YOUTH SUMMIT ROCKS SMX
A crowd of 15,000 youth groups from all over the country recently flooded the SMX Complex at the SM Mall of Asia for the biggest youth entrepreneurship gathering of the year – the GO NEGOSYO Sigaw ng Kabataan Youth Entrepreneurship Summit.
With the banner statement “Be smart. Be enterprising”, the GO NEGOSYO Sigaw ng Kabataan Youth Entrepreneurship Summit was presented by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship – Go Negosyo, in partnership with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education.
Lead by its founder Joey Concepcion, Go Negosyo believes in starting them young. This non-government and non-profit organization is dedicated to promote a positive outlook on diving into entrepreneurship and in fueling passion and creativity in every aspiring entrepreneur.
Slated last Sept. 11, 2009, youth groups from different high schools, colleges, universities and organizations gathered and maximized the one-day event that featured different exciting and inspiring topics in the programs and forums held, with topics ranging from the negosyo basics to tips and advices on youth concerns and interests.
Athlete, celebrity, entrepreneur and Go Negosyo Youth Icon Chris Tiu, who joined the summit, is also a forerunner in pushing for the entrepreneurial mindset among the Filipino Youth. He always viewed that entrepreneurship and basketball have a lot in common, such as the passion for excellence and passion to succeed.
Special guests in the morning sessions include Senators Manny Villar and Chiz Escudero, DTI Secretary Peter Favilla, Gov. LRay Villafuerte, Go Negosyo Trustee Myla Villanueva, among many others.
Senator Kiko Pangilinan and DA Secretary Arthur Yap; celebrity entrepreneurs Dr. Vicki Belo with children Quark and Crystalle Henares and Gladys Reyes, with DJs Nicolehiyala and Chris Tsuper also joined the afternoon program.
Go Negosyo pool of powerhouse speakers and mentor-entrepreneurs will also be comprised of Francis Kong, Butch Jimenez, Henry Tenedero, Dean Pax Lapid, Joy Abaquin, Chris Tan, Mylene Abiva, Jay Aldeguer, Carlo Ople, Randell Tiongson, Tess Dimaculangan and Pax Colayco.
In recognition of the entrepreneurial spirit of the youth, Go Negosyo also awarded Most Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs. They are Raymund Punzalan (Co-founder, Team Manila); Emerson Atanacio (President, National College of Science and Technology); Benedict Carandang (Founder, Tuldok Animations); Nicole Whisenhunt (Owner, Nicole Whisenhunt Accessories); Anna Amigo-Antonio (Founder and Managing Director, Chocolate Clothing Co.); Melody Ayupan (Owner, Natural Metaphors Body Products); Angelique dela Cruz (Owner, The Sweet Life Cupcakes and Pastries); Veejay Floresca (Owner, Veejay Floresca Designs); Andre Vocalan (Owner, Balaw-balaw Food Corp.); and Alvin Tan (President and CEO, Technominds). These young negosyantes were not only recognized for their level of success, but also for their inspirational journey and positive influence to the youth.
Aside from the Most Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs, Go Negosyo also recognized institutions and organizations that strongly push for entrepreneurship education for the youth. The Go Negosyo Youth Entrepreneurship Enablers are: Multiple Intelligence International School; CSB School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies; San Beda College; Department of Management; Bitagurean 4-H Club; Miriam College – College of Business, Entrepreneurship and Accountancy; DZMM Radyo Negosyo; John Gokongwei School of Management, Bureau of Women and Young Workers; DepEd: Center for Students and Co-Curricular Affairs; Asian Center for Entrepreneurship; and Entrepreneurs School of Asia.
There were over 200 booths and exhibitors showcasing different products and services relating to the needs and wants of young consumers. The summit primarily aimed to empower the Filipino youth with an enterprising attitude through the Go Negosyo entrepreneurship movement.
Aside from the educational and informative program and sessions, the whole day was also packed with entertainment numbers from dance groups, pep squads, bands and performers. A Go Negosyo “Kabataan Musicfest” also keyed up the youth after the daytime program, with rock bands like Hale, Pedicab, Kjwan, Hilera and Chicosi.
The event is made possible with event sponsors: Smart Communications, PLDT SME Nation, Nokia, RFM Corporation, PAGCOR, Citi Philippines and Citi Foundation, Insular Life, Alo Youth, Vitwater, Rexona, Creme Silk, National Bookstore, Philippine Star, Profoods, Splash, Department of Trade and Industry, Philweb, BPI, SMC, Landbank, Globe, Department of Agriculture and Cebuana Lhuillier.
Go Negosyo also thanks its official music channel MTV Philippines, event partner SMX Convention Center, and media partners: QTV 11, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, GMA 7, LS-FM Ayos!, DZBB, Solar Entertainment, NBN 4, Business World, Multiply, 88DB, Pinoy Parazzi and Meg Magazine.
