2 weeks ago
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By NIKA ROQUE, GMA Integrated News
Published February 28, 2025 4:02pm
Rayver Cruz and Lexi Gonzales are up for the challenges that come with being entrepreneurs.
The Sparkle stars introduced their new business ventures during the Kapuso Food Fair held on February 27 and 28 at the GMA Network headquarters in Quezon City.
According to Rayver, he is looking to be a partner of The Baristroe, a shop selling espresso-based drinks, coffee beans, and Filipino desserts like mamon de tabla and sumang magkayakap.
As he explores this new venture, the Kapuso actor and dancer said his interest in the business is his personal love for coffee.
“Feeling ko kasi ito talaga, kahit ilang taon pa lumipas, kailangan natin ng kape sa buhay natin. Ako, hindi ako nag-fa-function nang walang kape,” Rayver told GMA News Online. “Nakaka-good vibes talaga kapag may coffee, so ito ‘yung naisip ko.”
Rayver took on this venture to try something new, noting that consistency is an important factor and lesson in business.
“Kahit sa ano mang work, you need to try things. And try mo lang nang i-try hanggang sa maging successful," he said.
“Especially ako, ‘pag may bago akong nagustuhan and sinimulan, talagang ta-try ko ‘yung best ko."
The actor added that he has good friends who guide him in business.
He also teased that he and his brother Rodjun will be reviving their clothing brand, CruzFit.
Meanwhile, Lexi is a franchisee of Taho Story, a shop that specializes in taho with various flavors of ice cream and other toppings. It comes in flavors like Pau’s Biscoff, Mangga Graham, and Avocado Loco.
Per Lexi, she experienced various challenges in learning to run the business, such as “constant trial and error with our formula,” costings, and adjusting to inflation.
“Ako, aminado ako guys, ‘di ako masyado magaling sa math, so challenge talaga siya for me,” Lexi said with a laugh.
“Tsaka sa tingin ko, as an artista maganda ako eh. Hindi ako maganda as a businesswoman—haggard, stressed."
In her time as a businesswoman, Lexi learned, “It’s okay to have setbacks.”
“Minsan kasi ‘pag business iisipin na natin, ‘Ah, ito na ‘yon. ‘Yung cash flow andiyan na. ‘Yung flow ng pera, talagang kikita ako.’ Pero hindi talaga eh, maraming factors to it," she shared.
“May times na wala eh, or may times na ‘yung inisip mong plano hindi nag-work, so magta-try ka ulit, iisip ka ng ibang paraan. Pero ganun talaga.”
She also noted that she can apply lessons from business to her career as an actress during times when she has hurdles or does not have projects.
“I can apply it to myself to search for new solutions, new things, new improvements for myself."
Despite everything, Lexi shared that being in the food industry is a lot of fun.
“Nakakatuwa na may mga tao na nabubusog,” she said. “Gusto ko din i-promote na i-embrace natin ang sariling atin.”
The Kapuso Food Fair returned this week after five years, featuring 14 stores owned by GMA employees and selected external concessionaires.
Aside from Rayver and Lexi, GMA Integrated News broadcast journalist Nelson Canlas is also part of the fair.
The Kapuso Food Fair was last held in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
— CDC, GMA Integrated News
