Winning second place in the BYU MS Asia Business Plan Competition 2024 – Great Idea Category was more than just an accolade—it was a turning point. This provided me with a $750 prize and opened doors to new opportunities I hadn’t imagined before.
Originally, Ohana Paradise was envisioned as a family entertainment and wellness center. However, through this journey, the concept evolved into something even more meaningful. I partnered with an existing tutorial center to create Excel Learning & Daycare Center, a space designed for children’s play and structured early childhood education.
Table of Contents
Small Start, Big Vision
Starting small but thinking big has been the driving force behind this initiative. Initially, we projected an income of PHP 20,000, but our expected gross income has now risen to PHP 30,000 due to increasing demand. This financial growth has enabled us to hire an additional staff member to support our teacher while I focus on administrative responsibilities.
Progress and Milestones
We are excited to share that 48 children are already enrolled out of our target capacity of 56. Our soft opening is set for April 1st, with a grand opening planned for the first week of June. This expansion benefits the children we serve and provides meaningful employment opportunities.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of this venture is employing a recently baptized member of our church who had been out of work since the pandemic. Watching her rediscover her passion for working with children has benefited her and our growing community.
More Than Just a Business
Excel Learning & Daycare Center is not just a business—it’s a movement. It represents a commitment to quality education, job creation, and a nurturing environment for young learners. The support from BYU MS Asia has been instrumental in making this possible, and I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and belief in my vision.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I look forward to sharing more updates as we grow and serve our community.
At the Brigham Young University Management Society, one of our focuses is on moral and ethical leadership. For moral and ethical leadership, we strive to help build servant leaders worldwide. We understand that organizations worldwide would be better if more servant leaders existed.
To find a chapter near you, check out the BYU Management Society website by clicking here.
Check out our YouTube Channel by clicking here.
Please help us build leaders, change lives, and make a difference by giving now. You can learn more about how to give to BYU MS Asia by clicking here.
Related Content
Breaking Ground: Lawrence A. Alcantara’s Triumph in The Great Idea Competition
In a dazzling display of entrepreneurial prowess, Lawrence A. Alcantara emerged victorious in the Great Idea Competition at the BYU MS Asia Annual Conference 2023 in Manila.
Clinching the top spot, Lawrence secured a prize of US$1,000 for his transformative business plan, Surig-awesome Resort, set to redefine the landscape of Sohoton Cove in Surigao del Norte, Mindanao.
You can discover more by reading Breaking Ground: Lawrence A. Alcantara’s Triumph in The Great Idea Competition by clicking here.
What is the BYU Management Society?
The BYU Management Society is a business, professional network, and career development program whose primary focus is to help grow moral and ethical leadership worldwide. It also helps support the local communities where the BYU Management is organized and operating. The organization is open to all.
You can discover more by reading What is the BYU Management Society by clicking here.
Cart ‘n’ Char Wins First Place in The Great Idea Category at BYU Management Society Asia Business Plan Competition
Dona Jane Cariaga, the founder of Cart ‘n’ Char, was awarded first place in the prestigious “Great Idea” category at Singapore’s BYU Management Society Asia Business Plan Competition 2024. This was Dona’s first time participating in the competition, and she describes the experience as both rewarding and eye-opening.
In an interview about her win, Dona shared, “The competition was an amazing experience. The leaders involved are very professional, and I felt their commitment to promoting moral and ethical leadership worldwide. Winning First Place was a huge bonus, but the real reward was my confidence and clarity to move forward with Cart ‘n’ Char.
You can discover more by reading Cart ‘n’ Char Wins First Place in The Great Idea Category at BYU Management Society Asia Business Plan Competition by clicking here.
As a member of the global BYU Management Society community, I am deeply committed to our mission of fostering personal development, nurturing professional growth, and promoting moral and ethical leadership. Our organization is inclusive and welcomes individuals from all walks of life who share these values.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I find joy in the simple pleasures of life. You might catch me pedaling through scenic routes, indulging in the thrill of biking, or gracefully gliding through the waters as I swim. Additionally, I have a deep affection for exploring the vibrant streets of Hanoi on my motorcycle, spending countless hours immersed in the city’s unique atmosphere.
- Jia Kit Lew of One Ice Cream Wins 3rd Place in “The Great Idea” Category at BYU MS Asia Business Plan Competition 2024 in Singapore – April 15, 2025
- Ohana Paradise: Winner of the Great Idea Category in BYU MS Asia Business Plan Competition 2024, Singapore – March 18, 2025
- Kevin Tran: Leading with Purpose and Passion – March 18, 2025