Community and Filipina excellence take center stage at 'NakakaLocal Collective: Let’s Celebrate Women'
Women play a crucial role in our economy. Data from the Philippine Commission on Women in 2025 shows that 66% of small and medium enterprises are women-owned.
However, there are still gaps to fill in empowering women as they navigate entrepreneurship. It’s vital to create spaces where women can thrive and feel empowered—where their contributions are recognized and celebrated.
Through the NakakaLocal Collective: Let’s Celebrate Women program, PhilSTAR Media Group, in partnership with Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, provided a platform to showcase the Filipino entrepreneurial spirit and celebrate Filipinas’ strength and creativity.
From March 27-29, micro, small, and medium enterprises gathered at Venice Grand Canal Mall to showcase quality local products, including fashion, food, and arts and crafts.
In her opening remarks, Jay Sarmiento, PMG vice president of sales and marketing, urged everyone to celebrate women who champion local goods: “Today, we honor the incredible women who build local—women entrepreneurs who live with passion, strength, and purpose. May we serve as an inspiration to many more women dreaming and striving for their own goals.”
Representing Taguig City, Councilor Jomil Bryan Serna emphasized the local government’s commitment to helping businesses thrive: “In the City of Taguig, we envision a transformative, lively, and caring city… Through our programs, strong partnerships, and sustained support for MSMEs, we aim to open more opportunities and help build a more inclusive and dynamic local economy.”
Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary and Supervising Head of Regional Operations Blesila Lantayona stressed the importance of supporting MSMEs: “Sa bawat pagtangkilik sa produktong Filipino, may pamilyang umaangat at may pangarap na natutupad. Hindi natin alam, napaka-meaningful ng inyong amount na binili kahit na maliit para rito sa ating mga exhibitors.”
McKinley Hill General Manager Beda Cabanos highlighted Venice Grand Canal Mall’s support for initiatives like NakakaLocal: “At the heart of this event are our MSMEs, entrepreneurs who continue to build with determination. Many of them begin with a simple idea, but behind that idea is often a great deal of effort, dedication, and belief. That is why platforms like NakakaLokal really matter. They help turn hard work into opportunity.”
“Supporting them strengthens the communities around us and helps local enterprises move forward. At Venice Grand Canal, we see great value in hosting events that bring people together while also creating room for others to grow,” Cabanos adds.
Celebrating local entrepreneurs
Fifteen MSMEs participated in the 10th leg of NakakaLocal Collective: Rememberry, Craftcha, Stitch It by J&C, Love and Luna, Lovell Fashion Jewelry, LeScarpe Manila, TBH Cosmetics, Beanhi Coffee House, Peanut Mama, Cattwrites Bags and Accessories Shop, Dazzlerati, First Harvest, Project Resin, Lovelody Specialty Shop, and Corrsy's Kitchen.
Aliah Hadji Amerudin R, owner of Lovell Fashion Jewelry and a first-time merchant for NakakaLocal, joined to showcase her brand’s products. She wanted to show people that quality-inspired brands are affordable: "Instead na bibili sila ng super expensive, mabibili lang nila sa amin nang more cheaper price.”
Corazon Saraspi, owner of Project Resin and another first-time merchant, showcased her resin art: “Gusto kong mabuhay ang resin handicraft sa community para maitaguyod ang Filipino craftsmanship at makatulong na rin sa kapwa kong resin artists.”
Program sponsors Enchanted Kingdom, Maybank, Toyota Motor Philippines, and EastWest Ageas Insurance also had booths and shared their services with visitors.
Local talents shine bright
The program also highlighted the talents of Filipino artists. Girl group YGIG hyped the audience with electrifying performances, while Rhodessa had the crowd singing along.
Additionally, nine Filipina singers competed in the STAR Local contest at Venice Grand Canal Mall. The contestants were: Leyla Antonette Sahagun, Aleyah Cristine Olandria, JL Xerene Lucas, Denice Claire Beso, Rosalyn Paez Mejica, Paullete Cambronero, Lorie Mae Ladera, Sierra Magallona, and Kerlyn Dellosa.
After a fierce vocal contest, Leyla Antonette Sahagun and Aleyah Cristine Olandria emerged as winners. Each received a P5,000 cash prize and earned a spot in the grand finals at The Grand Bazaar later this year.
Norraine Ambida, junior Artist and Repertoire at Viva Records; Jao Malapo, senior account manager at BusinessWorld; and Jing Tiu, senior account manager at The Philippine STAR, served as judges for this leg of the competition.
The 10th leg of the NakakaLocal Collective was sponsored by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Toyota Motor Philippines, EastWest Ageas Insurance, Viva Communications, Inc., Maybank, and Enchanted Kingdom, with support from Business Sustainable Development, GoNegosyo, the Philippine Franchise Association, and the Philippine SME Business Network. Media partners included IKOT.PH and Discover MNL.
