Local brands bloom at Panagbenga Festival
Gardens are gatherings of radiant blooms, a celebration of all things beautiful and uplifting. In many ways, the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City mirrors this spirit.
Just like the festival itself, the NakakaLocal Year 4 Bazaar blossomed in its own way, bringing together micro, small, and medium enterprises in one space.
PhilSTAR Media Group (PMG), in partnership with SM City Baguio, mounted the eighth leg of the NakakaLocal Year 4 Bazaar at SM City Baguio from February 27 to March 1.
Local craftsmanship blossoms
Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice president of PMG, emphasized the importance of creating an avenue for MSMEs.
“NakakaLocal is more than a bazaar; it is PhilSTAR Media Group’s flagship initiative to provide MSMEs with a platform—a space that champions local creativity and entrepreneurship,” he shared.
Royston Cabunag, department head and AVP for MSME, Job Fairs, and Government Services at SM Supermalls, expressed his appreciation for Filipino entrepreneurs.
“When we support our MSMEs, we are not simply making a purchase. We are paying someone’s school fees; we are keeping a tradition alive. We are telling our Filipino entrepreneurs, ‘Your work matters. You matter,’” Cabunag said.
Gladys Vergara, chairperson of the Baguio Tourism Council, emphasized how supporting local enterprises creates a ripple effect beyond business.
“When we support the locals, we empower families. When we empower families, we build communities. And when communities come together, we build a stronger nation,” Vergara said.
“Let us always support our local brands as persistently as we should. Let us be more enthusiastic about our local products,” noted Atty. Raymond G. Panhon, regional director of the CAR Department of Trade and Industry.
In her special message, regional director of the CAR Department of Tourism Jovita Ganongan shared her admiration for NakakaLocal’s theme, “Come Together.”
“It beautifully captures what tourism and enterprises are truly about, and that is connection. Local economies flourish when entrepreneurs support one another,” Ganongan said.
Local gems
Bag’ito showcases handwoven heritage pieces that blend Japanese aesthetics with Filipino craftsmanship — offering one-of-a-kind patchwork apparel and artisanal knot bags.
Amianan PH highlights Northern Philippine craftsmanship through personalized Inabel towels, handwoven blankets, and elegant Capiz lamps.
Style Isle offers artisan-made and island-inspired accessories handwoven by Philippine indigenous communities — blending heritage and contemporary style into wearable art.
Wooden Sparkle creates precision laser-engraved wooden pieces, from personalized scriptures to custom designs, crafted for meaningful decor and heartfelt gifts.
Alitaptap crafts beautifully scented candles with refined designs to bring warmth, calm, and elegance to any space.
Bag’ito showcases handwoven heritage pieces that blend Japanese aesthetics with Filipino craftsmanship — offering one-of-a-kind patchwork apparel and artisanal knot bags.
Amianan PH highlights Northern Philippine craftsmanship through personalized Inabel towels, handwoven blankets, and elegant Capiz lamps.
Style Isle offers artisan-made and island-inspired accessories handwoven by Philippine indigenous communities — blending heritage and contemporary style into wearable art.
Wooden Sparkle creates precision laser-engraved wooden pieces, from personalized scriptures to custom designs, crafted for meaningful decor and heartfelt gifts.
Alitaptap crafts beautifully scented candles with refined designs to bring warmth, calm, and elegance to any space.
CLOSE
Twelve local brands showcased their proudly local products at the three-day NakakaLocal Bazaar: Kakaw Galleon, Tsokorado, Minnie’s Cakes and Pastries, Bag'ito, Crafting Time Art Jewelry, Everything Is Pine, Style Isle, AmiananPH, Alitaptap, Airoms Leather Craft, Eva Marie Arts and Crafts, and Wooden Sparkle.
Each brand embodied Filipino creativity while highlighting the diversity of locally made products.
Blooming talents
Just like local craftsmanship, celebrating local talent is part of the essence of NakakaLocal.
Singer Ila delighted the crowd with soulful performances, while P-pop group VVINK brought high-energy numbers that had everyone cheering.
Baguio star locals
Ten aspiring singers took the stage during the Star Local Singing Competition. Each contestant showcased vocal talent, creativity, and passion.
John Nicolas S. Gamboa, Katherine Crispin, Christian Paul Peña, Renz Robosa, Hermie Jhane Abadiano, Redraven Joy Samson, Ailea Florence, Art Villamor, Yllarie Zion Elep, and Niño Yee each brought their own unique style.
Two contestants stood out and brought home the top prizes: Niño Yee and Renz Robosa.
Serving as judges for the competition were Jao Malapo, senior account manager of BusinessWorld, and Jing Tiu, senior account manager of The Philippine STAR.
The eighth leg of the NakakaLocal Bazaar was sponsored by SM Supermalls, SM for MSMEs, EastWest Ageas Insurance, Toyota Motor Philippines, Viva Communications Inc., and Maybank, with the support of GoNegosyo, Business for Sustainable Development, Philippine Franchise Association, and Philippine SME Business Network. Explore Baguio, When in Baguio, and Good Morning Baguio served as media partners.
