Anton Albarillo and his Six Isuzu Vehicles: First and Only Choice
After he left San Miguel Corporation in 1983, Anton Albarillo decided to join his wife, Loida, in the family business. The decision was favorable for the couple given his adequate knowledge in chicken and meat sourcing industry. Initially involved only in buy and sell of dressed chicken, Loida and Antonio decided to expand their business to meet their growing needs. The local business had slowed down, so they started to import frozen meat from Europe and US in 1995.
Man at Work
To ensure success in their venture, Anton personally supervises each delivery. He wakes-up before four in the morning to take charge of the distribution. Mondays to Saturdays are also devoted to the business, with no specific start and end of office hours. “Our business runs virtually 24/7. We start very early and operate in extended hours if the need arises,” he explained.
However, hard work and persistence are not the only factors to success. The Albarillo's believe that processes should be efficient and marketing skills should be present to have a better grasp of the industry. That is why, Kristine, their eldest daughter, joined her parents pursue the enterprise. After obtaining a degree in Business Administration, she has been helping streamline the business' operation.
But like in any endeavor, there are problems to overcome. And Anton was not spared from it. Collecting credit and receivables became a concern. The rise of fast food chains also plummeted the business. But being a true-blooded businessman that he is, he welcomed all obstacles and took risks. And to keep their feet on the game, they make sure they supply wholesome meat to their clients whenever they need it and provide the best delivery service.
Apparently, they needed bigger and more reliable vehicles to be able to give quality service. And for Loida and Anton, there was no doubt that Isuzu would be the best choice for them, considering the reputation of the brand when it comes to big capacity trucks. Anton said that this was obvious in the large number of Isuzu trucks they always find on the road everywhere they go. “We figured that if many people uses ISUZU, then this brand might be the best option,” he furthered.
The first purchase was followed by three more acquisition of Isuzu NKR. To date, they have four Isuzu trucks to assist them with each delivery. Anton admitted, “We are completely satisfied with the performance of our ISUZU vehicles. As for our NKR delivery vans, we couldn't have been able to expand our business without the help of ISUZU. We are able to deliver to our customers thru our ISUZU vans.”
Home Run
On top of his work, the 56-year-old entrepreneur is a devoted family man. Anton and Loida, though business partners, never let business come their way as married couple. They do not allow money matters interfere with their relationship. This simple but hard-to-follow concept has been their guide ever since.
Having three daughters, Anton keeps his eyes closely locked on them. Though not tagged as a strict dad, he ensures that his children are well brought-up. Sending the three girls to good school is a priority for the couple. So when their eldest daughter graduated, it was more than an accomplishment for them, it was victory. Katrina, their second child, is now a junior in college. The youngest, Loren, is a high school senior.
To spend quality time with the family is also important for the couple. Anton makes sure that despite the busy schedule and crazy to-do-list, he has time for the family. “We reserve Sundays for family affairs. Almost all of the activities planned for and by the family are scheduled on Sundays,” he shared. Activities can be as simple as dining out and shopping, or can be as significant as traveling or going on road trips.
Of course, for long excursion like going to Baguio, they need unfailing and dependable vehicles to transport them. Thus, they decided to buy the Hi-Lander in 2000 and the Trooper in 2003 for family use. They can now spend some quality time on the road without worrying, thus, making the trip more relaxed and enjoyable.
Isuzu Enthusiast
What endears Mr. Albarillo with his Isuzu vehicles is the reliability it offers. It has been a steady partner both personally and in business. The advantage Isuzu vehicles have given the family is truly immeasurable. “I even recommend ISUZU to those we do business with,” he mentioned. Anton also speak well of the after sales support of his dealership. “ Their technical knowledge coupled with quick response to our needs is very commendable. We feel very much a “Kapamilya” when we are at Isuzu Alabang. The warmth of people there makes it easy for us to choose Isuzu over other brands.” Mr. Albarillo pointed out that there are only two occasions that they rather refrain from using their Isuzu vehicle. One is when vehicle falls under number coding and second, when vehicles are scheduled for checkup and maintenance. Indeed, for the Albarillo's, Isuzu has always been the first and only choice.