Mark Anthony Moreno’s venture into business began during the COVID-19 pandemic when many were forced to adapt to a new way of living. What started as a way to help his parents transitioned into early retirement and quickly grew into two thriving ventures: Nox Beanbags and Nox Hydrofarm.
Driven by a commitment to quality, creativity and sustainability, these ventures not only brought financial stability but also gave Moreno the opportunity to bring his family closer together.
Nox Beanbags
The foundation of Nox Beanbags was built on necessity, family and Moreno’s drive to create something meaningful.
When his mother, a seasoned seamstress, was forced into early retirement, Moreno knew he had to find a way to keep her engaged and active.
His mother had worked for years as a supervisor in a manufacturing site in Dasmariñas, Cavite and had always shown immense skill in crafting textiles. Recognizing her talent, Moreno encouraged her to retire and proposed starting a business together.
“I could see how hard it was for my mom to walk away from work after so many years. But I also knew her skills had so much value. It wasn’t just about financial support; it was about helping her find a new sense of purpose,” Moreno reflected.
Driven by a love for design, Moreno began exploring the beanbag market, researching materials and coming up with creative ways to make them stand out.
His mother took on the production side, working with just two industrial sewing machines to start.
The small operation grew quickly as they added more equipment, and their beanbags gained popularity for their durability and comfort.
At first, they used standard styrofoam beads for filling, but after observing how the quality degraded over time, Moreno knew there had to be a better solution. He turned to Uratex’s ground foam as a superior alternative.
“We’re selling comfort and quality. For me, it’s about giving our customers a product that can stand the test of time,” Moreno said.
Inspired by his fascination with mythology, Moreno named the beanbags after iconic figures such as Clio, Poseidon, Perseus, Hercules, Zeus and Athena. The Kraken model, the largest in their range at six feet in diameter, became a standout piece—a perfect blend of comfort and design.
Nox Bean Bags quickly gained trust and fandom from events like Tiktok Live, other corporate events, and personal celebrations.
Nox HydroFarm
As Nox Beanbags flourished, Moreno’s entrepreneurial drive pushed him to expand into a second venture: Nox HydroFarm located in Barangay Kaybagal East, Tagaytay City.
His father, a former army man with a penchant for gardening, had been experimenting with growing vegetables during his retirement. However, he struggled to yield consistent results. One day, after visiting a local farm-to-table restaurant, Moreno was inspired by the quality of the produce and decided to try his hand at hydroponic farming.
“It was that visit to the restaurant that sparked the idea. I thought, ‘Why can’t we grow fresh produce in our own backyard using modern techniques?’ It was a challenge, but I saw it as an opportunity to learn and innovate,” Moreno recalled.
Moreno, who had no prior experience with hydroponics, immersed himself in research. He enrolled in online courses from Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, spending the next year learning about the nuances of this farming technique. His first attempt at growing lettuce was a failure—the produce was bitter and inedible—but his persistence paid off.
After refining the process, he set up a small greenhouse, and to his surprise, the first batch sold out in just two weeks.
The success of the first greenhouse led him to expand the operation, leasing a 300-square-meter lot for a larger farming space. By mid-2022, Nox Hydrofarm was producing high-quality hydroponically grown lettuce, kale, and, at some point, cherry tomatoes and bell peppers. His use of Rye-Swan lettuce, a premium variety imported from the Netherlands, allowed him to sell at a higher price point, further differentiating his products from others on the market.
As demand for locally grown, fresh produce increased, Nox Hydrofarm expanded into multiple farms from Farm A to Farms B, C, and D, securing contracts with top restaurants, such as a fresh partnership with a new restaurant run and operated by a world-renowned chef, and local businesses.
Moreno’s ability to identify trends and innovate in the farming sector has spruced up his reputation as a forward-thinking entrepreneur.
Balancing 2 businesses
Managing both Nox Beanbags and Nox Hydrofarm while holding down a full-time job in the semiconductor industry was a formidable challenge for Moreno. Yet, he juggled both roles with determination, using his weekends and evenings to oversee production, marketing and distribution for both ventures.
His parents continued to play an integral role—his mother ran production for Nox Beanbags, while his father assisted with the farming operations—and his siblings also contributed to the businesses.
“It was a balancing act, but I had to do it. I was working during the week, but the weekends were for the business. It was exhausting at times, but I knew it was worth it,” Moreno intimated.
Father, son and entrepreneur
At forty, Moreno’s success is built on family. As a father to 13-year-old Maki, he’s driven by the desire to create a future where his son can thrive.
His endeavors are driven by the desire to set a positive example for his son, teaching him that hard work, dedication, and innovation can lead to meaningful success.
“My son is my biggest motivation. I want him to understand that you can create something valuable if you’re passionate and committed” he said.
Moreno, known as “Nox” to his friends, is a product of the scholarship community. He pursued his Electrical and Communications Engineering (ECE) degree while working as a technician at a semiconductor company.
“I believe in creating products that have lasting value, whether it’s a beanbag that’s built to last or fresh produce that’s grown sustainably. It’s about leaving something behind that matters,” he said.