Learning made personal
Few initiatives put discussions before lectures and real experiences before theories.
PhilSTAR Media Group (PMG)’s NakakaLocal Year 5: MentorConnect is one of them, turning traditional seminars into a more engaging learning space.
In partnership with GoNegosyo, the first leg was held on Sept. 29 at Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA.
“When we started NakakaLocal, our goal was to give Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) a platform to be seen, heard, and supported,” said PMG Executive Vice President Lucien Dy Tioco.
“Over the years, we learned that entrepreneurs need more than a space to sell. They need people to learn from, meaningful connections, and someone to say, ‘Naranasan ko na rin ’yan. Ito ang ginagawa ko,’” added Dy Tioco.
“That is what MentorConnect is all about.”
A half-day of shared learning
Nearly a hundred participants joined "Mentor Talks," gaining practical insights into the different sides of running a business.
JLCG Creative and Digital Solutions President and CEO Jet Legaspi shared tips on maximizing digital tools; UP-ISSI University Extension Specialist Senedith Delos Reyes discussed brand-building; while GCash Partner Learning Team-Training Lead Lofer Mabait explored easier payment solutions.
The session also covered ways to expand customer reach and boost sales through better logistics.
J&T Express Sales and Marketing Supervisor Roshelle Camba shared why the company chose to be part of the event:
“Growth happens when people have the knowledge and connections to move forward. That’s what MentorConnect creates for our kababayans and aspiring entrepreneurs,” she said.
“At J&T, we believe in being part of every Filipino’s journey. Supporting an initiative like this is one way we can do that.”
From those who’ve been there
This spirit came to life in the second half of MentorConnect, where seven booths brought MSMEs together with industry experts from food and fashion to arts and crafts.
Inspired by the idea of a job fair, the setup gave attendees the freedom to choose whom they wanted to connect with based on their business needs.
They could sit down with mentors, discuss their challenges, get feedback on their products, and even sign up for further programs.
The goal was simple: Make guidance more personal and relevant.
For Khalimah Handicrafts and Souvenirs owner and general manager Engr. Marlon Pabustan, the experience was especially meaningful.
Once an attendee himself, he returned as a mentor, passing on what he had learned to fellow entrepreneurs.
“Sa pagsali ko dito, natutunan ko pong i-improve ang operations ko, makita ang mga opportunities na dati hindi ko napapansin, at makilala ang mga taong tulad ko na gustong mapaganda ang business,” Pabustan recalled.
“Dito kasi, bigayan talaga ng tulong. Community na, kumbaga. ‘Yun naman ang gusto ko sa NakakaLocal.”
Why it matters
GoNegosyo Programs Development Manager of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Paul Anthony De Guzman said this is exactly what the event hopes to achieve:
Creating a network of Filipinos who uplift one another and, in turn, strengthen their communities.
“MSMEs make up 99% of businesses in our country,” De Guzman said.
“If we support them and give them enough guidance to succeed, they will go on and create jobs for our kababayans,” he added.
“At the end of the day, their success goes beyond their own businesses. It reaches the people and families around them.”
That impact is at the heart of MentorConnect. With four more legs to come, the conversation continues.
NakakaLocal Year 5: MentorConnect #1 was presented by PhilSTAR Media Group in partnership with GoNegosyo, with support from sponsors SM Hotels and Conventions, SM Supermalls, Federal Land Communities, FNG Nomura, Robinsons Malls, Robinsons Land Corporation, Vista Mall, Toyota, GCash, and J&T Express.
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