Celso Valdecañas spent his early childhood shining shoes for older men and selling ice drop and newspaper in a small barrio in Bataan. His mother died when he was just three years old. Left with his father who cannot figure out how to feed four children, Celso knew he had to fend for himself at an early age.

Today, after decades of hard work and strength of will to survive, Celso happily enjoys his well-earned success with his family. He now serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the five businesses that he owns: VL Construction; VL Realty & Brokerage Company; Joyous Group Developers, Inc.; Eternal Shrine Memorial Park; and Santuario Garden & Chapels.

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Go Negosyo Goes to Bataan

November 6, 2009

9AM to 6PM

Bataan People’s Center

7AM Bataan Negosyo March
(Assembly Area: Balanga City Plaza)
9AM-6PM Seminars/Forums
6PM-Onwards Go Negosyo Music Fest

Hosted by Cito Beltran, Susan Enriquez
RJ Ledesma, Chal Lontoc-Del Rosario and Bobby Yan

Join us for an educational and empowering event in the historic province of Bataan. With the Bataan Negosyo Champions and other Bataan entrepreneurs in the frontlines, aspiring negosyantes will be armed with valuable knowledge and information from the seminars and exhibits during the caravan. Be smart. Be enterprising. Be there!

Event Secretariat: 0920-6337063 / 0922-8568235 / 047-2373005
PCE GoNegosyo 6379229 / 6379347

Download the updated programme
here.

*If you’ve downloaded the programme before, make sure to clear your browser’s cache in order to get the latest version.

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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.

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Award Brief

The search for the Go Negosyo Most Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs is a nationwide campaign spearheaded by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE). By recognizing inspiring role models for the youth, PCE hopes to instill a culture of entrepreneurship among the youth and provide them with examples of potential negosyo models that they can go into.

The nationwide search will run from May 15 to August 7, 2009. Nominees will be short-listed to top twenty (20) finalists which will be further screened to ten (10) awardees.

Basic Requirements for Candidates

1.    can be individuals or groups of young entrepreneurs, professionals, secondary/tertiary school students or out-of-school youth who have been running their own business for at least three (3) years;
2.    must be Filipino citizens below 35 years old;
3.    business must be duly registered with the Department of Trade and Industry OR the Securities Exchance Commission;
4.    must be inspiring in the sense that their entrepreneurial spirit must have enabled them to establish and manage creative and innovative business ventures despite challenges and obstacles;
5.    must be highly-respected by their peers and should also show the ability to genuinely care for the community and other stakeholders; and,
6.    should have the potential to share time and talent to help spread the entrepreneurship advocacy and help mentor other aspiring entrepreneurs.

Mechanics & Requirements

Nominators must fill-up the Nomination Form and send it on or before July 31, 2009.

Candidates must submit their requirements not later than August 7, 2009. Requirements include:

1. duly-filled Participation Form
2. essay which describes their entrepreneurial journey
3. supporting documents:
   - Certificate of Business Registration or SEC Registration
   - Pictures of products and/or business establishment/s
   - Feature articles/press releases (if any)

Nomination Forms and Candidate Requirements can be sent:

VIA E-MAIL – send to youthsummit@gonegosyo.net
and put “Go Negosyo Most Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs” as the subject.
VIA MAIL – send directly to the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, 5/F RFM Corporate Center, Pioneer corner Sheridan Streets, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila 1552
VIA FAX –  send to (02) 637-7873

Please call the PCE Secretariat (02) 637-9229 to confirm if your entries were received. PCE shall not be responsible for any loss of data during transmission.

Award Process

1.    PCE will examine the performance of all the candidates based on the set criteria and short-list it to the top 20 finalists.
2.    The short-listed candidates will be required to make themselves available for further assessment and validation of their business.
3.    Once selected, the ten awardees must personally receive the award on the Youth Entrepreneurship Summit on August 28, 2009.

Deadlines

1.    July 31, 2009 – deadline of submission of Nomination Forms
2.    August 7, 2009 – deadline of submission of Candidate Requirements
3.    August 15, 2009 – notification of winners
4.    August 28, 2009 – awarding of winners at the GO NEGOSYO YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUMMIT

Download the SEARCH MECHANICS, PARTICIPATION FORM
and NOMINATION FORM here.

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JULY 8, 2009

5/L Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall Building B

10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Join us for the forthcoming NEGOSYO MSME SUMMIT on July 8, 2009 at 10am as we open the annual MSME Week (July 8-12).

This is organized by the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Council led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), together with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship - Go Negosyo.

This Summit aims to gather all the important institutions and stakeholders (e.g., government, NGO, academe, finance) in the MSME sector to deliberate on the issues and challenges facing the sector and come up with the corresponding policy and programs. It will also be a venue to have closer coordination and partnerships among important stakeholders.

The Summit shall also recognize the various MSMEs and enablers among the LGUs and other institutions.

We shall also have numerous exhibits as part of the Luzon Island Fair, as well as seminar rooms for presentations on business opportunities, franchising models, latest innovations in business, and various seminars on entrepreneurship, marketing, product development, financial literacy, and business registration.

ADMISSION IS FREE.

For inquiries, please call Paul Andrew Gorgonio of Go Negosyo at (02) 637-9229 or e-mail him via paul.gorgonio@gonegosyo.net.

As of July 2, 2009

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IT’S WOMEN POWER at the World Trade Center as Go Negosyo staged the biggest women entrepreneurship event of the year – the “GO NEGOSYO: Babae, Yaman Ka ng Bayan!”, in celebration of the National Women’s Month.

Crowd estimates was placed from 10,000 to 15,000 as participants come in and out of the World Trade Center, mostly composed of women, from different sectors, groups and communities.

“This is the biggest crowd that Go Negosyo has ever had in all forums and caravans we have organized. This is proof that the Filipino women are truly a force to reckon with when it comes to entrepreneurship,” Joey Concepcion, founding trustee of Go Negosyo, said.

Organized in partnership with the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), the one-day women summit centered on the objective to empower the Filipino women through positive change in mindset and capability development.

“We have achieved success today by bringing all these people together under one roof and re-affirming our commitment to promote positivism in spirit. But this is just a first step to journey of a thousand mile. The government, our private sector partners and the citizens need to work together and create that synergy with the aim of promoting a negosyo climate for the country so we can move forward,” Joey added.

Negosyo mapped out different entrepreneurial and women topics in the form of plenary and breakout sessions. Forums and programs were held, with topics ranging from negosyo basics to tips and advices on the general concerns that ‘womenpreneurs’ face about health and wellness, fitness, family and workplace. Over 170 participating booths and exhibitors showcased their different business models - products and services - relating to the needs and wants of women consumers.

In one of the forums, the national and local governments were well represented by Senator Loren Legarda, Cong. Cynthia Villar, Sec. Espie Cabral of DSWD, Usec. Merle Cruz of DTI, Asec. Ma. Lourdes Orijola of DOST, Gov. Grace Padaca, Mayor Marides Fernando, and Chairperson Myrna Yao of NCRFW. Presidential daughter Luli Arroyo-Bernas also joined the government officials in discussing subject of entrepreneurship development in relation to the government and the society.

Go Negosyo’s pool of mentors also shared their entrepreneurial advice and expertise: Maricel and Anthony Pangilinan, Les and Dina Reyes, Valerie and Ping Sotto, Abbygale Arenas-De Leon, Cory Quirino, Dean Pax Lapid, Dir. Tess Fortuna of DOST, Chit Juan, among others.

Hosts and moderators were highly respected broadcast journalists and television icons. Among them were Rico Hizon, Connie Sison, Boy Abunda, Susan Enriquez and Tintin Bersola-Babao.

Most of the inspiring women entrepreneurs who Topbilled Go Negosyo’s third book title were also present during the summit to sign books and share their experiences.

One of the highlights of the event was the public launching of the GO NEGOSYO: Joey Concepcion’s 55 Inspiring Stories of Women Entrepreneurs. This is the third of Go Negosyo’s book series on inspirational stories of successful entrepreneurs. The women featured in this book also presented a fresh perspective and shared their entrepreneurship journey and learning in the different forums.

Another highlight of the summit was an awarding ceremony for unique and remarkable women icons of today. Go Negosyo recognized women icons who continue to be the source of inspiration to the many aspiring entrepreneurs, especially to many women. Socorro Ramos, 85; Dr. Helena Benitez, 94; and Madam Eulalia Razon Baylon, 101; was recognized as the “Mother of All Mother Entrepreneurs”.

This recognition is in honor of women founders in the field of entrepreneurship education. Full of optimism and zest for life, they are the highly respected women who have built a business on education and who have chosen to live a more meaningful life.

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The BIGGEST Women Entrepreneurship Summit of the year is less than two weeks away!

Learn from our established womenpreneurs who were able to overcome challenges and manage successful and lucrative business ventures. Let their experiences and learnings guide you as we launch our third book
entitled Go Negosyo: Joey Concepcion’s 55 Inspiring Stories of Women Entrepreneurs.

Engage in a dynamic discussion with our women government officials Sen. Loren Legarda, Sec. Espie Cabral, Usec. Merle Cruz, Gov. Grace Padaca, and Cong. Cynthia Villar as we discuss entrepreneurial leadership and how having the right mindset can help our leaders address the needs of our people — especially women — throughout the country.

Let our mentors Abbygale Arenas-de Leon, Cory Quirino, Doyee Tumpalan, and Florisa Mariano teach you how to build your confidence and improve the way you present yourself to others.

Learn to build your support network, starting with the people you love the most. Find out how husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Sen. Manny & Cong. Cynthia Villar (C & P Homes), Maricel & Anthony Pangilinan (The Parent Company), Ana & Dylan Wilk (Gandang Kalikasan), Cathy & Mike Turvill (Nurture Spa), Dina & Les Reyes (Reyes Haircutters), and Val & Ping Sotto (Shell Gas Stations) share responsibilities and balance their family life and work.

Find out how you can bring out the entrepreneur in you as Dean Francisco "Pax" Lapid (Entrepreneurs School of Asia), Sir Ping Sotto and Gladys Reyes (KSA Magic) teach you how to find the perfect business opportunity. Our Go Negosyo "womentors" will share insights on how you can take your business to the next level.

Learn about the numerous selling opportunities out there as we feature speakers from Insular Life, AVON, Fuller Life, and other members of the Direct Selling Association of the Philippines. Start your own backyard business and take your cue from our Multiply-preneur Joanna Romero of Cuppy Puppy Cupcakes and Cookies.

PLUS!

Usapang Anda

• Don’t
  let money matters overwhelm you. Let our finance experts Benel Lagua
  (President and COO of Small Business Corporation) and Randell Tiongson
  (President & COO, Personal Finance Advisers Philippines
  Corporation) talk about loans and the basics of finance, and give tips
  on where you can invest your money. Sponsored by Citibank.

Benta Ka Ba sa Pagbebenta?

• Find out how selling insurance can give you financial security and augment your family’s income without having to hold down a nine-to-five job. Sponsored by Insular Life.

Hey, Ang Ganda Ko!

• Marie Calica, Beauty and Fitness Editor of  Marie Claire Philippines shares her ganda tips for women on a shoestring budget. Organized by www.proudlyfilipina.com

Tipid Kuryente, Dagdag Kita

• Saving the earth can save you money as well. UNDP-PELMATP gives tips on how you can reduce your electricity consumption (and spending!).

Win special prizes!

• Get a free makeover and beauty products from HBC!

Over 100 booths and exhibitors will be showcasing different products and services under the following categories:
•    Health and Wellness
•    Fashion and Beauty
•    Family Life and Work Balance
•    Negosyo at Pera
 

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GO NEGOSYO CITES OUTSTANDING ILONGGO MICRO-ENTREPRENEURS AND ENTREPRENEURS

Iloilo City, ILOILO - Thousands of Ilonggos crowded the Rose Memorial Auditorium at the Central Philippine University and took part in the Go Negosyo sa Iloilo Caravan on September 12, 2008. 

Go Negosyo sa Iloilo Caravan was organized by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship - Go Negosyo and the Iloilo Business Club.

One of the highlights of the caravan was the recognition and awarding of the Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs and Micro-entrepreneurs who proved successful in their respective business while armed with determination and the willingness to succeed in life.

Citing their positive and inspiring contributions to their respective communities and their negosyo stories of rising from the challenges of life, Go Negosyo Founding Trustee Joey Concepcion, with Iloilo Business Club Chairman Antony Jon, lead the awarding of trophies to the following Most Inspiring Ilonggo Entrepreneurs – Antonio Steven Chan of Central Azucarera de San Antonio, Inc., Joseph Vincent Go of Light of Glory Taxi Services, Jose Gerardo Guadarrama of Original Biscocho Haus, Tomas Hautea, Sr. of Retcem Bangus Hatchery and Fish Farm, Johnny Que of Waffle Time, Arsenio Rafael of A.M. Builder’s Depot, Edgar “Injap” Sia II of Mang Inasal, Alfonso Uy of La Filipina Uy Gongco Corporation, and Salvador Sarabia of Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center.

A special award was also given to Angel De Leon, Jr., a social entrepreneur, who laid the foundations for Taytay Sa Kauswagan, Inc. which has played a crucial role in entrepreneurship development. Through the institution’s wholistic approach, it provides a wide array of services which encompass marketing, production, finance, organization and management, product development and technology assistance.

"This is what Go Negosyo is all about – telling everyone the good news, of finding redemption from poverty through entrepreneurship. In doing so, we hope to have an impact on the mindset of people and encourage them to be successful entrepreneurs. I believe that only after we inspire this nation and move the people to becoming entrepreneurs, armed with the proper values and motivation, can we truly make our way out of poverty," said Joey Concepcion who is the driving force behind the Go Negosyo Team.

"Entrepreneurship is not a stop-gap solution to poverty. It could be a long haul but it is our best shot," Concepcion added.

The event was packed with participants and supporters from various government and private sector partners with booths showcasing livelihood assistance, business solutions, product innovations, micro-finance credit, trades and services, among others lined up at the plenary hall. The whole program proved interesting and engaging for everyone eager to get a head-start in business and to learn a thing or two about entrepreneurship while also taking stock of the inspirations from the micro-entrepreneur awardees.

Other entrepreneurs who participated in the seminars and forums include Cong. Cynthia Villar, Jay Aldeguer of Island Souvenirs, Gaita Fores of Cibo, Celebrity Entrepreneur Illac Diaz, Dean Francisco Lapid of the Entrepreneurs School of Asia, Efren Sotto of the Human Resources Consultant of Shell Group of Companies, Jorge Wieneke III of Ateneo Center for Continuing Education, trial Technology Development Institute, Reynaldo Ambao of Taytay sa Kauswayan, Inc., Aries Vasquez of Globe Corporate and SME Segments, Gabby Cul of PLDT SME Nation, Naomi Luis of DOST-Region VI, Rosalinda Lacsamana of DOST-TRC, Lorena Yungque of TESDA Region VI, Glen Aguilar of WESVARRDEC, and Eric Pama of Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines and Karen Davila.

Go Negosyo sa Iloilo is also made possible with major partners Iloilo Business Club, PLDT SME Nation, Smart Communications, Globe Business, Condura, RFM Corporation, Ariel, Entrepreneurs School of Asia, and San Miguel Corporation.

Go Negosyo also thanks corporate partners: Splash Corporation, V-cargo, Kettle Korn, and Iloilo Supermart; media partners: The Philippine Star, GMA 7, QTV 11, Philippine Daily Inquirer, ASPAC-LAW, Full Circle Communications, Select Media, Creativevoices, Idealminds, ABS-CBN Iloilo, MOR For Life! Iloilo, GMA Iloilo, Super Radyo Iloilo, and Campus Radio Iloilo, Aksyon Radyo; venue partners: Central Philippine University and Amigo Terrace Hotel; government partners: The President’s Social Fund, Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee – Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Department of Trade and Industry, Iloilo Provincial Government, and Iloilo City Government; other partners: Ateneo de Manila University Graduate School of Business – Center for Continuing Education, Bennch Transport Services and Rent A Car and F & E Enterprises.

For more pictures, view our Go Negosyo Caravan Gallery
or visit our Multiply site .

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Boosting Bulakeño Entrepreneurship

The Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), with its GO NEGOSYO advocacy campaign, recently held its ‘Go Negosyo sa Bulacan’ event at the Centro Escolar University Centrodome in Malolos city. This was done as part of its focus on strengthening the entrepreneurial spirit of Filipinos in the different regions outside of Manila.

Premier highlight of the event was the awarding ceremony of Bulacan’s most inspiring entrepreneurs and micro-entrepreneurs that have moved and shaken the business core of one of the most competitive provinces in the country.

The one-day affair was also touted to be the best place for starting Bulakeño entrepreneurs to learn about the effective ways to start up their own business, as well as to learn the methods of sustaining growth. The event gathered a noteworthy pool of mentors – comprised of successful Bulakeño businessmen and personalities from the growing number of Go Negosyo entrepreneurs— who offered insights which concern aspiring entrepreneurs.

Among the topics discussed during the forum were Go Negosyo, Sagot Sa Kahirapan: Ang Panibagong Pananaw moderated by renowned TV newscaster Karen Davila; Bridging Self with Concept of Entrepreneurship which delved on entrepreneurial principles, practices and philosophies; Basics on Entrepreneurship Talk which addressed issues on starting and sustaining business growth; Marketing for Micro and Small Enterprises that talked about Marketing para sa Maliit na Negosyo; Bulacan’s Efforts on Product Development which highlighted the best of Bulacan’s products; Financial Literacy for Entrepreneurs which underscored monetary readiness and stability; and Technology for Entrepreneurs which offered tips on how to take advantage of modern advancements and use them in the favor of your business.

A book-signing session also ensued, spearheaded by the Training and Livelihood Program of Senator Manny Villar.

Masters of the ceremony were Anthony Pangilinan, Cheryl Cosim, Connie Sison, and Eco dela Sala.  Moreover, distinguished mentors were Joey Concepcion, Antonio Tengco, Dr. Roland Hortaleza, Cong. Cynthia Villar, Gaita Fores, Tony Llanes, Joyce Jimenez, and many others.

Go Negosyo sa Bulacan is part of PCE’s longest-running campaign, the Go Negosyo Caravan, which aims to bring Go Negosyo forums and expositions in key cities in the country. The Caravan has already visited Cebu, Bacolod, Baguio, Pampanga, and Manila.

For more pictures, view our Go Negosyo Caravan Gallery or visit our Multiply site .

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