Filipina-led brands take the spotlight at NakakaLocal Tatak Pinay Bazaar • PhilSTAR Life

There is nothing more inspiring than a space where women are celebrated and empowered to thrive.

Through the ninth leg of the NakakaLocal Year 4 Tatak Pinay Bazaar, Philstar Media Group, in partnership with Robinsons Land Corporation, created a platform that honored the strength, creativity, and enterprise of Filipina entrepreneurs.

Held from March 14 to 15 at Robinsons Galleria, the event gathered women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises, showcasing a vibrant mix of fashion, food, and homegrown creativity.

In her opening remarks, PhilSTAR Vice President for Sales and Marketing Jay Sarmiento highlights the importance of empowering Filipino MSMEs and celebrating the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of Filipina entrepreneurs, while encouraging everyone to continue supporting local products and businesses.

Jay Sarmiento, PMG vice president for sales and marketing, underscored the importance of supporting local women-led businesses.

“Tatak Pinay represents more than just a label. It symbolizes passion, determination, and the powerful mark that Filipina entrepreneurs continue to leave on our communities and the nation as a whole,” she said.

Robinsons Land Corporation Director for Corporate Public Relations Roseann Villegas, remarks on the importance of recognizing the hard work, creativity, and passion behind local products while continuing to create more opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs.

Roseann Villegas, director for corporate public relations at RLC, echoed this support: “We are glad to support spaces where women entrepreneurs can showcase their products, share their stories, and grow their businesses.”

Leaders from various sectors also emphasized the broader impact of empowering women in business.

Department of Trade and Industry – Regional Operations Group Assistant Secretary Grace Baluyan emphasizes strengthening MSMEs through support programs, expanded business opportunities, and skills development efforts that enable growth, reduce barriers, and create an environment where entrepreneurs can compete confidently and grow responsibly, underscoring that meaningful development happens when communities and partners come together.

Grace Baluyan, assistant secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, noted that “women entrepreneurs are not only business owners; they are leaders, innovators, and community builders. When women succeed in business, the impact multiplies.”

Quezon City Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (SBCDPO) Project Evaluation Officer I Daniela Carla C. Mondia talks about how Quezon City continues to provide platforms for MSMEs and supports the NakakaLocal advocacy, while celebrating the strengths of Filipina entrepreneurs making their mark in the industry.

Daniela Carla Mondia, project evaluation officer 1 of the Quezon City Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office, added that NakakaLocal “continues to be a shining example of the positive change that happens when a community comes together and champions our own art, products, and culture.”

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Quezon City Trustee Kim Lato stresses that Filipino creativity is world-class and that supporting local entrepreneurs strengthens the economy's foundation, drawing from her own experience as the founder of Kimstore.

For Kim Lato of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry—Quezon City, supporting local entrepreneurs means “investing in dreams, empowering communities, and building the future of the Philippine economy.”

Beautiful local finds

The Flower Maison, a floral business offering curated, fresh bouquets starting at just 100 pesos, celebrates Women’s Month with the crowd at the NakakaLocal Tatak Pinay Bazaar.

Thirteen women-led MSMEs brought their creativity and flair to the bazaar, showcasing proudly local brands such as 8 crayons/Green Palette, Huebadera, TBH Cosmetics, The Flower Maison, Solacevibe, Veras, D’s Designs, Lavish Maison PH, Rememberry, Corrsy’s Kitchen, Craftcha, MalayA The Conscious Club, and Classy Petite.

Guests also explored services offered by Maybank and EastWest Ageas.

Singing stars

Jing Tiu, senior account manager of PhilSTAR Media Group (first from right), together with Gabriel Angelo De Castro, junior artist and repertoire of Vicor Music (second from right), and Jao Malapo, digital sales lead and senior account manager of BusinessWorld (third from left), award Pia Sicson (fourth from left) and Akiesha Singh (eighth from left) as the winners of the ninth leg of the STAR LOCAL Singing Competition. Other contestants join them for a group photo.

Filipina talent took center stage at the Star Local Singing Competition, where participants showcased their unique voices and performance styles.

Among the performers were Sianna Nicole Canceran, Pia Sicson, Tricia Dyan A. Mapanao, Akiesha Singh, Aleyah Christine, Rezza Marie Muralla, Maricris Reynoso, Jhazel Andrea Murillo, Trisha Anne Llanes, Kylee Samantha Samoza, Cristine Joy Corto, and Aeschylus Jale Florendo.

Pia Sicson and Akiesha Singh emerged as the competition’s top winners.

Judges included Gabriel Angelo De Castro, junior artist and repertoire officer at Vicor Music; Jao Malapo, senior account manager at BusinessWorld; and Jing Tiu, senior account manager at The Philippine STAR.

Rising artist Dana Paulene delivers a heartfelt performance, blending dream pop, folk, and soft rock to give the audience an unexpected and warm embrace.

P-pop girl group VVINK lights up the stage, getting the crowd cheering with their catchy tracks and dynamic performance.

Celebrating Filipina artistry, P-pop girl group VVINK energized the crowd with high-energy performances, while rising singer Dana Paulene serenaded audiences with her soothing sound.

The ninth leg of the NakakaLocal Year 4 Bazaar was sponsored by Robinsons Malls, Robinsons Land, EastWest Ageas Insurance, Toyota Motor Philippines, Viva Communications Inc., Enchanted Kingdom, and Maybank, with support from Business Sustainable Development, GoNegosyo, the Philippine Franchise Association, and the Philippine SME Business Network (PHILSME). DiscoverMNL, SJE Studios, and The New Channel Media Corp. served as media partners.

TAGS: Nakakalocal Year 4 Filipina entrepreneurs women-led MSMEs Tatak Pinay Bazaar