February 24, 2010

Biz Buzz Couples: General

The Ong couple reveals the secrets to their marriage and delicious lechon.

 

 

 

Food enthusiasts and critics alike are now raving about the newest lechon player in town, General’s Lechon. Owned by couple Bryan and Lynn Ong, General’s Lechon has changed the way lechon should taste and should be enjoyed. Infused with regional flavors and taste, it offers something new, refreshing and unique from the usual fiesta fare. Aside from original, there is garlic, curry, and chili garlic (lechong pang pulutan) flavors.  “It's one of those things I suggest you try for yourself.” Bryan proudly says.

Lechon Love
Both Bryan and Lynn shared love for food even before meeting each other. He recalls “My love of good food started in high school, when the barkada would go around every Friday trying out the latest dishes Manila had to offer. "Our Friday dinners would bring us to hole-in-the-wall places to the finest restaurants in the metro. At first, eating out was a medium for our friends to get together, lately, it has been pure unadulterated passion.”

Lynn, on the other hand, loved to cook. “I like visiting new restaurants with my family to try their specialties. At home, I’m always involved in the kitchen. I had good training from my uncles and aunts. We live to eat”

But for Bryan, the real apple of his eye is the crisp, shiny, juicy whole roasted pork we all fondly know as lechon. He shares, “I have always loved lechon. As a kid, I thought serving lechon is a recipe for a party. In fact, I recall attending a children's party and I refused to give the gift that I brought, kasi walang lechon. Embarassing experience, but very memorable.”

The couple was a perfect foodie match, but there was a clincher. “No! (a big no!) I wasn’t a fan of pork,” Lynn shares. But a trip to Negros Occidental changed everything. “I believe it was fate," he added. "During Lynn’s first vacation to San Carlos, Negros Occidental, I made her try the lechon, and she LOVED it!” Bryan exclaims. Then three months after the couple came back to Manila, Lynn was still raving about the taste of the lechon. “So we decided to bring the taste to Manila, and after more than 50 lechons, we finally got it!” he excitedly shares. “At that time, I wasn’t too big on the idea of a lechon place. It entails a lot of hard work.  But as Bryan said, it was fate,” she shares. “And I’d like to thank all my friends for sacrificing their figure during the experimental stages of our business.” he adds.

Roasted to Perfection
Starting the business is one thing, and maintaining it is another. But Bryan and Lynn have managed to run General’s Lechon, thanks to their dedication and time. Bryan, who is a stockbroker, has to be at the office in the morning but the rest of his days are spent with tending to their lechon place located in Paranaque. He considers himself very lucky to have flexible working hours. Lynn is just as lucky. Apart from taking care of their clothing business, Lynn’s full attention is dedicated to General’s Lechon.

“We need at least a day to accommodate the order. We use native pigs for our lechon. But some of the ingredients come from different suppliers that go as far as Thailand. ”The couple hires help to do the roasting. But mostly the management, marketing, and flavoring are duties that are discussed, nitpicked and deliberated by the couple. Bryan explains, “We are just a small lechon place, for it to grow, we have to run it ourselves.” Evidently, the couple’s hardwork and dedication have paid off. With help from friends who patronize General’s Lechon, and through word-of-mouth, the couple has found fortune in roasted swine.  “We are happy, as we see The General’s Lechon grow bigger yearly.”

Keeping the fire burning
When loads of orders come in, the less time they have with each other. And this poses as the couple’s greatest challenge. Bryan elaborates. “All of a sudden we didn’t control our time.” But this has made the couple’s love for each other, and for their business stronger than ever.

“Building a business is just like nurturing a family. it takes time, devotion and team work. By working together, we face a lot of problems. And as we solve them each time, we become stronger.” Lynn says.

And as Bryan and Lynn grow as a couple, they also find ways to give back. With General’s Lechon, the couple was able to employ hardworking people from their province who didn’t have the opportunity for a better life. Bryan encourages couples who plan to have their own business to focus on their relationship first. He believes that having a business will come easy if the relationship is in order. As a final tip, he suggests that you “clearly agree on the jobs one has to do, and do them with passion and efficiency. Remember a job half done is additional burden to your partner.”


For inquiries about General's Lechon, contact Bryan Ong at 408-6850 or (0917) 897-5966.

COMMENTS

• eileen.cooking 9 months ago Report Abuse

     

  Delicious!!!!!!!!nnhttp://eileenscookingadventure.blogspot.com/2011/06/dads-65th-birthday-celebration.htmlnn

  Last modified 9 months ago
• pinky Apr 04 2010 @ 09:29am Report Abuse

     

  I've watched swak na swak this morning and I'm curious with the taste of your lechon. It was flashed that the price of your lechon ranges from P3,700 to 6k. Could you give me an info regarding the size/weight of lechon with its corresponding amount? Also I suggest that a sketch where your business is located can be seen in this website. Thank you.
• gelly Apr 04 2010 @ 09:02am Report Abuse

     

  hello, i just want to know how much you sell per kilo of general's lechon since we want to try all the different flavors? thank you and we hope to hear from you soon.
• Mavs Mar 17 2010 @ 04:28pm Report Abuse

     

  Wow! That's the first time I heard that lechon is offered in other flavors. Hope they set up a store soon.
• kitkathie Feb 25 2010 @ 03:24pm Report Abuse

     

  I don't mind getting "siksik" figure after tasting this delectable, scrumptious General Lechon! More lechon and rice, please.. =)