CESocSci 4
Summary:
Honarato “Tiyo Tatoy” Espinosa
Tatoy’s Manokan began in the early 70s as a three-table operation under a nipa roof along the
Arevalo district coastline, right across the landmark restaurant that is definitely the most popular eating
place in Iloilo City.
Tiyo Tatoy had no capital and his only source of livelihood then was fishing and gathering “tuba”
from coconut trees that were abundant in the place and with the little money he earned,Tiyo Tatoy
embarked on a venture that was to become Iloilo City’s icon for food.
Every Saturday, he would buy three heads of native chicken, three pieces of bangus and other
ingredient from a “talipapa” situated about 1.5 kilometer from where his small business sat.
The big break came sometime in 1975 when Tiyo Tatoy ask his “kumare”, the wife of a FilipinoChinese grocery store owner if he could buy his supplies on credit from her husband’s store which the
latter agreed and Tiyo Tatoy started buying his supplies, including softdrinks and beer, to accommodate
his growing customer base every Saturday
From just three heads of native chicken each Sunday, Tatoy’s has grown exponentially to an
average of 600 heads of native chicken every day, according to Hector and on Sundays, the figure could
reach 1,000 heads of free-range native chicken.
a. What entrepreneurial characteristics can you find in the story? Briefly describe the meaning of each
characteristic.
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Vision- speaks to what the entrepreneur wants the business to look like in the future, perhaps in
five or ten years. It is having a strong sense of commitment in planning to achieve the given goal
or objective that the business needs to meet. People with vision are dedicated to exerting more
time and effort to enhance their skills in terms of preparedness and the ability of entrepreneurs
to make decisions and take actions that involve uncertainty, potential loss, and the possibility of
failure.
Innovation- The practice of creating new business ideas and plans with the intention of
generating profits, helping the community, and accompanying company goals. It is an
improvement in developing solutions that consciously choose to think simply about success.
Innovation helps a person build habits and routines that contribute to their success, allowing
them to become more self-sufficient and reliable in any challenges that the business faces.
Determination- Willingness to exceed their daily tasks to achieve their objectives. It allows the
person to aim higher than usual and have a desire to improve and grow into a better individual
with a development in critical thinking and determination in innovating as well as progressing in
his chosen field. Determination keeps a person going despite the difficulties that will inevitably
come their way.
Tenacity – Perseveres through difficult times, learn from failures, and overcome obstacles with
resilience. He has the ability to navigate challenges and stay committed to the business's
success.
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Resourcefulness- the ability and creativity to find ways to cope in the face of obstacles and
constraints. It's about making the most of what is at hand, which includes encouraging flexibility
and resilience and allowing individuals to find solutions even when faced with limited resources
or unexpected challenges.
b. What part of the story points to that characteristic?
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Vision: Over the years, Tatoy's Manokan expanded its menu, incorporating different dishes
beyond its initial focus on broiled native chicken and bangus. This diversification could indicate a
vision for the restaurant to cater to a broader audience and adapt to changing culinary
preferences. Involving his family in various aspects of the business, including marketing and
raising additional income through cattle-raising and piggery, reflects a vision for the business as
a family enterprise. This suggests a desire for sustainability and potentially even a vision for the
business to be passed down through generations.
Innovation: Over the years, Tatoy's Manokan expanded its menu from the initial focus on native
chicken and bangus,responding to customer preferences and broadening the appeal of the
restaurant. Tiyo Tatoy innovatively approached a friend to secure supplies on credit from a
Filipino-Chinese grocery store. This credit-based supply chain management allowed Tatoy's
Manokan to meet the growing demand without immediate financial constraints, showcasing an
innovative approach to business operations.
Tenacity - Tiyo Tatoy began Tatoy's Manokan with minimal capital and limited resources.
Despite the challenges associated with starting a business under such conditions, his
determination and tenacity drove him to establish a small three-table operation.Tiyo Tatoy's
tenacity is evident in his determination to establish and grow Tatoy's Manokan despite initial
challenges, financial constraints, and unforeseen obstacles.
Determination: Tiyo Tatoy's commitment to his business is evident in the hard work and
determination he and his family put into the venture. From the early days of selling three heads
of native chicken, they expanded to meet the growing demand, even overcoming challenges like
the lack of initial capital.
Resourcefulness: In the early days of Tatoy's Manokan, Tiyo Tatoy relied on his resourcefulness
to sustain the business. His source of livelihood was fishing and gathering "tuba" from coconut
trees, and with the limited funds, he ventured into the food industry.
c. What insight can we get from the story that can help an individual succeed?
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Start small, dream big. The journey of Tatoy's Manokan teaches us that success often begins
with humble beginnings.