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From Sacrifice to Software: How One Man’s Family-First Vision Sparked a Tech Success in Bulacan
On PLDT Enterprise’s “ROI’d to Success” podcast, Michael Sta. Maria of NBSI shares the journey behind a growing local tech firm rooted in resilience, family, and community impact.
Located in Norzagaray, Bulacan, this building houses Northeast Business Solutions, Inc., a local tech firm founded on perseverance, purpose, and community. From here, NBSI creates digital solutions that assist businesses nationwide in managing time, personnel, and growth.

company built on perseverance, purpose, and community. From these walls, NBSI develops digital
solutions that help businesses across the country manage time, people, and growth.
MANILA, Philippines — Michael Sta. Maria’s success didn’t originate from software; it began with sacrifice.
Long before he became the head of a rapidly expanding enterprise resource planning (ERP) software firm serving clients nationwide, Sta. Maria was a young professional from Norzagaray, Bulacan, who spent years working far from home, missing crucial family moments in his quest for stability.
“I really wanted to give back the investment and time to my family, as well as the time to myself. I never thought it would be possible. Before, I would doubt myself, but eventually, after almost ten years, we now see that, while we struggled in the past, we are now established and can run the business well and continue to grow it,” he shares on the latest episode of ROI’d to Success, the podcast collaboration between PLDT Enterprise and Hustleshare.
In 2016, Sta. Maria took a leap of faith and founded Northeast Business Solutions, Inc. (NBSI), a Bulacan-based software company focused on timekeeping, human resource management systems (HRMS), and payroll.
What began as a reliable and affordable payroll software solution for small businesses quickly evolved into a comprehensive payroll and timekeeping system catering to companies of all sizes. By 2018, NBSI successfully launched its product in the Philippine market, but the story behind the code is as compelling as the technology itself.
Building a Business with Heart
For Sta. Maria, NBSI represented more than just growth; it was a chance to reclaim time for himself and others in his community. Coming from a humble background, he dedicated himself to mastering software development. Early in his career, he ventured far from home, enduring long hours and frequent travel. With the unwavering support of his family, he eventually found the courage to pursue his own path.
Sta. Maria also believes that no business thrives in isolation, emphasizing that, “It is very important to listen to our team. I’ve learned a lot over the past few years about the business from my people. Our employees are truly our ambassadors. And, of course, how they represent themselves is a direct reflection of our company.”
Today, NBSI serves as a pillar of local employment in Norzagaray, providing opportunities for young professionals to pursue careers in tech.
“My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: If you plan to start your own business, be prepared for challenges—they are part of the process. But you will reap the rewards later. You can do it,” he adds.
Tech, Trust, and a Reliable Connection
NBSI’s growth, however, didn’t happen in isolation. Behind its ability to deliver reliable solutions to clients lies a strong digital backbone provided by PLDT Enterprise’s iGate.
“PLDT Enterprise helped us achieve zero downtime in internet connectivity,” explains Sta. Maria. This dependable connection allowed NBSI to provide seamless service to businesses relying on them for sensitive, time-critical operations.
“Thanks to PLDT Enterprise, our productivity increased by over 15%. Our client base grew, while our total working hours decreased—reflecting improved efficiency,” Sta. Maria shares.
NBSI is set to further expand its operations by leveraging PLDT Enterprise’s broadband upgrades and Smart 5G Postpaid Plans. This strategic move aims to enhance connectivity for its mobile workforce and effectively support its rapidly growing client base.
A Platform for Progress
For PLDT Enterprise, supporting MSMEs like NBSI means amplifying their own stories.
“Through stories like NBSI’s, we see how meaningful technology adoption drives real, measurable business outcomes,” said Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Revenue Group at PLDT Enterprise. “Through ROI’d to Success, we give entrepreneurs a platform to share their stories, highlighting how they harness digital solutions to overcome challenges, grow their businesses, and inspire others.”
You can listen to the full ROI’d to Success episode featuring Northeast Business Solutions, Inc. now on Hustleshare via Spotify.
To discover more inspiring stories and learn how PLDT Enterprise’s solutions empower businesses, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ROId-nbsi-pr.

About PLDT Enterprise
PLDT Enterprise is the corporate business arm of PLDT, the leading telecommunications and digital services provider in the Philippines. Dedicated to delivering innovative fixed-line, wireless, and ICT solutions, PLDT Enterprise enables businesses to adapt to evolving technological needs, optimize efficiency, continuity, and connectivity, and enhance customer experience. With a strong commitment to doing business responsibly, PLDT Enterprise aims to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by enabling digital transformation, championing meaningful innovations, and bridging the digital divide.
For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com.
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From Sacrifice to Software: How One Man’s Family-First Vision Sparked a Tech Success in Bulacan
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog