Innovation

"It is designed as one-stop shop. The design is very native, kaya't binabalik-balikan rin, at syempre because of exemplary service and unique Filipino cuisines."

["It is designed as a one-stop shop. The design is very native, that's why people come back, and, of course, because of exemplary service and unique Filipino cuisines."]

-Ms. Debuyan

To balance competition and ensure that quality is maintained, the founder of Balai Mario was able to enhance simple recipes to a restaurant level. You can try puqui-puqui, an eggplant dish, which is elevated and has become a staple for restaurant-goers. The restaurant does not use any extenders and cooks all the orders from scratch.

Furthermore, the restaurant has become a tourist spot for both local and foreign visitors. It is something special, unique, and innovative that attracts people from all around. Not only because of the delicious food they serve but also because of the unique atmosphere and the promotion of the country's cultural significance. It gained popularity among locals and word spread, attracting tourists who want to experience the same thing. Currently, their Facebook page has 54,000 likes as of this writing.

Like other companies, its success came from the support and dedication of its employees. The employees' dedication stemmed from the moral support, professional development, and personality development provided by Balai Mario. They prioritize providing job opportunities to less fortunate individuals who strive to make their lives better. Individuals who are willing to be successful, even without work experience, are given priority for job opportunities. They are encouraged and financially supported as the restaurant's scholars. Although not everyone is interested in going back to studying, Balai Mario ensures that these individuals are not hindered from moving up the ladder and rising through the ranks.

Ultimately, Balai Mario's innovations are not about how they renew something to provide new techniques or simplify processes, but their innovation focuses on giving back to their community and their country.

Inspiration

"All hardwork, dedication and proper training, naging dahilan kaya nabuo ang Balai Mario. Naging sangkap yun kaya nabuo ang Balai Mario."

["All hard work, dedication ,and proper training became the reason why Balai Mario was formed. That became the ingredient that resulted in the formation of Balai Mario."]

-Ms. Debuyan

The founder, Mr. Warlito Retutar Jr., started from humble beginnings. While studying, he worked as a dishwasher in Nuvali, Laguna. He saved enough money to support himself and finished his BSC in Nutrition and Dietetics degree. He subsequently became formally registered as a nutritionist working for a private company and reaching a supervisory level. He eventually pursued his dream, combining his passion for food, and established the successful Balai Mario Cafe and Restaurant. Mr. Retutar was able to get to where he is now with the trust of his investors. Today, Mr. Retutar continues to partner with investors for Balai Mario’s expansions. Due to his humble origins, he aspires to keep inspiring others and ensure that he offers job opportunities and supports individuals with proper education, all while contributing to the community.

Overall impact

"Balai Mario has a mission to help not only the community but also by providing community services, giving food to the community, front-liners, students, and homeless people as well as donating to the Aeta...Nakakatuwa kasi they are giving donations to the community. At the same time, the community gives back by promoting Balai Mario; nakain sila dito, they support it."

["Balai Mario has a mission to help not only the community but also by providing community services, giving food to the community, front liners, students, and homeless people, as well as donating to the Aeta...It gives joy because they are giving donations to the community. At the same time, the community gives back by promoting Balai Mario; they have eaten here, they support it."]

-Ms. Debuyan

The immediate focus of Balai Mario is to maintain consistent performance - serving high-quality, yet affordable food and beverages while also supporting their employees. Furthermore, Balai Mario established short-term objectives to enhance their business by earning the trust of new investors for upcoming projects. Additionally, they aspire to assist more individuals in reaching their goals and contribute positively to the community.

Balai Mario's long-term goals include expanding their company to different locations and setting up branches inside malls. Part of their long-term goals is to provide more job opportunities and give back to the community. Ultimately, they aim to be an instrument for scholars to reach their dreams and for the company to promote the culture of the Philippines through its food, dining experience, and good music.

Business benefit

"Naging tourist destination na siya, hindi lang [sa] local but also international [tourists]. Nakaktuwa pag sinasabi [sa amin] ng mga napunta na naalala nila yung buhay dati sa probinsya...One of the itineraries of international tourists is Balai Mario because of its Filipino theme."

["It has become a tourist destination, not only for local but also for international tourists. It's funny when those who went say that they remember the old life in the province...One of the itineraries of international tourists is Balai Mario because of its Filipino theme."]

-Ms. Debuyan

The main capital of the business is its unique concept: dining in a nipa hut and offering big food servings. The founder was able to raise funds and prove that this concept can be sold to many. He gained the trust of the investors and has been able to continuously develop his business, attracting more investors for upcoming expansions.

Balai Mario gives so much importance to the heart of their business - their employees. They have strong retention programs by having team building and providing education programs. The education programs they provide are unique because they do not hold their scholars to stay at their business after graduating, but instead, they let them explore and pursue their chosen professions. They give scholarships to help these individuals with the hope that they will also be an instrument to help others in the future. Although there are employees who do not see themselves going back to studying, their professional growth is not hindered because of a lack of education. Instead, they are provided with more training and eventually get themselves promoted at Balai Mario.

The business continues to flourish and inspire more business-minded individuals. Balai Mario accepts investments of small capital compared to other businesses. These smaller investments open up opportunities for individuals who are just starting to explore business; it gives them other sources of income aside from their day jobs. As mentioned, Balai Mario is not selfish in sharing its blessings and future blessings. Recently, the restaurant launched an events area for small functions and events that can be held for birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations.

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Social and environmental benefit

"Yung mga working students namin [before], ngayon ay mga successful na. Yun ay memorable sa akin dito sa Balai Mario."

"Our working students [before] are now successful. That is memorable to me here at Balai Mario."

-Ms. Debuyan

Balai Mario is offering opportunities for higher education to their employees from disadvantaged backgrounds so they can have a chance to improve their skills, knowledge, and career prospects. This innovation benefits individuals, helps reduce social inequalities, and creates a more equitable society. This enables individuals to break free from their disadvantaged backgrounds and achieve social mobility.

Having more business investors brings additional resources and expertise to Balai Mario. This leads to more job opportunities, economic growth, and the development of new products or services benefiting society.

Overall, providing scholarships to employees and being open to business investors can contribute to the betterment of society by promoting education, social mobility, economic growth, and innovation.

Interview

Cristine Mae Debuyan, Accounting Manager