Almost 300 entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business enthusiasts gathered in Metro Manila on November 10, 2024, to celebrate the first anniversary of the PH Business Network (PBN) through its PBN@ONE event. The gathering highlighted PBN’s achievements in supporting Filipino businesses, featuring insightful talks, engaging panel discussions on MSME growth and innovation, and networking opportunities.

JR Quilantang, co-founder of PBN, kicked off the event with inspiring opening remarks, reflecting on PBN’s journey and mission to drive growth and collaboration among Filipino businesses. 

“History is made here in One Esplanade wherein we celebrate this milestone in creating an environment for Filipino MSMEs dedicated for growth and support” 

Hosted by Amplified Man, the event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, engaging panel discussions, and networking opportunities that fostered new partnerships and shared learning experiences.  

Speaker Highlights and Insightful Panels

The event featured notable speakers and panel discussions, focusing on crucial topics for business growth and sustainability:

Kim Selorio opened the talks with insights on raising capital for MSMEs, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Kim Tiu Selorio of Goldwater Capital. Panelists Juls Muncal of Security Bank, Pamela Esquivel of DeepOffice Inc., Mylene Chua-Magleo of Paynamics Technologies Inc., and Tina Sosa-Cayetano of Home Kings Philippines shared their expertise on financing for small businesses.

Camille Vargas delivered a talk on the importance of food safety in business, followed by a panel discussion led by Yuri Dela Paz.

Panelists Micah Filip Fernando of Tranko, GrowSari, Yam Torral of Passion Cakes PH, and Chef Derek Limpo of Teppan Teppan (and over 100 other restaurant branches) discussed the nuances of food industry practices.

Real Talk Darbs captivated the audience with strategies for effective content creation that drives business engagement, while Mommy Negosyo offered insights on scaling a business sustainably.

Mark Sultan concluded the lineup with an in-depth look at grants from the National Innovation Commission, providing practical advice for MSMEs looking to innovate and grow.

Notable Guests: Community Leaders, Influencers, and Business Personalities

The event also welcomed special guests and notable figures from the business and entrepreneurial sectors, including John Pagulayan, Eric Joseph Tolo, MJ Dela Cruz, Toni Tagle, MK Bertulfo, Eb Fajardo, Ken Ken Somera, Harry Singh, Ms. Ayyang, Kaye Labay, Carl Munsayac and others.

Their presence underscored the spirit of collaboration and mentorship that PBN champions, providing attendees with valuable connections and insights from established leaders.

Fostering New Connections

The event created a welcoming environment for networking, especially for many first-time entrepreneurs. 

Attendees appreciated the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships with peers who share similar aspirations and entrepreneurial goals.

Sponsors and Media Partners

The success of PBN@ONE was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors and media partners:

Platinum Sponsors: Alli Accounting, 102X, Kaskasan Buddies, GoNutrients, ERT CDE Holdings, Security Bank, Pru Life, and Deep Office Inc.

Gold Sponsors: Recurra, School of Life Systems by Harry, Ready 2 Scale, Singlife Insurance, GoTyme Bank, Magnificat Apparels, Princess Monica Rodulfo, Janica Abu of Oh Dear and UpCloud Accounting.

Special Sponsors included RWND Mobile Coffee Bar, Digital Mirror Photo Booth, Events Rental Hub, 8Jars Photobooth and Rentals, Tipsy Juan, Passion Cakes PH, and SeaBank.

PBN’s Media Partners, Digital Brothers PH, VRITIMES, and Sine Haraya, played a key role in amplifying the event’s reach, spreading the event’s inspiring message to a wider audience.

Generous Raffle and Giveaway Sponsors

Adding excitement to the event, PBN@ONE featured raffles and giveaways sponsored by ZK 3D Labs, AURA Skin Care Solutions, Harry Singh, Luljetta’s Place, Marshwind Sanctuary, Ken Ken Somera, Shan Sebastian, Marica Almacin, Princess Monica Q. Rodulfo, Prime Shirts, KDM ESPORTS AND INTERNET CAFE, and April Garcia.

A Vision for the Future

Shan Sebastian, co-founder of PH Business Network, delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all attendees, speakers, and sponsors.  

With a powerful message of optimism and ambition, he stated, “This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see where PBN can go from here. We’re on the road to reaching 1 million members, to becoming the largest MSME movement in the Philippines!”

With a commitment to nurturing Filipino businesses and fostering a community of innovation and resilience, this successful event with only a month preparation has set the stage for continued growth and impact in the coming years.

As PBN steps on its second year, it stands poised to be a valuable resource and advocate for the local business community, empowering entrepreneurs to succeed on a national and global scale.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES