I have been contemplating about writing a book about my father for quite some time now. It’s been years since we commissioned National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin. He finished the piece during the interviews, and I remembered having to buy a case of beer for him as he had to be motivated to interview and write. But the manuscript was set aside for reasons I cannot remember.

As my father’s 80th birthday approached, I felt that maybe this is the time for me to write a book about him, after finding myself writing two weekly and bi-weekly columns about entrepreneurship, as well as publishing eight books on Go Negosyo entrepreneurs. As I said to myself, it was my father who somehow molded me to become a man for others and not just for myself. I want to share the story of his life — on how he managed to surpass 50 years of marriage with one woman, how he has mentored his children and kept the family together, and how he risked his own life just to help restore democracy in our country through NAMFREL, which at that time was indeed an impossible dream to many Filipinos. Without democracy, the quest towards eliminating poverty will be difficult, and it does not stop at that. So after almost eight months of planning and writing the book, with the help of the manuscript from the late Nick which we resurrected as a resource, Joecon’s journey will finally be shared with his family and friends who are really part of his path towards his “impossible dream” of seeing a better Philippines. (more…)

My father Joecon and his twin brother Tito Ronnie Concepcion turned 80 last December 29. What a milestone it has been for the both of them. We, the family, are very proud, especially because of what they have contributed to society, leaving their mark in history through their respective advocacies. They have certainly left us all with very big shoes to fill.

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The MVP Bossings awards night was a gala that gathered some of the country’s most prominent entrepreneurs. PLDT SME Nation successfully organized a grand event that provided an air of elegance and sophistication to the Meralco Theater, where the awarding was held for the first time.

That night, I re-joined fellow past MVP Bossings and many other entrepreneurs and personal friends of mine to welcome the new winners to the growing Bossing family. (more…)

Last November 24 was a night for the country’s biggest entrepreneurs. Held at the Meralco Theater for the first time, PLDT SME Nation, in partnership with Go Negosyo, hosted the MVP Bossing Awards, a gala that gathered together all past winners and other entrepreneurs as we declared the Bossings of 2012.

PLDT SME Nation put together a prestigious event that started with cocktails and ended in the wee hours of the morning with the afterparty. The awards ceremony itself featured performances by the Philharmonic orchestra and Powerdance, who unveiled a monumental replica of the MVP Bossing trophy created by renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue. (more…)

In my last Tagumpay column, I’ve started featuring again the success stories of entrepreneurs, starting with the finalists of the Citi Microentrepreneur of the Year. Now that we are on the topic of microentrepreneurs, I’d like to bring the spotlight to some more of the country’s outstanding microentrepreneurs, this time to the winners of the recently concluded 2011 SIPAG Awards.

The Sustainable Income for People in the Agrarian Grassroots (SIPAG) Awards has been running since 2006, and is a program of the National Livelihood Development Corporation, which is headed by NLDC President Usec. Gondelina Amata and NLDC Board of Trustees Chair Ms. Gilda Pico of Landbank of the Philippines. This is the NLDC’s way of recognizing the country’s most outstanding entrepreneurs, who have not only made a better life for themselves, but also for their family and community.
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Almost all our Filipino entrepreneurs are in the micro, small and medium enterprise category. This is why for a couple of years now, Go Negosyo has been partnering with various organizations whose focus is the MSME sector. This month, Go Negosyo lends its support and is also a major partner to the Citi Microentrepreneur of the Year (MOTY) Awards.

I’ve mentioned in my other column, that I and fellow judges Marixi Prieto of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Fernando Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Corporation, Deputy Gov. Nestor Espenilla (for Gov. Amando Tetangco) of the BSP, and Sanjiv Vohra of Citi Philippines selected among the finalists. Citi Philippines, the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. and the BSP have been running this program for nine years. (more…)

Success knows no limits; not even age. This was proven by the success of the entrepreneurs in Go Negosyo’s 7th book Go Negosyo’s 50 Inspiring Stories of Young Entrepreneurs, which was officially launched last Thursday at the Glorietta 5 Activity Center. Hundreds of people, young and old, celebrated with us in an evening of simple cocktails and book signing.

I would like to thank everyone who supported us in the book launch, starting with Nanay Socorro “Coring” Ramos, the matriarch behind National Bookstore; Esther Vibal, the president of Vibal Publishing House, Inc., and Mang Inasal founder Injap Sia for continuously supporting us in our advocacy and for sharing their thoughts during the event. Special thanks to Jen Real-Lim (who is also featured in the book) and her students from Orange Dance Studio. They literally got the party started with their youthful opening number. As our host, Love Añover was as lively as ever. (more…)

The Young Entrepreneurs Summit left all of us in awe. I remember that I couldn’t help but to be enthusiastic as I welcomed thousands of participants during my speech. I wish that everybody who came could have gotten inside the World Trade Center sooner, but the lines to the venue doors stretched far, reaching beyond the gates. There were so many individuals who decided to take that step in taking control of their lives on that day, and we were really astounded.

We really owe it to the lot of people who helped us out in making this event successful. Gibo Teodoro privileged us by making a rare appearance and gave a compelling, extemporaneous speech to students who really lent all ears. Manny V. Pangilinan, whom we tried to get to speak at the event for weeks, gave insightful lessons about entrepreneurship in the current business landscape. Then of course, we’re thankful to the speakers we know the youth listen to today, and true enough, they were such a hit that the hall roared with laughter and applause for every important point they made.

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Last Friday, we celebrated the third Go Negosyo Young Entrepreneurs Summit at the World Trade Center. We were overwhelmed by more than 15,000 micro and small entrepreneurs and students who participated, with some even coming from Batangas and Laguna. In behalf of the team, I would like to thank Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, former Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro and Manny Pangilinan for helping us spread inspiration during our event.

The summit had been both educational and inspiring with the help of our notable speakers which include Bro. Bo Sanchez, Mike Enriquez, Michael Angelo Lobrin, Henry Tenedero, Roselle Ambubuyog and Josiah Go. Our Trustees Esther Vibal and Tennyson Chen also joined other Go Negosyo advocates such as CHED Chair Particia Licuanan, DTI Usec. Meryl Cruz, NYC Chair Usec. Leon G. Flores III, Edgardo Herbosa and our Young STARpreneur awardees for the morning forum on how they achieved success and their advice to those who are starting their negosyos. Meanwhile, Go Negosyo Trustees Rosalind Wee and Felix Ang also celebrated with us and were part of the program to show their support to the entrepreneurship advocacy. (more…)