Pasalubong treats

A new "pasalubong" center was recently inaugurated in Bacolod City.

Owned by young entrepreneur Jonathan Lo and his wife, Lisa, the Merci Pasalubong Center in Brgy. Mandalagan was their second branch to open in less than a year. The first is located near the domestic airport.

Gov. Joseph Marañon and the who's who in Bacolod were among those present at the inauguration and blessing.

Jonathan, son of renowned Dr. Manuel and Corazon Lo, is the immediate past president of the Bacolod Bakers Association. His ultimate goal is to export the products, he says.

Focusing more on research, development and packaging of products, Jonathan's all-time pasalubong favorites include "biscocho", "piaya", "toasted mamon", "lubid-lubid" and "otap". A business administration graduate in Vancouver, Canada, Jonathan is married to the former Lisa Chua. They have three children -- Liselle, Jeremy and Jobelle.

Their business has humble beginnings. From a six square-meter space, the bakeshop now has 16 outlets throughout Negros Occidental.

Lisa recalls that Jonathan, her classmate since kinder and part of college, is a loving husband and breadwinner. He is focused on business, plays badminton to relax, and likes to eat, she shares.

Jonathan is also a board of director of the Bacolod Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and member of the School Board of the Trinity Christian School, among his many accomplishments, Lisa adds.

Lisa said she often reminds Jonathan to "always remember to thank God for all the blessings. I'll be beside you all the way."*

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