From Brand Ambassador to Franchisee

Dimples Romana joins rank with purpose-driven business partners of Generika Drugstore

Actress and TV host Dimples Romana has gone beyond her role as brand ambassador for Generika Drugstore—she has ventured into the drugstore business by opening her very own store in Nasugbu, Batangas. 

“In my entire career, this is my very first time to franchise with one of my brands. And that says a lot about my trust in the brand. I trust the people and I believe in what we want to achieve here,” she said.

“Full disclosure: This is not part of my package as an endorser. This is really an initiative of our corporation to really get into the business,” she added.

According to Dimples, her partnership with Generika Drugstore aligns with her values of serving families and communities, especially those in need. Partnering with close friends to form a corporation, Dimples took on this mission-driven enterprise with business partners Rowena Lindayag and Danica Domingo, who also share the same passion, hoping their store becomes a pillar of support for Nasugbu residents.

Danica said Generika’s commitment to affordability and patient care resonated with her, making it a perfect fit for their community's needs. Rowena, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of addressing misconceptions about generic medicines and how Generika Drugstore continues to prove its value in providing high-quality and affordable healthcare solutions.

“We need to constantly remind people that efficacies of branded and generic medicines are just the same, expect that what we offer here in Generika Drugstore are significantly more affordable,” she said.

New franchisees from LIAHDO (Lindayag, Ahmee, and Domingo) Corp. including Dimples Romana-Ahmee pose with leaders from Generika Drugstore during the grand opening ceremony of their very own Generika Drugstore in Brgy. III, Nasugbu, Batangas in October 2024.

Not only has Generika Drugstore been a trusted name in making affordable and quality medicines accessible to Filipinos, but it has also become a platform for entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams while giving back to their communities.

Co-creating value for communities

For Orven Rivera, brother and business partner of singer and celebrity Ariel Rivera, returning to the Philippines after years in Canada meant rediscovering his roots and finding not just a viable venture, but also a bridge to serve his community. He was able to achieve those through Generika Drugstore.

“Generika Drugstore was the right fit for us because they had a mission that resonated with our ideals. And when you have values that align, it naturally translates into trust. And when you have that trust, it gives you more drive to succeed. And when you have that drive, it's easier to make relationships not just with your team, your staff, but with the community,” he emphasized.

Orven highlights how their stores in Metro Manila are able to provide affordable healthcare products, create local jobs, and support community initiatives because for him, they’re not only services but actual lifelines for countless families.

More than just a business, long-time franchisee Pearl Cambronero considers Generika Drugstore as a legacy of service to her communities in Negros Oriental by providing access to quality. affordable generic medicines and by building a strong relationship with both partners and customers through her consistent implementation of value-added healthcare services in her stores for almost 13 years.

“We offer Plus Services, and that is ‘Libreng Konsulta’ with partner doctors, which we do once a month, as well as the efforts of our frontliners who regularly provide ‘Libreng BP’ in our stores. These made us stand out among our competitors and left a lasting mark in people whom we have helped,” she said.

Pearl shares the importance of executing with excellence and consistency in keeping the trust of their customers over the years.

Helping entrepreneurs through simplified franchising

In 2023, Christian Galang joined the franchise, seeing this venture as an addition to his existing businesses in telco and hospitality management.

According to him, the support system of Generika Drugstore, coupled with the reputation of the Ayala ecosystem, removes the guesswork of franchising. 

“I see their integrity. I know that they are honest and fair to their partners. Very straight. When you say that a company is Ayala-owned, you have no doubts,” he said.

Christian Galang shares how Generika Drugstore‘s operational support makes opening stores in North and Central Luzon stress-free due to feasibility studies, location strategies, and training provided by Generika’s operations team, allowing him to focus on growth.

Having been part of the Generika Drugstore family since 2012 through their company MegaFran Corporation, siblings Felicia Trinidad and Fausto Tirona III started out on a chance encounter with the idea of franchising, eventually growing into a meaningful business that has positively impacted the communities they serve.

Fausto shared, “When I was working in corporate, my buddy, he introduced me to the idea of putting up a drugstore. And so, I found it a viable option. I attended a seminar and told my sister about it, and she was able to find our first location in Blumentritt. that's how it started.”

“It may have been by chance, but I would still pick it because I find Generika Drugstore as a quality brand. The design and business model are very solid for franchises. That's why we decided to open more stores,” he added.

His sister Felicia’s advice to aspiring franchisees? Do it now. 

“There's no perfect day of when to start. You just have to start now. Work on it now. Make that call. That's all you have to do,” she shared.

Siblings Felicia and Fausto Tirona III share the importance of finding locations in densely populated areas, including residential areas, ensuring that the Generika Drugstore is accessible to people who need them most, even during emergencies.

For franchising inquiries, contact us at franchising@generika.com.ph or get in touch with Richard Mataya at 0917-859-2920 / 0917-598-9913.

Generika Drugstore is part of Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ayala Corporation, that aims to provide Filipinos access to affordable, quality healthcare.