Making an impression is difficult in the fast-paced food manufacturing industry, as consumer preferences always change and trends quickly transform. Nevertheless, Kristina’s Food Products Manufacturing has succeeded in carving out a market niche that honors a passion for quality in addition to reflecting innovation.

It began in 2014 when Gerald C. Presiados was in Mabalacat, Pampanga, working as a teacher in the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track. Driven by a deep passion and love for cooking, he began creating food products such as siomai and puto flan after his classes, starting with a modest capital of just ₱2,000. These homemade delights became his side hustle, which he eagerly sold to his co-workers, turning his culinary skills into a budding entrepreneurial venture.

In 2016 his extra income stream was put to an end when he was deployed in Pura, Tarlac.  Nonetheless, he kept cooking for his family’s consumption and continued to explore more of his potential in making food products. 

To further explore manufacturing possibilities, Gerald began bottling Bangus in Oil in 2017, making it his business flagship product. He then tried joining different trade fairs organized by the Municipality of Victoria from 2018 to 2019 to check the marketability of his products.  He also offered the products through social media platforms and continued doing research and development.

In January 2020, he formalized his business by registering it with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Business Name Registration System (BNRS) online platform. He named his enterprise ‘Kristina’s Gourmet Home Products’, after her daughter, Kristina. His first offerings were bangus in oil and calamansi juice. He initially produced 24 bottles of Bangus in oil and 300 bottles of calamansi juice and generated about P6,000.00 sales.

Three months later, a friend advised him to change his business name in preparation for expansion.  He then changed it to Kristina’s Food Products Manufacturing.

In the same year, Gerald was invited by DTI as a resource speaker in food processing in various Negosyo Centers and Agrarian Reform Communities.  His regular interaction with DTI and other MSMEs motivated him to work harder for his business.

Unexpectedly, his journey took a challenging turn when he faced depression. However, with proper treatment, unwavering perseverance, and a deep commitment to his business, he transformed his adversity into a source of strength. The following year, he rebuilt his business with renewed resilience, expanding his offerings and showcasing an even broader array of products.

From bangus in oil and calamansi juice, he now offers calamansi juice with blue ternate, gourmet tuyo and dilis, gourmet tinapa, mango jam, tomato jam, chili paste oil and powder, and pickled radish and mango.

In June 2021, he was also able to build Kristina Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts Corporation, a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) accredited Technical Vocational Institution that focuses on 21st-century skills and environmental sustainability.

Gerald is very responsive when it comes to the programs and projects implemented by DTI.  He joined Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) in 2022.  KMME is a coaching and mentoring program where owners of big companies train micro and small enterprises.  Through the program, Gerald learned all of the facets of running his business.

Within the same year, he became one of the recipients of the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) as his business was affected by the onslaught of the Covid-19 Pandemic.  PPG is a program that helps uplift enterprises devastated by fire incidents, natural calamities, armed conflicts, and health crises.  Gerald received a cooler and a table which are very useful in his business operation.

Gerald also received product development assistance through the One Town One Product (OTOP) Next Generation Program in 2022.  It enhanced his products’ labels and packaging, making them appealing to the buyers which increased its market reach by 2%.

He regularly participates in DTI-organized trade activities such as Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair, Tarlac Provincial Fair, and Diskwento Caravan.

With his active participation in trade events, his products became known, gaining regular clients for his calamansi juice in Victoria, Pura, and Western Pangasinan.  From a monthly income of P10,000, now he earns P30,000.

Looking back on Kristina’s Food Products Manufacturing’s journey, it is evident that its accomplishment is a celebration of passion, creativity, and hard work rather than just a tale of financial triumph.

Business Name : Kristina’s Food Products Manufacturing

Contact Number : 0968-464-6296

Email address : [email protected]

Name of Owner : Gerald C. Presiados

Facebook page : Kristina’s Food Products Manufacturing ♦

Date of release: 17 March 2025