NakakaLocal Y4 Collective: A purely Pinoy vibe at Lucky Chinatown
The love for local grows stronger each day. And it’s swelling with pride for every Filipino merchant.
From September 5 to 7, that passion resonated at the Lucky Chinatown Mall Atrium as PhilSTAR Media Group (PMG) and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls staged the NakakaLocal Collective.
The three-day event was a vibrant celebration of all things Pinoy, bringing together brands that showcased the best of homegrown craftsmanship, food, and fashion.
“From the beginning, NakakaLocal has been creating spaces where creativity, resilience, and Filipino excellence shine through micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” said PMG Executive Vice President Lucien Dy Tioco.
Building on this mission, GoNegosyo Founder Joey Concepcion III added, “I always tell aspiring entrepreneurs to start small. Events like this help them showcase their products while gaining mentorship, funding, and access to the market.”
Local pulse
The Philippines is rich not only in culture but in creativity and ingenuity. Every product Filipinos make reflects this talent.
At the NakakaLocal Collective, brands like VERAS, Craftcha, Everything is Pine, and Crafting Time took center stage, highlighting local stories through their handmade creations and unique fashion pieces.
“I joined NakakaLocal Year 2 with only five bag designs,” shared Chloe De Vera, owner of VERAS. “Thanks to the event, I was able to expand my brand and now have 15.”
Similar successes embody the rising momentum of the local creative entrepreneurial movement. Filipino artisans and entrepreneurs are discovering their voices and establishing a community to call their own.
Attendees of Nakakalocal Collective also explored arts and wellness creations from 8crayonsph, Lavish Maison PH, and Insuplus+, while food lovers delighted in treats from Plentitude Chocolate, Lola Aying Suman Latik, Corrsy’s Kitchen, Chumoto, Magpoc’s Pastry Products and Manufacturing, Peanut Mama, Minnie’s Cakes and Pastries, Ala Mangga Corner, and Chitoes Homemade Products.
Voices that shine
The event offered a full Pinoy experience. Many customers paused their shopping not just to enjoy local snacks, but also to catch STAR Local, a lively singing competition giving aspiring artists their moment to shine.
Seven participants delivered their best performances, with Carmelo Pacle and Darwin Untalan emerging as champions. They each received P5,000 in cash and will advance to the grand finals at the NakakaBazaar event in 2026.
Fun in motion
The celebration sparked even more joy as the Mga Kwentong Lokal Quiz drew everyone into the spirit of local tales.
Ren Bugash and Summer Atlas also brought extra energy, turning the event into an unforgettable one.
“At Lucky Chinatown, we believe that community, culture, and local talents are what make our mall truly special,” General Manager of Lucky Chinatown Mall Norico Mizoguchi said. “We aim to be a marketplace that champions local products and a home that nurtures Filipino skills and artistry.”
The Nakakalocal Collective at Lucky Chinatown is the third of 12 NakakaLocal Year 4 events. Sponsors included Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Maybank, and VIVA, with partners like Business for Sustainable Development and the Philippine Franchise Association, and media partners WhenInManila, Blogapalooza, and ChiNOY TV.
