Time flies by so fast. The “ber” months has already started, but it seems like it was just yesterday when we packed our bags and headed on to our first destination for our 2011 Go Negosyo – DTI Provincial Caravan. This series of Negosems, aimed at further spreading the entrepreneurship advocacy in all parts of the country, is just one of our major projects this year in an effort to reach out to more Filipinos who need inspiration and empowerment the most.

In the previous columns, I gave you a glimpse of the noble work of negosyantes in Bukidnon and Mindoro who are greatly contributing to the development of their respective regions through their own negosyos. For our next stop, Go Negosyo flew to Western Visayas to meet the entreps who are doing the same for Region VI; and for a day filled with learning in the province of Antique. (more…)

Six years ago, we started Go Negosyo in response to the call for steps to ease the alarming poverty in the country. Our mission was and has always been to educate, empower and encourage Filipinos to venture into entrepreneurship so that they may enjoy more comfortable, dignified lives. We believe that these –changing mindsets and imparting entrepreneurial skills they need to support themselves— are our share in providing a long-term solution to alleviating poverty in the Philippines.

Through the years, we have seen Filipinos embrace the Go Negosyo advocacy, take charge of their lives and put up their own negosyos. But more importantly, we have witnessed the empowerment and the rise of a growing number of social entrepreneurs, who are striving to address different social issues through their negosyos. This, of course, is a clear indication that the mindset of Filipinos towards society and entrepreneurship have changed. But, there is still more to be done to make this part of the mainstream consciousness. (more…)

Every year, RFM together with National Bookstore and PLDT recognize ten of the country’s brightest students. This year is extra special because we are celebrating the 150th year anniversary of Jose Rizal,  the inspiration behind TOSP, the 50th founding anniversary of TOSP as well as the TOSP Alumni Community’s 10th year anniversary themed BAYANi.  TOSP is a project that my father started in his younger days, which I restarted in the late 80s when the Yellow Revolution brought back Democracy. Today, my sister Marie runs the foundation’s day to day affairs.

During the event at Malacañang, I sat beside Executive Sec. Paquito Ochoa who delivered an inspiring speech as President Aquino could not make it. The ceremony was very touching as all the ten finalists and their parents had tears in their eyes, realizing the challenges they were able to overcome.

Here are their stories… (more…)

Last week, I showcased the entrepreneurs that Go Negosyo met in Bukidnon as we kicked off our 2011 SME Caravan with the help of the DTI. Region X was just the start of our journey around the country in our quest to spread entrepreneurial education and mindset change even in the remotest provinces in the Philippines. After Bukidnon, we headed to Region IV— in the province of Oriental Mindoro.

With the assistance of DTI, lead by DTI CESO IV Regional Director Joel Varela and DTI Provincial Director for Oriental Mindoro Oscar Agbay, we were able to share inspiration and entrepreneurial knowhow to more than 300 locals who took part in the forum and the Negosem (Negosyo Seminar) that were held at the Filipiniana Hotel in Calapan City. Of course, spreading the entrepreneurial advocacy would not be possible if not for our Go Negosyo Angelpreneurs and advocates Paolo Tibig and Ed Pilapil, who shared their expertise on mindset change and spotting opportunities as well as marketing and product development. We are also grateful to Hon. Vice Gov. Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor for welcoming Go Negosyo to the island of Oriental Mindoro. (more…)

Go Negosyo, along with the MSMED Council, has just recently celebrated the SME Development Week at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Manila. The week-long celebrations, spearheaded by the DTI-MSMED, happens every second week of July each year. And for 2011, the highlight of the nationwide event was the SME Summit last July 7th— themed “Pinoy SME: Business Tayo!”

DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo, who is also the chairman of the MSMED Council, gave an overview of the importance of SME development in country, while Usec. Merly Cruz of the DTI Regional Operations Group presented the SME Development Plan for 2011-2016. There was also a forum hosted by Go Negosyo that was joined in by yours truly and by Go Negosyo advocate Prudencio Garcia, the CEO of Mekeni Foods. One of the highlights of the summit was the presentation of the SME Pledge Book to Sec. Greg. As Vice-Chairman of the MSMED Council, it was a privilege for me to handover the testament of our commitment and support to foster a nurturing environment for SME growth nationwide. (more…)

Each year, as Go Negosyo becomes older and as we reach out to different provinces all-over the country, I cannot help but be amazed by the blessings that we have been receiving. For almost six years now, Go Negosyo was able to empower and enlighten Filipinos even in faraway provinces because of the community of advocates, entrepreneurs and mentors who have been keeping the entrepreneurship advocacy alive. Because of them, we wouldn’t be able to touch as many lives as we have now. And now, their efforts have put us in Forbes’ list of 48 Philanthropists of the Year.

In celebration of Go Negosyo’s 6th year anniversary, we hosted an evening of “Pasasalamat” for our entrep advocates, Angelpreneurs and partners who have been helping spread the advocacy. And despite the rains from typhoon Falcon, we are very happy that many have made it to the celebration. I took the opportunity to thank and honor them not only for sharing their time and knowledge, but also for their financial support that have allowed us to reach out to more Filipinos.

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This Father’s Day, like in the past, is a time that we honor our father’s role as head of the family. I am a father myself to five children; and my father, Joecon, is father to eight children and 29 grandchildren. In celebration of Father’s Day, it is but fitting that we share the stories of these four fathers as told by their children who pay tribute to them to reflect on the roles of our fathers and our roles as children.

Let’s take a look at the inspiring stories of these men whose determination, hard work, and courage have not only given their families a better future and a comfortable life, but have also provided livelihood to others so that they, too, can have a better quality of life. Let me share with you some of the successful and inspiring fathers in negosyo… (more…)

One of the biggest challenges of Go Negosyo is to change the mindset of Filipinos towards entrepreneurship. Many are still not convinced that venturing into negosyo can truly help in uplifting their quality of life. Others are hopeful, but they have no idea what negosyo to start. There are also those who are intimidated by the misconceptions that running a negosyo is all about crunching numbers or that only those who have a degree in business will succeed as an entrepreneur.

But most of us who are entrepreneurs know this is not true. Truth is, anyone who has a dream of moving up in life, has ideas and is willing to work hard can be a successful entrepreneur—regardless of status in life, age or even educational background. Let me share with you more stories of successful Filipino entrepreneurs to inspire you to get into negosyo and to prove that life as an entrepreneur can also be exciting and fun.
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One of the biggest challenges of Go Negosyo is to change the mindset of Filipinos towards entrepreneurship. Many are still not convinced that venturing into negosyo can truly help in uplifting their quality of life. Others are hopeful, but they have no idea what negosyo to start. There are also those who are intimidated by the misconceptions that running a negosyo is all about crunching numbers or that only those who have a degree in business will succeed as an entrepreneur.

But most of us who are entrepreneurs know this is not true. Truth is, anyone who has a dream of moving up in life, has ideas and is willing to work hard can be a successful entrepreneur—regardless of status in life, age or even educational background. Let me share with you more stories of successful Filipino entrepreneurs to inspire you to get into negosyo and to prove that life as an entrepreneur can also be exciting and fun. (more…)

When this Tagumpay column started a year ago, the idea was to feature success stories of entrepreneurs whose lives serve as great inspirations. It is something that we all need in our lives to continue motivating ourselves to achieve our dreams as inspirations become our fuel. And as our own stories serve as inspiration to others, we also get inspired by the stories of others. This Tagumpay column provides that fuel we all need to face life’s challenges.

This time around, allow me to give tribute to my lifetime partner who was able to fuel me to get where I am today and have what I have now—one great, happy family. My wife, Marissa Orosa Concepcion, celebrates her golden year this week. This is our Tagumpay story.

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