26/10/2026
𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐎𝐜𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐇𝐮𝐛 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐚𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐮𝐤-𝐣𝐚 𝐅𝐮𝐝𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬
Meet 𝐉𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐆. 𝐆𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐨, proprietor of 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐇𝐔𝐁 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐚𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐔𝐊-𝐉𝐀 𝐅𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒 from Bacuag, Surigao del Norte.
TEAHUB started operations just two months before the COVID-19 pandemic at Peñaranda Street in Surigao City. When the pandemic struck and restrictions disrupted businesses, Jade had to adapt to the changing circumstances. TEAHUB eventually relocated to San Juan, Surigao City, where the business officially established its store and began gaining popularity.
Rather than allowing the challenges of the pandemic to halt its progress, TEAHUB explored new ways to reach customers. When lockdowns began, it became the first business to partner with Foodpanda for delivery services, helping customers enjoy their favorite milk tea despite mobility restrictions.
This early adoption of food delivery proved to be a valuable business strategy, contributing to increased demand and helping TEAHUB expand its reach during a difficult period for many entrepreneurs.
With its growing customer base, the business eventually expanded to Bacuag, Jade’s hometown. The warm reception from the local community encouraged the team to continue developing the business and exploring new opportunities.
As customer preferences evolved, TEAHUB expanded its menu beyond milk tea to include Korean food and various short-order meals, offering customers more choices and strengthening its position in the local food market.
While TEAHUB continued to grow, another business opportunity emerged during the pandemic.
Through MUK-JA FUDEXPRESS FOOD SERVICES, Jade ventured into food packages and online selling in Surigao City. What started as a trial-and-error initiative was inspired by a practical concern: the business had stocks and ingredients on hand that could be turned into new products.
While browsing Facebook, Jade came across the concept of food bilao packages and decided to experiment by promoting their own offerings online. The response opened the door to a new line of business.
From food bilao packages, the business expanded into food trays designed for small gatherings. Eventually, it began offering complete food packages that included lechon, catering to customers looking for convenient and comprehensive food solutions for their celebrations.
This innovation became a turning point for the enterprise. By recognizing the potential of available resources and responding to customers’ needs, Jade transformed what began as a simple experiment into a growing food service business.
The business gradually extended its delivery services beyond Surigao City to nearby municipalities, including Bacuag, allowing more customers to access its food offerings.
As demand continued to grow, MUK-JA FUDEXPRESS FOOD SERVICES expanded into the catering and events industry, bringing together food services and event decorations to provide more complete solutions for customers.
The business now caters to a variety of occasions, including weddings, birthdays, baptisms, government seminars, non-government organization (NGO) events, and other gatherings.
By offering food packages, catering, and decoration services, the enterprise has broadened its market and established itself as a service provider for both personal celebrations and organizational events.
However, as operations expanded, so did the responsibilities of managing the business. Handling larger operations, overseeing personnel, monitoring inventory, and keeping track of income and expenses became increasingly important. Jade recognized that sustaining growth required not only hard work but also the right knowledge and management practices.
As the business continued to expand, the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program became a valuable source of guidance for Jade in strengthening business operations and improving management practices.
With more people and responsibilities to manage, the program helped Jade better understand the importance of proper inventory management, stock monitoring, and systematic tracking of business income and expenses. These lessons encouraged more organized operations and supported better decision-making in the day-to-day management of the enterprise.
Beyond financial and inventory management, KMME also provided practical strategies for sustaining the business, particularly during periods of slow sales. Rather than simply waiting for sales to improve, Jade learned the importance of adjusting business strategies, managing resources wisely, and identifying ways to keep operations running despite changing market conditions.
These learnings reinforced the importance of being proactive, financially mindful, and adaptable as an entrepreneur. With practical tools and a stronger understanding of business management, Jade became better equipped to address operational challenges and make informed decisions for the enterprise.
For TEAHUB Bacuag and MUK-JA FUDEXPRESS FOOD SERVICES, KMME served as more than a learning opportunity. It became a valuable guide in navigating the complexities of business growth and building a stronger foundation for long-term sustainability.
Jade’s entrepreneurial journey reflects the importance of adaptability in navigating an unpredictable business environment. From establishing a milk tea shop shortly before a global crisis to embracing online delivery, expanding to a hometown market, and developing a food packages and events business, every stage presented an opportunity to learn and grow.
The experience also highlights the value of recognizing opportunities in unexpected circumstances. What began as an effort to make use of available ingredients eventually became a business venture serving customers beyond the original market.
From every cup of milk tea to every food tray prepared for a special gathering, Jade’s story is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Surigaonons—resourceful, innovative, and determined to turn challenges into opportunities.
