Labadabango Laundry House spun its first wash cycles on August 10 at M Tower on Malvar Road, debuting an affordable laundry business in the heart of Puerto Princesa City. Business owners Maria Concepcion and Arvin Biolena understand the hefty costs of living in the city, so they integrated community values into their laundry services—most prominently by sharing a space and business practices with their own family.
“Initially, we were planning to start something that is considered ‘essential’. Our team started researching, meeting suppliers, benchmarking, and planning our finances by start of July. We’re still amazed that the business materialized in a little over a month from conceptualization. Teamwork really pays off,” Con said.
Labadabango Laundry Shop offered lower prices than other shops in the vicinity, around five pesos less than the average laundry shop in the city. This was due to a stroke of luck—Cons’ family came into possession of M Towers shortly after the pandemic, thereby eliminating rental fees for their business.
While this was the couple’s first foray into owning a business together, they had the help and support of Cons’ sibling, Marc Jude Marcaida. He and his wife, Winona Marcaida, owned the embroidery and tailoring shop Aquari Trading, located just next door to Labadabango.
From planning to the operation of their businesses, they expected a level of support that they hoped would be reflected in their success.
“We plan to maximize on our strengths. Marc will handle finance and accounting-related matters. Arvin will manage logistics and sales. Win will help out in social media marketing,” said Con.
Con and Arvin outfitted Labadabango Laundry Shop with industrial washing machines from LG, expecting these units to be used by customers with large sheets and week-long loads of laundry, as Malvar is surrounded by hospitals, schools, and BPOs.
Aside from the low prices, which are ₱280 per 13 kilos and ₱225 per 8 kilos, Labadabango’s prime spot by the national highway and in such a heavily populated area ensures that they remain both accessible and affordable to Puerto Princesa residents.
“Our goal is to lighten up the burden of the community around our radius… of course, with fragrant and affordable laundry! Our hope is that we can be of service to them in our own little ways.”
Labadabango Laundry House is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at M Tower, Malvar St., corner Talakitok Street, Brgy. Mandaragat, Puerto Princesa City. For further inquiries, reach out at 0953-059-0238 / 0994-829-6873 or visit their Facebook page at fb.com/labadabangopalawan
