It was a phenomenal leap of faith and a firm determination that brought iFranchise CEO and President Krizzia Ann Loyang Tanabe from the farmlands of San Jose, Northern Samar to becoming named as the one of the World’s Most Influential Women to Look Out For in 2022 by the United Arab Emirate-based Prodigy Global Network (PGN). The event coincided with the UAE’s grand launch of its Titanium Magazine last December 10.
Krizzia, who left her home province to study under a scholarship at the University of Makati, was also a working student at a popular fastfood chain before leaving for Singapore as an OFW.
It was upon her return that she started her foray as an entrepreneur, establishing iFranchise in 2014 with food cart concepts such as The Juice Station, Shawarma Stop, Sisig Cargo, Potato Humps, Noodle Junction, One Way Balls, Pinoy Station, Dessert Zone, and Coffee Spot. It became her mission to help other Filipinos achieve their dreams of owning a business. “There are many OFWs who are looking for sound investments for their hard-earned money, so that they can eventually come home and stay with their families. I wanted to open more opportunities for them,” Krizzia says.
In 2019, she launched iFuel, with the first branch located at Marawi City, to help with its rebuilding efforts after it was heavily damaged from the siege. The business concept for the fuel stations that offer affordable fuel products with excellent customer service has become popular with investors, and iFuel now has 29 branches all over the Philippines, with more set to open by first quarter of 2022.
“These achievements wouldn’t be possible without the trust and confidence given to me by various people, most especially my family, who have been my support and inspiration all through my hardships and triumphs. This recognition from PGN will serve as a driving force for me to continue pursuing my passion while remaining an inspiration to millions of women around the globe,” the woman leader shares.
Aside from food carts and fuel, iFranchise has expanded its portfolio with other business ventures such as Wendeli, which offers premium processed meats for distributorship; iFarm, a property development company with its first agri-luxury project in Alfonso, Cavite; and iPharma, which will offer health and wellness aids in a convenience store format.
“These businesses, along with my other plans, encapsulate my deep connection to my roots and my desire to uplift more Filipino lives through entrepreneurship and employment,” Ms. Loyang Tanabe added. Her iGive Foundation gives back with projects that promote education and livelihood.
The Prodigy Global Network and Titanium Magazine’s Top 50 Global Inspirational Women to Look Out For in 2022 aims to continue empowering women of substance, courage, change, and peace in various industries around the globe. The Top 50 Global Inspirational Women to Look Out For in 2022 took part in the celebration of UAE’s Golden Jubilee Year.