Energy Builds Up as 17th PHILSME Business Expo Holds Successful Media Launch in Makati

Excitement is building for this year’s 17th PHILSME Business Expo: Entrepreneur and Franchise Edition as PHILSME successfully hosted an inspiring Media Launch press conference at SPACES Century Diamond Tower in Makati City. Sponsors, media, and business leaders came together to celebrate stories of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial success.

PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla led the launch, highlighting how collaboration among brands, sponsors, and media continues to empower Filipino entrepreneurs in today’s competitive landscape. During the press conference, Esguerra-Abrenilla also shared meaningful insights about PHILSME’s growing impact in giving entrepreneurs opportunities for visibility, connection, and community support.

“PHILSME is more than an expo—it’s a movement,” Esguerra-Abrenilla said. “Each edition is fueled by shared passion: to help businesses grow, build connections, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla set the tone by reflecting on PHILSME’s expanding impact in empowering entrepreneurs through connection, collaboration, and continuous learning.

The panel showcased heartfelt insights from:

• Toyota Motor Philippines Manager Renz Patrick Diaz, who spoke about mobility solutions customized for business needs;
• GCash B2B Commercial Head Martin Kristopher Limgenco II, who explained how digital finance is helping entrepreneurs thrive;
• Taho Story Co-Founder Jude Paul Espinas, who captivated the audience with his personal story of reinventing a Filipino favorite.

During the press conference, panelists also discussed how Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can be supported in setting up businesses in the Philippines through their families, giving them the opportunity to return home with sustainable income streams. Organizers shared that the Expo’s Franchising Village will help OFW families explore the best-fit business options.

Media representatives learned firsthand about what to expect at this year’s expo, including a stronger focus on entrepreneurial innovation and franchising opportunities across 130+ exhibitors and 180 brands. The event wrapped up with a friendly networking merienda featuring, giving media guests time to connect with organizers and sponsors.

Top Filipino Mentors to Headline Business Talks

The Media Launch also announced the first batch of speakers for the PHILSME Business Talks:

• Myrna Natividad (Mommy Negosyo) – Founder of Mommy Negosyo, business mentor, and author inspiring thousands of Filipino entrepreneurs.
• Dr. Francisco “Dean Pax” Lapid – Chairman and CEO of IT-SPAC and AIOS.PH, recognized advocate of AI-driven business systems.
• Jonathan Yabut – The Apprentice Asia winner and From Grit to Great best-selling author.
• Boss RDR (Reymond Delos Reyes) – Entrepreneur and motivational speaker behind RDR Talks.

New PHILSME–NakakaLocal Collaboration Champions Filipino Entrepreneurs

The event also celebrated a meaningful collaboration between PHILSME and the NakakaLocal project of the PhilStar Media Group, launched during the media event as a new alliance to uplift Filipino entrepreneurs. The partnership unites PHILSME’s mission to empower SMEs with NakakaLocal’s passion for promoting Filipino MSMEs, which make up the country’s largest job-generating sector. Witnessing the partnership at the launch were PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, Media Director Angie Quadra-Balibay, Partner Success Manager Mailine Upano, Partner Success Officer Franchezca Romano, together with PhilStar Media Group’s Marketing Manager Jenalyn Sarte and Trade and Brand Specialists Kayla Rodriguez and Gerielle To.

10,000+ Attendees Expected at PHILSME 2025

The 17th PHILSME Business Expo will feature over 130 exhibitors, 180 brands and business solutions, and expects more than 10,000 attendees from across the Philippines and around the world.

The two-day event offers free business talks, networking sessions, and live product showcases — a rare chance for entrepreneurs to connect directly with suppliers, mentors, and franchise leaders under one roof.

Organizers also highlighted the PHILSME network community, which hosts monthly virtual meetings where entrepreneurs and professionals share insights, widen their networks, and discover new ways to grow their businesses.

Registration is free at www.philsme.com/ticket.

Walk-ins will be charged a nominal entrance fee.