Entrepreneur Gerie Chua shares the recipe for his business success
Along the busy streets of Binondo, you will find the home base of Eng Bee Tin, a brand known for its delicious hopia—a traditional Filipino pastry filled with sweet bean paste— and the inspiring journey of its owner, Gerie Chua. From being a simple store, the brand has grown into a global one.
On National Hopia Day last Friday, July 19, I learned random valuable lessons from the brand’s success story.
Stay hungry, stay foolish
Steve Jobs once advised in a commencement speech, “Stay hungry, stay foolish,” urging us to remain curious and eager to learn. Gerie embodies this mantra perfectly. He started by selling the classic hopia, a passed-on family business, but he didn’t stop there. Driven by curiosity and a desire to innovate, he experimented, even when others called him crazy.
Starting with ube or purple yam, Gerie eventually brought delightful new tastes like ube pastillas, kundol, custard, red mongo, buko pandan, and more to the market. His willingness to embrace new ideas and take risks has been key to Eng Bee Tin’s success. And of course, the business will not let you go hungry except for always craving more knowledge and flavors.
Innovation is key
Innovation has been at the heart of any business growth. Gerie recognized that he needed to offer something unique to stand out in a crowded market. By expanding the range of flavors, he not only catered to diverse tastes but also created a brand identity that resonates with customers worldwide. This commitment to innovation keeps Eng Bee Tin relevant and exciting. It’s a reminder that in any business, adapting and evolving are crucial.
Whether it’s introducing a new product or refining existing ones, staying ahead of the curve is essential.
Kindness multiplies
Gerie’s journey isn’t just about business success. It was screaming the power of kindness. Beyond the kitchen, he dedicates his time to serving as a volunteer firefighter, helping those in need during emergencies. His selfless acts of service caught the attention of beauty icon and media personality Cory Quirino, who featured him on her television program Citiline.
The exposure brought media mileage to the brand and the story proves that kindness not only enriches our lives but also opens unexpected doors. Gerie’s generosity has multiplied, benefiting both his community and his business.
Family and legacy
Finally, one of the most touching lessons from Gerie’s journey is the importance of family. He actively involves his children in the business, sharing not just the work but also his passion and values. This involvement ensures that the legacy of Eng Bee Tin continues, nurtured by the next generation. It’s a beautiful example of how sharing love and knowledge within the family can create a lasting impact.
For the Chuas, it seems that the business is not just a livelihood (with distribution here and abroad) but a shared journey that brings the family closer by having to work together.
As we savor the sweet success of Eng Bee Tin, we are reminded that life, much like hopia, is best enjoyed with a touch of innovation and a sprinkle of kindness. We must retain our curiosity and creativity. In the words inspired by the delicious treats: “Stay hungry, stay foolish, and always stay kind.”
