibee treat to them would do after some help, and I really appreciate
that. And lastly, it is also a need to hire employees. I’ve been praying that soon, I’ll have my
own employees, but [as of the moment] it will really take a lot from me. Hiring employees is
one of the requirements to help your business grow in the future. It is not something that I will
say no, but it really is an option to develop your business. Soon enough, let’s see if I will finally
have my own workers.
For question number 5,
I do not usually create a plan [in one go]. I think the answer is bi-weekly but at the same
time I also have long-term goals, I have long-term plans. So, for the sake of answering your
question, I usually plan bi-weekly with the idea that I tend to forget stuff [if I create a plan]
daily, which is hard. If [I create a plan] weekly, the [time] will be wasted. I actually allot a
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specific day for planning which is Monday. On Mondays, I am usually at home, sitting while
using the laptop, [to create a] plan for this week or for the two weeks that I have for Trix.
What is the importance of planning? You will have a direction if you create a plan. You
will know where to go, you will not get lost. If you have a plan for this week, it will give you
a reason [for all the tasks] that you will need to accomplish for the entire day. It will provide
you a goal for every day [and] you will have goals for every week, [in which] you might or
might not achieve [the set goals]. But the idea here is that all the steps that you would take for
that week would still be according to your plan, it is [still] according to the business plan that
you have.
For question number 6,
I believe the reason why number 1 [I want to live] 2 [I want freedom] I want to live
with the idea that tells me that I should not fail and lack financial needs. I am a dreamer I have
many goals and I want to achieve them one by one and to be honest one of the best things that
I did during this pandemic is setting up a business and I know God put me here because he
wanted me to. The call [I want to live] because I do this because I’ve called to handle and start
a business to provide jobs for really in a situation wherein, you’ll not think for the financial
sector of your business. Because right now I am the one handling this business that’s why [I
want to have freedom] because when you’re a businessman you can handle your time and you
will gain freedom from it. in terms of money time without the pressure that’s what I love for
being a businessman of course our goal is [financial freedom] I could have worked as a parttime job way back when I am studying wherein, I have to work from 8-5 I also want to have
enough sleep also in the fact that I have my own money where in my business money is not my
money and I don’t have even need to ask for my parent's money that was really a great pleasure
for me again to [live and to have freedom].
For question number 7,
Yes, I do right now I’m using [the internet and google sheets] I have also a [planner]
and also the [notion app] which is very useful I think you can use it is very useful sorry I also
promoted it well those are the things I used in order to handle my business schedules and
update. For example, what do I need to do and what did I already do, I believe I need to transfer
into digital because it’s really hard for me writing and also when it comes to digital it is very
accessible.
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For question number 8,
It is hard to remain positive all the time. But if you have the chance to be positive every
time, choose to be positive. Because in the end, [in] handling a business, you will encounter a
lot of challenges. Well to become an entrepreneur, you need to become a problem changer
[and] a problem solver. So, you must be positive with the idea that you know that you can do
it, and you [also] know that you cannot do it. [Wherein if] you cannot do it, you will have to
rely on someone, to a higher being which is God. I can stay positive because I know that God
is with me, and I am not handling this business alone.
For question number 9,
Obtaining security and insure is one of the plans, and we’ll see soon what I am going
to do, but for now, I really think I must make my business secured. To answer the question,
yes, I will do it but not now, maybe in the near future and it’s one in my plan to obtain my
security and insurance in my business.
For question number 10,
I have 4 L.I.F.E. principles that I uphold in my life. First is leadership in which it must
induce followership. Second, the value of integrity that I should apply in all aspects of my
business. Next is faith that is my source of strength and hope as I do my business. Lastly,
excellence in the sense of doing my best in every opportunity that comes. I strive to be excellent
because I aim to attain my goals, which is honoring God and providing a better life for my
family and myself.
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Photo Documentation
A. Photos
16
B. Video
Link for the Interview: https://feueduphmy.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/2021042881_feu_edu_ph/ESMl9hKysStBoTEYGlk_
z3MBeQd0cGsmLXnXIrVDwbquYw?e=MZqtmo
Individual Reflection Paper/ Personal Plan
A. Juan Charlemagne R. Balbuena
Age does not contribute to the success of a leader and businessman, but the qualities of
a person do. Despite being a 2nd-year college student, Mr. Patrick Laurence Alfaro has been
able to run a well-performing business.
What has been making him reach this feat is the multi-dimensional qualities he
possesses. As a leader and businessman, Mr. Patrick has been exemplifying mental and
emotional competence, and at the same time, attributes his capabilities to God. During the
conception of his business, he considered the needs of his target clients and thought of a
business that would meet them. Now that Mr. Patrick is already managing his business, he
takes the correct steps and makes sound decisions. And while he already runs a thriving
business, he is still willing to learn. Ultimately, he believes that all of these are for and because
of Him.
To conclude, the saying “quality over quantity” is also applicable to leadership and
entrepreneurship. To be a successful leader and entrepreneur is not always about how old you
are; it is how you maximize what you have and translate it to what you want to be.
B. Ashley Shaine Ann M. Cabanillas
The Thought Leadership Presentation Activity opened many ways for me to fully
understand one’s leader role and how their position plays a huge part in running their own
business, may it be a small or large enterprise. This presentation also made me see the value of
communication within your groupmates into working perfectly as a whole.
As I participate in this activity, it made me realize that regardless of age and educational
status of an entrepreneur, hard work is the one that attracts success. As Huskins (2019) said,
our environment influences us into obtaining higher education, yet it doesn’t thoroughly have
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the assurance to gain achievements in life. I’ve also come to convince myself that starting a
new business comes with risks and lots of responsibilities. And to overcome such things, your
passion and perseverance should be present. A direct goal and well-planned strategy attend
one’s entrepreneur in accomplishing its objective, mission, and vision to their business. Thus,
the possibilities of encountering circumstances would be lower than expected. But what left
me the most impact is that being an optimistic and confident leader is what an organization
builds off. The core, the decision-maker, the role that makes words turn into action. Hence,
being knowledgeable and assertive to its business system would assist in achieving one’s
success.
Other than that, what made this activity less difficult for me and my team is the fact that
our way of communicating and sharing ideas is effectual that guides us into achieving the
objective of the said project. This experience would also help us to be great leaders once we
become one in the future.
To end, it takes a lot of effort and courage to be a leader or a businessman. What Mr.
Alfaro showed me was just the tip of an iceberg of what does being in the field of business.
Therefore, I would bring up the lessons I’ve learned into existence that would help me in
achieving success sooner or later in the world of professionalism.
C. Glenn Angelique R. Jawili
Our typical routine of living has been thrown off by COVID-19. Across the board,
we've altered the way we work, interact, create, and contribute. We all feel sadness and grieve
for those who have lost loved ones as a result of the pandemic. The modifications Trix’s
cookery and ready to cook meals made demonstrated that their organization can be adaptable
while still delivering outstanding service just like their business is showing that they’re selling
ready to cook and already cooked meals, because during this time of pandemic were all very
shock and adjusted in order to fulfil the duties or want of the customers. To our customers and
that by adapting to changing conditions.
Just like what our interviewee has taught us
businesses have learned over the last year that quickly adjusting to new technology is a new
requirement because in the time of the pandemic many of us could not even go out of our
houses. Also, our interviewee taught us that starting a small business is not easy at all to be
successful, but you must try and strive hard, you must have passion, or heart, for the business;
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without it, your business will fail failing in a business is normal, in that we should look at it
and try to renew our plans.
In order to meet the market where it is, business owners have had to pivot their tactics,
marketing plans, and, in some cases, basic products and services that your business needs. For
years to come, business owners will profit from this level of freedom. Freedom where they can
now open without the worry of not having enough customers and freedom that could help their
business to grow. While business owners around the world continue to face enormous
challenges some owners like the Trix’s management still manages to strive for the betterment
of their business and still conquer the circumstances that happened to them, these resilience
skills are vital. Small company owners face uncertainty in both their professional and personal
life as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. You may return to work or continue to run
operations remotely, depending on local instructions part of this it just like what our
interviewee said it is better to plan ahead and to make sure that you have a money for your
business and a money on yours. It's critical to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle outside
of work as you navigate these changes. Outside of work, it's more crucial than ever for small
business entrepreneurs like Trix’s cookery to have a stable support system because pandemic
has caused a lot of business owners to plan ahead for whatever happens in the next step. But
part of that you may, convert your dream business into a reality by putting your heart into it
and putting your willingness and think that you can survive and think of a plan in order for
your business to grow, devotion, and love into it.
In conclusion, small business operators remain resolute in the face of adversity,
constantly devising a plan to provide the customers their need and to satisfy them with their
want with new and better ways to get things done. Always remember that you need take good
care of your business, but don't forget to look after yourself.
D. Liandrew D. Madronio
The True Value of Leadership
The Thought Leadership Presentation is a great learning experience for me as it offers
a lot of valuable insights about the successful leader that we interviewed and the importance of
being part of a group. It can be said that leadership is a broad term that can be described in
many ways. Mr. Patrick Laurence Alfaro presents a variety of skills in leadership that showcase
the significance of having passion and initiative to be successful in a business venture.
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I learned that in establishing a business a formal study can help but unnecessary as
experiences really build the leadership skills of an individual. Schooley (2019) stated that
having a college degree is not essential to start a business, but it certainly helps as it teaches an
individual soft skill on being a lifelong learner. Mr. Alfaro’s experience in establishing a
business makes me realize that with determination and willingness to learn, we could be
successful leaders.
As we go through the interview, I learned that we need to be innovative and imaginative
to start a business. For instance, Mr. Alfaro takes the pandemic as an advantage to start a
business that offers ready-to-cook meals to people that can’t go out during this time. It’s crucial
fact that starting a business venture can be risky but being prepared and having a proper mindset
can be valuable. Also, our different characteristics make our leadership skills authentic and
distinctive to others. Importantly, a leader should have competencies that can complement his
resellers and followers to develop a stronger relationship and thrive more in his business
venture.
Mr. Alfaro explained the value of having objectives in your life and business as it serves
as a guide in achieving your goals. Mirabent, Machuca et. al (2019) stated that mission
statements can provide a business owner's purpose and can be used as a strategic tool. Now, I
know it’s vital to follow a set of plans and goals to achieve success. Furthermore, working in
a group motivates me to work well and really put an effort into developing the ideas for the
group. Thus, this activity provides significant knowledge in various terms of leadership and
interacting in a group setting.
Hence, for the feedback, it can be suggested that the activity surely is a form of learning
experience. From the start of the activity by collaborating and sharing innovative ideas are
substantial in developing our confidence and leadership skills. As well as expanding our career
aspirations and inspiring us to be successful entrepreneurs. Overall, this final requirement has
a profound impact on building our career, leadership skills, and knowledge in business.
E. Miracle Grace G. Mangalino
This activity brought me to a new level of experience wherein I was able to discover
and obtain meaningful lessons and ideas that I can use in the future. It also allows me to
improve my sense of collaboration and eventually widen my perspective with regards to being
a good leader.
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One of the lessons that I’ve learned from the interview is that you should always think
that you have a problem to solve because you can use it as your driving force to do something
out of your passion and interest. As per Vishwakarma (2019), a jack-of-all-trades person could
have a greater possibility of establishing a good authority over the subordinates and eventually
become a good leader since he/she is flexible in doing different tasks. The leader that we
interviewed mentioned that he once failed in managing the business not because he lacks
efforts, but because of the unforeseen events such as the pandemic. Thus, it was forced to have
a closure since the profitability of his business made a major decline. However, the leader
didn’t stop finding his purpose and he pursue in becoming a multi-skilled person or jack-ofall-trades, which then led him to opening another business for the second time. Thus, those
information and experiences made a significant impact in my life, and they somehow motivated
me to not lose hope when things did not go our way. Primarily, we must learn to adapt with
new things and make ourselves work and think outside the box so that we can get to experience
extraordinary things that can change our lives for the better.
In addition, I realized that it is much better to work in groups because we can be able
to generate more ideas and opinions that we can use in deciding and providing information
with regards to certain things. Furthermore, I enjoy working with my groupmates since we are
all active in participating and contributing our own ideas to arrive at better outputs. Through
our collective efforts and ideas, we are able unlock new experiences that provided us
meaningful lessons that we can use once we entered the corporate world or once we become a
leader of our own group.
To conclude, this interview provided me the knowledge on what to avoid, expect, and
do once I become a leader. It also showed me how the leaders in today’s time are open to new
things and are flexible enough to adapt to the challenges that they encounter. They also made
a way to overcome the status quo which led them in becoming an efficient and effective leader.
Lastly, it allows me to explore and evaluate the things and strategies that our chosen leader did
before becoming successful one.
F. Maelodie E. Uson
In this activity, I gained a new perspective about the importance of planning and critical
thinking in the process of establishing a business. Further, the importance of building a good
rapport with my group mates in accomplishing our desired goals.
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I learned that planning is vital before starting a business. In fact, according to
Ranasinghe (2021), the nature of the plan of the business can greatly affect its performance,
especially in the aspect of financial performance. In the case of Mr. Alfaro, after observing that
there is a need for ready-to-cook meals, he immediately researches the trends and the process
of establishing this kind of business. I realized that establishing a business is not something
that I could just do because I want to do it, it will require hard work and sleepless nights. I
could relate this in every project that I did before, wherein because of my effort to plan and
research my topic, I was able to achieve a high score.
Furthermore, I also learned that being a leader requires knowing how to take calculated
risks. Leaders like entrepreneurs should assess the advantages and disadvantages of the risks
before taking them since there are only two outcomes of taking a risk, it can either lead to
success or failure (Campbell & Park, 2017). Mr. Alfaro was able to exhibit this characteristic
when he uses the money that he got from his birthday, amounting to only Php 1,500, and use
the system of the pre-order. By applying pre-order in his newly established business, he was
able to gather sure customers while avoiding unnecessary spending of money. In this scenario,
I gain a new perspective wherein if you were able to conduct the necessary research for your
business, it will minimize its probability of failing. I could use this kind of perspective in every
big decision that I will need to take in the future like investing.
On the other hand, I was glad to be working with people who also value the quality of
our output. Most of us have ideas and suggestions that will be helpful for our group.
Furthermore, because I am comfortable working with them, I was able to suggest some ideas
for our paper. From this experience, I learned that communicating with your members and
being respectful is vital in accomplishing our desired goals. Having a good rapport with my
group mates helps a lot in our process of exchanging ideas.
To sum it up, I realized that all the lessons that I learned from Mr. Alfaro is not just
applicable in business; it is also helpful in every personal decision that I will make. With that
said, I could say that this activity contributes to my developmental process to be a professional
in the future.
G. Jamiah Leigh E. Viernes
I came to know that in our interview, venturing a business is often one of the hardest
and critical things a person can do because it requires a considerable amount of time, effort,
sacrifices and preparation.
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Furthermore, one of the aspects I have gained knowledge is doing your business is
about taking a lot of effort, time, and sacrifices to make your business become successful.
Basically, it means by taking risks in everything including your personal time or time with
your friends and etc. Number of small business owners must take risks in order to get their
business to where they are now. When we say taking risks is expecting great result, it is all
about taking risks in business that entails good planning and hardships. According to a quote
by Frederick Wilcox, “Progress always involves risks. You can’t steal second base and keep
your foot on first.” Everyone in this world can really be sure in risking on something will pay
off, but this should not stop you from taking a step and risk it all. It is basically an opportunity
to learn new valuable experiences, this what we called an optimistic risk-taker, it will look at
failure a great opportunity to learn. By means of failure, it will teach you or us to think critical
and plan strategically.
Overall, starting a small business is not easy at all, you should have the passion, your
heart, in the business to become successful, without it your business will not succeed.
However, with the heart of your willingness, dedication, and passion in venturing your
business, you can make your dream business turn into a reality.
Acknowledgment
The Thought Leadership Activity is inspired by the successful leadership story of Mr.
Patrick Laurence Alfaro. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to him for allowing
us this wonderful opportunity to conduct an interview about his story and put it into writing.
The amount of knowledge that he provides to us creates a huge contribution to the success of
this activity. We are really indebted for his willingness to share his experiences and his
cooperation to complete the necessary information we need to accomplish this project. His
journey to success is truly admirable as it motivates us to write this paper with sincerity and
determination. The insights and values that he incorporates into leadership have a profound
impact on us and in making this activity. Thus, without his kind assistance, we will be unable
to fulfill this activity, so we truly express our genuine appreciation to him.
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Reference
Berbegal-Mirabent, J., Mas-Machuca, M., & Guix, P. (2019). Impact of mission statement
components on social enterprises’ performance. Review of Managerial Science, 15(3),
705-724. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-019-00355-2
Campbell, J. M., & Park, J. (2017). Extending the resource-based view: Effects of strategic
orientation toward community on small business performance. Journal of Retailing and
Consumer Services, 34, 302-308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2016.01.013.
Huskins, N. (2019). You don’t need a degree to be a successful entrepreneur (But you need to
do these nine things). Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2019/07/01/youdont-need-a-degree-to-be-a-successful-entrepreneur-but-you-need-to-do-these-ninethings/?sh=71b4aa8a420d
Ranasinghe, H. K. G. S. (2021). Business planning practices affecting higher level of business
performance of manufacturing SMEs in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. iJournals:
International Journal of Social Relevance & Concern (IJSRC), 9 (7), pp 237-260.
Schooley, S. (2019, August 20). Should you skip college to start a business? Business News
Daily; businessnewsdaily.com. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6892-skip-collegefor-entrepreneurship.html
U.S. Small Business Administration (2020, July 30). COVID-19 coping tips for small business
owners. https://www.sba.gov/blog/covid-19-coping-tips-small-business-owners
Vishwakarma, H. (2019, February 12). Who is a better hire, jack of all trades, or master of one?
Start it up. https://medium.com/swlh/who-is-a-better-hire-jack-of-all-trades-or-masterof-one-953cf6d46fe5
Wilcox, F. (n.d.). Frederick Wilcox - Accountant - Liberty Bank | linkedin. Retrieved
November 5, 2021, from https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederick-wilcox-859341146.
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Appendix/Appendices
A. Request Letter
October 26, 2021
PATRICK LAURENCE ALFARO
Business Owner
B9 L18 Ph2 Camella Lessandara Bucandala V, Imus City, Cavite
Mr. Alfaro,
We, Juan Charlemagne R. Balbuena, Ashley Shaine M. Cabanillas, Glenn Angelique
R. Jawili, Liandrew D. Madronio, Miracle Grace G. Mangalino, Maelodie E. Uson and Jamiah
Leigh E. Viernes from Epitome of PIE Group of Far Eastern University-Manila, are conducting
an activity entitled “The Thought Leadership Presentation” under the supervision of Dr.
Leonardo F. Cada Jr. in fulfillment of our final requirement for the course Leadership and
Decision Making (MGT1101).
In connection to this, may we request your time to allow us to conduct an interview for
the collection of information in our activity. Thank you!
Very respectfully yours,
Juan Charlemagne R. Balbuena
Ashley Shaine M. Cabinillas
Student
Student
Glenn Angelique R. Jawili
Liandrew D. Madronio
Student
Student
Miracle Grace G. Mangalino
Maelodie E. Uson
Student
Student
Jamiah Leigh E. Viernes
Student
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B. Approval Form
Leadership and Decision-Making Approval Form
Group Member Names: Juan Charlemagne Balbuena, Ashley Shaine Cabanillas, Glenn Angelique
Jawili, Liandrew Madronio, Miracle Grace Mangalino, Jamiah Leigh Viernes, Maelodie Uson
Section: 12
Date: October 26, 2021
Leader Name/s
1. Patrick Laurence Alfaro
Position
Organization/ Business
Owner
Trix Ready to Cook Meals
Approved By: (SGD) Prof. Leonardo F. Cada,
Jr.
Submitted By: Juan Charlemagne Balbuena
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