Big Dreams, Big Opportunities

Make It Big Cebu

In partnership with Go Negosyo, PLDT SME Nation continues to strengthen its mission in empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through learning sessions and programs that give entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain knowledge from seasoned businessmen and women, and use those learnings to grow in their own right.

“Every entrepreneur has a dream of making it big in their respective industries, and that is the mandate that we adhere to in PLDT SME Nation,” PLDT VP and Head of SME Nation Mitch Locsin said. “No matter what stage of business you are in -- whether big or small -- we make it our goal to fuel that dream and drive success by leveraging on technologies that open opportunities beyond the local landscape.”

Following the success of the first installment of BIG Talks Manila last June, PLDT SME Nation brought together industry leaders and local business owners in Marco Polo Plaza Cebu last July 28 to continue to ignite the spirit of entrepreneurship across the country.

Over 300 entrepreneurs were in attendance for the momentous event to hear from established business owners and their journey in making it big.

Cebu native and keynote speaker Bernie Liu shared his story on how, from a small t-shirt printing business, he now sits at Chairman and CEO of Golden ABC, of which its flagship brand Penshoppe boasts as one of the leading casual clothing brands in the country. With 30 years in the fashion retail industry, Bernie Liu shares the key player in the success of a business, which is the passion and heart that is instilled in the work, and the openness to failure for growth.

BIG Talks hosted panel discussions on the topics of “Going Global” and “Inclusive Growth,” featuring renowned business owners Justin Uy of Profoods, Inc. and Joseph Calata of Calata Corporation, and up-and-coming entrepreneurs Carlo Calimon of MobKard, Jaque Gutierrez and Rissa Trillo of Happy Skin, Tina Sambalido of Renegade Folk, and Rudy and Rosiell de Leon of Bianca’s Ice Candy.

As an effort to empower all entrepreneurs nationwide, PLDT SME Nation looks to bring the next BIG Talks session to Davao City in October.

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