Maria E. Luyun, 56, a CARD client and entrepreneur from Tuguegarao City, radiates with pride as she showcases their Miki Factory that represents not just a business, but a dream realized through hard work and perseverance.
Maria E. Luyun, a devoted wife and mother of four from Tuguegarao City, exemplifies perseverance and success. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful mompreneur showcases the power of hard work and dedication.
Maria was raised by her grandparents in Labrador, Pangasinan, where financial struggles prevented her from completing her studies. However, they instilled in her the values of faith, perseverance, and courage. Seeking better opportunities, Maria moved to Manila and worked as a storekeeper. It was here she met her husband, Herminigildo Luyun, a tricycle driver from Cagayan. Together, they moved to Tuguegarao City and started a family and a business.
The Birth of Luyun’s Factory
In Tuguegarao City, Maria’s husband began working with his cousin at a local eatery that specialized in Miki, a popular regional noodle. As he gained experience and honed his skills, he also took on extra part-time jobs to further perfect their craft.
Herminigildo Luyun worked at a local eatery specializing in Miki noodles. In 2008, they started their own Miki production business with just a quarter kilo of flour. The noodles they made were introduced to nearby stores and eateries, and the positive response prompted them to expand and grow their business. Their ambition grew after attending a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) seminar, where they received a license and support to establish Luyun’s Miki Factory.
They were also granted valuable support in the form of PHP10,000 worth of flour and baking soda. This assistance was more than just an assistance; it was a turning point that increased their production capacity and set them up for future success.
Empowerment Through Clientship
In 2012, Maria turned to CARD MRI Rizal Bank, Inc. (CARD RBI) for business loans, starting with PHP 3,000 and eventually receiving up to PHP100,000. This financial support helped expand their business, secure their children’s education, and meet family needs. Her husband also became a client, starting with a PHP5,000 loan, later increasing to PHP10,000.
These financial boosts were essential in stabilizing their finances and supporting their shared vision for a successful business.
“Becoming a CARD RBI client is more than just receiving financial support; it’s about unlocking opportunities. From our humble beginnings, I believe it was divine guidance that led us to an institution that not only provided financial assistance but also helped us nurture and grow our business,” Maria said.
The journey to success has not been smooth for Maria and her family. They have encountered their share of hurdles, including tight finances, shortages of raw materials, distribution challenges, and fierce market competition.
Despite life’s challenges, their determination, passion for their business, financial planning, and commitment to maintaining product quality have helped them push through. Even the pandemic, with all its difficulties, couldn’t shake their spirit. Together, they have faced each trial head-on, emerging stronger and more resilient with every challenge they’ve overcome.
Maria and her family faced challenges such as financial struggles, material shortages, and market competition. However, their determination, passion, and financial prudence helped them overcome obstacles. Today, Luyun’s Miki Factory supplies noodles to various stores and eateries in Tuguegarao and beyond, even reaching clients in Manila.
Their success has allowed them to employ six staff, support their children’s education, and expand into new ventures like Zaza’s Food Hub, specializing in Pancit Batil Patung made with their own Miki noodles.
The Luyun’s Miki noodles are available at PHP45.00 per kilo for bulk orders and PHP50.00 for retail, with delivery options to meet customer needs. The Miki factory and Zaza’s Food Hub are located at 36 Bangayan Street, Linao East, Tuguegarao City.
Maria’s journey highlights the importance of perseverance, passion, and smart financial management. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Treat your customers like family and show them kindness—it’s the key to earning their lasting loyalty.”
The Luyun family’s story demonstrates how passion and determination can turn challenges into opportunities and lead to lasting success.
