SM Supermalls’ Mega Pinoypreneur Bazaar hosts launch of Nakakalocal Year 2
The Philippine STAR’s advocacy project, Nakakalocal, saw much success in its first year, uplifting 36 local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through year-long activities. However, this only served as the beginning of the initiative as the second year officially kicked off at SM Supermalls' Mega Pinoypreneur Bazaar from June 6 to 13, at the Atrium of SM Megamall in Ortigas.
Nakakalocal was first introduced last year by the Philstar Media Group (PMG) as a way to help local businesses grow through various promotions, seminars, and selling opportunities. The goal is to connect MSMEs with visionaries from top companies across various industries for them to make an impact on the local economy and the world at large.
Having shown enthusiasm at the Nakakalocal Year 2, the PMG, in partnership with SM Supermalls Mega Pinoypreneur Bazaar, gathered 10 Filipino-owned MSMEs to showcase their innovative products for a whole week.
These are the participating SMEs:
DR Essentials Aromatherapy
This brand is known for essential oils and other wellness products. It aims to create a pure mix of oils that will help alleviate mental health concerns and low appetite. The goal is to lift people's moods and make them feel good with a whiff of oils and fragrances.
Pure Essentials
This Filipino-owned brand is a social enterprise that creates environmentally friendly home and personal care products. It is an online store dedicated to promote a zero-waste and sustainable lifestyle. Their first-ever brand, Liv Clean, boasts natural and non-harmful ingredients that are safe to use in any home. On the other hand, First Skincare offers clean beauty through skincare both for men and women.
Wood Classics
As a family business, this enterprise has been delivering beautifully crafted houseware and kitchen items made of acacia for more than 20 years. It is one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of wooden housewares and kit nowadays. What started as a couple’s passion project has gone on to provide livelihoods to several Filipinos.
Adorno Home Decor
Using sustainable materials, this brand, established in 2011, makes intricate wall decor, sculptures, and lamps with the vision of artist Adorno Arnel Santillan. Some pieces include Rattan Peacock Chair, an exquisite blend of nature-inspired elegance and bohemian allure; and solihiya floor lamp, a cozy natural vibe and gentle ambient lighting. Because of its ingenuity, it has won several awards for its material innovation and sustainability.
Osi Excel Frames & Decors Enterprise
This brand was one of the first companies to use volcanic lahar from Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption and volcanic ashes from the Taal Volcano eruption as raw materials for the past 28 years. It has since received several awards here and abroad for their ornate picture frames, jewelry boxes, and religious icons. It offers world-class quality giveaways for wedding, debuts, and corporate events.
Shaynedice Enterprises
Owned by the Gonzales family, this business has been offering high-quality blankets, pillows, table runners, and towels for more than 15 years. Starting as an importer, the brand shifted to employing local weavers and seamstresses to deliver even better products.
JER Shellcraft Creation Int'l
From Cebu, this company produces ladies bags, jewelry, houseware, and decor all made from seashells. With a team of around 30 craftspeople, the brand, which was established in 2022, continues to innovate in the space of shell accessories. It is owned by Juditha Reyes.
Ai-She Fashion
This fashionable brand sells shoes and slip-ons made of high quality abaca fiber. Coming in unique styles and colorful designs, these footwear are handcrafted by local artisans of the Municipality of Liliw, Laguna. It was established in 2006 and is owned and managed by Baby Coligado.
Cut & Shape Manufacturing
This family-owned enterprise allows its customers to foster their creativity through DIY wood decor and painting kits. It offers wood cutouts, DIY kits, wall decor, and paint-it-yourself kits. Started by the Navalta family of Angono, Rizal, their products easily allow people to customize their house décor no matter their skill level.
Crystal Works By Jo
Established in 1999, this brand offers its customers precious gemstones and jewelry made with silver and gold. Designed by Jo Pajak, these accessories are locally designed and carefully crafted to show off crystals such as ametrine and pink emerald. Its gemstones are sourced out all over the world.
To support local MSMEs, buyers seeking their products can conveniently visit them at the Mega Atrium, SM Megamall until June 15. The bazaar operates from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., providing ample opportunity for shoppers to explore and make their purchases.
PMG executive vice president Lucien Dy Tioco said, “The PhilStar Media Group thought of taking the spotlight of our platforms to focus on the products and services of local MSMEs, and at the same time, convince consumers na tangkilikin ang sarili natin.”
Meanwhile, Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls, expressed full support for the Nakakalocal initiative, emphasizing the crucial role played by MSMEs. “They are our economic lifeblood, drivers of growth, and the changemakers we need in our society. We know that by offering them opportunities and platforms to showcase their products and services, we can help them expand and grow.”
