Three individuals, two men and one woman, stand in front of a perfume kiosk named "AROMA BOMB PERFUME" inside a shopping mall. All three are giving a thumbs-up gesture and smiling at the camera. A decorated Christmas tree stands to the left of the kiosk.

“Success is built not on avoiding failure, but on the courage to keep trying, even when the journey gets tough.” For Ms. Mona Lisa Citco the most important thing is to keep trying, regardless of the challenges or setbacks.

Back in 2005, Mona Lisa was selling cellphone units in a shopping mall in Makati when she met a Thai customer who introduced her to the perfume-making business.

Initially, she didn’t prioritize selling perfume as she was already managing a cellphone stall. However, when her cellphone business started to decline, she decided in 2009 to sell both cell phones and perfume. Unfortunately, this venture was unsuccessful.

In 2018, Ms. Mona chose to focus exclusively on selling perfumes, initially marketing it online to friends. In 2020, she met Sir Joel Cervantes, owner of Aroma Bomb Perfume Manufacturing, who shared his passion for business. Together, they decided to collaborate in the perfume-making industry with Mona serving as the business manager.

In 2024, they relocated their business from Makati to Malolos for expansion. The Malolos Tourism Office invited them to showcase their perfume business, where they met Ma. Teofila A. Saulog, owner of Tita Fi Food Products. The latter referred them to PCEDO for a bazaar and encouraged them to register with DTI. At Negosyo Center Robinsons Malolos, Business Counselor (BC) Darwin Musni assisted Joel and his now business manager, Ms. Mona, in registering Aroma Bomb Perfume Manufacturing via the online Business Name Registration System. BC Darwin also advised the two to participate in the different DTI programs. With Negosyo Center’s support, they became eligible for DTI-Bulacan trade fairs.

In July 2024, Aroma Bomb Perfume Manufacturing joined the Level-Up Creatives Fair. Their perfumes are offered on affordable prices ranging from ₱190 for regular ones up to ₱750 for the special variety. BC Darwin continued to support Ms. Mona and Sir Joel with their business. Aroma Bomb Perfume Manufacturing was then registered as a Barangay Micro Business Enterprise, sought business counseling, and participated in the upcoming OTOP Pamasko Trade Fair. These were all conducted through the efforts of the Negosyo Center.

Aroma Bomb also benefited from the Label Up program of DTI Bulacan. Additionally, the business was featured in the social media page of NC Robinsons Malolos, which helped make the brand more well-known. Currently, Joel and Mona were invited to some malls in Bulacan as irregular business partner. Their operations at SM Baliwag yield a steady income, with earnings coming in on a regular basis. They also manage a smaller stall at SM Pulilan, which contributes modestly to their overall revenue, though on a less frequent cycle.

Their business has become well-known in other malls, leading to invitations to set up stalls in SM Pampanga, SM Marilao, and SM Clark. Their perfumes are particularly popular among students due to their affordability and quality.

Through Aroma Bomb, they were able to buy a service vehicle, which also helps with transporting their raw materials and finished products. They are also proud to provide jobs and create income opportunities for others. They are hoping to secure a regular kiosk in malls if given the opportunity and are looking forward to participating in more bazaars and events in the future.

“When one door closes, another opens for you, and it might even be better than before.” The optimistic message of Ms. Mona and Mr. Joel. ♦

Date of Release: 16 April 2025

Business Name: Aroma Bomb Perfume Manufacturing
Owner’s Name: Joel Cervantes
Business Manager: Mona Lisa Citco
Business Address: Bagong Bayan City of Malolos, Bulacan
Products: Perfume, Cosmetic and Personal care
Facebook Page: Aroma Bomb
Contact Number: 0926 823 9565
Email Address: aromabomb72@gmail.com
Online Shop:
https://shopee.ph/8vlv31gx4m?tab=shop
https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.mIP0t

Three individuals, two men and one woman, stand in front of a perfume kiosk labeled "AROMA BOMB PERFUME" within a shopping mall setting. A Christmas tree is positioned to the left of the kiosk.
Three people at "AROMA BOMB PERFUME" kiosk in a mall. One seated writing, two standing looking at paper.
Three people at "AROMA BOMB PERFUME" kiosk in a mall, giving thumbs up. Christmas tree on the left.

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