What started as a modest café on a quiet street in Barreto has grown into a thriving dual-venture success story, thanks to the drive of local entrepreneur Christine Sibal — and a strong internet connection backing her every move.
Christine is the owner of 153 Coffee Co., a cozy neighborhood café serving up sea salt lattes and its signature 153 Special blend to a steady stream of students, professionals, and regulars. Originally imagined as a personal space for good coffee and casual meetings, the café has since evolved into a full-scale operation, serving up to 100 cups a day and catering to events with mobile coffee carts.
“I just wanted a space for good coffee. My husband even trained as a barista,” she shared. “But as people kept coming, it grew into something bigger.”
A year after launching her café, Christine opened her second venture: Muy Bien Ihaw-Ihaw, a grilled chicken outlet inspired by a long-running church livelihood initiative.
“Muy Bien started nearly 20 years ago to help church members earn extra income. Today, we have around 40 outlets across different provinces,” she said.
Her outlet in Barreto is a pilot for a dine-in model, expanding on Muy Bien’s traditional takeout business. Running both ventures requires coordination, precision — and reliable digital tools. That’s where Converge ICT Solutions Inc. comes in.
“As early as our home setup, we were already with Converge,” Christine noted. “So when we started the businesses, we stayed with what we trusted.”
Both shops now operate on Converge flexiBiz, a tailored internet plan for small businesses. It powers point-of-sale systems, security cameras, and remote monitoring, enabling Christine to manage both locations even while offsite.
“I can monitor sales, check CCTV, and see everything happening at the shop. It’s helped me stay hands-on, even when I’m physically away,” she added.
Fast, stable internet also plays a key role in customer satisfaction. While some cafés limit long stays, Christine encourages it.
“A lot of our customers are students or remote workers who rely on our free Wi-Fi. That’s one of the reasons they keep coming back.”
With both ventures thriving, Christine is now eyeing expansion. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Lead with passion.
“Trends will change. But if you love what you’re doing, and you stay true to your purpose, that’s what makes it work,” she said.
Thanks to her entrepreneurial spirit—and the digital support from Converge — Christine’s journey from brew to barbecue continues to grow, one purposeful step at a time.
