#PassionWednesday ft. The Onigiri Boys
Passionate minds pave the way for a promising future this #PassionWednesday! This week, we feature the “Onigiri Boys.”
Nestled amidst the bustling corridors and classrooms of USLS, there's a pocket of campus life that's infused with the aroma of fresh, handcrafted onigiris and spam musubis.
Meet Edward Suñe, a 4th-year Operations Management student from the Yu An Log - College of Business and Accountancy, better known as “Manong Onigiri”, a remarkable student who has managed to turn the simple act of making and selling these Japanese rice balls into a thriving part-time venture, and in the process, has found a unique way to connect with the campus community. You’ve probably seen him and a few others around campus and even bought a few too many snacks from their business.
It all began when Edward’s friend, Charles Gan, introduced him to onigiri for lunch one time. Soon after, they decided to try their hand at selling these rice balls. This traditional Japanese snack quickly became a hit sensation among the students and employees of USLS. What started as an experiment soon evolved into a small business.
Passion and dedication fueled their game as he revealed “At first it was just me and Charles (Gan) then others eventually wanted to sell like Drolin (Banico), and Alex (Abong) as they also had a bunch of free time. Then we eventually expanded since Ryan (Aspa), Neil (Lopez), and Cristoffer (Espina) joined us.”
The Onigiri Boys have indeed become quite the everyday talk of Lasallians in need of a quick snack and we asked Edward his advice for young up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
“One fact I think Lasallians need to know is that when classes are canceled, Charles will consume the onigiri he originally intended to sell throughout the day, ensuring they don't go to waste from breakfast to dinner. My advice would be to invest in marketing and the product. These are very important as it allows you to spread the word about your product,” Edward said.
Every fifty-peso purchase of their product contributes to funding their daily school expenses, as Edward revealed that they sell an approximate number of 200-600 pieces a day.
With unwavering passion for entrepreneurship and a deep reverence for their Lasallian education, Edward and The Onigiri Boys exemplify how resilience and 'diskarte' can transform their dreams into degrees, illuminating a path of inspiration for all who dare to pursue their aspirations against all odds.
