#FYI | Mango-ong IPO Decision

And so... I am posting a copy of the IPO decision on the Mango-ong case. I am doing this as a favor to the many, many people who lost their hard-earned money because they were duped by certain individuals who make a living out of fraud. Don't get fooled. BE INFORMED.

INTERESTED IN FRANCHISING MANGO-ONG? READ THIS FIRST!

I received this from BG via email after I told him about the threats on my scam expose. So people, if the other party is still trying to convince you otherwise, shove these documents to their face! Irritates the heck out of me, knowing there are people in this world who live a life of lies.

Anyhoooo...

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To verify the claims on this blog post, and the scam post, you may call GUBY CORPORATION/ GREEN MANGO-ONG FOOD CORP at (02) 332.4376.

Again, let me reiterate that I am in no way connected to Mango-ong or to Guby Corp. I am only a blogger who wishes that justice be served. God sees you, and He knows!

Mango-ong Update!

So. I just had a rough early afternoon. I received a threat on this blog post (chose not to publish the nasty comments). So I called up Mango-ong. Turns out they already won the IPO case! Green Mango-ong Food Corp is the legal owner of the Mango-ong trademark and business. I shall post the court decision when I get it from Mango-ong. Meanwhile, Mr. Anonymous (aka Jeje posting Jeje and text-speak on my blog post), if you're trying to scare me because you have nowhere to go and nothing do, may I please remind you that I am in no way connected to GMFC nor am I under their employ. I only stand for what is right.

I pray justice is served, and that everyone with unresolved cases get the justice you deserve (and your money back)!

Please be informed.

Read about the whole scam here.

EDIT: Mango-ong IPO Decision here. Don't be duped!

WORKSHOP: Business By Design

Mompreneurs and aspiring Mompreneurs! Here's something you might be interested in... 
Learn how to create a business model that actually works for you! Join the next Mompreneur meetup happening on June 28, Saturday 830-12nn at The Crib (Fun Ranch, Frontera Verde, Pasig).

Register today! Fee is P800, inclusive of handouts, materials and snack, but FREE for Mommy Mundo passport holders and mompreneur partners. To register, visit the Mommy Mundo website or text 0917-6272425.



| facebook.com/mommymundo

Life Update

I realized I haven't blogged about life for quite a while now. Nothing to it, I've just been really busy trying to make ends meet. Life has actually been good (Praise God!). Work has been good. It's great to see God's Hand on this. Amazing how He's kept us afloat all these years.

The Old has Gone.
The New has Come.

A
My not-so-little girl starts fourth grade on Thursday. A has her old classmate from ABS-CBN in her section this year, so she's pretty excited. I think excited is an understatement. I haven't seen anyone as hyped and psyched about going back to school. Meanwhile, I'm halfway through wrapping her books and labeling her stuff. Thank goodness for the holiday, I get an extra day to work on things at home.

Two Saturdays ago, she went through Victory Weekend and got baptized. I pray she walks passionately with the Lord. My heart can't be any happier to see my kids choose life.

How to Eat a Mango

RL
The baby isn't a baby anymore. Nope. RL speaks in sentences. His words actually surprise me. Although there are times when he prefers to baby talk and pretend to be a baby again, there's no stopping this little boy. He can be very persistent at times. We actually see a lot of his funny side. I've been sharing his funny moments on FB. He can be quite the comedian.

He has this thing for mangoes lately, and eats about 2, sometimes 3 a day. He loves the seeds, so we slice the mangoes in such a way that the cheeks are thin, and the middle part gets all the meat. This has become a dilemma for me, now that summer's over. Can't find nice mangoes anymore. What used to be P20-P30/kilo is now about P60-P70/kilo (plus smaller in size). And they're not as good nor as sweet. I heard from the lady down at the neighborhood fruit store that her mango stock next week will come from Davao, and that they will be more expensive and a tad sour. Man!

I was thinking about letting RL start preschool this year, but decided to homeschool him instead. He just turned three (yes, time flies) anyway, and I want him to enjoy his toddler years. He has mastered his A-B-Cs and can count perfectly from 1 to 10 (and backwards!); he's learning 11 to 20 and can actually do simple addition (well as much as his fingers can help him). Which is pretty good, I think. He knows his colors and knows a ton of words. He loves adjectives and can play synonyms with us in the car. So yea, time flies.

R
The truth is, I haven't kept in touch since he moved back south. It's easier for me and the kids when we're not attached to empty promises and unfulfilled plans. He called me Friday to let me know he was visiting again. I'm not sure what to make of it. But I take everything with a grain of salt - more like keeping the peace for the children's sake. Oh and excuse me, I've heard enough of "it's stupid to stay together for the kids' sake", because girls, we aren't together. We're friends. So live with it. Any step R takes from this point on is his own doing. I haven't done a single thing to influence his decisions. Well, other than praying for him.

Click on Photo!

K
Well, what's up with me? Nothing much, just working my butt off to make living life a little easier. I've taken on more responsibilities as a volunteer in church and I must say, I'm enjoying every bit of it. NappyCakes has taken a back seat for now (I haven't been accepting orders because of work) and I realized I want to stop doing this (well, for now). The stocks are taking up most of my attic space, which I want to convert soon to the kids' playroom. We've started purging and selling some stuff over on Shop From My Closet - mostly baby stuff for now, as I need to find time to sort and take photos. Right now, we're saving up for RL's tuition and maybe a trip to the US with family next year.

Upper Left Clockwise: Katniss in Boot; Hello Mickey!; Eye Love You; A and her Katniss: We're Friends; RL's Baby. 

MICKEY AND KATNISS
Our shih tzu has taken on a new friend. If you follow me on Twitter then you probably already know that my mom's driver gave us this kitten, who A insists on calling Katniss (I blame it on the movie). She's Siamese, I think, and has the loveliest blue eyes. I was told that she's about 3 months old (I haven't gotten her actual birth date from my mom's chauffeur), but yea, she's a keeper, don't you think? My brother's girlfriend had Persian kittens as well, and we were about to adopt another female, but when we tried to introduce her to our home, she cried all night. I don't think she was meant for our family so we decided to give her back. Besides, Katniss is fairly new (she's been here for almost a month now), and I would love for her to enjoy being the center of attention first - which, of course, Mickey objects to. But they're friends and all is well.

Overall, life has been good. Trying, at times, but we're still blessed. The past months have seen healed relationships, new friendships, renewed ties, financial blessings, new work, etc. I can not ask for anything more.

Well, maybe an iPad for the kids. LOL! Uh, Lord?

Sooooooooo Hot!

It is officially Summer! I love the sun and all, but seriously, these days have been too hot! My little boy has been complaining about the heat. He says it's too hot to even move. LOL! Who knows where he picked that up but I agree with him 100%!

We've been taking a bath at least twice a day to beat the heat. RL swims in the morning, and sometimes again in the afternoon. The heat gets really bad, you often find yourself sweating right after you step out of the shower (yes, folks from the north, it's THAT bad here). Good thing we discovered SoTrue. 

SoTrue Castile Soap is made from 100% pure saponified olive oil and is delicately scented with pure essential oils. Mild enough for newborn babies' skin, Castile soap is prized for its gentle cleansing and moisturizing properties. You can even use them on your hair!SoTrue because these soaps are TRUE Castile soaps, no other vegetable oils are added apart from pure olive oil. SoTrue because these are REAL soaps as they naturally contain glycerin and do not contain harmful chemicals.

Mia Rocha-Lauchengco's firstborn had eczema. So she did some research and found out that most baby soaps in the market weren't mild enough for her little girl's sensitive skin. From her research she learned that true Castiles were the best for babies, as they were also called "newborn soap" - being gentle and mild enough to use on newborn skin.  And so started her quest for good, clean soap. But the Philippines didn't have much to offer when it comes to pure Castiles, so Mia decided to make her own soap.

She made some for family and gave some to close friends. She made soap on and off, until she got pregnant with her second child. Turns out, her little boy also has eczema. So she went back to making soaps for her kids. This time though, she thought of selling her Castiles. Thus, SoTrue was born.

SoTrue Castile Soap - from L-R, Lemongrass Peppermint, Coffee Peppermint, Peppermint Cinnamon and Rose.
In addition to the Castile Soap line, SoTrue has introduced SoTrue Naturals Skin Repair Balm - also one of my favorites!

Actually, a lot of the organic and homemade soaps out there are marketed as "Castile Soap", with the term 
used 
loosely 
to
encompass
 any 
soap 
that 
uses 
only 
vegetable 
oils (such
 as 
the 
more 
economical
coconut 
and
 palm
 oils).


SoTrue 
Castile 
Soap, 
however,
 has
 chosen 
to 
be 
true 
to 
the 
definition 
of 
true 
Castile
soap,
upholding 
the 
centuries old 
soap-making 
tradition, 
by 
using 
only
saponified 
pure 
olive 
oil 
(not 
pomace)
 and enriching 
it 
with 
therapeutic-grade
essential 
oils 
from
 Australia, 
France 
and
 the 
United
 States. 
SoTrue Castile Soap 
contains
 none
of 
the 
harmful, 
synthetic 
chemicals
 found
 in 
many 
beauty 
and
 cosmetic 
products
available 
today, making it safe for use by children and pregnant women.

Mia says, "I am committed to making only soap I would use on my own young children. If I won't use them on my own kids, I won't give them to you."

This business sense sounds familiar, actually. As it is the same with NappyCakes. I wouldn't put anything on the diaper cake that I personally will not use for myself or my kids. So when I learned about Mia's soaps, I knew I had to give them a try.

Our favorite soap right now is SoTrue's Coffee Peppermint Bar. Hands down a winner, especially on hot, summer days.

Coffee Peppermint! Smells so good. My room smells so nice because of this bar.

Think cool and perk-me-up. I don't think I'll ever take a bath using another soap, especially in this heat. SoTrue's Coffee Peppermint Bar will surely awaken those senses and keep your body cool, long after you step out of the shower. I feel refreshed especially after using this on my face (And yes, because SoTrue is real Castile, you're sure it's mild and safe for your face, too).

Try their best-selling TLC line - the mildest soap variants for young children and those with sensitive skin. I want to try their Lavender Oatmeal Soap for RL, who, like me, suffers from skin asthma and eczema flare-ups.

Each bar of SoTrue Castile Soap is handmade and prepared in small batches to ensure the quality of each bar - making a very nourishing and moisturizing soap that is both luxurious and mild. 

SoTrue Castile Soaps, all in a row. 

Watch out for Limited Edition bars like this delicious-looking Christmas Bar!

I love, love, love this soap! I have been raving about it for weeks. I've always associated pure, organic soaps to be those that melt right away (and melt a hole in your pocket at that), but SoTrue has proven me wrong on both points. In fact, we're still on our first bar (the secret to this is keeping it dry after use)! And they're not as pricey as I thought they would be.

We're talking real Castile Soap here.

SoTrue Castile Soap - So cool. So good. So true. Try it and let your skin feel the difference!

For orders and inquiries (and the list of available products), text Mia at 09175334206.
Or email her at sotruecastilesoap@gmail.com 
http://sotruecastilesoap.com/

Guest Blogger: RAR

Today, I've decided to share this entry in honor of a great woman who worked hard to see to it that her boys (and everyone else) got everything they needed (and sometimes wanted) in this world. In the few years that I got to know Tita Tonet, I know her to be a godly woman with a big heart - whose love and dedication for her family (her WHOLE family) taught me one great thing - that sometimes, to stand by the people you love the most is enough to see them through. 

The piece below was written yesterday by my goddaughter (originally R's but he has been a MIA godfather as well) Rianne. Rianne is a 17-year old young lady who seeks after God's own heart. I am amazed at her faith and at her immense love for our Heavenly Father. Her mom and I are often humbled by how she walks the Walk (and the Talk). She also writes a bit here. I hope you enjoy reading her tribute to her late grandmother, whose birthday happens to be today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TITA TONET! YOU ARE MISSED! 

Fair and Honest! 
by: Rianne Avisa Rebulado

Because I haven't been doing anything in the past few months, I volunteered myself to "manage" one of our businesses (whenever my parents aren't around--which is what I am doing currently). A few minutes ago, an American customer called us, complaining why, according to him, we sell our products at a very high price. He was looking for the manager; however, my mom had not been around, so I took charge.

ME: Hello, good afternoon, sir. 
CUSTOMER: Hi, I have been ordering from you for a very long time, my staff does. But I just found out that your price is so mahal (expensive). I just called Petron and they told me that the 11kgs is only Php560, why are you selling it to me for Php820? Is it because I'm a "Kano"? 
ME: That's not true, sir. We sell all our products at the regular price, to anyone. 
CUSTOMER: But I just called Petron. Call them, and ask them their price. 
ME: Okay, kindly hold the line (then I called Petron).

PETRON: Hello, good afternoon. 
ME: Yes, I'd just like to know how much the 11kgs is. 
PETRON: Php806. 
ME: Okay, thank you. 

ME: Sir, I just called Petron and they told me that their 11kgs is at Php806. We are an outlet that's why we sell it at a little higher price. (Not anyone can buy directly from Petron. ☺) 
CUSTOMER: Are you sure, the 11kgs? Let me call them. (then he called Petron) 
CUSTOMER: Oh, I am really sorry. They confirmed that it's Php806. I'm really sorry. I really like your service and I've been your customer for a very long time. I will continue ordering from you; even if you sell it at Php830. 
ME: It's okay, sir. There's no problem. 
CUSTOMER: Okay, thank you. 

This isn't the first time we've encountered something like that. Some of our customers had moved to smaller companies who sell their products cheaper than we do, thinking that they could save more if they would; but then most of them would come back to us saying they like our service more.  Because, with us, they are sure of the products - from the quantity to the quality.

My grandmother started this company back in 1969, when it was really hard to put up an LPG business/company. If you didn't do the math, we've been up and running for more than 40 years already--which would have been impossible if we weren't fair and honest to all of our customers. Today, it really is so much easier to put up this kind of business. There aren't as much processes to go through now as compared to before, when it was stricter and harder.

My uncle, Alvin Rebulado, shares his side of the story of how this company started. Read his inputs below:

Tonet Rebulado

Mom started working for Shell under the management of Mr. Sunga. During that time, LPGs weren't very popular and like other new products in the market, they were very expensive. The advantage was to cook your food using a stove instead of the traditional charcoal cooker or butane stove which will only last for a couple of days. The product was promising and soon add-on features and products like the Gas Range were added. Though it was so expensive, people started to hug the technology - same as how we are hugging new tech stuffs in the market.

So anyway, from what I heard and remember, Shell wasn't making much money as expected, because not everyone could afford the initial investment. Technically, you would have to buy the empty cylinder first, then you can buy your gas refill whenever you need it. So Shell started to run a promotion. I can't remember if it was FREE cylinder or a cylinder discount for every customer who bought the refill, but I remember mom telling me that she started to buy her own cylinder stocks and kept them at home as she knew that this was going to be big business in the future.

And so she did! She started piling up those tanks to the point where she was ready to start her own business. In business terms on today, this is considered as 'conflict of interest' (hehe... sorry, Mom). But hey, it IS business and she was later open about it with her boss. Management was impressed with her enthusiasm and decided to have her open a branch at 14-B 15th Avenue, Murphy, Cubao, Quezon City. This was one of the first Shell LPG dealerships in Quezon City! It was popularly known as OSELITE Gas and Appliances Center. I remember growing up hearing the banging noise of those tanks and honestly, I really miss them (being here, abroad for almost 15 years) - the noise... and those 10-wheeler trucks trying to park its way to a small space, to dump 200-300 LPGs! Petron and Manila Gas later joined the party. With ERB regulating the industry and so on and so forth, the business grew and branched out to different locations. From Paranaque, all the way to Pulang Lupa, the stores were called AA&M Gas Center (for ALVIN, ANTHONY & MEL). Each of us had a our share in running this lovely business. A lot of people have wonderful futures because of this very business. This little thing grew to help dozens raise their families. This is my mom's legacy to us and to the many people she helped. IT STILL IS AND ALWAYS WILL be. 

My grandmother is no other than THE Ma. Platona "Tonet" Ordona Alcantara y Rebulado.

We are Murphy Gas Merchandise, located in Quezon City. We sell and deliver LPG products around the area. You can call us at 911-0439, 330-0196 (PLDT) or 437-MGAS (437-6427) (Bayantel). You can also call or text +639192218888, +639194888886 (Smart) or +639277268888 (Globe). If you want to be sure of the LPG that you use, go and dial those numbers now!

BEWARE: Mango-ong Franchise Scam!

That original Mango-ong post was a long read, so I decided to split the post into two. If you're looking for the MO/franchise scam post, you're on the right track. Read on.

I am a Mango-ong addict. It's official. I have it once a week. More if I run errands at SM, where you are most likely to find a kiosk or cart.

A few months ago, while searching for franchise information on Mango-ong, I came across a Facebook page. I liked the page (as I love the brand) and recently got this in my inbox:

BEWARE! Mango-ong is currently not open for Franchise. Don't be duped. 

Two weeks ago, I learned from BG, a good friend and ex-coworker (one I haven't been in touch with for years - he isn't on Facebook) that they actually own this gem of a business. WOW. We spent two hours on the phone discussing how he and his wife AG came up with the idea (they also own Chicharon Espesyal) and how they prayed for Mango-ong. And APPARENTLY, THEY HAVE NOT OFFERED FRANCHISING PACKAGES FOR MANGOONG.

So who owns the Mango-ong account on Facebook, pretending to be Mango-ong AND offering the business for franchise? 

I asked BG about that and about the letter I had received. He already had a name. And was quick to send me articles about this man posing as legit owner of Mango-ong. Man, if this poser owned Mango-ong, then why does my friend own and operate all Mango-ong branches in leading malls?

Apparently, this guy (not the same name on the letter above, but a certain JAC) has been a business copycat since who-knows-when. If you google for his name, you will find him in the middle of lawsuits for pretending to be this and that, and duping honest Filipinos of their hard-earned money. It is the same MO (modus operandi) he is now doing with Mango-ong. To date, there have been a number of so-called franchisees calling the legit Mango-ong office, asking for help because the poser can no longer be found. Having charged the would-be franchisee a sum of P400,000 for franchise fees and start-up stock/ equipment, he no longer shows up after receiving the lump sum.

And because BG and his original Mango-ong DOES NOT and currently has no plans to offer the business as franchise, these "investors" are at a loss. And as much as BG would want to help out these victims, clearly, he is also a victim here, what with this JAC guy using the Mango-ong business to his advantage and to the disadvantage of hapless Filipinos.

Already, legit Mango-ong stalls around the metro and nearby provinces have put up disclaimers denouncing the claim that they have offered the business for franchise. And for the general public to be aware of the ongoing scam... A scam that is well-thought of and well-planned! Apparently, would-be investors are even shown a commissary and a mango farm!

See that piece of paper? That disclaimer says they are NOT open for franchise.

The actual notice posted on all kiosks and carts of Mango-ong.  Potential investors, BEWARE!

I had asked BG about the likelihood of having competitors (as is with any booming Filipino business, competitors usually appear within the first 3 months of operation), and he actually doesn't mind the competition. But for a business whose name and concept have both been used maliciously to dupe clueless individuals? Then it is cause for concern, and of course, a lawsuit. Mind you, the Mango-ong poser JAC uses the same trade name AND logo, as well as kiosk design, concept, etc. What can be the motive behind the act of using the same trade name, logo and concept BUT to fool people into thinking you are the real thing.

Well people, I am sorry to say, it is NOT the real thing. Nope, there is only one Mango-ong.

EDIT: Mango-ong IPO Decision here. Don't be duped!


May I ask you readers to share this information on your social media accounts, blog, etc. such that we get the word out? Thank you.

http://www.mango-ong.com

Official Mango-ong Page on Facebook
Follow Mango-ong on Twitter
TRACK BACK: Read my review on Mango-ong HERE.

Mmmm...Mango-ong!

Mmmm. It's exactly 3:21am and I can't sleep. I also have this sudden craving for green mangoes and bagoong (local shrimp paste). Crazy, I know. In fact, I've been craving for mangoes and bagoong at least once a week since forever (not pregnant, thank you). Thank goodness, summer's here and that means Mango Season!

RL has been asking for mangoes too. I'm happy that the vendors out on the drive to the main highway are now selling sweet, ripe mangoes. RL loves mangoes. He can eat 3 a day. "I eat mangoes all day, mom!" But the cool thing about my little boy is that he not only eats the ripe ones, he also loves the green and sour ones. He calls them "nasim" mangoes, and won't eat them without the bagoong. Good thing we now have Mango-ong.

Green Mangoes, everyday, all year round! Possible with Mango-ong!

I've been meaning to blog about Mango-ong since they opened their first branch early last year. I remember going all the way to Robinson's Galleria (their first branch, however, is in SM Taytay) just to satisfy a craving. Alas, I think I was happiest when they finally opened a branch at SM North's Sky Garden!

Couldn't get a clear shot of Mango-ong Sky Garden, SM North EDSA. Long line all the time!

Can't wait to get to the counter to have my Mango-ong fix.

So near, yet so far. But finally next in line for my Mango-ong!

Mango or Singkamas? Extra Bagoong? Take Out? I usually get 4 pcs Mango + 2 extra scoops of Bagoong.  

What kind of Bagoong? Our favorite is Regular Spicy!

There usually is a long line at Mango-ong (well, except for the branch at SM Fairview, simply because it is HIDDEN at the basement of all basements - wouldn't have known there was a branch there had my kids not asked for Timezone). Imagine that someone actually thought of getting this Filipino street food off the streets to offer us a "cleaner" alternative! 

How to get your Mango-ong fix?

Mango-ong offers both Mangoes and Jicama (Singkamas) with Bagoong. All you have to do is tell the lady manning the kiosk which one you want (or if you want both). A mango cheek is P20.00, while the Jicama is P10.00, and an order already comes with bagoong. You may opt for salt instead, they have that too. Their bagoong comes in Regular, Regular Spicy, Sweet, Sweet & Spicy and Extra Hot. My kids and I love their Regular Spicy!

My usual order?

I usually get 4 cheeks of Mangoes + 2 extra orders of Bagoong. If you wish to bring home your Mango-ong vs. eating it at the mall (beside other Mango-ong addicts who hang around the kiosk, sharing the common Mango-ong high), they also offer take-out boxes and cups (for the bagoong). I normally ask the counter girl to separate my 4 mangoes into 2 take-out boxes. 

4 orders of Mango-ong (P20.00 each) = P 80.00

2 take-out boxes (P2.00 each) = P4.00

2 extra orders of Bagoong (P2.00/ one-half tablespoon) = P4.00

3 cups and lid (P1.00 each) = P3.00

TOTAL MANGO-ONG FIX = P91.00 

What a booming business! How I wish I had thought of this! 

http://www.mango-ong.com

Official Mango-ong Page on Facebook
Follow Mango-ong on Twitter
WANT A MANGO-ONG FRANCHISE? Read all about it HERE.