Royal Clean Featured in the Manila Bulletin
· News
In October 1998, the Manila Bulletin — the Philippines' oldest and most widely circulated broadsheet newspaper — published a feature on Royal Clean and its founders, Engineer Mario and Lisbeth Malinis. The article, appearing in Volume 310, Issue 30, recognised the couple as pioneers who had brought international-standard dry cleaning expertise to the Philippine market for the first time.
This feature represented a significant milestone for Royal Clean, validating the mission that had driven the company since its founding in 1987: to deliver world-class garment care to Filipino families at an accessible price point. More than two decades later, the values recognised in that article — expertise, innovation, quality, and service — remain at the core of everything we do.
The Story Behind the Feature
By 1998, Royal Clean had been operating for eleven years, having grown from a single location in Cavite into a recognised name in Metro Manila's professional cleaning industry. What set the company apart — and what caught the attention of the Manila Bulletin's editorial team — was the exceptional depth of professional training behind its operations.
Engineer Mario and Lisbeth Malinis had studied at the International Fabricare Institute (IFI) in the United States, one of the world's foremost training institutions for textile care professionals. They became the first Filipinos to complete the IFI's advanced dry cleaning curriculum — a rigorous programme covering fabric science, solvent chemistry, stain removal methodology, commercial equipment operation, environmental compliance, and business management for garment care enterprises.
Returning to the Philippines with this knowledge, the Malinises introduced professional practices and equipment standards that had not previously existed in the local market. Their approach was systematic and science-based — each garment received assessment, targeted pre-treatment, appropriate cleaning method selection, expert finishing, and quality inspection before being returned to the customer.
What the Recognition Meant
The Manila Bulletin feature brought national visibility to Royal Clean's mission and methods. For existing customers, it confirmed what they already knew — that Royal Clean offered a distinctly higher standard of garment care. For new customers, it provided a credible introduction to a service that could be trusted with their most valued clothing.
Perhaps most importantly, the feature highlighted the professionalism of the garment care industry at a time when many Filipinos still viewed laundry as a purely domestic task. By showcasing the science, skill, and international training behind Royal Clean's operations, the article helped elevate public perception of professional dry cleaning as a skilled trade — not merely a convenience service.
From 1998 to Today: Continuing the Legacy
In the years since that Manila Bulletin feature, Royal Clean has expanded to eight branches across Metro Manila and Cavite, introduced the chemical-free Eco Wash technology acquired from Japan, added specialised services for wedding dresses, carpets, and curtains, and trained a new generation of garment care professionals in the standards established by the Malinis founders.
The IFI certification that distinguished Royal Clean in 1998 continues to distinguish it today. Every garment that enters our facilities benefits from the same foundation of international expertise, meticulous process, and genuine care that caught the Manila Bulletin's attention nearly three decades ago.
We are proud of this recognition and even prouder of the consistent quality that earned it. As we approach our fortieth year of service to Filipino families, our commitment to excellence remains exactly what it was when our founders first opened their doors in 1987.
Visit Your Nearest Royal Clean Branch →