Meet Haydee Cetro, the passionate owner of Empanada Ahuy, a small empanada business that has conquered the hearts and taste buds of many. Haydee, hailing from Quezon Province and armed with a degree in AB Psychology, spent six years working as an HR Recruitment Specialist. However, when she moved to Alfonso with her husband and started a family, the long commute made it challenging for her to continue her career. Nevertheless, Haydee’s love for cooking, which she inherited from her mother, became a beacon of hope.

In 2015, Haydee’s husband expressed his fondness for empanadas, but they couldn’t find a satisfying option in their area. Determined to please her husband’s cravings, Haydee turned to YouTube for a recipe. Unconvinced with the taste of the recipe she found, she fearlessly experimented in the kitchen until she created her own mouthwatering empanada recipe. Her husband, working in a BPO company, became an instant ambassador, bringing her empanadas to share with his officemates. The positive response was overwhelming, and soon, her husband’s colleagues began requesting orders. The demand spread beyond his department, reaching employees from nearby building and even when he transferred to another company.

The year 2020 presented an unexpected turning point for Empanada Ahuy. As the pandemic struck, Haydee’s inactive Facebook page suddenly buzzed with inquiries and requests for her empanadas. Recognizing the opportunity to transform her passion into a full-time business, she decided to accept orders within the municipality of Alfonso. With great determination, she registered her business with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as “Empanada Ahuy Empanada Food House” and obtained the necessary permits. However, despite her eagerness to succeed, Haydee encountered naysayers who belittled her aspirations, suggesting that empanadas were only meant for economically depressed areas. Unfazed by these discouraging comments, she pressed on, determined to prove them wrong.

Within just one month of registration, Haydee and her husband managed to save enough money to build their own physical store, a testament to their hard work and dedication. But their journey didn’t end there. On April 7, 2022, Haydee received a life-changing message from the Business Counselor of DTI Negosyo Center Alfonso, inviting her to join the OTOP Program. Recognizing the immense value of this opportunity, she wholeheartedly embraced it, participating in the program’s workshops on product development and improvement.

Inspired to expand her business further, Haydee conceived the idea of a food truck. However, she encountered obstacles when coordinating with local government units (LGUs). Yet, her persistence prevailed, and her food truck hit the roads, bringing her delicious empanadas to different municipalities in Cavite and increasing her popularity even more.

The year 2022 proved to be a milestone for Empanada Ahuy, with the opening of its second branch in Indang Cavite in August, followed by a third branch in Bailen Cavite in October. These achievements positioned Empanada Ahuy as a household name and a local favorite. As recognition for her remarkable journey, Haydee was interviewed by SMNI News Channel in January 2023, further raising the profile of her business. And true to her indomitable spirit, she opened her fourth branch in Mendez, solidifying her brand’s presence.

Alongside these achievements, Haydee is currently enrolled in the DTI KMME-MME Program, where she continues to expand her knowledge on business management, employee handling, customer service and, more. She is immensely grateful to the DTI for opening countless opportunities for her business and fueling her dreams.

“Nakakapagod, nakakastress pero hindi ako hihinto… Because nothing great is going to come if you quit!” Through Haydee’s relentless dedication, Empanada Ahuy has transformed from a homemade delight to a culinary sensation. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, reminding them that with passion, resilience, and the right resources, dreams can indeed be realized. ♦

Date of Release: 31 August 2023

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