Manila's Market

Leo knew the time had come. He packed a sample of his best dried fish, his carefully compiled market research, and a small amount of cash. He said goodbye to his family, promising to return with good news.

Journey to Manila:

He took a ferry from Virac to Tabaco City, Albay (350 PHP). From Tabaco City, he boarded a bus to Manila (800 PHP). The journey was long and tiring, but Leo was filled with anticipation.

Initial Expenses (Travel):

Ferry fare (Virac to Tabaco): 350 PHP Bus fare (Tabaco to Manila): 800 PHP Food and water during travel: 200 PHP

Total Travel Expenses: 1,350 PHP

Arriving in Manila, Leo was overwhelmed by the sheer size and energy of the city. The noise, the traffic, and the crowds were a stark contrast to the quiet life in Catanduanes. He found a small, affordable room in a boarding house near Divisoria Market (300 PHP/night).

Initial Expenses (Accommodation):

First night's accommodation: 300 PHP

Culture Shock and Networking:

The next day, Leo ventured into Divisoria, a bustling marketplace known for its wholesale goods. He observed the vendors, the customers, and the flow of goods. He started approaching small store owners, offering samples of his dried fish and explaining its quality and origin. He faced rejections, but he also found some who were interested.

He discovered that packaging was crucial in Manila. He invested in resealable plastic bags and printed labels with his brand name and contact information (200 PHP for 100 bags and labels).

Initial Expenses (Packaging):

Packaging (bags and labels): 200 PHP

He also learned that selling food products in Manila required permits and licenses. He visited the barangay hall and the city hall to inquire about the necessary documents and fees. He found that a barangay business permit was required and cost 500 PHP.

Initial Expenses (Permits):

Barangay Business Permit: 500 PHP

Initial Sales and Expenses:

Leo managed to secure his first orders. He sold 20 kilos of dried fish at 300 PHP per kilo.

Initial Income:

Sales (20 kilos x 300 PHP): 6,000 PHP

He also researched online selling through platforms like Shopee and Lazada. He learned about the seller fees, shipping costs, and packaging requirements. He determined that the initial costs to get set up was about 1000 PHP.

Initial Expenses (Online Research):

Online research, internet cafe fees, and initial online set up: 1000 PHP.

Daily Expenses (Manila):

Food (average): 200 PHP Transportation (jeepney, tricycle): 100 PHP

Calculations (First Days in Manila):

Total Initial Expenses: 1,350 PHP (travel) + 300 PHP (accommodation) + 200 PHP (packaging) + 500 PHP (permit) + 1000 PHP (online research) + 300 PHP (Daily food and transpo) = 3650 PHP. Initial Income: 6,000 PHP Initial Profit: 6,000 PHP - 3,650 PHP = 2,350 PHP. Remaining Capital (After Initial Manila Expenses): 22,250 PHP (previous capital) - 3650 PHP (Manila expenses) + 6,000 PHP (Manila sales) = 24,600 PHP

Networking and Adaptation:

Leo spent his days networking, visiting markets, and contacting potential customers. He learned to navigate the city's complex transportation system and adapt to its fast-paced lifestyle. He discovered that building trust and relationships was crucial in Manila's business environment.

He also started to learn more Tagalog phrases, improving his communication with the locals. He carefully documented his expenses, income, and contacts in his Excel file. He was taking calculated risks, adapting to a new environment, and building his network. He was determined to make his dried fish business a success in the heart of Manila.