Building opportunities for Filipino MSMEs • PhilSTAR Life

(From L-R): Monique Castañeda, AVP and head of Marketing of Ortigas Malls; Arch. Renee Bacani, VP and head of Ortigas Malls; Jay Sarmiento, VP for Sales and Marketing of PhilSTAR Media Group (PMG); Lucien Dy Tioco, EVP of PMG; Grace Baluyan, assistant secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry - Regional Operations Group; Atty. Jeronimo Manzanero, city administrator and OIC of Pasig City Local Economic Development and Investment Office (LEDIO); and Randy Torres, head of Estancia Mall Operations, gather for the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open NakakaLocal Leg 7, proudly celebrating Filipino goods and community collaboration.

PhilSTAR Media Group values the role and contributions of micro, small, and medium enterprises not only to the Philippine economy but also to our culture and identity. These ventures help showcase the greatness of Filipino-made products, imbued with the wonderful stories of each entrepreneur.

That is why PMG’s NakakaLocal continues its mission for MSMEs through the NakakaLocal Bazaar. In partnership with Ortigas Malls, the seventh leg for this year ran from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, at Estancia Mall.

In his opening remarks, PahilSTAR Media Group EVP Lucien Dy Tioco shares how NakakaLocal’s four-year growth highlights collaboration among MSMEs, communities, and partners, with Ortigas Malls supporting Filipino goods.

Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice president of PMG, welcomed guests on the program’s opening day: “We've traveled far and wide, bringing opportunities, inspiration, and a platform to so many MSMEs. Each leg has been a tremendous success because of your support. Sa ating mga ka-Locals, let's make this leg memorable. Let’s shop, explore, and celebrate the spirit of the local.”

VP and Head of Ortigas Malls Arch. Renee Bacani underscores their partnership with NakakaLocal in providing spaces that help MSMEs reach wider markets and thrive.

Arch. Renee Bacani, vice president and head of Ortigas Malls, also attended the event and spoke about the company’s support for Filipino MSMEs.

“At Ortigas Malls, we recognize that entrepreneurship is one of the strongest drivers of progress. We want to provide platforms where emerging businesses can gain visibility, connect with customers, and grow with confidence,” Bacani said.

Department of Trade and Industry - Regional Operations Group Assistant Secretary Grace Baluyan talks about strengthening MSMEs through regional programs, market access, and capacity-building initiatives.

Grace Baluyan, assistant secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry - Regional Operations Group, also spoke before the crowd, showing her appreciation for the NakakaLocal initiative: “Through platforms like NakakaLocal, we give our MSMEs an opportunity to look for better markets, hopefully institutional, so that they can continue to operate and grow their own enterprises. NakakaLocal allows Filipino craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit to shine.”

Atty. Jeronimo Manzanero, city administrator and OIC of Pasig City Local Economic Development and Investment Office, highlights the city’s continued support for MSMEs through programs that expand opportunities and help local businesses grow.

In a short speech, Atty. Jeronimo Manzanero, city administrator and officer-in-charge of the Pasig City Local Economic Development and Investment Office, expressed his appreciation for the MSMEs who participated in the program.

Great local finds

Nin and Yang takes pride in creating original multi-wear designs made from deadstock and retaso.

HeritageFinds sells handmade apparel that not only highlights Philippine indigenous weaves and craftsmanship, but also their community origins and heritage.

The seventh leg of NakakaLocal Year 4 Bazaar featured 13 local brands: Kakaw Galleon, Biba Cakes and Pastries, Falda, HeritageFinds, TBH Cosmetics, Nin and Yang, Kultura, Tsaa Pinas, Scookies, Chops to Go, Versa, Craftcha, and Shine and Sparkle.

Kakaw Galleon showcases the high quality of Philippine cacao and supports local cacao farmers.

Made by local artisans, Shine & Sparkle features handcrafted jewelry and accessories made from locally sourced materials.

They were able to showcase their products during the MSME Spotlight segment of the program.

Event sponsor EastWest was also present at the event, sharing their services with mallgoers.

Filipino talents on stage

Indie pop singer Bianca Denise serenades the crowd with a heartfelt performance, filling the air with soulful melodies and feel-good vibes.

Aside from the diverse selection of Filipino-made products, the NakakaLocal Bazaar at Estancia Mall featured charming and talented Filipino performers. Girl group Pix!e delighted guests with their performances, while Bianca Denise had mallgoers singing along as she took to the stage.

P-pop girl group Pix!e lights up the stage, captivating the audience with bold sound and undeniable presence.

Star local at Estancia

Nine contestants joined the STAR LOCAL competition at Estancia Mall: Toni Barquilla, Francis Castillo, Cyla Nicole Cruz, Sydney Alipao, Viana Tejada, Christian Nillo, Lance Edward Jayden Cruz, Akiesha Singh, and Kimberly Soler.

Each contestant performed an OPM song, ranging from Filipino classics to recent pop hits.

Karl Arthur Javier, senior Artist and Repertoire of Viva Records Corporation (first from left), awards Viana Tejada and Kimberly Soler (second and third from left) as the winners of the seventh leg of the STAR LOCAL Singing Competition. The other contestants join them for a group photo.

Karl Arthur Javier, senior A&R of Viva Records Corp.; Jao Malapo, senior account manager of BusinessWorld; and Jing Tiu, senior account manager of The Philippine STAR, served as judges for this leg of the competition.

Two contestants were selected from the nine, earning a spot in the grand finals to be held during the NakakaBazaar event in 2026: Viana Tejada and Kimberly Soler. They also won a P5,000 cash prize each.

The seventh leg of the NakakaLocal Bazaar was sponsored by Estancia Mall, Ortigas Malls, Toyota Motor Philippines, EastWest Ageas Insurance, Viva Communications, Inc., and Maybank, with the support of Business Sustainable Development, GoNegosyo, the Philippine Franchise Association, and the Philippine SME Business Network, and with iNews Pasig and Where in Pasig as media partners.

TAGS: Nakakalocal PhilSTAR Media Group

About the author

MIGUEL LIBOSADA

Migs is a features writer for The Philippine STAR. He’s a big Hallyu Wave enthusiast, especially of K-pop, with the band DAY6 being his favorite group. He loves to cook, read, watch Asian shows, and play games in his free time.