Nakakalocal’s ‘Kasosyo’ Mall Tour kicks off at Greenhills Mall
As the shopping bustle slowly returns to pre-pandemic levels, eight local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) gamely joined in the recent “NakakaLocal: Kasosyo Mall Tour” organized by PhilSTAR Media Group, together with Ortigas Malls, held at the Greenhills Shopping Center, Ortigas Avenue, San Juan last Nov. 12 to 13.
Kasosyo is an on-ground selling activity and a free “Incubation Seller Program” under the NakakaLocal advocacy project, which was launched last year by PhilSTAR Media Group to help budding entrepreneurs thrive even more by offering its platforms with its partners.
“For those who are shopping, ang NakakaLocal ay isang program ng Philippine Star together with the other publications of Philstar Media Group that is helping our SMEs to help promote their products,” Philstar Media Group Executive Vice-President Lucien Dy Tioco said to the crowd during the event.
“The program is really helping them tell their stories para ma-appreciate din ng mga consumers like you and shoppers na tangkilikin ang local products,” Dy Tioco emphasized. “Because if you do that, you actually help the entire economy.”
STAR SMEs include De Kalidad, Good Sense Food and Juices Corp., Linya-Linya, Malagos Chocolate, Nipa Brew, Skoop, Taters and Umani.
To date, NakakaLocal already has 36 partner local small businesses nationwide.
For his part, Greenhills Mall Operations acting vice president and head of Trade Fairs and Exhibit James Candelaria highlighted the objective of the partnership with the country’s biggest print-based multimedia company.
Through this endeavor, Candelaria noted that “we are able to establish our firm objective in being able to support MSMEs (micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises) and in promoting local businesses.”
“We are lucky to have with us eight merchants who went through the rigorous process in being selected to be part of the Greenhills Tiangge roster,” Candelaria said.
“We hope that this immersive experience will allow you to grow your businesses and you can use it as an avenue to acquire new learnings to help you grow,” he added.
@philippinestar #NakakaLocal ♬ original sound - philippinestar
Here is a list of the eight SMEs who participated in the two-day bazaar:
De Kalidad. A food company that was established in the midst of the pandemic and works to support local farmers and the local cheese industry. The brand aims to give consumers a nostalgic trip down memory lane with every bite.
Good Sense Food and Juices Corp. A brand that makes a wide range of high quality beverages with affordable prices. They have also developed a variety of seasonings that are ideal for use in cooking.
Linya-Linya. It all started with a lined notebook filled with doodles and one-liners by two college friends. With punny, witty, and (sometimes poetic and profound) relatable content, it didn’t take long until their Linyas were turned into shirts and other products.
Malagos Chocolate. Malagos makes ‘tree-to-bar’ chocolates which go through the entire process of sowing, tending, harvesting, fermenting, drying, sorting, roasting, and producing, giving their products a more distinctive and pronounced taste.
Nipa Brew. They make craft beers inspired by the Philippines’ flavors, climates and sceneries. Whether it's sweet, bitter, unique, or quirky, they’re always brewing for adventure and bringing you beer flavors that you once thought were impossible.
Skoop. A streetwear clothing brand created as an advocacy by two-dream-chasers fueled by their entrepreneurial spirit and a flair for style.
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.
Umani. The brand produces innovative plant-based meat alternatives inspired by local flavors to create healthier and tastier versions of Filipino favorites.
Aside from the excellent products of partner vendors, shoppers were also able to enjoy the Filipino-themed affair with booth competitions, live music, WHAT’s IN Special Display, “Tikim Time” or food tasting, and stage games.
