There are no more apt descriptors for the last 20 years of Actichem’s existence than these – blessings and beauty – and we only have our Father in heaven, from whom all good things flow, to thank for.

Very Humble Beginnings

Twenty years ago this very month, the dream that blossomed in my heart came into reality. Only the second day after New Year’s Day in 1998, a bright and quiet day with only a smattering of clouds on the sky, I set out to register Actichem as a business and to secure permits. I was the only person in queue in the municipal hall and I remember it vividly like it was only yesterday. I was up early; the sun was still gently rising in the east when the lady behind the counter, still holding that New Year’s cheer, received my application. I remember the smiles and easy bantering with her. Even then, the blessings of God had begun to pour out like soft January shower.

Actichem founder and former president Rina Peru.

I was only 30 and didn’t have a capital to boot, but my new fax machine and computer sitting on my desk in my apartment office held a promise. My capital wasn’t monetary but a strong faith in how God can realize a girl’s dream. It is He who puts that dream in our hearts and by believing and trusting in Him and in ourselves (for He equips us), He will bring the dream to fruition.

So, it was that for me: faith and courage. God has blessed me with strong technical knowledge (I’m a licensed chemical engineer), good health and determination, and so, I set out to establish my dream that would soon be called Actichem Marketing Corporation.

Trials of a Fledgling Company

I never expected it to be easy, but boy, was it really hard and challenging! There were tears and doubts but God brought me through all those, not in the blink of an eye, but through months of labor, bursts of inspiration and motivation, prayers, and lots of perseverance. I also received a lot of help, big and small, from people inside and outside of the Cosmetics Industry, generous and kind, believing in my word and the work I did. May God bless each and everyone of them and their children!

Remembering to Give Thanks

From the very beginning, Ichimaru Pharcos of Japan had been there, believing in Actichem and a bright future ahead. Their technical support was full, always eager and ready to be of service.

As I have mentioned above, there were many who believed in Actichem and its products – compounding pharmacists, dermatologists, and other small businesses that were starting up just as I was. Many became my good friends through the years even outside of the business arena. I would like to especially mention Chat Guerrero† of Cherard Labs, Cecille Mercado of DS Cosmeceuticals, Dina Stalder of Stalder Labs, Dr. Jonathan Dizon, and Dr. Isabel Nazal. All beautiful people with kind and generous spirit. (There were many others but I can’t mention them all by name now. Please forgive me).

But the big break came with this giant of a company, then making waves in the Cosmetics Industry and a force to be reckoned with.

It wouldn’t seem right if I didn’t mention it especially – Splash Manufacturing Corporation was the very first big company that trusted Actichem. They developed a line of products using our Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate or K2G. During the formal dinner of Splash’s inauguration of their new manufacturing plant in Lazaro, tears of gratitude fell from my eyes while we sang a hymn.

What Actichem Stands For

Actichem is founded on the belief in products, active ingredients for the manufacture of cosmetics – for skin, hair, and personal care – that are really effective as well as safe. Actichem doesn’t only sell, it educates and gives full technical support until a good, outstanding product can be pushed through the pipelines to shelves and into the hands of the consumer.

That has always been the company’s motto and the one thing that it continuously strives to do up to the present moment.

These had been my guideposts through the years that I led Actichem and I hope, the ones that are still deeply rooted within its backbone:

• Lead. Do not be an imitator, a me-too.
• Do not focus on the competitor. You will stumble and lose your way if you do not look straight ahead.
• Invest in a rich and sturdy technical background and share it with the client without reservation. Give and you will receive.
• Believe in your self and the talents and intellect God has generously endowed you with. Envision without boundaries and limits.
• Work hard. Pray. Persevere. Give thanks.

To be continued…