After six Saturdays, the first season of The Philippine Online Student Tiangge (The POSTiangge) has now come to a close. Following last week’s episode on “Digital Services and Art Commissions” where novice graphic designer Leo Mazo and children’s book illustrator Emman Mabagos were featured, The POSTiangge’s “Season Ender” was streamed live last November 27 at 4:00 PM.

For the season finale, the main focus of the episode is on the one-on-one interview with Richard Allan Rosete of Richapparel. Dubbed the ‘Rich’ Kid of Baliuag, Bulacan for this episode, Richard is a 22-year-old BS Psychology student at the La Consolacion University, Philippines. Although he only began his online business this year, he has already achieved so much with Richapparel.

Richard shared that his interest in entrepreneurship was a pretty recent development for him. Months into the lockdown, he wanted to do more with his time. With the help of his older sister, who he describes as the one who was really business-minded, he was encouraged to start his own business. The idea to sell apparel, more specifically board shorts, came just from observing the online space and finding products that can be competitively priced.

He opened the Facebook page of Richapparel only last June. Through this page he sells his products wholesale. Those interested in retail orders can also check them out on Shopee.

Richard is very much hands-on with his business. He does his best to balance being an entrepreneur with being a fourth year BS Psychology student. However, he also expresses a lot of gratitude for the people who help him every step of the way. From his family, his friends, his staff, and his resellers.

With his work ethic and the way he regards all the people in his life and in his business, the success of Richapparel does not come as a surprise. Through this business, he has not only been able to support himself and the needs of his business. He has also been able to support his family. He and his sister have also gone on to buy land.

There is also so much more in store for Richapparel. They are looking for more resellers as well as planning to expand the business to be able to sell a variety of clothing pieces. Besides this, Richard has grand plans of being able to establish a physical store as well as start a whole line of products.

Richard’s story is definitely very inspirational. For aspiring business owners, especially student entrepreneurs, Richard shared truly solid advice. He views willingness, having a goal, and possessing the dedication to work towards that goal as pertinent components to successfully starting a business.

Richard also expresses how important it is for him to rely on faith. He makes it a point to give back as well and not only work for himself but also for others. In the near future, he wishes to start a charity of his own to be able to help even more people.

Richard is officially the last guest for the first season of The POST Tiangge that started with a webinar led by ‘Franchise Guru’ Butz Bartolome entitled “Usapang Online Business” back in the 16th of October. Before this finale were four episodes that featured student and teacher online sellers with their stories of creativity and perseverance that are sure to inspire. The first episode was on “Clothing” and featured Ejey Lustado of Inkyprinteneurship and Ma’am Pauline Perez of Hulagpos PH. The second was on “Food” and featured Bianca Yap of Kenzilog and Sir Dareon Pabiloña of Everyday Indulgence. The third was on “Accessories and Cosmetics,” featuring Le-Mairre Manalaysay of Dare Woman and Jameson Atenta of DOPE Cosmetics PH. Lastly was episode 4 on “Digital Services and Art Commission” with Leo Mazo of Visualz by Leo and Emman Mabagos of @eamabagos.

This might mark the end of The POSTiangge’s first season but our ka-tambays and ka-tiangges have much to look forward to with the news of The POSTiangge possibly returning for a second season!

While waiting for the next season, you can check out The POSTiangge’s Season Ender and replays of all the other episodes on The Philippine Online Student Tambayan’s Facebook page. Remember to support local, mga katambay!

This event is co-presented by:
PUP Junior Financial Executives
Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Mapúa University Student Chapter
PUP Peer Facilitators Association
Ang Suga Publication (Cebu Normal University)
Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – LCUP

Media partners:
LPU Laguna – Junior Philippine Association of Management Accountants (JPAMA)
DLSU Ang Pahayagang Plaridel

Sponsors:
Meralco
San Miguel Corporation