FROM HOUSEWIFE TO ENTREPRENEUR: MARICEL PUMARES BUILDS A FAMILY BUSINESS THROUGH RESILIENCE

CABUYAO CITY, LAGUNA — What started as a small motorcycle repair shop in their front yard has grown into a family business for Maricel Pumares and her husband, Greg, after years of hard work, setbacks, and perseverance.

Maricel, a resident of Cabuyao City, Laguna, was a full-time housewife during the early years of their marriage. Her husband worked as a mechanic for a motorcycle manufacturer, but as their family grew, his salary was no longer enough to cover their increasing household expenses.

In 2011, the couple decided to start a motorcycle repair shop at their home. Maricel managed the shop and sold spare parts, while Greg handled major mechanical repairs during weekends.

The business gradually provided a steady source of income, allowing the couple to purchase four tricycles for additional earnings.

When Greg's employer transferred its branch to Batangas, the couple opened a second repair shop near his new workplace in 2016. Greg would check the branch after his work shift before returning home to Cabuyao.

As their children started going to school, Maricel took on another job as office staff and secretary for a Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA). She spent her mornings at their motorcycle shop and worked as a TODA secretary in the afternoon.

“Since sales from motor parts aren't consistent, my husband and I choose to keep our jobs. That way, if the shop isn't making any money, we still have a way to cover our expenses,” Maricel said.

The couple continued improving their business. In 2020, they acquired a fuel injector diagnostic tool, allowing them to identify motorcycle problems without dismantling the entire engine.

However, the same year brought one of their biggest challenges.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, both Maricel and Greg tested positive for the virus. Their business temporarily closed, while their children were also placed under quarantine.

Medical expenses quickly depleted their savings, forcing the couple to sell three of their four tricycles to help pay for their needs.

Despite the setback, Maricel and Greg continued rebuilding their livelihood. By 2023, they had managed to recover and resume growing their business.

Financial Support for a New Start

Maricel became a client of CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) in 2016. She initially received a ₱3,000 loan, which she used as additional capital for their Batangas branch.

Her loan has since increased to ₱50,000, which she now uses to support the operations of their business.

Because motorcycle repair demand can vary, Maricel also keeps part of the loan as a financial buffer for household expenses during periods when business income is low.

Today, the couple continues to work full-time in their respective jobs while managing their repair shop. Three employees help keep the daily operations running while Maricel and Greg balance their work and family responsibilities.

For Maricel, the journey from being a housewife to becoming a business owner has been marked by challenges and opportunities.

Looking ahead, she hopes to expand their motorcycle repair business and build a sustainable livelihood that can continue supporting their family for years to come.