Couple in ‘wrapsody’ over chewy pili caramel
DARAGA, Albay, Philippines—Four years ago, Erwin and Cindy Pereña were looking for a product to sell that would help augment their family’s income during the Christmas season.
Wanting something new to introduce to the public, the couple came up with Wrapsody, also known as chewy pili caramel, a pilinut-filled pastry created by Cindy.
The Pereñas’ first customer for Wrapsody was their neighbor, a retired teacher who loved their new product.
It was then that Erwin, 50, and Cindy, 45, realized the growth potential of their concoction.
The couple introduced chewy pili caramel to a local salon on consignment basis and later, to a pili candy maker. The product clicked with customers.
They now market Wrapsody under the business name COP (Cynthia Onglao Pereña) Pili Sweets and Pastries.
And what was supposed to be a business only for the Christmas season became a year-round industry as orders started pouring in as improvements on their product and packaging were made with the help of the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Science and Technology.
Something new
The couple and their four children moved to Bicol eight years ago.
When they were still living in Manila, Cindy said that every time Erwin went to Bicol, he would bring back the same kind of pili candies as pasalubong.
She would always ask, “Wala na bang iba?”
Cindy admitted having heard this comment from a lot of people, too.
“This means that people are also looking for something new,” she said.
Wanting to give customers a choice was the reason why they thought of a new product.
“Those who don’t want the traditional pili products can try our Wrapsody,” Erwin said.
It took some time before the couple was able to come up with a desired product.
Cindy scouted for ingredients she needed to create a new product but failed. So, she just put a new twist to the ingredients that were readily available.
“We had a lot to go through like changing the ingredients, proportions and materials for the packaging,” Cindy said.
Because Cindy loves to experiment, aside from Wrapsody, they now have other products like Hopia de Pili (P35), Pili Puffs (P35), Mini Mazapan (P90), Chili Garlic Pili (P100), Nutty Bar (P95) and Sugar Coated Pili (P85).
They also have a “bento box,” a combination of four of their products sold at P380.
A box of Wrapsody with 60 pieces costs P400; 24 pieces, P180, and 12 pieces, P90.
Making Wrapsody requires a lot of time and patience, and quality is of utmost importance.
The pili nuts are cut one by one to make sure that only the good ones will be used.
“If I make Wrapsody, that will be the only thing that I will be doing the entire day,” said Cindy.
The Pereñas produce Wrapsody at least three times a week, depending on the demand.
But they make sure they have enough stocks.
Aside from Cindy and Erwin who make the products, they also have two workers on call.
The couple’s children, a girl and three boys aged 11 to 19, also have a role in the business and are called by Cindy as the “approving committee.”
“When they say it’s not good, they really mean it,” she said.
But Erwin added that when their children like the product, they would not say anything, just eat and ask for more.
Trade fairs
Since they registered with the DTI about two years ago, the Pereñas have been joining trade fairs and exhibits.
Although new in the business, they have received three awards and citations this year-a nomination as best booth during DTI’s One-Town-One-Product (Otop) Luzon Island Fair 2008 in Manila; last May, they were cited for trendy award for Wrapsody at the International Food Exhibition 2008 at the SMX Convention Center.
During Magayon Festival’s Otop trade fair, they were awarded best in packaging for Wrapsody.
Their first exhibit was at the Manila Food and Beverages Expo last year.
At trade fairs, Cindy said that when customers learned that they were selling pili candies, costumers would turn their back, thinking that they were selling the usual or traditional pili candies.
“We tried to convince them that our products are different and that they should try it,” she said.
Receiving text messages from people they don’t know keep them inspired and motivated.
“Some text us for orders and some send us messages of praise and compliment,” Cindy said.
As of now, their products can be found at the LCC Supermarket along Tahao Road, Legazpi City; at their house in Barangay Bañag, Daraga, Albay, and at the Legazpi City airport.
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