JUST the other day, my friend Monique e-mailed me a list of Pinoy business names. You’ve probably heard of the salon Felix D’ Cut, the moneychanger shop Starbucks, the carinderia Cooking ng Ina Mo and its competitor Cooking ng Ina Mo Rin. Three years ago, Tahanan Books published a book entitled Ngalang Pinoy edited by Neni Sta. Romana Cruz featuring all the funny business signs around town.
Well, according to Monique’s e-mail, we have new funny business names. There’s a goto restaurant called Goto Ko Pa!, a fishball cart called Eat My Balls, and a chicharon store called Chicha Hut. Over in Quezon City, there’s a photocopy stand called Pakopya ni Edgar (sounds like the band Parokya ni Edgar), and a shoe repair shop called Shoes Ko Po. And how are these for laughs: a laundry shop in Manila called Summa Cum Laundry and a tombstone maker in Antipolo called Lito Lapida (with apologies to actor and legislator Lito Lapid).
Last year, in a photo shoot for an article in SME Insight magazine, we got to talk to Dick Balajadia, owner of I Have Two Eggs, a classy tapsilog restaurant on Tomas Morato Ave. Extension in QC. Dick said they had a difficult time getting the name approved but eventually, they got the permit. But a mall refused to give them space unless they change the name. Dick, however, refused to change the business name because the menu is anchored on the concept of offering two eggs, whichever way you want them cooked, with every entrée ordered. So it’s still I Have Two Eggs.
Filipinos’ love for pun and humor has not waned over the years. Don’t we get a barrage of text jokes whenever there’s a political crisis? In business, some businessmen have capitalized on that love for pun and humor and offer funny names for better recall.
Come to think of it, it’s easy to remember a laundry shop named Star Wash: Attack of the Clothes and a bakery called Anak ng Tinapay.
August 21st, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Here are some of the business names that really caught my attention:
ROBERT BARBERSHOP in Tuguegarao City(Sounds like the name of the late senator Robert Barbers)
CON-HAIR, a barbershop in Naga City
(from the movie CON AIR). Just across the road you can find its competitor…
….HAIR FORCE ONE (also from an American Movie)
CLICK KA DIYAN, an internet cafe from the “pinoy expression” KOREK KA DIYAN.
August 21st, 2008 at 2:19 am
These names are very catchy and easy for people to recall. They are good in that sense. However, having names like this somehow limits your market to those who can take in jokes. Serious consumers who are after quality and value for money, i think, are more likely to reject these kinds of stores.
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August 20th, 2008 at 10:43 am
da best talaga yung beauty parlor na “cut and face”. :))
i guess di tumatagal ang mga shops with funny names kasi kailangan mo rin mag-offer ng quality products and services to go with your name. beyond the name, kung mediocre yung products mo, di talaga tatagal ang shop mo kasi wala kang repeat customers. well…”lavandera ko” was a novel name when it started and its still going strong.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:56 am
how about “Hi-men” Bar & Restaurant,the name alone suggest what to expect.& in paranaque I saw “Blue Marilyns” kilawen,never been there but I pressume it meant blue marlin tunas.
August 19th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Jaribee along San Juan..