The whole world was in limbo when the pandemic hit. Today, with the surge in COVID cases, the PH ranks second place for highest mortality rate in Southeast Asia, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Despite this, Filipinos continue to be resilient. Although “resilience” has been associated with “toxic positivity” during the past few months, the perseverance of Filipinos is evident.

These five entrepreneurs proved that Filipinos can thrive amid the pandemic.

1. JP Chiongbian

In 2017, JP created the facebook group “Let’s Eat Bai” to feature the local food industry. However, when Cebu was put into lockdown the group became a marketplace for food entrepreneurs. Made-to-order foods, fresh crops, and processed foods are available all day. Let’s Eat Bai also offers delivery services through their app.

Anyone in the group can sell their food as long as detailed information will be provided such as the mode of payment and price. Today, the group has more than 129,000 members with the majority coming from Visayas and Mindanao.

2. Earl Patrick Forlales and Zahra Halabisaz Zanjani

This duo are co founders of CUBO Modular which designs and constructs houses from engineered bamboos. They were both featured on Forbes Magazine’s 30 under 30 Asia list in April 2019. They are still in their mid-20s today.

CUBO Modular houses only take four hours to set up. This year, they stopped taking orders since they are already fully-booked until the end of 2021 but you can still request for a quotation online. The company aims to address the shortage of accommodation in the country by making affordable housing. Their cheapest model starts at 89,000 pesos while the highest price depends on the customization of models.

3. Kyla Cañete

Kyla is a 21-year old CEO of a local jewelry line called Tala by Kyla (TBK) which started in 2018. TBK gained over a million reach during the pandemic. Kyla claims that her jewelry designs are inspired not just from her interests but her clients as well. In fact, TBK’s twitter and instagram accounts have a link to suggestion forms for restock and design requests.

Kyla’s business partner is her mom who has been in the jewelry business for a long time already. In the future, Kyla aims to make TBK a global brand.

4. Jaclyn Chung

Kurimi Milk Tea Bar is the first 2d cafe in the Philippines. Operations head Jaclyn Chung said that the design of the cafe was inspired by her trips to Korea. She mentioned that opening the cafe was timely since travels are still restricted. Chung wants the people to experience the K-drama feels without having to go abroad.

The cafe started operating in 2020 after lockdowns were eased. The cafe was designed by artist Ralph Pangilinan.

5. Vida Ena Eco

Vida is the owner and founder of vidalavidaloka.art, a business that represents others’ artistry. Her products include hand painted tote bags and hand sewn bucket hats. She launched her business online last July 2020. Vida mentioned that she was skeptical at first due to lack of experience in running a business. She also doubted her skills but was overwhelmed by the support she received from the netizens.

The owner started her business to be able to help out others. Vida said she has friends and schoolmates who lost their jobs and loved ones during the pandemic. The urge to help them became her motivation to pursue her artistry.