What makes a business unique ? Is it an out-ofthis-world product , a skyrocket profit , or something else more ? Economists and experts may have a certain answer , but to us ordinary people , we wonder endlessly what makes any given company succeed .
Towards the end of 2020 , Jordon Estrada , a high school teacher of La Salle Green Hills ( LSGH ), established a small candle business in Manila , but unlike others , his products are not just normal candles ; they are candles of hope .
While bored in the comforts of his home , Estrada - known by his students as Sir Jords - took up the hobby of making candles . After five months of mastering his craft , he decided to use his newfound hobby for something more - thereby creating Muni Candles .
Unlike other businesses , Muni Candles was not created solely for profit ; since its operations started , twenty percent ( 20 %) of its income has been dedicated to providing data allowances for students in need .
In November 2020 , the small candle business donated all of its earnings to the victims of typhoons Rolly and Ulysses through the Add to Heart Donation Drive . These donations funded a relief operation for 200 + families in the affected areas .
Lastly , in March 2020 , all of its sales were donated to a friend of Estrada , who was diagnosed with leukemia .
With all of these acts of kindness , one may realize that the essence of a business is not about what the business achieves , but rather what it gives back to the community . Just like Muni Candles , a unique business is not measured by the profit it earns , but by the hope it gives .
You can support Muni Candles ’ advocacy by purchasing through the following channels :
Facebook Page Muni Candles (@ municandlesmnl )
Instagram Page @ municandles
When asked about this decision to donate such a large percentage of his earnings , Estrada said “ We don ’ t want to be a plain business . Ako kasi personally , I want to help other people . I always engage myself in civic consciousness , and as much as possible , the value of sharing .”
According to him , in his LSGH Adult Night High School classes , some of his students were repeatedly absent . As he spoke to them , he learned that they lacked the means to have a stable internet connection . This prompted him to share a part of his income from Muni Candles with the community .
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