NakakaLocal arrives at Eastwood Mall for NakakaLocal Collective
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role in the country’s economy. They provide employment opportunities and, in some ways, help champion Philippine culture and ingenuity.
That is why the Philstar Media Group’s (PMG) NakakaLocal, in partnership with Eastwood City, continues with its mission of spotlighting local MSMEs through the NakakaLocal Collective. The second leg for this year, it was held from August 29 to 31, 2025, at the Eastwood Mall Atrium.
In his opening remarks, PMG Executive Vice-President Lucien Dy Tioco highlighted the mission of NakakaLocal: “At the heart of NakakaLocal is a simple but powerful goal—to celebrate how rich and diverse our Filipino culture truly is, and to show that our homegrown brands and talents are ready to step up and shine on the global stage.”
strength of collaboration that brings together MSMEs, partners, and communities to showcase proudly-made Filipino goods.
Eastwood City General Manager Kux Quiogue underscored their commitment to using their spaces not only for commerce and entertainment but also for purpose-driven programs: “Hosting the NakakaLocal Collective is a reflection of that commitment, supporting Filipino businesses, nurturing community engagement, and contributing to inclusive economic growth.”
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, despite not being present, sent a message delivered by DTI-NCR Acting Regional Director Jay Acar: “By gathering the MSMEs and communities under one roof, [the NakakaLocal] initiative proves that when we work together, we create not only opportunities but also a stronger foundation for shared growth.”
Mona Celine Yap, head of the Quezon City - Small Business Cooperatives and Development Promotions Office, also delivered a message, highlighting Quezon City’s efforts to support its local businesses.
“Every local business we support creates a ripple effect of progress, building livelihoods, fostering creativity, and inspiring resilience among our people,“ Yap said.
Dy Tioco, Quiogue, Acar, and Yap also led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, alongside Tinay Villanueva, senior assistant vice-president and head of Brand, Creatives, and Marketing of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls (MLM); Jay Sarmiento, vice-president for sales and marketing of PMG; Atty. Arnel Mateo, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Quezon City Local Chapter; Jaypee Morales, president of the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc.; and Arlene Martinez, founding trustee and president of Asia Small Business Federation - Philippines.
Local products in the spotlight
The diversity of the Philippines’ entrepreneurial scene was evident in the program, with 16 merchants participating and selling their items. They also had the chance to share their stories and showcase their products through the MSME Spotlight session of the program.
Sznseth brings the sunshine to life with art merchandise inspired by warm, vibrant colors—featuring stickers, art prints, button pins, acrylic keychains, and tote bags.
From the thorny leaves of the sabutan plant, Bayong Republic crafts timeless native bags that celebrate heritage and heart.
Crafted to perfection with only the finest ingredients, Madcow Premium Beef Jerky delivers bold flavor and unbeatable quality in every bite.
Sznseth brings the sunshine to life with art merchandise inspired by warm, vibrant colors—featuring stickers, art prints, button pins, acrylic keychains, and tote bags.
From the thorny leaves of the sabutan plant, Bayong Republic crafts timeless native bags that celebrate heritage and heart.
Crafted to perfection with only the finest ingredients, Madcow Premium Beef Jerky delivers bold flavor and unbeatable quality in every bite.
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The businesses that partook in this NakakaLocal leg are: Scookies, Plantation Prime, Mad Cows Beef Jerky, Made in Cleaves, Classy Petite, AUREFINÉ, Cozy Palette Scented Candles, Sznseth, Silver Joys, POV Photobooth, Sundals Collective, Bayong Republic, LeScarpe, KANAMI, Macopa, and TBH Cosmetics.
Talents on the rise
Besides highlighting the brilliance, greatness, and ingenuity of Filipino MSMEs, NakakaLocal also provides a platform for local music through the Tugtog Local segment. Two performers graced the stage on the opening day of the NakakaLocal Collective at Eastwood Mall: Folk-rock artist Kobe Silvestre and P-pop group Press Hit Play.
STAR LOCAL at Eastwood Mall
The STAR LOCAL competition at the Eastwood Mall leg of NakakaLocal Collective featured eight contestants who sang their hearts out on the stage: Jean David Solis, Cherrie Rose D. Magbanua, Denise Igliane, Charibelle Maris L. Montero, Russel Dionisio, Roniella Ember L. Madelo, Janica Ann Marcelo, and Jaxine "Chin" Mendoza.
Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice-president of PMG; Jay Sarmiento, vice-president for sales and marketing of PMG; and Karl Arthur Javier, senior Artist and Repertoire of Viva Records Corporation, served as the judges for this leg of the competition.
From the eight contestants, two were chosen to advance to the grand finals, which will be held during the NakakaBazaar event in 2026: Janica Ann Marcelo and Charibelle Maris L. Montero. They also won P5000 each in cash.
The NakakaLocal Collective Eastwood Mall leg was sponsored by MLM, Maybank, and Viva Entertainment, with the support of Business for Sustainable Development and the Philippine Franchise Association. Discover MNL, Ikot.ph, and Blogapalooza served as media partners.
