Tanya Justine R. Baldovino

MAKING scents akin to signature perfumes, Aficionado has paved the way for the general populace to enjoy luxurious fragrances at a not-too-luxurious price. With just a few bucks, people can now sport scents similar to those of Ralph Lauren and Polo Sport. A big hit with wise-spending pinoys, Aficionado is actually the “scent-illating” achievement of a brilliant Thomasian entrepreneur, Joel Cruz.

Although he graduated from the College of Science in 1986 with a degree in Psychology, Cruz had always wanted to be a businessman despite his mother’s prodding for him to pursue medicine.

“When I reached my fourth year, I realized my calling was in business,” Cruz said.