NAKAKABAZAAR YEAR 3: THE GRAND CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS PINOY

When food, fashion, art, and talent collide, something truly special happens. And it did at Nakaka Bazaar Year 3: The Grand Nakakalocal Fair.

- By ANTHEA GRAPE

Hosted by the PhilSTAR Media Group (PMG) and SM Supermalls, the event showcased the best of Filipino creativity from May 24 to 25, 2025, at SM City Clark in Pampanga.

Attendees enjoyed live performances, engaging workshops, and vibrant booths featuring micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

"We started Nakakalocal with only 18 partner MSMEs, promoting their unique products. Now, I'm proud to say we have 1,225 star MSMEs," said Lucien Dy Tioco, PMG's executive vice president.

"Our main goal is to help our MSMEs grow their businesses until they become globally known. I believe we are achieving that through programs like this."

FROM THE PROS, FOR YOU PMG knows that knowledge powers business growth and innovation. That's why they launched Spark Up, Scale Up—a series of workshops designed to empower entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners.

Industry experts who shared their insights during the event included:

• Ram Roldan, brand manager of Crimson Sentinels Financials, in partnership with East West Ageas, on how to safeguard one's entrepreneurial journey

• Jocel De Guzman, co-founder of Scam Watch Pilipinas, on how to spot and avoid online scams

• Rafael Vicencio, president of AB Leisure Exponent, Inc. (ABLE), in collaboration with Bingo Plus, on enjoying life without breaking the bank

The event also featured a panel discussion on protecting profit, play, and presence online, giving MSMEs practical tools to elevate their ventures.