Wednesday, November 22, 2006 Ham for you By Roberto L. Bacasong
“WHAT is Christmas and New Year’s Day without James Ham?”
This is the slogan popularized by the Sia family who pioneered the homemade ham business in Bacolod City from 1966 to the present.
Luz Sia, owner of James Ham beside the Central Market, said that for every Bacolodnon family, a ham on the table completes the celebration of Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Sia was recognized as one of the awardees of “Ang Banwahanon Awardee” of 2006 by the City Government of Bacolod.
Her civic works and continuous engagement in social activities brought honor to her family during the 68th Charter Day celebration in October this year.
The Sia couple, Luz and Alberto, patterned the brand name of their homemade ham after the name of their eldest son “James.”
The business began from a small capital in 1966 and has been existing in the market for 40 years now.
“Our customers are our inspiration to strive better and continue this business despite all the troubles and crisis,” Sia said.
Sia said that their ham is sold at P740 a kilo and P370 for half a kilo. As for those who wants to buy slices of ham, they can get it for only P36 to P72, for 50 and 100 grams respectively.
“Our customers patronize us because of the quality of our product. Ham is a traditional food which most Filipinos buy even when its not the Yuletide Season,” Sia said.
She added that they have been supplying ham for Iloilo market and even exported it to other countries through the help of their clients.
As for those who are interested to venture into the same business, Sia said that aside from patience, hard work and dedication, an enough capital is needed.
The Sia couple were blessed with six children who are now permanently residing in the United States -- James, 42, a mechanical engineer; Helen Sia-Santos, 36, a doctor/nurse; Jane, 35, a pharmacist; William, 34, a nurse; Susan, 32, a nurse; and Nancy, 28, a physical therapist.
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