23/08/2026
LENS: Lasallian Entrepreneur Spotlight
From Small Beginnings to Meaningful Impact: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Gerson Israel C. Menta
Entrepreneurship is often described as the ability to identify opportunities and create value from them. For Gerson Israel C. Menta, a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship program and founder of Siomai Central, entrepreneurship has become more than building a successful business—it has become a means of creating livelihood opportunities and empowering others to pursue their own entrepreneurial aspirations.
Based in General Trias, Cavite, Siomai Central began with a simple yet meaningful vision: to provide affordable, quality food products while helping individuals and families generate additional sources of income. What started as a food business eventually evolved into a broader platform that offers frozen dimsum products, reseller and distributor opportunities, food-cart solutions, and negosyo packages designed for aspiring entrepreneurs.
“I was inspired to start Siomai Central because I saw how food can be both a daily need and an opportunity for livelihood,” Gerson shared. “I wanted to offer affordable, quality products while helping other people earn through reselling, food carts, and small negosyo setups.”
Today, Siomai Central serves not only as a food distribution business but also as a support system for individuals who dream of starting a business of their own. Through practical business models, operational systems, and entrepreneurial guidance, the company continues to help people take their first steps toward financial independence and business ownership.
Building a Business Beyond the Classroom
Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, Gerson’s journey began long before the launch of his business. During his years as an Entrepreneurship student, he developed a deep curiosity about how businesses operate and how entrepreneurial ideas can address real-world needs.
“My entrepreneurial journey started with curiosity, small ideas, and the desire to build something of my own,” he recalled. “As a student, I learned that entrepreneurship is not only about having a business idea; it is also about understanding people, identifying real needs, managing resources, and being willing to improve every day.”
Transitioning from student to entrepreneur was not without challenges. The realities of business ownership introduced him to customer expectations, operational concerns, financial management, and the constant need to adapt to changing circumstances. However, rather than viewing these challenges as obstacles, he treated them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Starting with modest resources, Gerson steadily built his enterprise through persistence, customer engagement, and continuous improvement. By listening to customer feedback and strengthening relationships with suppliers, partners, and resellers, he gradually expanded Siomai Central’s reach and impact.
This willingness to learn from experience remains one of the key factors behind the business’s growth and sustainability.
Lessons That Shaped an Entrepreneur
For Gerson, his Entrepreneurship education provided more than academic knowledge—it provided a framework for making informed decisions in business.
Among the most valuable lessons he gained were the importance of market research, feasibility studies, financial management, customer service, and strategic planning. These concepts became practical tools that helped him navigate the complexities of running a real business.
“My Entrepreneurship degree helped me understand the importance of planning before acting,” he explained. “Lessons on feasibility studies, market research, costing, marketing, customer service, and financial management gave me a strong foundation when I began handling real operations.”
One lesson, in particular, continues to guide his entrepreneurial decisions: a business must solve a real problem for its customers.
This principle is reflected in Siomai Central’s commitment to providing affordable, convenient, and accessible products while offering practical support to its partners through training, systems, and business guidance. Beyond generating sales, the company focuses on building long-term value and meaningful relationships with customers and stakeholders.
A Mindset of Resourcefulness and Innovation
Entrepreneurship often requires navigating uncertainty and responding to unexpected challenges. According to Gerson, one of the most important entrepreneurial mindsets he developed during college was becoming resourceful and solution-oriented.
“In business, not everything will go according to plan,” he shared. “There will be operational challenges, changes in customer demand, financial pressure, and unexpected problems. Instead of seeing these only as setbacks, I learned to ask: What can we improve? What opportunity can we create from this situation?”
This perspective has enabled him to transform Siomai Central from a traditional food business into a more comprehensive platform that supports distribution networks, food-cart operators, livelihood initiatives, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
By continuously seeking opportunities for improvement and innovation, Gerson demonstrates how entrepreneurial success is often rooted not in avoiding challenges but in learning how to respond to them effectively.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
As a proud graduate of the BS Entrepreneurship program, Gerson remains passionate about encouraging future entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas with confidence and purpose.
His advice to students is both practical and inspiring.
“Start small, but start with purpose,” he emphasized. “You do not need to have everything perfect before beginning. Start by understanding a problem, knowing your target customers, testing your product or service, and learning from feedback.”
He also highlights the importance of patience, discipline, consistency, and continuous learning. While entrepreneurship may involve setbacks and uncertainty, he believes that every experience contributes to personal and professional growth.
Most importantly, he encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on creating value for others.
“Build a business that creates value not only for yourself but also for the people around you,” he advised. “When your business helps customers, employees, partners, and communities, success becomes more meaningful.”
A Lasallian Entrepreneur Creating Opportunities
Gerson Israel C. Menta’s story exemplifies the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Through vision, perseverance, and a commitment to service, he has built a business that extends beyond products and profits to create opportunities for others.
As Siomai Central continues to grow, his journey serves as an inspiring reminder that entrepreneurship is not merely about starting a business—it is about identifying needs, creating solutions, and making a positive impact in the lives of people and communities.
For current students and aspiring entrepreneurs, his experience demonstrates that meaningful success often begins with a simple idea, a willingness to learn, and the courage to take the first step.
