Josephine M. Ramos, Junior Writer
Hailing from Pagsanjan, Laguna, Sarah Jane Idang inherits a legacy that began with her grandmother in 1970. Their family business is in the production of Shing-a-ling, a beloved Filipino snack made from deep-fried mike noodles until it becomes crispy and crunchy. It is commonly found in local stores, markets, and pasalubong centers in the Philippines.
Sarah Jane took the responsibility of managing the business when her mother passed away. “My mother also inherited this business from my grandmother. I grew up seeing the business grow and right there, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to be able to pass it on to the next generation so that the legacy could continue,” she said.
She had enjoyed managing the business, however in 2016, she was presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work in Malacañang. She grabbed that chance and left the business under her sibling’s control. She experienced working close with the former president which was an achievement for her.
Yet, in 2019, she decided to return to her roots and take over the family business due to her sibling’s other commitments. Aside from that, she is committed to uphold the family legacy.
Sarah Jane is grateful that through their family business, she was able to support her younger siblings’ education. Sarah Jane also acknowledges the crucial role played by her aunt in ensuring timely deliveries and expanding their reach to various cities in the provinces of Laguna and Quezon.
CARD MRI Rizal Bank, Inc. (CARD RBI), a microfinance-oriented rural bank that works towards providing financial services to economically challenged women, also helped her keep her business running. She uses the loan she obtained from the institution to buy the raw materials required for their daily production. With her commitment, passion, and the help of the institution, she is positive that she could pass on the legacy that was started by her beloved late grandmother.
