EXCLUSIVE: Fifth Pagotan on being a persistent entrepreneur

Gary Ann  Lastrilla

<div><img src='' alt='080615-fifth_main.jpg' width='400' height='290' align='left' border='0'>In an exclusive e-mail interview with PUSH.com.ph, former <i>Pinoy Big Brother All In</i> housemate and now Nathaniel star Fifth Pagotan revealed that he is venturing into another food business.</div><div><br/></div><div>After closing down his Silog’food stall in Cubao, Quezon City, Fifth is now gearing up to launch his new Japanese cake business.</div><div><br/></div><div>According to Fifth, this will be called, PanYaki Maniac and explained that “panyaki” means heated bread. He said that his Japanese cakes will have different flavors such as strawberry, Nutella, ube, peanut butter, cream cheese, as well as, savory fillings like burger, Hungarian, tuna and ham, among others. </div><div><br/></div><div>Sharing that this business is his original idea and not a franchise, Fifth said, “Concept<i> ko talaga. ‘Di kasi na ako mahilig sa</i> franchise <i>kasi </i>limited <i>lang ‘yung puwede mong gawin </i>when it comes to prices and menus. <i>‘Di mo mapaglalaruan kasi may sinusunod kang</i> concept from the franchise company.”</div><div><br/></div><div>He also shared why he chose to sell Japanese cakes. <i>“Nagustuhan ko ‘yung ganitong </i>concept <i>kasi mahilig talaga ako sa</i> sweets and <i>nahilig ako dito sa </i>Japanese cake <i>(‘dorayaki’ tawag sa</i> Japan)<i> kasi </i>mom <i>ko, pinapakain kami mga </i>different Japanese food <i>kasi </i>she lives in Japan <i>na </i>since I was 2.”</div><div><br/></div><div>Fifth hopes to open his business in September. “Now,<i> inaasikaso ko pa ‘yung</i> machines and leasing stuff and also ‘<i>yung </i>brand image. Gusto<i> ko kasi </i>now <i>mas pulido</i> and<i> mas mamahalin ‘yung </i>dating.” </div><div><br/></div><div>A persistent entrepreneur, Fifth said that this is his third business already. Even though his first business franchise before joining <i>PBB </i>failed, it did not discourage him as he learned a lot. <i>“Marami akong natutunan doon </i>when it comes to business. <i>Lalo na’t ako mismo ang naglakad ng mga</i> requirements<i> nun mula BIR, DTI,</i> etc.”  </div><div><br/></div><div>After <i>PBB</i>, he tried joining a night market in Cubao but felt unsure of the concept so he and his partners dropped the whole thing. </div><div></div><div><div><img src='' alt='080615-fifth_main.jpg' width='400' height='290' align='left' border='0'>Despite his business struggles, Fifth said that it is okay for him to try and try again. <i>“Kahit ilang beses na akong nag-tatry, </i>okay<i> lang sa’kin kasi feel ko hindi pa ako na-fe-fail. Kasi may mage-gain ako </i>every try ko <i>sa</i> business. And<i> sabi nga nila, magfe-fail ka lang pag nag quit ka na.”</i></div><div><br/></div><div>He also said that he feels more confident with his new Japanese cake venture considering that he experienced a lot with his previous businesses. </div><div><br/></div><div>How does he handle entrepreneurship and work as an actor? </div><div><br/></div><div><i>“Kinakaya naman, kasi ‘yung tapings ko naman MWF lang tapos</i> acting workshop <i>ko, TTH kaya madalas</i> weekends <i>ko ginagawa mga</i> meetings<i> ko</i> or schedules <i>ko sa </i>business,” he answered. </div><div><br/></div><div>Moreover, he said, <i>“Kailangan pagsabayin ko eh lalo na’t iniisip ko na mabilis ang buhay sa</i> showbiz. <i>Madami na din kasing artista. Laging may mga</i> reality shows. <i>‘Di natin alam kung hanggang kailan tayo mabibigyan ng</i> work. And feel <i>ko mas yayaman ako sa</i> business <i>kahit na sugal siya na hindi mo tiyak ang kapalaran mo.” </i></div></div>

Through an exclusive e-mail interview, Fifth Pagotan reveals his new business venture and shared why he continues to become a persistent entrepreneur despite challenges.

EXCLUSIVE: Fifth Pagotan on being a persistent entrepreneur | PUSH.COM.PH