In the heart of Barreto, Olongapo, a small café called 153 Coffee Co. serves more than just coffee—it brews community, dreams, and resilience. Behind this venture is Christine Sibal, a passionate entrepreneur whose journey from coffee to grilled chicken has been fueled not just by vision, but by technology. Her success story is anchored on one digital backbone: Converge powers small-scale enterprise in Olongapo.
Christine and her husband started 153 Coffee Co. nearly two years ago with a simple goal: to share their love for coffee. What began as a modest shop serving five to ten cups a day has grown into a beloved neighborhood café, with loyal customers, bustling dine-in activity, and a thriving event coffee cart sideline.
But Christine’s drive didn’t stop at coffee. Inspired by a decades-old church livelihood initiative, she revived Muy Bien Ihaw-Ihaw—a grilled chicken business that now has 40 outlets across provinces. Her branch in Barreto serves as a model for future dine-in concepts. Both businesses are a mix of passion and social mission.
A vital piece of her success? Fast and stable internet from Converge. “We already trusted Converge at home, so when we built the businesses, we knew who to rely on,” Christine shares. With Converge flexiBiz powering her POS system, remote CCTV monitoring, and even enabling online payment channels, digital efficiency has become a game-changer.
“Converge powers small-scale enterprise in Olongapo by giving us control, mobility, and confidence,” Christine emphasizes. Free Wi-Fi for customers has also made 153 Coffee Co. a favorite among students and remote workers, proving that connectivity is now a cornerstone of hospitality.
As Christine looks ahead to expanding her ventures, her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but strong: “Start with passion. Trends will change, but your heart will lead you to where you’re meant to succeed.”
