Cultural Heritage, Family Enterprise, and Social Reproduction: A Phenomenological Study of Minasa Store Owners in Bustos, Bulacan

Romar Ignacio; John Marco Lazaro; Amor Lazaro

doi:10.63931/pasrj.v6i1.65

Authors

Romar C. Ignacio, MTE Bulacan State University Author
John Marco, MITM Bulacan State University Author
Amor Lazaro Bulacan State University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63931/pasrj.v6i1.65

Keywords:

Cultural Capital Theory, Cultural Heritage, Family Enterprise, Social Reproduction, Social Solidarity

Abstract

The study examines the Minasa business enterprises in the town of Bustos, Bulacan. The store owners emphasize that their locally made Minasa comes into a preservation of practices where the food processing techniques are traditionally done through artisanal skills where it showcases the cultural love and traditional consistency of the store owners and Minasa production in Bustos. The phenomenological approach is the research design used in this study which focuses on the lived experiences of the Minasa store owners which cater the full support in cultural preservation and utilization of authentic characteristics of their manufacturing for the best Minasa. Five (5) participants were interviewed and selected through purposive sampling to give their full knowledge and expertise to this study. Aside from using the online platform and machinery traditional Minasa food processing remains the best method for producing the authentic structure of Minasa cookies. The original recipe in doing the Minasa is sago and replaced it with cassava flour, when the plantation and the production of these ingredients are decreasing. The problem with skilled people hiring in this business to produce this Minasa is a dilemma for them and the rising of the ingredients cost that may suffer the quality of their products. Participating in the annual Bustos Minasa festival is a big factor for the increase in sales of the Minasa store owners which showcase their brands of products, and they make met the business. The findings reveal that the business enterprise in Minasa is preserving the cultural heritage and traditional accepted method in food processing of Minasa cookies, the Minasa enterprise is majority founded with family to sustain their needs and standards of living. Their lived experiences and stories from their line of interviews provides resiliency and cultural continuity and identity when people come and visit Bustos. This is a profound testament of Filipino for their unwavering commitments and workmanships in the food processing identity. Cultural capital theory is a non-financial asset that helps people succeed in society. Cultural resources help individuals gain status and succeed in society, often passing down through families, reinforcing social inequality. These assets shape how individuals are perceived, navigate social institutions and their ability to succeed in education in the workplace. In addition, Durkheim’s Social Solidarity is evident in the collective participation of store owners in the Bustos Minasa Festival, strengthening community bonds; Weber’s Social Action Theory explains the owners’ rational choices in balancing tradition with modern technology; and Marx’s Social Reproduction Theory highlights how family enterprises perpetuate cultural and economic practices across generations, ensuring continuity of heritage and livelihood.

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Cultural Heritage, Family Enterprise, and Social Reproduction: A Phenomenological Study of Minasa Store Owners in Bustos, Bulacan

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