PLDT-SME Nation Negosyo Boost launch: A star-filled event

MANILA, Philippines - From the velvet rope to the carpet, PLDT-SME Nation completely turned the NBC Tent into a carnival of jugglers, clowns, stilt walkers, unicyclists, dancers, and higantes during its recent Negosyo Boost launch.

The colorful characters were everywhere to be found entertaining the guests. With over a thousand guests present that night, the event was witnessed by top entrepreneurs from the metro and the celebrity who’s who in business.

TV host and beauty icon Cory Quirino was one of the many celebrity entrepreneurs to grace the evening. Her business, World of Wellness, showcasing different beauty products, was included in the long list of entrerprises showcased that night.

“It’s a good thing that PLDT-SME Nation came out with an event like this for a product that SMEs could really benefit from,” said Quirino. “It was an enjoyable night and we really had a great time.”

Hosts for the event were also model celebrity entrepreneurs. With more than seven restaurants under his name, actor and businessman Marvin Agustin hosted the night, partnered by the fashion designing maven herself, Tessa Prieto-Valdes.

On the other hand, fashion boutique owner and dancing diva Regine Tolentino took on hosting the carpet field for the event.

Myrus, one of the most promising singing stars, performed hits by Michael Jackson, while Billy Crawford swooned the guests with his rendition of Ne-Yo’s songs and wowed the crowd with his dance moves. Singing sweetheart Nikki Gil sang ballads but what got the crowd going was the duet performance by Billy and Nikki.

Other celebrities present were former beauty queen Nina Ricci Alagao, who’s managing her art dealing business; travel host and restaurateur Kian Kazemi, owner of Persian Grill; and Viva Hot Babe Katya Santos, a franchisee of Woodbridge Pizza.

Fiesta theme

Solidifying the fiesta theme, games from mechanical bull riding to fishing for rubber duckies to spinning wheels of prizes abound to keep guests busy, plus local delicacies from balut to a variety of kakanin to keep them full.

Aside from having guests taste and have a go at their products and services, the SMEs were also able to showcase their businesses to guests interested in franchising.

PLDT executives were in full support at the PLDT-SME Nation occasion. PLDT senior vice president Eric Alberto thanked all who were present and showed their support for the launch.

PLDT-SME Nation vice president and head Kat Luna-Abelarde also expressed how successful the launch was, especially with the entrepreneurs who turned out for their Negosyo Boost launch.

“Though this crisis has everyone talking, the entrepreneurial Pinoy has always been determined despite the odds, and we at PLDT-SME Nation are here to support what our SMEs need,” she said.

“It’s good to see how much we can help SMEs grow their business, and with the number of guests who showed up for our launch, we’re always thankful for your support,” she added.

Also present were PLDT-Smart Foundation president Butch Meily and PLDT first VP Chaye Cabal to showcase the “Gabay Guro” program, an education scholarship initiated by the PLDT-Smart Foundation.

Satisfied partners

Small and medium-scale business owners showed their support for the launch as well as the chance to showcase their own enterprises.

A satisfied Negosyo Boost partner was Jose Magsaysay, who owns the popular French fries chain Potato Corner, a leader in the food kiosk/cart/counter industry whose selection of flavored French fries has become a favorite for the past 16 years with over 190 outlets worldwide.

“PLDT has been a great partner to our business. For example, we have outlets that are equipped with not just a landline, computer and Internet, but even a Webcam. This allows us to manage our outlets better and in real time. We’re not only connected to them through the Internet but we can even see what’s happening to the outlet,” said Magsaysay, who added that PLDT will surely be helpful in the expansion of his business.

Adee Caluag, marketing manager of Bo’s Coffee, thinks no SME today can seriously do business without a computer with business software, a landline, and an Internet connection.

“I can’t imagine how I’d be able to work without a landline and the Internet. Our head office is in Cebu and we have 38 branches nationwide. Communication through e-mail is indispensable. I truly believe that Negosyo Boost can provide the tools for any SME to become more productive and competitive,” said Caluag.

With the influx of a variety of guests, all were pretty much thrilled for a gala on the glitz and glamour of the launch.

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For more info on what PLDT-SME Nation offers businesses, call 101-888 or visit www.pldtsme-nation.com.ph.