PhilStar Media Group’s Nakakalocal kicks off its 2nd year with ‘NakakaBazaar’  

After an eventful inaugural year that witnessed the convergence of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country, PhilStar Media Group concluded its successful Nakakalocal: Love Local, Grow Global initiative with the grand culmination event, “NakakaBazaar: The Grand Nakakalocal Fair 2023,” last May 18 to 19 at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay.

The Music Hall was transformed into a vibrant exhibition center where the 36 STAR SMEs proudly showcased their world-class products, some of which are made of upcycled materials. The fair also allowed shoppers to get to know the stories behind the products they were buying.

Upcycling katcha cloth, old jeans, hinabi, and scrap cloth since 2009, Craftcha is popular among the fashionable set. Some of its best-selling items are tops, pants, tote bags, even bed covers and foot rugs made of katcha (flour sack).

“We were one of those who experienced the impact of Typhoon Ondoy in Metro Manila,” said Craftcha founder Merlita Manicad, who was manning the booth during the fair. “Our experience inspired us to put up a business that advocates cloth waste management in minimizing plastic bag use.”

She also shared that since 2009, Craftcha has provided employment to PWDs and unwed mothers.

I also spotted former beauty queen and actress-turned entrepreneur Daisy Reyes at the exhibition area. Daisy is the brains behind DR Essentials Aromatherapy. Available in six variants, the healing body oil helps alleviate stress, insomnia, muscle pain, allergic rhinitis, frozen shoulder, stomach pain, insect bites, nausea, migraine, and vertigo.

“I’m not a doctor,” Daisy said with an impish grin. “The DR in the brand name refers to my initials.”

Other exhibitors include Everyday Coffee, Godel, Must Glow, Immuni+, EPG Enterprises, Our Handmade Heritage, Odel Fine Crafts, U Name It, Henece Jewel, Ai-She Fashion, Shaynedice Style, Crystalworks, PWP Handicrafts, Jhaz Footwear, Everjade Ceramics, DS Design, YHF Manila, Adorno, JER Shells, Abundance Agrifarm, Pure Essentials, Red Slab Pottery, OSI Excell Frames, Jacildo Shellcraft, Carrents Enterprises, Wood Classics, Tahanan Furniture, Tita EM’s Homemade, Sarbo, Pililya Handicrafts, Taters, Umani, Nipa Brew, Clara Fragrances, Linya Linya, Good Sense, Lit Candle Co., Biba Cakes & Pastries, WoddPH, OSH!, Aboitiz Power, Kakaw Galleon Chocolates, Dingras Empanada, and 60 Isla Kapsule.

From fashion items, food, healing oils and balms, to home essentials, NakakaBazaar gathered entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and brands that best represent our culture, history, and identity in what they make and produce under one roof.

Nakakalocal 2.0

Nakakalocal, the groundbreaking project that has been instrumental in promoting and uplifting Filipino-made products and brands, is set to embark on its second year.

“We started this program a year ago, wanting to help SMEs to have a spotlight through our platforms by helping them tell their stories. After that, marami nang nangyari, everybody signed up, and it culminates in this,” PhilSTAR Media Group executive vice president Lucien Dy Tioco said.

This initiative featured the launch of various bazaars and hosted a range of engaging workshops and competitions, providing local entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their unique products.

“We’re very happy with how things have turned out. We’ve helped a lot of SMEs that have somehow created a relationship with us. And we’re happy to announce that we’re going into our second year and we’re bringing all of you to the different regions this time for Year 2,” he added.

With the theme “A Celebration of World-Class Filipino Products and Craftsmanship,” the two-day event also honored the most hardworking, innovative, and visionary participating SMEs who wholeheartedly believed in Nakakalocal’s mission to support the economy during its first year.

“We really believe and have faith that your products are something worth buying. And by buying local products, we actually help the economy,” Dy Tioco said.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual commended PhilStar Media Group for taking the crucial step in offering media support to the endeavors of SMEs, expressing his satisfaction with their commitment to highlighting the accomplishments of small businesses.

 “We, in DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), are fully supportive of SMEs. Marami kaming programa. In the provinces, meron kaming Negosyo Center to provide support to SMEs. Meron din kaming financing support through the small business corporation,” Pascual said.

Meanwhile, former Trade and Industry Secretary and SM Investments Corporation independent director Ramon Lopez, cited Nakakalocal for promoting innovation and upholding global standards for Philippine products.