From trading goods to trading conventions, Pili Ani’s Mary Jane Tan-Ong proves that bold ideas — and even bolder determination — can create ripples on the global stage.
By Franchesca L. Tuazon
What do you get when you combine a mother’s vision to uplift the lives of farmers, a trader’s knack for business and a tree of life that thrives only in the Philippines?
For Mary Jane Tan-Ong, the answer was clear: a brand that redefines the usual Filipino idea of skincare. With Pili Ani, she has turned a once-overlooked local resource into a world-class line of sustainable beauty products — one drop of pili and elemi oil at a time.
But this isn’t just a story about oils and creams. It’s about one woman’s determination to craft a global narrative for Filipino ingenuity, proving that what can be produced here can shine anywhere.
From trading to transforming
Mary Jane’s foray into the business world began in trading, a field she mastered with ease. “Trading is so easy,” she says, recalling her early ventures. “You buy, sell and profit — straightforward.” However, the simplicity of trading stood in stark contrast to the challenge she faced when her mother Rosalina Tan introduced her to pili. Known for its versatile oils — the moisturizing pili oil from its pulp and the firming and anti-bacterial elemi oil from its sap — the pili tree became the cornerstone of their shared dream.
What began as her mother’s noble vision to support local farmers soon became Mary Jane’s passion to introduce this Filipino treasure to the global stage. “When I started creating this brand, profit wasn’t even part of my calculations,” she admits. “It was about helping farmers and showcasing what the Philippines can offer.”
However, Mary Jane’s journey with Pili Ani was far from smooth. After launching it in the United States, she quickly learned the complexities of building a brand from scratch. “I didn’t know much about brand building or corporate setups,” she confesses. From navigating FDA regulations to learning the nuances of digital marketing, her learning curve was steep. Challenges multiplied during the pandemic when live selling sessions replaced in-person launches, testing her resilience and adaptability.
Trough these trials, Mary Jane focused on the science behind their products, investing heavily on R&D as well as clinical trials. The results spoke volumes, with even international laboratories marveling at the efficacy of Pili Ani’s formulations. Its scientific backing became the foundation of the brand’s credibility and global competitiveness. “You can’t just claim a product is good — you need proof,” she says. “This is why I feel
and know that we are really world-class. Ito ’yung gusto kong ipagmayabang
natin. (This is what I want us to be proud of.)”
Today, Pili Ani has grown from its humble beginnings and now offers a diverse range of skincare and wellness products, from self-care night recovery oils and cleansing butters to lip butters made from pili butter — a first in the world. “If there’s shea butter and cocoa butter, why not pili butter?” she quips. Recently, the brand introduced a shampoo bar, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Sustainability and responsibility
Beyond skincare, Pili Ani represents a movement. Sustainability lies at its core, from ethical sourcing to empowering local farmers. Despite dwindling sales a few years ago because of the pandemic, Mary Jane built a team and continued to purchase raw materials from farmers. “I wanted to ensure they were taken care of,” she says. Her dedication stems not just from business ethics but also from a deeply personal desire to uplift communities.
While balancing sustainability and profitability remains a challenge, it’s a battle Mary Jane is willing to wage. “To make the business sustainable, you have to make a profit, but it’s not my end goal,” she explains. Her vision extends to creating a ripple effect — helping not just her team and farmers but also uplifting the perception of Philippine-made products worldwide.
“The Philippines still doesn’t have a global reputation for skincare, but we’re getting there with quality Philippine-made products like Pili Ani, products that I am really proud of,” Mary Jane says.
Future aspirations
Looking ahead, Mary Jane has ambitious plans for Pili Ani. Expansion into new markets like the Middle East, Bali and Europe is on the horizon, along with the construction of their production plant in the Bicol. “In five years, I want to see Pili Ani on Sephora shelves because it’s a testament to Filipino craftsmanship,” she declares. The company is also investing in planting more pili trees to meet the growing demand while preserving the environment.
But her ultimate dream?
Sharing wealth and success with everyone involved in the Pili Ani ecosystem. “I don’t need billions,” she says. “When Pili Ani succeeds, all stakeholders will benefit as we bear the flag of the Philippines — our partner manufacturers, the government and most especially the farmers at the grassroots whose hands tend to the soil and the pili tree.”
As she continues to grow Pili Ani, Mary Jane draws inspiration from her mother’s leadership and values. “My mom always emphasized helping others and being innovative,” she says. For her, these lessons remain at the heart of Pili Ani, as its purpose-driven journey continues to take shape.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, her advice is straightforward. “Plan ahead, stick to your system and be open to advice — but don’t follow blindly.” A self-proclaimed idealist, Mary Jane acknowledges her missteps but wears them like badges of honor. “It’s harder to rectify mistakes than to start fresh, but you keep going.”
Championing Filipino excellence
Pili Ani is more than just a brand — it’s a symbol of what Filipino innovation and resilience can achieve. Through its journey, Mary Jane has not only created world-class skincare products but also challenged stereotypes about the questionable quality of Philippine-made goods. Her unwavering pride in her roots fuels her mission to make Pili Ani a global beacon of Filipino excellence.
As Mary Jane looks to the future, she does so with optimism, courage and an unrelenting belief in her vision. “We’re just getting started,” she says. And if her story is any indication, the best for Pili Ani — and the Filipino heritage and pride it champions — is yet to come.
Photos by Stella Young
