Apo ni Lola

The Entrepreneur

Arnel Raakin turned his grandmother’s durian recipes into a thriving business called Apo ni Lola. His story began in 1993 when he realized that selling other people’s products wasn’t his path to success. Instead, he focused on what he knew best: making durian treats.

Starting with just Php 500, Arnel launched two unique varieties of durian candy: Pastillas de Leche and Durian Delight. These were his innovations, breaking away from the traditional durian candies commonly found in the market. His creations stood out for their soft, creamy texture and distinct durian flavor. He spent nights cooking and packaging his creations, then spent his days selling them to offices, hotels, and banks across Davao. He offered free samples and left his products on consignment, hoping customers would return for more.

A Family Legacy

Arnel’s grandmother, Abondia del Puerto Raakin, was the first to make durian candy in Davao during the 1950s. Her treats became popular gifts for visitors to take home. But Arnel didn’t just copy his grandmother’s recipes – he improved them. He created new flavors and textures that made his candies stand out from others in the market.

Growing Through Hard Times

Success didn’t come easily. Arnel often struggled to find money to keep his business running. Sometimes, he had to borrow from high-interest lenders just to stay afloat. But after three years of persistence, he finally got help from local organizations and government agencies that gave him loans to grow his business.

By 2018, Apo ni Lola had grown from a small shop into a three-story building. Even when COVID-19 hit in 2020, the business survived and kept growing. Today, what started with just two types of candy has expanded to more than 70 different treats. Besides durian, the shop now makes delicacies from other local fruits like jackfruit, mangosteen, and mango.

More Than Just A Candy

The new Apo ni Lola store is a three-story building with ample parking space. Customers can enjoy durian treats like ice cream, candy bars, and pies. There’s also a coffee shop with free Wi-Fi for customers providing a cozy spot to relax and savor the offerings.

Reflecting on his journey, Arnel shares this advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “Focus and work hard. And don’t settle—always strive to innovate.”

As Apo ni Lola continues to grow, it remains committed to creating job opportunities within the community while consistently innovating unique and delectable treats for its customers. More than just selling durian delicacies, Apo ni Lola offers a true taste of Davao’s local delights and specialties.