Rogelio Degayo Jr. has always had a heart for service and a deep passion for social development. During his time as a missionary for the Gawad Kalinga project, he discovered a hidden talent that would change his life forever – baking.
As he continued to pursue his love for baking, he also pursued his passion for helping those in need, leading him to work in some of the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. With every delicious treat he creates, Degayo aims to spread joy and hope to those around him, making a positive impact on the lives of many.
"I was stationed in Marawi City following the siege. While working in an evacuation center, I ingeniously used a can of assorted biscuits to bake bread. To my surprise, the evacuees loved it. I never expected it to be such a hit,” he said.
In his spare time, Degayo eagerly devoured baking tutorials on the YouTube Academy. His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. Fr. Bienvenido Nebres was so impressed with his efforts that he recommended him for further training at a milling company in Manila.
"Even if you already know how to bake, formal training makes a big difference. It makes the process more scientific and formalized,” he said.
After completing his training in Manila, Degayo was eager to put his newfound knowledge into practice. During a visit to Maguindanao province, he was struck by the similarities between the bread-making techniques of the Maguindanaons and Europeans. He realized that there was a wealth of knowledge and expertise in bread-making to be found in his own culture.
During the height of the pandemic, Degayo made the bold decision to start his own business. Initially, he considered opening a car wash, but after careful consideration, he realized that a bakery would be a more feasible option.
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| Rogelio’s Bakery Café at night | photo by Weng |
"My bakery has a charming, rustic feel. Originally intended as a place for my family to enjoy a coffee break. It soon caught the attention of passersby who were drawn in by the delicious smells. Seeing its growth potential, I decided to open the bakery to the public and offer my homemade bread and coffee to a wider audience,” Degayo said.
Despite having no savings at the time, he bravely took out a loan for 300,000 pesos using his credit card. The loan was to be repaid over the course of three years, but thanks to the support and encouragement of his friends and acquaintances, he was able to pay it off in just six months.
"I used to believe that when you do business, you are alone. It's easy to assume that the government is only interested in collecting taxes. However, they also prioritize the welfare of small business owners. The local government truly cares about your well-being and success,” he said.
Emelie Jamorabon, the Tourism Officer of Tacurong City, extended an invitation to him for a Barista training program, which opened doors for him to be trained in the art of coffee preparation. With a thirst for knowledge, he seized other opportunities provided by government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, to enhance his business skills.
Rogelio's Bakery Café quickly gained popularity among customers from Tacurong City and neighboring towns. However, when pandemic restrictions began to ease and face-to-face interactions were permitted, Degayo faced the challenge of attracting customers to dine in his café.
Undeterred, Degayo came up with an innovative solution: a pop-up bakery café that would bring his delicious baked goods directly to his customers, particularly students. Initially, he set up shop at a nearby school three times a week. But as demand grew, he soon found himself serving up treats every day.
"I find great fulfillment in rising early to serve my customers. It's incredibly rewarding to start my day knowing that I'm making a difference and earning a living at the same time," he said.
Degayo admits that juggling the demands of his physical shop and pop-up bakery café was a challenge. At times, he felt overwhelmed and exhausted to the point of tears. But he persevered, trusting in the process and recognizing that these experiences were an essential part of his journey as an entrepreneur.
"It's normal to get tired. But it's free to rest and cry. When you're done, go back to your dreams. The problem is if you give up on the challenges,” he shared.
“As trends change every day, I thought that hard work and perseverance were enough. But it turns out that hard work, perseverance, intense prayer, and constant research are necessary.”
He also ensures that the quality of his bread remains consistent. He trains his bakers to ensure that they are committed to delivering premium bread to their customers. Degayo is also engaged in his community by hiring local staff and participating in local events in the city. He also utilizes the power of social media to promote his business.
"There is no secret to my bread. As long as you are passionate and put your love into it, you can't go wrong,” he said.
Degayo sources his coffee from Decano’s Coffee & Roastery, owned by Loreto “JeyR” Decano Jr. Decano is known for obtaining most of his coffee beans from local farmers in Sultan Kudarat province.
As much as possible, he wants his ingredients to be sourced locally. His popular bread is the cheese overload, while cold drinks are in high demand on his menu.
As part of his expansion plan for his business, Degayo is considering partnering with a distributor for his bread. For instance, Hinalang, a local bulaluan eatery, has expressed interest in his bread.
He never forgot the advice given to him by a fellow entrepreneur. The advice was to price his bread at a premium level to make his product “future-proof” against inflation. The cost of ingredients can easily rise, and if the margin is slim, it can greatly affect the business. By being confident in his product, he could command a premium price.
Rogelio's Bakery Café is a social enterprise that gives back to the community. With a background in humanitarian work, Degayo ensures that his business incorporates community service.
“The rule of the universe is simple - what you put out into the world is what you will receive in return. If you sow positivity and kindness, you will reap positivity and kindness in your life,” he said.
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