ECQ Stories: Actress Mela Habijan gives birth to her peanut butter business
No one is spared from the harsh economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone in some way, shape, or form has felt the impact of the temporary business closures, including people from the entertainment industry such as actress and content creator Mela Franco Habijan.
Mela Habijan | Photo by: by.angelicamarie | missmelahabijan (IG)
For those of you who don't know yet, Mela is a proud trans woman who juggles multiple careers as an actress, host, and content creator.
She recently appeared in the Kapuso TV series Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko as the partner in crime of Thea Tolentino's character Venus, and has also starred in two Magpakailanman episodes.
Mela (second from right) with her co-actors in Magpakailanman's episode titled 'Fishergays: Mga tigasing sirena sa laot' | Source: IMDB
She is also currently one of the candidates representing the Philippines in the first Miss Trans Global online pageant.
GMANetwork.com has reached out to Mela to learn more about how she was able to turn the unfortunate events brought about the pandemic into the birth of something beautiful in her life.
Sudden setback
Mela's enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) story is pretty similar to what many Filipinos experienced. She suddenly found herself with less income as she lost projects due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Since end of February, all of the work I committed to got canceled -- from acting to hosting to speaking engagements.
“It's a good thing though that writing and creating content can still be done at home. At the least, these are my means of survival.
“I have also done a digital series while in quarantine. It's called Balangaw, created and directed by Direk Jay Altarejos, aired every Saturday at 2076 Balangaw Online Channel. The whole series was shot via Zoom.”
Mela recently starred in the digital series 'Balangaw' | Source: missmelahabijan (IG)
Birthing her new business
Although Mela still had content creation to turn to, losing opportunities in her main career caused her to worry about the future.
“It came about while I was crying so hard, alone in my apartment, due to anxiety back in April. The thought of being 'jobless' gave me so much pressure. 'How will I survive? How will I cope?' were my primary concerns.
“Then, while I was drowning in tears, I saw my favorite peanut butter brand. That led to a light bulb moment: 'Why don't I make my own?' especially that peanut butter is my third most comforting food -- next to champorado and lumpiang shanghai."
After having that sudden inspiration, Mela eagerly told her mom about her idea and the latter sprang into action and started making a recipe.
Mela and her family worked together in developing the product, going through a series of trials and errors until they achieve the taste and quality they're aiming for.
“In terms of capital, it cost me around PhP 50,000 and the bulk of it was really product development. I really made sure the product was ready before I released it.
“I even had a mass tasting stage to gather opinion from friends, whom I really trust, and who would give me an honest review.
“Special shoutout to Patty Mangahas, who gave me her stock of peanut butter jars for FREE; these helped me as I conducted my mass tasting process. Nakatipid ako."
Miss Mela's Peanut Butter | Source: missmelaspb (FB)
“The marketing that we do is very collaborative. My siblings Reina, Mariae, and Airick help me out.
“And I consult with my closest friends, Pow, the designer of the logo and labels; Lui, Patch and Janlee, three of my most trusted friends."
When asked what makes Miss Mela's Peanut Butter special, she said it's the personal touch that she put into it.
“Well, it's definitely made by ME! Hahaha! But seriously, everything's personal. I prepare the ingredients. I mix them. I grind them.
“I, together with the help of our angel, Jomar, and my siblings, put it inside the jars and label them after.
“So I really mean it when I say Miss Mela's Peanut Butter is homemade with love.”
Mela has yet to have tapings scheduled, but in the event that things start moving forward for her showbiz career, she plans to continue with her peanut butter business.
“Definitely, I will not leave my peanut butter business. It's my baby and just like a parent is to his/her kid, the child is always the priority.
“Miss Mela's Peanut Butter saved me from my lowest point. It has given me hope; it has kept me moving forward so I'm never letting go of it."
Lessons from her ECQ experience
Mela may be one of the few fortunate ones who were able to turn a setback into a breakthrough, but she certainly won't forget the lessons that made her stronger and braver.
When asked about what her takeaway from her ECQ experience was, Mela replied, “That I can survive. That I can be courageous, And that I can.
“This pandemic can't hinder me from making my dreams come true. In fact, it has motivated me to take risks, to keep going, and to chase after my dreams.
“Marami akong mga bagay na ginawa ngayong quarantine period na takot akong gawin in the past, pero sinabi ko sa sarili ko, kailan ko pa gagawin? I might not be able to do them again.
“So, I'll never be afraid to dream big again. And I'll never be afraid to take risks.”
Mela shares her tips on surviving and thriving amid the pandemic | Source: missmelahabijan (IG)
On survival and resilience
Mela shared some advice for those who lost their jobs and those whose businesses suffered great losses during the ECQ.
“Cry. You need to let it out. Shout if you have to. Talk to your most trusted people, they whom you know would just listen and won't judge you.
“You really need to acknowledge your pain and your anxiety first. That's the first step to freeing your mind and yourself again.
“Then, breathe. Start looking at yourself, talk to yourself. Kahit magmukha kang baliw.
“And if you're a person of faith, talk to your God, My God listened and He comforted me.
“Then, move around and start seeking opportunities around you.
“Trust me, there's a gem that can be found. And when you find it, hold onto it, even if it looks uncertain.
“Be creative to make it certain. And that will give you hope.”
Indeed, some trials in life may bring you to your knees. But it doesn't mean you have to give up.
Difficulties often serve as a turning point in people's lives. It's meant to pivot you to the new direction that you have to take, just like how Mela started her own business, a decision she wouldn't have made had she not lost acting and hosting gigs.
You may be going through a rough time right now, but the good news is that you are the author of your life, and you have the power to write what happens next.
And who knows, the next chapter of your story may turn out way better than you've originally imagined.
For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.
For updates on the Coronavirus Disease pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine, visit GMA's COVID-19 page and ECQ page.
Meet Mela Habijan, ang transgender BFF ni Thea Tolentino sa 'Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko'
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