Island Photo is a common and trusted name in the local photofinishing industry today. Unknown to many, its success is due to the hard work of two family generations.

Established in 1967 by Mr. and Mrs. Alfredo Ong, the business was located in Hidalgo Street, Quiapo Manila. The store was only a small lot then and was previously called Island Photo and General Merchandise. There was no photo processing machine, only a counter where the procured jobs were taken to the central lab of KODAK and returned after 3 to 4 days. The owners had a difficult time because they had to check the outgoing and incoming jobs one by one. Aside from that, they also had to worry about the security of the jobs. But because of their hard work and honesty, they gained the trust and confidence of their customers. The business started to grow little by little until KODAK decided to put a processing machine in their store - a QSS-701.

During the early 70's, the business opened its first branch at Malvar Cubao using a KML 20. A branch in Greenhills and Makati followed later. After establishing their name in the photo-finishing industry, the owners formed the Island-Multi, which is the importation arm of Island Photo. Its sole purpose is to import photographic products and materials. In the year 1983, their business expanded to Cebu.

To date, Island Photo has 47 branches nationwide. They use Noritsu machines that include - QSS-30-series, 2611, 2301CRT, 1501, 1201, 1001 and 901. Up to this time, their QSS-613 is still functional.

They also gave occupation to some people from Visayas and Mindanao with their 60-min Photo, well known as Kodak Image Center, and Effects Photo. With the growing business, Island Photo was included in the prestigious Top 7000 Corporations and still remains in the list up to this time.

According to Mr. Ong's daughter, Ms. Imee Ong Hallare, the business was a success because of the motivation and dedication of her parents. Mrs. Ong handles the financial side of the business. Her motto is "no bouncing of check policy." She plans the finances carefully and properly. On the other hand, Mr. Ong takes care of the hardware and operation for the business. His motto "nothing is impossible" was the philosophy on which Island Photo was built. The first generation's passion and vision for their business helped make Island Photo what it is today. And now with the second generation - siblings Josephine, Imee and Alfredo Jr - managing the business, their legacy lives on. The core value they imposed - trust, honesty, integrity and fairness are still being practiced within the walls of Island Photo.

As for their daughter Imee, she believes that knowledge is not enough for them to succeed. It should be hands on, interest and quality maintenance that make the difference. These are what Mr. and Mrs. Ong would say. Island Photo will continue to grow because Mr. and Mrs. Ong's heritage still lives on.

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