This has been a season of reconnections, and we feel all the better.

A recent reunion among former co-workers at TV network RPN-9 led to my discovery of Marikina-based Tropical Palm Herb Manufacturing, a company started in 2013 by ex-officemate and TV staff  Maria Teresa Boquiron Santiano. Tess has been producing healthy food supplements like capsules and tablets from malunggay, guyabano and ampalaya, and other local fruits and veggies. Several celebrity clients make a beeline to avail of her healthy product line.

These plants have been celebrated here and abroad as sources of good medicine.

Malunggay, or moringa, is a superfood packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Malunggay powder and capsule are believed to lower cholesterol and sugar levels. They also relieve asthma, and eliminate constipation.

Ampalaya also lowers blood sugar, reduces fever and headache.

Guyabano is anti-cancer, relieves kidney problems and nerve damage.

Maritess runs a malunggay farm in Sariaya, Quezon, where she produces high-quality malunggay leaves, seeds, and pods used in various dishes and supplements and natural remedies.

Her farm follows sustainable and organic farming practices. Sambong, mangosteen, banaba, and serpentina are also tapped to produce various food supplements. A bee farm within the area produces natural honey.

While manufacturing herbal food supplements that are 100 percent natural, she’s also committed to helping local farmers from whom she sources ingredients for her supplements.

“I am proud to say that these food supplements are made with natural and organic ingredients only,” she says.

Through her work, Maritess is positively impacting both the health of her customers and the economic well-being of farmers in her community.

Tropical Herb was awarded Q Asia’s Seal of Product and Quality Service for her work at the 23rd Q Asia’s Quality Excellence Awards held Oct. 18, 2023 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

If only our common friend and former co-worker, Doming Boquiron (RIP), could see her now. For inquiries, please get in touch with [email protected].