The Courage to Start Again

LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA — At 63, Norman Marantos is proving that starting over is possible at any stage in life.

After spending nearly two decades working overseas, Norman returned to the Philippines with a familiar question faced by many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs): What comes next after years of working abroad?

For Norman, the answer was not to look for another job overseas. Instead, he chose to build something of his own.

Today, he runs a small fruit stall at the local public market in Los Baños, Laguna, where he lives with his family. What began as a modest livelihood has gradually grown into a stable family business.

Starting Small

Norman decided not to return abroad after coming home from South Africa in 2005. He took a chance on a new beginning and started selling fresh fruits at the Los Baños public market.

Over the years, he expanded his product line, adding honey and local favorites such as alamang. His customer base also grew beyond the community, with some of his products reaching customers in Pampanga and Nueva Ecija in Central Luzon.

Running a market stall, however, comes with its own challenges. Sales can be unpredictable, with weather conditions often affecting the demand for fresh produce.

“Kapag may bagyo, hindi natin maibenta ang ating mga produkto,” Norman said.

For a small business owner, several days of slow sales can quickly affect the capital needed to replenish stocks and keep the business running.

Norman needed a way to sustain his business even during difficult periods.

This was where microfinance became an important part of his journey.

Through CARD Bank, a microfinance-oriented rural bank that provides financial and non-financial services, Norman gained access to loans that helped support his business operations.

Initially, microfinance programs in their area were primarily offered to women, which led Norman’s wife to become a member. Norman was hesitant at first. But when CARD Bank opened its services to male microentrepreneurs, he saw an opportunity to access financing for his own business.

He started with a PHP 10,000 loan.

As his business grew, so did his access to larger amounts of working capital. The additional funds allowed him to purchase more products, manage periods of slow sales, and keep his stall adequately stocked despite uncertain market conditions.

Beyond business financing, Norman also obtained insurance to help protect himself and his family against future uncertainties.

A Family Business

The fruit stall is no longer Norman’s responsibility alone.

His youngest child now helps manage the business, while other family members take turns covering the morning and evening shifts.

The business has become a dependable source of income for the family. More importantly, it has grown into a livelihood that Norman hopes his children can continue in the years to come.

For Norman, the fruit business represents more than just a source of income. It reflects his willingness to take a chance after returning home, learn from challenges, and keep moving forward despite difficult circumstances.

“Masaya ako dahil may negosyo ako, Nakatutulong ako sa aking pamilya, at maipagpapatuloy ito ng aking anak.” Norman said.

Norman’s story shows how perseverance, access to financial services, and family support can help turn a small livelihood into a foundation for a more stable future.

“Ang katatagan ay hindi tungkol sa pag-iwas sa mga mahihirap na araw. Ito ay tungkol sa pagtiyak na may paraan upang magpatuloy kapag dumating ang mga ito,” Norman said.