Get Started

Blame it on the colonial mentality imprinted upon by foreign colonizers who lorded over the Philippines for about four centuries, it is no secret that Filipinos are known to prefer foreign brands over locally-made products.

Regardless of social classes, Filipinos love imported products. While the upper and middle classes hanker for US and European brands, the lower classes thank China for its cheap and affordable products.

This remained the norm until a local brand, which had dropped out of the market’s radar, suddenly took a new route, exciting all market’s segments – from the masa, the middle class and the upscale market.The “Aha!” moment came to Eala when he was searching for a symbol that could evoke unity and patriotism among all Filipinos.

“And what could be more unifying than the Philippine map? It is a representation of the Filipino people wherein everyone is equal, no race or person above the others,” Eala said.

While the series of events that followed the launch of his t-shirt design also helped in boosting its popularity, Eala believes  his design became a big hit because everyone was able to relate to it.

The death of former President Cory Aquino, the victory of Efren Peñaflorida, the slew of celebrity endorsements, and the campaign of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, made the shirt a popular icon.

After the “Aha!” moment, Eala thought that the Philippine map design will be the last of its kind. “I pushed the design further, creating more variations out of the Philippines flag. Before people could get saturated with the original design, I created more designs that people can choose from,” Eala said, adding that one important factor during an “Aha!” moment is the ability to sustain it.

The “Aha!” moment of an entrepreneur may take place within a few seconds only and in the most unusual moments and places. Eala advices on taking these 10 (self explanatory) tips to ensure that one’s ideas will work and a business will prosper:

   1. Stick to your guts

   2. Your judgment is your best ally

   3. Creative moments usually involve chemistry and gut feel

   4. Turn a “can’t” into a “can”

   5. Two heads are better than one

   6. Value good partnerships

   7. Acknowledge who has supported you

   8. Shake things up

   9. You can’t stay stuck – innovation is key to maintain market interest

   10. Forethought – always think ahead