The journey of Carmelita Aguilar, now 44, began with criticism over her decision to start a family at 18. What some saw as a poor choice turned out to be the foundation of her success. Facing financial challenges, she entered the paper mache business while juggling other responsibilities like selling snacks and dishes.

Moving from Parañaque to Cavite and finally settling in Pangil, Laguna, the couple encountered difficulties. Despite owning a house, they struggled with rising costs. To make ends meet, Carmelita became the driving force behind their paper mache business, while her husband worked in Cavite.

When his husband, Alejandro, worked abroad in Qatar, Carmelita managed the household and the business. Despite the challenges, she embraced the opportunity to focus on her paper mache craft.

Upon Alejandro’s return, Carmelita transformed her sideline into a full-time venture. Rejecting the idea of him working abroad again, they concentrated on expanding their paper mache business.

“People who work here in the Philippines and those abroad earn the same amount of money if they are persistent. I didn’t let him go back abroad to focus on the paper mâché business,” she said.

Financial support from CARD MRI Rizal Bank, Inc. (CARD RBI) played an important role in providing her business with an initial PHP 5,000 loan to purchase materials.

The couple are involved in every aspect of the business. Their great teamwork led to more opportunities such as becoming a subcontractor for a Manila-based paper mâché business. Gradually expanding, they hired skilled neighbors and became direct suppliers for an exporting company.

Carmelita’s resilience and determination shine through setbacks. From starting with a sideline to becoming a supplier for international markets, her journey mirrors growth and success. Grateful for CARD RBI’s support, she acknowledges the importance of their partnership in her achievements. “Whatever I have achieved in life, that is because of CARD RBI who was my first partner. I wouldn’t be able to start a business if it wasn’t for the loan they provided me. Their weekly sessions for their clients are also a great help regarding the proper management of money and resources,” she said.

For more than seven years, she has ventured into various businesses. She also started raising pigs. With 28 pigs and plans to invest more in pig farming, Carmelita continues to grow and diversify. She envisions her own mâché production building and a storage facility. Her message is clear: “When you stumble and fall, get back on your feet. Think about how to recover each time you lose. These lessons are crucial for our growth in the long run,” Carmelita concluded.

Arcelita Anyayahan’s journey demonstrated the power of love in overcoming obstacles. At the age of 19, faced with financial struggles, she chose to manage her uncle’s canteen instead of pursuing her education. Little did she know that this decision would lead her to cross paths with a 34-year-old man, a frequent patron of the canteen, who would eventually become her husband.

Despite the significant age gap and initial skepticism from her husband’s family, Arcelita’s determination and her husband’s sincerity prevailed. Their love blossomed, breaking down the barriers of age and status. Their commitment was evident not only to each other but also to his relatives, who eventually welcomed them into the family.

As their love story evolved, so did their business ventures. Starting with a room-for-rent business to meet the needs of their growing family, they now boast 33 well-maintained rooms. Arcelita’s husband expanded their transportation assets by adding another jeepney, bringing the total to four.

Their business journey caught the attention of CARD Bank, a microfinance-oriented rural bank, which provided crucial financial support. This partnership not only assisted in sustaining their business but also played an important role in ensuring the education of their three children, who are now actively involved in their family enterprise.

Arcelita reflects on their journey with gratitude, acknowledging both the challenges and blessings that shaped their path. Their perseverance has led to a life filled with comforts – a good home, multiple cars, and an overall sense of contentment. “Looking back on every moment, I am thankful for the blessings and challenges. The road here was tough, but we endured, and I am truly glad for the life we have built,” Arcelita expresses, capturing the essence of a love story that defied expectations and flourished against all odds.

Upang tugunan ang mga pangangailangang pangkalusugan ng mga Taguigeño mula sa EMBO barangays, nagtalaga ang Lungsod Taguig, sa pakikipagtulungan ng mga opisyal ng barangay, ng mga medical help desks sa mga piling lugar ng bawat barangay sa EMBO.

Ibayong tulong din ang dala ng mga libreng shuttle services na maghahatid ng mga pasyente mula sa EMBO barangays sa iba’t ibang health facilities ng Taguig.

Bukas Lunes hanggang Biyernes
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

BARANGAY PEMBO
* 09671189281
* Blk. 204 Lot 1 & 2 Plaza Carriaga Street corner Sampaguita Street, Pembo, Taguig

BARANGAY COMEMBO
* 09671189285
* Anahaw St., Comembo Barangay Hall, Taguig

BARANGAY EAST REMBO  
* 09671189286
* 7th Ave., JP Rizal Ext., East Rembo Barangay Hall, Taguig

BARANGAY CEMBO
* 09671189283
* 435 Banaba St., Barangay Cembo, Taguig

BARANGAY PITOGO
* 09626792157
* 502 Cebu St., Brgy Pitogo, Taguig

BARANGAY WEST REMBO
* 09624958478
* A. Mabini St., Brgy West Rembo, Taguig*

BARANGAY SOUTH CEMBO
* 09628820611
* General G. Del Pilar St., Brgy South Cembo, Taguig*

BARANGAY RIZAL
* 09624394226
* Blk 99 Lot 19 JP Rizal St., Brgy Rizal, Taguig

BARANGAY PROPER NORTHSIDE
* 09621443805
* Lawton Ave., Brgy North Side Satellite, Taguig

BARANGAY POST PROPER SOUTHSIDE
– May sariling health center na ang barangay sa 447 Abbot St. Palar Village Brgy Southside, Taguig
– 0962-439-4231

Maraming salamat po.

New year became extra special for at least 400 public school students in Baliwag City, Bulacan, as they received SM Bears of Joy donation from SM City Baliwag.

In time for the return of classes after the holiday break, SM Bears of Joy brought smiles to grade school students at Pinagbarilan Elementary School and Baliwag South Central School in the city. Leading the distribution are SM City Baliwag Assistant Mall Manager Eugene Martin, HR Manager Veriza Faye De Dios, and Building Administration Manager Jay Esquivel. The school principals, Ms. Rosalie Santos from Baliwag South Central School and Ms. Boots De Leon from Pinagbarilan Elementary School, took part in the occasion.

Prior to this, SM City Marilao concluded 2023 with a heartfelt distribution of at least 450 Bears of Joy to the beneficiaries of Sto. Nino Parish in Calumpit, Bulacan.

Spearheaded by SM Cares, SM Supermalls, and Toy Kingdom, SM Bears of Joy is an annual project that allows shoppers to take part in bringing happiness to the community by donating cuddly bears to bring smiles to the faces of less fortunate children.

The generous support of customers and partners has been instrumental in making the SM Bears of Joy initiative a resounding success, bringing joy and warmth to countless children nationwide.

Home Health
(0961) 704 4701

Available mula Lunes hanggang Biyernes (maliban na lamang sa Sabado, Linggo, at holidays)
8 a.m. hanggang 5 p.m.

Ang Home Health ay libreng serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa mga bedridden na pasyente. Pumupunta ang medical team sa bahay ng pasyente upang  magbigay ng serbisyo, kabilang ang konsultasyon, pagsusuri, at iba pang pangangailangang pangkalusugan.

Doctor on Call
(0919) 079 9112

Lunes hanggang Linggo, kahit holidays
Bukas 24 oras

Ang Doctor on Call o DOC ay isang 24/7 na serbisyong medikal na binubuo ng mga lisensiyadong doktor at rehistradong nars, at may kasamang ambulansya na may sapat na kagamitan para sa agarang pagtugon sa mga kaso ng medical emergency at iba pang pangangailangang medikal.

May kabuuang 36 na medalya ang naiuwi ng mga batang atleta mula sa Bulacan na lumahok sa Batang Pinoy 2023 na ginanap sa ilang lugar sa Tagaytay at Maynila noong Disyembre 17-22, 2023.

Nagwagi ang delegasyon ng Bulacan ng 1 Ginto para sa Arnis; 2 Tanso para sa Athletics; 1 Tanso para sa Archery; 2 Ginto, 4 Pilak, 4 Tanso para sa Chess; 3 Ginto, 1 Pilak para sa Gymnastics; 7 Ginto, 5 Pilak para sa Swimming; 1 Pilak para sa Taekwondo; 1 Pilak, 3 Tanso para sa Weightlifting; at 1 Pilak para sa Wrestling.

Binati ni Gobernador Daniel R. Fernando ang mga nagwagi sa Batang Pinoy sa ginanap na Lingguhang Pagtaas ng Watawat na ginanap sa Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium dito noong Lunes at kanya ring pinuri ang kanilang matagumpay na pagrepresenta sa lalawigan sa nasabing kumpetisyon.

“Binabati ko ang ating mga batang atleta na lumahok at nag-uwi ng medalya sa katatapos lang na Batang Pinoy 2023. Malaking tagumpay ang inyong naiuwi hindi lamang para sa inyong sarili kundi maging para sa ating lalawigan. Mabuhay kayo at nawa ay marami pang Kabataang atleta ang sumunod sa inyong yapak,” ani Fernando.

Ang Philippine Youth Games o Batang Pinoy ay isang pambansang kumpetisyon sa palakasan sa Pilipinas na idinisensyo para sa mga indibidwal na may edad 15 taong gulang pababa. Maaari ding lumahok sa Batang Pinoy ang mga out-of-school youth.