Filipino rapper-actor Pio Balbuena and wife Aira

Filipino rapper-actor Pio Balbuena has a lot on his plate right now. In addition to his music career, he is also occupied with the production of an online series and managing his thriving business: Tambay caps.

“Ang goal talaga namin dito, siyempre, paingayin ‘yung brand. Pero nagawa naman namin,” said Balbuena, during a media conference, held in Quezon City recently. (Our goal here is, of course, to promote the brand, but we did it.)

Balbuena added: “Nagsimula lang talaga kami sa Facebook three years ago. I suggested, ‘Bakit hindi tayo gumawa ng situational comedy? Sa Facebook lang. Wala kaming budget talaga, kasi cellphone lang ang ginagamit namin noon.“So doon lang nagawa ang ‘Tambay’ serye. Grateful naman kami because now, for the past three years, ‘Tambay’ serye has generated 2.8 billion views of Facebook. Sabi ko, gawin nating itong brand para makatulong sa mga tambay talaga.”

(We really only started on Facebook three years ago. I suggested, 'Why don't we do a situational comedy? Only on Facebook.' We didn't really have a budget, because we only used cellphones at the time. "So the 'Tambay' series was made only there. We are grateful because now, for the past three years, 'Tambay' series has generated 2.8 billion views on Facebook. I said, let's make it a brand to really help the homeless.)

Balbuena mentioned that the Tambay series was created while we were all dealing with the global pandemic. Growing up in the squatter's area in Quezon City, the singer said that he and his friends would just drink or snatch the caps of the tricycle drivers. But he changed for the better.

Following the success of the online series, Balbuena ventured into the cap business, which he put up also during the pandemic. He is now the chief executive officer of the duly registered firm called Tambay Traders, Inc.

Two years ago, Balbuena sold 1,000 pieces of caps sold at P1,000.00 each. The first version of these caps has turned into highly sought-after collectibles, with a price tag of P25,000. The second version of the cap is also a valuable item, retailing at P15,000.

When questioned about the soaring prices of the caps, Balbuena remarked:: "Parang ginto na kasi they hoard it. Those that carry my signature, mas mahal." (It's like gold because they hoard it. Those that carry my signature are more expensive.)

Balbuena also mentioned that three years ago, he was without any gigs or movie projects during the time of his baby's birth. He owes his success to his wife, Aira, who has unwavering faith in him and has been his biggest supporter in pursuing his dreams.

"Ang sabi ko, ano ang pwede kong gawin? My wife gave me the capital and she believed in my dreams. Thank you, Lord," he said.

(I said, what can I do? My wife gave me the capital and she believed in my dreams. Thank you, Lord.)

Balbuena has invited unemployed Filipinos and their supporters to participate in the sale of Tambay caps.

“Gusto naming magkaroon ng brand na kasali rin sila. So pagputok ng brand, ginawa rin naming brand ng sombrero. Tapos sinali din namin ang mga fans, para kasama din sila sa pagtutulak, ‘yung pagtitinda ng tambay caps na wala silang nilalabas na puhunan," he also said.

(We want to have a brand that involves them as well. So when the brand exploded, we also made a hat brand. Then we also involved the fans, so that they are also involved in the push, the selling of tambay caps that they don't put out any investment.)

Balbuena added: “Kesa gumawa pa ang mga tambay ng ibang masasamang bagay, like mang-snatch or mang-hold up, malaki ang kikitain nila dito sa Tambay caps. Ang profit margin namin, talagang malaki."

(Rather than those hanging around doing other bad things, like snatching or holding up, they will earn a lot here in Tambay caps. Our profit margin is really big.)

Balbuena said that there's an active group on Facebook that sells Tambay caps 24/7. Right now, there are 38,000 active members who attend to inquiries.

"If you want to sell Tambay caps and make a simple inquiry on our Facebook page, in a matter of two minutes, you will immediately get a reply. Ganun siya kabilis. Lahat ng mga tambay dito on board," he said.

(If you want to sell Tambay caps and make a simple inquiry on our Facebook page, in a matter of two minutes, you will immediately get a reply. That's how fast it is. All the tambays are on board.)

On Sept. 30, the "tambays" will celebrate their second anniversary. Balbuena said that he will make a big announcement during the Tambay Festival scheduled at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

“Simula pa lang ang sombrero. Marami pa kayong pwedeng expect. On our anniversary, there will be music and jamming. We will invite bands, artists, performers and the tambays at the Quezon Memorial Circle. I have a big announcement to make."