Former Saudi OFW finds sweet success at Cedar Crest

Ice candy is one of the all-time Pinoy favorite treats for both kids and adults especially during the scorching summer months. Recently, one unique variation of the popular frozen refreshment has created a buzz around the metro with its creamy and refreshing smooth flavor.

This is Tristan's Ice Cream Candy which is ice candy with the richness of ice cream. Concocted by Tristan Cristobal, a former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) turned entrepreneur, the story of the ice cream candy's success dates back when he was still working as an accountant in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and how his business got its breakthrough at a DMCI Homes community called Cedar Crest, located in Acacia Estates at Taguig City.

"I decided to venture into this business after being inspired by a concept from a friend," said Tristan, as he narrated the journey of how he began his personal study on ice cream-making while working abroad.

"The Cedar Crest community was really the first to believe in my product," recalled Tristan. "It's really hard to find people who will give you the opportunity. Luckily, the convenience store here gave me the chance, starting with buying 50 pieces late last year."

Cedar Crest is medium-rise enclave that has been home to the Cristobal family for over five years. Personally for Tristan, it is both a sanctuary and a springboard for his business.

He launched his ice cream candy during one of Cedar Crest's video feasts, which is a gathering that spread God's Word in a series of recorded talks. After the celebration, Tristan distributed samples of his product to let his neighbors taste his creamy and refreshing homemade ice cream candy which comes in different flavours such as pandan, caramel, strawberry, chocolate, and a lot more.

From then on, the community convenience store began placing orders which increased over the months. The number of Tristan's resellers eventually grew and now reaches Las Pinas, Parañaque, Novaliches, Bataan, Quezon and as far as Nueva Vizcaya. The product even caught the attention of morning TV show Unang Hirit and was recently featured in the program.

Importance of financial literacy for OFWs

Tristan also notes that making ice cream candy is one of his investments to help secure the future for himself and his family. Apart from his ice cream candy business, one of the things he is passionate about is helping his fellow OFWs save money and get back home to their families.

Hence, during his last two years abroad, Tristan and his wife became active in the Angat Pilipinas Coalition for Financial Literacy.

"Through Angat Pilipinas, I sometimes led talks on financial literacy to help my fellow OFWs build the future that they want within their envisioned timeframe. The advocacy is about educating OFWs to use their earnings wisely," he said.

Supportive and relaxing community

As his ice cream candy business continues to grow, Tristan's day also becomes busier.  He is actually a one-man team from making to packaging the ice cream candy and even delivering the orders. Fortunately, coming home to Cedar Crest has always been a relaxing affair for Tristan and his family, beginning from the grand sense of arrival at the entrance gate all the way to their two-bedroom unit.

"Coming home always gives me a relaxing feel. Actually when we first visited the place five years ago, it was already love at first sight," he recalled. "We were newly married back then and looking for a house of our own. We immediately fell in love with the ambiance and the environment."

Tristan particularly finds peace of mind and comfort at the condominium community, and appreciates its safety and security which is ideal for his children. 

"I think the community is perfect for raising a family. Coming home here takes away all my stress. It feels as if you're not in the city. There are lots of trees and fresh air throughout the condo. The amenities are designed well and the Property Management Office is proactive in addressing concerns and holding events which everyone in the community enjoys," he said.

For Tristan, having a high quality home for his family in a supportive and peaceful community is more than just a dream come true : it is also an opportunity to make something more out of life such as what made his ice cream candy an increasingly favorite dessert and snack among people of all ages.

Inquiries and orders on Tristan's products can be coursed thru Facebook with its official account as Tristan's Ice Cream Candy while those interested in the Angat Pilipinas advocacy can visit https://www.angatph.com or in their personal website https://www.thecristobal.info .

Cedar Crest is one of developments of DMCI Homes, the country's first Quadruple A real estate developer known for building quality resort-inspired communities in Mega Manila, Baguio, Boracay and Davao City. Each of its properties is built with world-standard craftsmanship borne from D.M. Consunji Inc.'s over 60 years of expertise in the construction and development industry. 

To learn more about Cedar Crest and other DMCI Homes projects, call (632) 324-8888 or log on to  https://www.dmcihomes.com.  News and other updates are also posted on the company's official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.