Running a food business in the Philippines is never easy—but during periods of high inflation, it can feel impossible. For Carmina Pangilinan, CEO of Aling Lucing’s Original Sisig and granddaughter of the Kapampangan icon who created the dish, keeping the business afloat meant making tough financial decisions—including borrowing money just to pay staff.
“Tinututukan namin ang budget at inuuna ang mga mahahalagang gastusin. Mahirap din lalo na nung nagkaroon ng inflation dahil tumaas ang presyo ng karamihan sa mga sahog. Kinakailangan ko pa mag-loan sa bangko para lamang may maipasahod,” Carmina shared in an interview with Financial Adviser PH.
With food margins already thin, she had to be meticulous about where every peso went. “Kailangan maging maingat sa bawat gastos. Maliit lang ang kita minsan sa pagkain, kaya dapat planado ang lahat—mula sa sangkap hanggang sa pasahod,” she added.
Despite being at the helm of a well-loved brand, Carmina faced the same pressures as many small to medium-sized food entrepreneurs. Competition intensified with new food businesses emerging, while operational costs skyrocketed. “Lalo pa’t marami na ring mga bagong kainan na nagsisilabasan, minsan mahirap palaguin ang negosyo,” she admitted.
Her solution? Discipline and a strong grasp of her numbers. “Mag-umpisa sa maliit at magplano nang maayos. Kilalanin ang produkto mo at siguraduhing may disiplina sa paggastos,” she advised. For Carmina, having a solid foundation—understanding the product, staying lean, and remaining grounded in reality—were critical to staying afloat, especially when economic conditions worsened.
But beyond financial prudence, what carried her through was love for the work and deep respect for the family legacy she upholds. “Kailangang maging matiyaga ka at dapat mahal mo ang ginagawa mo,” she said.
Even in the toughest of times, Carmina never saw the business as just a source of income. “Dahil hindi lang ito negosyo para sa amin, ito ay bahagi ng aming pagkatao at ng kasaysayan ng aming pamilya,” she reflected. Every plate of sisig they serve keeps the memory of Aling Lucing alive, and every loyal customer is a reminder of the brand’s cultural value.
In an age where many businesses chase rapid growth, Carmina’s story is a powerful reminder that sustainability often comes down to discipline, resilience—and a deep sense of purpose.
