Produkto Lokal: A celebration of arts, culture and entrepreneurship
Joined by around 50 local entrepreneurs - mostly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) - the said event served as a one stop shop of various products from garments, accessories, furniture, crafts and food, among others.
Yet, more than a venue for showcasing local products, Produkto Lokal is also celebration of arts and culture.
The ground floor of Casa Real was filled by stalls displaying products crafted from the ideas of Ilonggo entrepreneurs.
UPLIFTING SMALL BUSINESSES
Surprisingly, most of the participants of the said trade fair were young individuals who chose to venture in the complex world of entrepreneurship at an early age.
One of them is Kevin Mari Francis Cruz who called his product “Lit Af”, a lampshade made of empty brandy bottles. A Physical Therapy student, Kevin said that “Lit Af” is an accidental discovery. His friends liked it and suggested to sell it. He has also lampshade designs with his old books.
Another participant, Gabrielle Marie Moralidad, loves to bake and decided to make her a hobby a business. She is the one behind “The Hive Confections”, an online pastry shop offering specially baked goods and desserts. Gabrielle said that most her orders come through Facebook. She also believes that Produkto Lokal is also a good venue for her to promote her products.
Just like Gabrille, Pamela Vizarra of “Gab and Ella Tutus and Accessories” started a business out of her hobby. Gab and Ella are her daughters who love to act as little fashionistas. Pamela designs tutu dresses and accessories for her babies until one day, she thought of accepting orders online. Now, her tutu dresses are very in as costume for kids’ party and for baby fashion photoshoots.
Isidro Panizales of Sidro Doughnuts shares that Produkto Lokal is a big boost to small-time and start-up business owners like him. Known for its gourmet doughnuts, Sidro Doughnuts is now becoming the newest doughnut craze of the Ilonggos because of the exposure the brand receievs in trade fairs like Produkto Lokal.
#SUPPORTLOCAL
To note, all of the participants of the Produkto Lokal were all Ilonggos. The event also wants Ilonggo consumers know that there are a lot of products and talents here worthy to be proud of.
Produkto Lokal is a program of Youth First Initiative Philippines, an organization composed mostly of millennials who want to make an impact to the society through their experience in business, arts, culture and modern technology.
The group empowers young individuals to maximize their potential and give the spotlight to local entrepreneurs as its way of uplifting the lives of other people.
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