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About Prescripto
Mixing the right dosage of fate and faith — the inspiring journey of Prescripto’s founder, Mac Alcantara.
From Prescription to Perfumery
Mixing the right dosage of fate and faith was all he needed to reach success. Starting from a pharmaceutical-based business, one of the leading perfumeries, Prescripto (Latin term for Prescription) managed to invade the sense of smell of the local market in a span of six years. However, it is neither owned by a prominent celebrity nor by an established businessman. Instead, Thomasian pharmacist Mac Alcantara transformed his business from its humble beginnings into a multi-million company.
Humble Beginnings
Mac, a probinsyano from Pangasinan, is the youngest of four children. At the age of four, his father left for the United States to help support their family. But after some time, his father abandoned them and it became difficult for Mac’s mother to support all children. His mother then worked abroad as a domestic helper in Japan and left her kids in the care of relatives.
“Dahil na rin sa hirap nagkahiwa-hiwalay kaming apat na magkakapatid. Pina-adopt kami ng mother ko sa iba’t-iba naming tita na kanya-kanya ring sumuporta sa pag-aaral naming,” he said. Mac was adopted by his aunt who financed his studies from high school to college—all of which in UST.
Fate Steps In
Becoming a pharmacist was never his dream. Instead, he wanted to become a doctor and vied for Medical Technology as his pre-medical course. But due to financial problems, he enrolled later than scheduled. That day he stood at the long line of students enrolling for Med-Tech, only to find out that he was in the Pharmacy line. Thinking he’d shift later, he stayed — and that twist of fate became his lifelong path.
Despite financial challenges, Mac’s college days in the University were among his happiest. “Ang atmosphere ng UST inspiring. Ang magiging priority mo talaga ‘yung education... Even without your family to guide you, but with a good school like UST, things will work,” he shared.
Breaking Through the Industry
In 1987, after graduation, his friends pursued Medicine—he could not. Determined to make something of himself, Mac worked for major pharmaceutical companies like United Laboratories, Warner Lambert, Bayer Philippines, and L’Oreal Philippines. From there, he mastered both the science and the business side of his field.
In 1996, he established Prescripto, a drug wholesaler for small-scale pharmacies. By 1999, it evolved into a perfume brand. It all began with only 60 bottles sold to friends, until SM offered outlets in three of its branches. Today, Prescripto has 63 outlets nationwide.
Heart of a Leader
Unlike other well-established companies, Mac himself solely runs Prescripto. “100 percent I own the company. Marami ang nagsabi sa akin na umupo na lang daw ako sa opisina. Pero mas gusto ko magbigay ng mga fliers and leaflets at lalo na mag-deliver sa mga probinsya,” he said.
He also hires those who need it most: “Pag nagha-hire ako, ang unang tanong ko is always about family. I don’t ask about educational attainment... Pag ‘yung mga ganu’ng tao kasi ang kinuha mo (na may importansya sa pamilya), mas lalo nilang minamahal ang trabaho nila.”
A Legacy of Faith
Today, Mac, his wife and four daughters live on a one-hectare hacienda in Pampanga, which also houses the company’s warehouse and laboratory. He plans to expand Prescripto by introducing fashionable bags and apparel.
When asked about his success, Mac simply says, “anak (kasi) ako ng Diyos.” From owning nothing, he now has everything within his reach — living proof that faith and perseverance can turn dreams into destiny.
“The most important thing is to enjoy life. Secondary na lang ang problema. Pray and don’t question God, but rather, ask for help. Enjoy, go on, and life will find its way.”
