The Man Behind JS Mina Sound System “BRINGING LIFE TO EVERY OCCASION” Who is Joneal S. Mina It all started with just two speakers and a capital of P30,000. It was in December 2016 when Joneal S. Mina landed his first ever client, a Ms. Gay competition, that’s worth only P3,500 pesos. Who would have taught that will spur a business he will be running for 11 years now? JS Mina Soundsystem Rental is a full service audio and visual company offering professional audio, video, lighting, and video content creation to a full suite of events. It was started by Joneal. Hence, the name of the business -- JS Mina Soundsystem Rental. Ever since high school, Joneal has always been passionate about music but it was a dire need that led him to start a business. To be able to pay for his sibling’s enrollment fee, Joneal had to find a way and he resorted to what he knows best --- music. He was known as DJ Ice when he was a DJ to some events. He wanted to focus on his new venture so he decided to quit his full time job, first as an aircraft mechanic then as a sales representative. He combined his knowledge in marketing and sales with his passion for music. Joneal first catered to corporate clients and it was word-of-mouth that opened him to new doors --- including that of weddings. He remembered providing free lights and sounds services to friends getting married. He realized the value of getting to know your clients personally which enabled him to earn their trust and confidence. Eleven years of experience While trying to remember his 11 years in the business, Joneal couldn’t help but laugh at the time when he provided service to a bride whom he also catered to during her debut. “I’m getting old,” he shares. jsminasoundsystemrental In getting old, he also meant getting wiser both in business and in life. Having overcome hurdles as a business owner, Joneal highlights his biggest challenge to date: manpower. For him, service quality relies on manpower. No wonder he has grown to a team of around 50 employees when he started with only six. He also struggled to meet the equipment demands of clients and the rate he would give them. Eventually, he learned the ins and outs of the business and has now catered to more than 8,000 weddings. In Tagaytay alone, he has provided services to around 90% of venues in the famous wedding destination. But, he doesn’t want to stop there. “We are still improving,” he says. And on, he learns more everyday as his business continues to succeed. Lights and sounds then and now Oftentimes, lights and sounds are overlooked during events, according to Joneal. But it’s not the case anymore. Events used to need only a microphone and a speaker but with changes in wedding trends, including having themed weddings and events stylists, lighting has started to play a major role. Music followed too. Gone are the days when videoke was the king of the celebration. Equipment changed too: from the famous record disc to the tape and CD player. Now, one needs only a laptop to play music. Lights used to require highpower electricity and suppliers need generator but this was replaced by LEDs. With high technology in place, having a reliable and sophisticated lights and sound system for weddings have become more expensive too. But JS Mina Soundsystem Rental sees to it that despite using professional equipment, their clients’ needs are still considered so their services are www.jsminasoundsystem.net upgradable and customizable at a reasonable price. Lights and sounds tips for couples “Light and sounds are very important,” Joneal couldn’t emphasize this more. So he encourages couples to really get to know their suppliers first. Research, according to him, is key. Once you got to know your supplier, ask relevant questions and if possible, attend one of their events or request for a private meeting with a visual presentation, as what JS Mina Soundsystem Rental does. As for the type of lights and sound system, basic equipment include a speaker and a microphone and lighting should work well with photographers too. “Most photographers hate blue lighting,” Joneal shares. Deal only with good technical people who know what they’re doing. Thus, getting a professional supplier is a must. Having all these elements work well with another is a sure formula for an epic and once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Timing is also important. An ideal time to engage with a supplier is six months prior to the event and brides must also insist in checking the equipment. For morning events, using a LED wall is more advisable than a projector. Aside from time, venue must also work with the lights. Outdoor events are more challenging because of external factors like weather and installation of electrical supply. If the wedding has a band performance, inform your supplier too because different band types have different requirements -- a fact not everyone knows about. Whatever your preference is, Joneal highlights the importance of having a meaningful celebration and what better way to do it than having a lights and sounds system in place. “We are the life of the party and your event,” he concludes. 046 454 2554 • 0998 888 2508