“ I was not even thinking business before.  In fact, I finished BSEEd at National University. I really would like to be in Fine Arts but my parents did not agree. Coming from a family of teachers, a classroom career was my next choice”. Jo does not show any regret about her course saying that it enhanced her interest in arts and crafts.

Even as a young girl, Jo admits “I like doing things with my hands, from cooking sewing to making decors – and I can honestly say that back then, Santa Claus started catching my attention." Nevertheless, the needs on her growing family prevented her from persuing any major art or craft-related activity. “Tony Boy and I initially built a small bakery, exactly here were our store is located. It was doing well but it was too demanding, we did not have time for ourselves. We were only closed on Good Friday, so our work is non-stop.”

From the sale of the bakery, the hardworking Santos couple acquired a vehicle and used it as a school bus. Jo recalls, “Anyway, we had to take the kids to San Beda College so we might as well encourage other parents to let their children ride with us. “One van became three with me personally driving one of them.”

In between driving and home making, Jo would do her crafts and once more, she went back to Santa Claus. “Once, I made two of Santa with the reindeers. I was surprised when a friend insisted to buy one set; I’m glad she did for that encouraged me to do more Santas”. Jo used papier mache and later experimented with plaster of paris. From there, she graduated to her present raw material which is resin and over a hundred Santa designs. “I wanted all my Santas to be happy, I painted all eyes from the smallest to the biggest Santa. I personally do the quality control,” remarks Jo earnestly. Her own collection of Santa Claus is remarkable and there are quite a number for every part of the house from the living room and bathroom! You’ve really got to see it to believe it.

Since opening Christmas Factory, Jo said that they now have a few regular workers. Informs Jo, “In summer, we give jobs to students on vacation. They do the painting for the small Santas used mostly as holiday tee hangings. The part-time job gets them off the streets and allows them to save for their tuition fee.” They also have subcontractors based in Antipolo and Angono.

When they are not doing Santa designs, Jo and Tony Boy (he takes care of production and delivery) are busy with other figures like cartoon characters, Movie heroes, silver screen idols and those you see in restaurants like the big, fat chefs or waiters holding up menu. Jo confides, “I do the designing but there are collections specified by clients. We do those lines exclusively for them.”  The local market alone is enough to keep them happy but Jo says that a few buy from them for resale in Kuwait,Saipan,Japan,Australia,Sweden,U.S and some parts of Europe.

In the future, Jo and Tony Boy hope to put up a 365-day Santa shop showcasing all their designs. “It’s not only for my family,” remarks Jo, “it’s also for our workers. If the shop is big with continuing orders, then we can employ more. One more, is we would surely like to help the street-children and for the better world.” Whatever blessings the Holy Child of Christmas and Santa Claus bring them, Jo’s family together with friends, shares the joys with kids on Christmas Eve.

A bigger Christmas Factory will certainly bring more happiness to young boys and girls. “I hope Santa hears my prayer,” Jo beams.

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