A quiet revolution is unfolding in the Philippines, fueled by the potent power of its native plants. Research highlighting the incredible health benefits of herbs like malunggay, guyabano, and lagundi has sparked a global interest, turning the islands into a treasure trove of natural remedies.
Twelve years ago, Teresa Santiano recognized this potential and embarked on a journey that would transform her life and empower countless others. Starting with humble beginnings, she built Tropical Palm Herb Manufacturing, a company dedicated to harnessing the goodness of malunggay – from its vibrant powder to convenient capsules, soothing teas, and even invigorating coffee.
Teresa’s story isn’t just about business success; it’s a testament to the power of grassroots entrepreneurship. Her company provides vital support to local farmers and champions the spirit of women entrepreneurs, serving as a shining example of growth within the Philippines.
Her dedication was formally recognized in 2024 with the prestigious MSME Presidential Award, a fitting tribute to her unwavering commitment. I’ve known Teresa, or “Tita Teresa” as she’s affectionately called, for years, dating back to my early days in media when she was a valued associate producer. Our paths crossed again at the awards ceremony, prompting a conversation I knew would be inspiring.
What struck me most about Tita Teresa is her relatable nature. She’s not a distant figure of success, but an “everywoman” whose journey resonates with possibility. Her story holds invaluable lessons, and I was eager to share those insights through my podcast.
One of the most powerful principles she shared was the importance of embracing opportunity with a resounding “yes.” Inspired by a mentor’s advice to always say yes to new possibilities, Tita Teresa expanded on this, emphasizing that an answer can always be found, even when you initially feel unprepared.
Her malunggay empire began with a simple encounter at a souvenir center. A Japanese man inquired about “black seeds” – malunggay seeds, often discarded as pig feed. Without hesitation, she said yes, promising to deliver 50 kilos. That initial sale, secured at P1,250 per kilo, generated P125,000 and ignited her entrepreneurial fire.
Even when lacking a farm or factory, she continued to say yes, securing a ton-sized order from a German client and ultimately building her own processing facility. This unwavering acceptance of challenges fueled exponential growth.
Tita Teresa’s entrepreneurial spirit wasn’t born overnight. She recalls selling sweet potato tops as a child, fueled by a bold ambition: to achieve financial independence by the age of 50. Life threw a devastating blow when she lost her husband to lung cancer at just 34, leaving her to raise seven children alone.
Entrepreneurship became not just a career, but a necessity. “I have children to feed,” she explained, emphasizing the crucial role of side businesses in sustaining her family. She leveraged her connections from her role at RPN-9, establishing souvenir stations and producing concerts featuring popular artists.
Her journey underscored a belief I’ve long held: your network truly is your net worth. Tita Teresa stressed the importance of nurturing those connections, recognizing that they are invaluable assets, especially when navigating new ventures.
But even before the pivotal encounter with the Japanese buyer, entrepreneurship was already woven into the fabric of her life. “Being in business is hard,” she admits, “but if you have the passion, that burning desire to step outside your comfort zone, you can achieve anything.”
Tita Teresa’s success extends beyond her own company, Tropical Palm Herb Manufacturing. She embodies a generous form of entrepreneurship, actively sharing her knowledge and empowering others to start their own businesses. She actively avoids a “crab mentality,” believing that collective success benefits everyone.
She readily offers guidance on establishing factories and navigating the industry, driven by a desire to see others thrive. While she has undoubtedly achieved her financial goals, her perspective has shifted. True wealth, she believes, lies in the love and support of her community and the positive impact she’s made on the lives of her farmers.
She proudly shares how her efforts have transformed the lives of those she works with, replacing grass shacks with sturdy homes. Tita Teresa’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about personal gain, but about lifting others along the way.
