Nakakalocal caps off ‘Kasosyo’ Mall Tour at SM North EDSA
Shoppers of SM North EDSA showed their love for local by joining the PhilStar Media Group (PMG) in the final leg of its “Nakakalocal: Kasosyo Mall Tour” last Dec. 10 to 11 to support nine local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that showcased their unique goods and services.
Kasosyo is an on-ground selling activity and a free “Incubation Seller Program” under the Nakakalocal advocacy project, launched last 2021 by PMG to aid rising entrepreneurs in thriving even more in the world of business by offering platforms with its partners.
PMG executive vice president Lucien C. Dy Tioco lauded SMEs for keeping the economy alive especially during the pandemic.
“Naalala niyo naman na ang mga nag-thrive during the pandemic (ay ang mga SMEs) at naging creative lahat sila para makapag-start ng business in order to survive,” he recalled. “Ngayon na bumabalik tayo ulit sa normal and, fingers crossed, na tuloy-tuloy na ang pag-normalize ng economy natin, natutulungan natin talaga sa pag-asenso ang mga SMEs na nakapag-start ng magagandang produkto.”
Dy-Tioco added that all products sold in Kasosyo not only help the SMEs with their success but also contribute to the returning growth of the Philippine economy.
“It’s a delightful surprise ’pag bumili kayo ng produkto nila and, in fact, ’pag bumili kayo ng produkto, you’re not only supporting the SMEs, iniimprove din natin ’yong ating ekonomiya dahil ang SMEs ang nagbibigay lakas ng pagtakbo at pag-asenso ng Pilipinas,” Dy Tioco explained. “Not only that, kulturang Pinoy. These are locally-made products that are all organic. Matutuwa kayo sa sobrang creativity ng mga Pilipino sa paggawa ng mga produktong ito.”
For his part, SM North EDSA assistant mall manager Miguel Emmanuel Gaspi expressed gratitude to PMG for making SM Supermalls part of an initiative that can help SMEs, who have become the lifeblood of the Philippine economy since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are honored to be part of this initiative. We at SM Supermalls will always continue to support the SME sector,” he said. “We thank the Philippine Star for bringing this event to SM North EDSA and everyone who worked hand-in-hand for making this project come to life.”
Gaspi echoed Dy-Tioco’s sentiments when it comes to how SMEs have contributed a great deal to the Philippine economy.
“SMEs contribute a lot to the economy. Naniniwala ako na itong mga SME na ito ang talagang nagdadala ng pagpapatakbo ng ekonomiya natin,” he concluded.
To date, NakakaLocal already has 36 partner local small businesses nationwide.
Here is a list of the nine SMEs who participated in the weekend bazaar from December 10 to 11:
Abundance Organica Nutriment. This brand produces organic products that nourish both the body and the environment. From their very own farm, they offer a variety of herbs and processed tea that are being offered in hospitals, resorts, hotels, corporate offices, and many more.
Chef Irene and Jacob’s Gourmet Foods. A brand that offers premium, healthy, and finely crafted food products with high-level quality assurance that has zero tolerance for artificial preservatives and MSGs.
Clara Fragrances. A fragrance business that will bring you to different places while staying at the four corners of your room. They create products, such as essential oil blends and hotel-inspired scents, that can make you feel like you are on a staycation, even at home.
Craftcha. A clothing and accessory brand that offers handcrafted products made from repurposed and upcycled materials. It innovates and creates useful household goods made of flours acks, old jeans, outdated clothing, and waste cloth.
Entrego. A partner of the Nakakalocal project equipped with technology-driven business solutions and world-class facilities for businesses’ fulfillment and logistics needs. Have your parcels delivered fast and secured, right at your doorstep!
Good Sense Food and Juices Corp. A brand that makes a wide range of high-quality beverages at affordable prices. They have also developed a variety of seasonings that are ideal for use in cooking.
Immuniplus. A business that sells an all-natural, ready-to-drink supplement made from ginger, turmeric, spirulina, and moringa that helps provide the working Filipino with overall wellness to face everyday challenges.
Isla Kapsule. A coffee business that reintroduces Philippine coffee through the premium capsule coffee experience. It features the best of Philippine single-origin and specialty coffees from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Taters. This brand creates entertainment snack favorites that are quickly served, modestly priced, and higher in nutritional value. It is the only branded entertainment fast-food franchise in the country today.
Apart from the beautifully made, handcrafted products of the aforementioned SMEs, shoppers were also able to enjoy the KaSosyo event with a Pinoy Trivia Quiz parlor game, live music, and “Tikim Time” or food tasting.
