DOLE CALABARZON Regional Director Atty. Ma. Karina Perida-Trayvilla has nothing but praises for Ms. Adoralyn Nescano-Almarine, a lady entrepreneur in the Lion City of the South.
“Her victory over the struggles in starting a business and employing workers all by herself is one of the reasons why we celebrate March every year as the National Women’s Month. She is one “Juana” worth emulating for not giving up on her dreams” amid the call for gender equality and an inclusive society.
But who is Adoralyn? For a start, she dreamed of setting up a business 13 years ago. Now, she is the owner of her dream business, “Caffe’ Arabica” located at Block 1 Lot 2 St. Rose 1 Village, Barangay Market Area, Sta. Rosa Laguna.
The swirling aroma from the coffee shop/restobar she built has brought her back to years ago when she was still working as a ground crew of Dubai Emirates Airlines manning the Airport VIP Lounge. As an HRM graduate who loves to cook, she dreamed of opening her own coffee shop.
The rattle of utensils from a nearby table jetted her to the present. Still, she cannot believe that she achieved her dream. With a good heart, she not only looks after the interest of her family but also that of her 14 employees.
Achieving her dream was a struggle from the start. She thought that nobody would believe her. The opportunity came when she must come home for good to take care of her sick mother. She was looking for an opportunity to earn when she thought of her dream business. That was the time she started a coffee shop at a commercial strip in Biñan, Laguna.
She had a good start, but the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country. So, she persevered by making the deliveries herself. She did not foresee those challenges lined up on the road to her success.
There came a time when she got the opportunity to expand her business. A vacant lot in the City of Sta. Rosa was offered to her. She embraced the chance of taking her business in the neighboring city.
Alas the expansion hit a snag! The contractors she hired to build the branch scammed her. She felt that being a woman led the contractors to take advantage of her.
In the long run, she mustered the courage to continue her vision. The situation with the contractors did not spoil her plan. She refused to become a victim at a disadvantage for being a woman. Besides, she considers failure as delayed success. She just carried on building her dream business.
As she finished her coffee and walked around the restobar, she managed a faint smile. She took a glimpse of her project that can accommodate 120 people. The business had a soft opening in December 2022 and customers kept on coming ever since.
She herself does the marketing with a mission to serve only fresh specialties. This is why only the best Arabica beans are sourced from Batangas. The menu from their original recipes such as Porchelleta, Paella, and Hamonado Caviteño is sure to satisfy every tummy. Coffee curious crowd can try their liquor laden coffee, too. A quick look at their Facebook page would reveal endless praises for their food and vibe.
DOLE Laguna Provincial Office commits to give technical assistance to starting entrepreneurs like Adoralyn in complying with general labor standards and occupational safety and health standards with the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) for the productivity enhancement program.
Provincial Director Guido R. Recio recognizes the invaluable role of this lady boss in socio-economic development.
“The excellent food and staff service reflect Adoralyn’s dedication and compassion to the café and the staff. Let this be a small tribute in celebrating the National Women’s Month by honoring women and their contribution to nation-building as agents of change.”
While being a woman, Adoralyn stepped into the shoes of a man. She epitomizes the ideal “Juana” determined to make her dream come true. It was not a matter of “go big or go home” for a lady boss who was able to “go home and go big.”
by:
Rudyboy Sinay
Senior LEO
