The 5th Philippine Business & Entrepreneurs Expo Happening on July 25 to 27!

Professionals, students and non-working individuals who wanted to put up their own businesses have something to look forward to on July 25-27 in Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall. This is because the Philippine Business and Entrepreneurs Expo (PBEX) has come up with an exciting roster of expo participants from different industries. The best thing is that, the admission is FREE. 

Photo Credits: renz15.wordpress.com

Now on its 5^th year, PBEX will showcase more than a hundred companies from the Automotive, Franchising, Food Manufacturing, Direct Selling, Import and Distribution, Health and Beauty, Banking, Technology, industries and many more.

“The objective of this Expo is to cultivate and nurture the small and medium enterprise industry and tap the entrepreneurial spirit of every Filipino,” said Mitch Ballesteros, CEO of Ex-Link Events who are organizing PBEX this year.

Highlights  of  the  Expo  include  the  SME   technologies   on   E-Commerce Aurum Pay  Technologies , Ansi Information Systems, PLDT  and a “Transpo  Negosyo”  Exhibit  showcasing  Kia, Chevrolet  and  Nissan cars.

Aside from the Expo, PBEX has seminar activities lined up to educate, enhance and guide its visitors about how to make your dream business happen. Topics include “Marketing Your Advocacy”, “Greentrepreneurship”, “SME Technologies and E-Commerce for Better Productivity”, “Successful Entrepreneurs Best Practices”, “Dealing with Government Regulations”, and “Doing Business as a Young Entrepreneur”.

“There will also be a Social Enterprise Forum to harness the ideal characteristics of a Social Entrepreneur, a raffle and entertainment in between seminars and talks for the Expo visitors. Freebies will also be given away to our first 500 Expo visitors,” added Ballesteros.

This year’s PBEX is sponsored by ANSI Information Systems Inc, The Real Bank, Murang Generics Pharmacy, PLDT KaAsenso Cyberya, Grandtech International Enterprise Corporation and LICA Auto Nation Inc.

For    inquiries about PBEX, you may contact  Ex-Link Events  at telephone numbers 6433887, 6437760 or 09209242532 or log on to www.philippinebusinessentrepreneursexpo.com/ www.exlinkevents.com.

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Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo and Entrepreneur Success Summit 2014: Your Steps to Become a Successful Mompreneur

Hey, Mommies! Perhaps you are planning to start a new business but you don't have an idea about the ins and outs of your business plan or you don't have any business plan at all because you don't know how to make one. Maybe you are torn whether you are going to start a business based on the trend and not what you are passionate about or vice versa. Maybe you are afraid to go with the mainstream because you are afraid to fail. Here is another event that I encourage you to attend. This may give you the answers to all your questions about taking your steps to become a successful mompreneur someday. 

Take Your Step To Success at the Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo
and the Entrepreneur Success Summit this June 27-29

The ENTREPRENEUR AND FRANCHISE EXPO 2014 with the tagline, “Your Step to Success!”, is set to be held on June 27-29, 2014 at the Megatrade Hall, 5th Floor, Mega B Building, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Empowering over 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from various business sectors, the 3-day event features innovative and fast growing businesses, from food, education, retailing, real estate, travel, automobiles, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and financing that visitors can explore from. 

The expo will also provide seminars on how to build a successful business, from funding, hiring, to finding the perfect business for you, making it the perfect market place for aspiring entrepreneurs and future franchises. 

“Over 99% percent of registered businesses in the Philippines are MSMEs according to the DTI, but they combined only contribute to 30% of the National GDP. With the ASEAN integration happening in 2015 with new competition coming in, our vision as the expo organizer is to strengthen local businesses and provide a platform for them to showcase their innovative products and services. We also provide assistance for business owners and executives to network amongst other professionals and stakeholders in order to open opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own business and for local businesses to grow regional”, says MEDIACOM SOLUTIONS INC. President and Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo Founder and Managing Director, David Abrenilla.

The Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo 2014 is supported by the Young Entrepreneurs Society Philippines and the Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA), lead by multi-awarded franchise developer Mr. Rudolf Kotik, who will share his insights on how to build and grow a successful franchise business on Sunday, June 29 from 3pm-5pm.

Highlight of the event is the ENTREPRENEUR SUCCESS SUMMIT (ESS) 2014, to be held on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the Megatrade Function Room, 5th floor, Building B, from 1pm-7pm. ESS is a comprehensive series of talks by 20 entrepreneurs and business innovators who will share their time and secrets to success to empower business owners professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses and their ideas.

 

The summit will feature 5 talking topics: Building a successful Start Up Business, Money Mind 101, Passion4Fashion Entrepreneurship, Building a Food Empire and New Media Marketing. Among the roster of speakers will be Globally Award Winning Brand Architect, Risk/Crises/Reputation Strategist, Marketing and Communications Innovator and Founding Director of GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications, Amor Maclang; MultiMedia Entrepreneur, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Flippish.com, Chris Tan; Managing Director of MetroDeal, Ralph Manalo Wunsch; SME Advocate, Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 Finalist and Chairman & CEO of Esquire Financing, Rajan Uttamchandani; Educational Entrepreneur, ANC’s On The Money Host and President of The Masters Academy Homeschool, Edric Mendoza; Tech-Entrepreneur and CEO of TwitMusic.com, Stefano Fazzini; E-Commerce Advocate and DigitalFilipino.com Founder, JanetteToral; Tech-Entrepreneur and Regional Director of Freelancer.com, Jojy Azurin; Intl. Networking Entrepreneur and Co-founder of the Freight Summit, Nils Walle; Design Strategist, Branding Expert and Co-Founder of KKK Coffee, Bryan Tenorio; Fashion Blogger and Stylist Patricia Prieto; Radio Personality, model & Fashion Entrepreneur, Co-founder of SisiterSecrets.com, Karen Bordador; Food Entrepreneur and Mercato Market Co-founder, RJ Ledesma; Mercato Market Co-Founder and founder of OurAwesomePlant.com, Anton Diaz; Draft GastroPub co-founder Mitch Malli; Mandaluyong City Councilor and Co-founder of SisiterSecrets.com, Charisse Abalos and many more. 

Exhibiting companies include Injoy by Doxo, Globe MyBusiness, 2Go Express, Benchmark Email Marketing, Gleent Innovations, Uber Technologies, Infinity Hub, Persia Grill, SisterSecrets, BN Whitenning Shoppe, Gloria Jeans Coffee, UniOil, Esquire Financing and many more.
 

Register at www.efe.ph to get a FREE Priority Access Pass and to attend the summit.
 

Connect via https://www.facebook.com/EFEph.
 

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The WAHM 101: How to be a Work at Home Mom Workshop

I remember the days when I didn't get tired of waking up, dressing up for work, and doing the same routines everyday. Seeing my students made me more inspired to go back to work.

When I decided to become a full time mom nine years ago, I thought that there was no life after teaching. From a working girl to a SAHM, it was very hard to adjust. Hubby wasn't beside me when I was pregant with Ross. He was sent to China to teach. Being blessed with the presence of my grandmother, mother, and brother made me stronger, knowing that I could depend on them when everything else would fail.

I used to help Mom in packing her rosaries for UST Parish Store and sometimes made some finishing touches on her creations. My focus then was on my motherly and wifely duties and further studies. I thought that starting a home-based business like what my Mom did  was impossible that time. My hands were tight then.

In 2010, when Ice was born, Mom suggested that I should put my love of crafting into something worthwhile. Hubby was here and I had all the support from my family. It was UST's 400th Founding Anniversary when I realized that I should took advantage of the situation by creating souvenirs like shirts, fans, mugs, and key holders for alumni and students as well. 

I felt empowered when I received my first pay check as a mompreneur. The fact that I could earn again while doing the things that I love, gain financial independence while having the privilege of taking care of my kids and Hubby, and buy things for myself and my loved ones without asking money from Hubby, gave me the sense of fulfillment that I had when I was still teaching. It was invigorating! I felt more complete and there was a sense of purpose and direction. 

I learned the ins and outs of my business based on experience alone. I had no chance of attending workshops due to the demands of the workshop schedule. They would take two to three days that fall on weekdays. Nobody was going to look after my kids because Hubby was at work and busy with further studies.  

Now we are privileged to have workshops offered by Manila Workshops and WAHMderful Life on a weekend. 

Manila Workshops was established to provide a venue for people to continuously learn and aspire for their professional or personal goals in life. Workshops are continuously created that would help enhance knowledge in creativity, business, and personal development. It was founded in January 2012 by blogger and mompreneur, Ginger Palma-Arboleda.

WAHMderful Life is dedicated to equip, empower and inspire women both married and mothers to live life beautifully while working from home. WAHMderful Life Workshops are created to connect, form relationships, and expand moms' network during its regular learning events. It was founded by award winning blogger and blogging coach, Martine de Luna.

This month, they will give the highly anticipated workshop entitled, The WAHM: How to be a Work at Home Mom.

 

I encourage you, Mommies, to attend this workshop. For only Php1200, you'll learn the following:

• Actual steps that WAHMs took; transition from a working girl to WAHM  
• strategies on creating your own job, so that you can use your skills to start working from home, even if you’re still employed
• ups and downs of being a WAHM; learn from WAHMs who’ve made mistakes but become very successful in the work-at-home lifestyle. Three very inspiring WAHMs will share their experiences.

  

Goodies from Unilab will be given to all participants too!

You can avail the early bird rate, Php1000, if you register on or before June 15, 2014.

For more details about the workshop and to register and pay online, you may go to these links:

http://manilaworkshops.com/2014/05/the-wahm-101-how-to-be-a-work-at-home-mom.html
http://wahmderfullife.com/2014/05/21/wahm-101/ 

To be updated, you may also join their community by visiting and liking their Facebook pages:

https://www.facebook.com/manilaworkshops
https://www.facebook.com/WAHMderfulLife


The WAHM 101: How to be a Work at Home Mom Workshop is sponsored by 88DB.com, Unilab, and Insular Life. 


Save the date!

The WAHM 101: How to be a Work at Home Mom will be held on June 28, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the 12th floor Multi-Purpose Hall Insular Life Building, Ayala Avenue corner Paseo De Roxas, Makati City.

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Best Places to Shop for School Materials + My Recommended Brands

Mommies, are you still planning to do your last minute school materials shopping? I have here a list of best places to shop and my recommended brands for your kiddos.

Divisoria

If you live in the northern or southern part of Metro Manila where public transportation is accessible and you have three  kids and above to shop for, I recommend Divisoria. Many people find the stuff on the streets of C.M. Recto and nearby malls very cheap but when you go to the heart of Divisoria, you'll find more stalls that offer cheaper supplies.

Here are the streets where you can find producers, wholesalers, and retailers of different local and imported brands offering factory prices.

--- umbrellas, shoes, bags, socks, uniforms, underwear, handkerchiefs, towels, rain coats, boots, clothes: Juan Luna Street

 

--- fabrics, uniforms, and clothes: Ylaya Street

--- wrappers, microwaveable plastic containers, boxes, lunch boxes, paper bags, plastic wares, packaging supplies, home wares: Juan Luna and Sta. Elena Streets

--- ribbons, native products, costumes, sewing and crafting materials: Tabora Street

      Note: There is a small "eskinita" or "pasilyo" on Tabora Street near Wellmanson where you can find good quality school uniforms and scrub suits. 

--- baking supplies, fruits, hair and fashion accessories: Carmen Planas Street

--- wholesaler of school supplies: Sto. Cristo Street  

  

Here's the map for your reference courtesy of www.smartparenting.com.ph.

If you are not familiar with Divisoria, you may also download the DIVISORIA GUIDE APP on iTunes to have an access to offline map that covers all the streets of Divisoria and where and how to score the best deals. 

 

Website: www.divisoriaguide.com

Photo and Info Credits: http://www.nognoginthecity.com

 

Pros: When you go to these streets, you'll save so much compared to the malls, stalls, and street vendors along C. M. Recto Avenue. The vendors selling on the streets or "bangketa" get their goods from the wholesalers whose stores are located on the above-mentioned streets. Be patient. It will be a long walk but you'll save more. The best part is you can haggle. You can purchase the items almost half the price compared to shopping malls and other bookstores. There are more shops to choose from. If you wish to buy shoes and bags from a reputable brand, there are nearby malls like Lucky Chinatown, Tutuban Center, or Robinsons. Food stalls and restaurants are accessible too.

Cons:  It's very difficult to shop during weekends and holidays. Go there very early. Shops open starting 8:00 AM. Please don't bring very young children. Kawawa sila kasi mainit at maraming tao. I don't recommend bringing your own car due to lack of parking spaces. If you still want to bring your own car, there's a parking area behind Tutuban Center Mall.

 SM Savemore , SM Malls, Robinsons Malls, National Bookstore

Pros and Cons: If you have one or two kids, you don't have to go to Divisoria kasi sayang ang pagod. They offer "Best Buy" or set items which you can save more too. It's a little pricey compared to Divisoria but here you can bring your kids along because it's much convenient to shop and air conditioned. 

All the things you need are placed under one roof. The prices are higher compared to Divisoria but there are many reputable brands to choose from. All you need to do is to be a wise and practical spender. Avail of their promos and special offers to save more.

Some of My Recommended Brands:

Bags

HAWK

It's expensive to be very honest but it's durable. My son will  use his 3 year old Hawk bag this school year. When washed, it looks like brand new again.

Shoes
GIBI, WORLD BALANCE

Uniforms

Pants and Skirts: Colours, Canadian Club, Campus

Blouse and Polo: Campus  

These brands are long lasting at hindi naghihimulmol.

Pencil and Coloring Materials 

FABER CASTELL, MONGOL, and CRAYOLA

The quality is very good, lasts longer, and produces nice outputs. For preschoolers, make sure to purchase jumbo pencils and crayons since their fine motor skills are not that developed yet.

Ballpens and Markers 

PILOT, STABILO, ARTLINE, FASTER, & PANDA

Paper 

HARD COPY, ADVANCE, BEST BUY @ National Bookstore, LOW PRICE STATIONERY @ SM

Notebooks

SPRING LEAF, STRADMORE, AVANTI, ADVANCE, STERLING, GREEN APPLE, CORONA 

Clearbooks

SM School Supplies Sections offers cheaper clearbooks starting at Php49.75.  When you buy them from Divisoria, they're cheaper.


Do the following to be safe and avoid overspending:

- Eat a heavy meal.
- Bring big eco-bags.
- Bring a small toiletries kit.
- Bring your own drink and snack.
- Carry a list of what you need to buy.
- When going to Divisoria, don't bring expensive valuables and gadgets or wear jewelry.

 

Hope this list helps, Mommies! If you have your own ideas and recommendations, feel free to comment under this post. Thanks!

 

 

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The Advantages of Using iPrice Coupons Philippines

To attract new and old customers, coupons are now considered as one the most popular marketing and advertising strategies used by manufacturers and sellers.

Due to high prices of services and commodities, everyone including the ones who are capable of spending are finding ways to save money. Using coupons is one of the best means to do that.

Popularity in online shopping makes coupons available in the web right now aside from newspapers. This makes it easier for consumers to shop in the comforts of their homes at discounted rates.

If you are looking for the best site for coupons, I recommend that you visit iPrice Coupons Philippines. It is one of the most popular coupon sites in Southeast Asia today. 

Advantages of using iPrice Coupons Philippines:

 

1. The site posts free coupons and vouchers and does not require any membership. It aims to promote the best online shopping experience to consumers.

2. It is keen about saving money while enjoying online shopping, thus focusing on offering the latest and highest quality deals or promotion codes for the most prestigious and well-known shops and brands all over the Philippines. 

3. It is constantly testing and sourcing its vouchers and deals individually in cooperation with its exclusive partners and brands.

4. It organizes deals by store and categories what makes it easy for consumers to find where they want to save; sometimes more than 70% on everything they are looking for. 

5.  It promises to be always up to date by marking active and expired vouchers or coupons. 

Source: http://iprice.ph/coupons/#.U3zmgjfcAsI

 

iPrice Coupons Philippines' featured stores and most popular coupons can be found on the right side of the page.

Here are the partner stores of  iPrice Coupons Philippines:

 Zalora Philippines Coupon Codes, Vouchers, Discounts

Lazada Philippines Coupon Codes, Vouchers, Discounts 

Foxysales Philippines Coupon Codes, Vouchers, Discounts 

Wego Philippines Coupon Codes, Vouchers, Discounts 

Bebe Philippines Coupon Codes, Vouchers, Discounts
 

Still don't know how to use the iPrice Coupon Code? Watch THIS VIDEO to learn more. 

Enjoy shopping! 

 

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MANILA ON SALE: One Stop Site for Bargain Hunters in the Metro!

I was looking for current bazaars here in Metro Manila during the holiday season and I was fortunate to stop by MANILA ON SALE's website.

For frugal shoppers like me, this is our perfect guide to bazaars, great deals, upcoming and current sale, promos, and discounts on top local and international brands in the Metro! 

Here are some of the latest from MANILA ON SALE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

and there's more, more, more!!!!

Join the MANILA ON SALE community and get updates  daily! Click the links below:

Like MANILA ON SALE on Facebook

Follow MANILA ON SALE on Twitter

Follow MANILA ON SALE  on Google+

Click THIS or the photo below to go to MANILA ON SALE's Official Website.

 

Enjoy bargain hunting!    

   

Photo Credits: Manila On Sale

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Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo 2014: Your Step to Success

 After successfully staging the Philippine SME Business Expo 2013, the country’s biggest expo for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) last July 12-14, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center Taguig, with 140 participating businesses and over 10,000 visitors, MediaCom Solutions, Inc.,  Philippines’ preferred stakeholders’ communications and events enterprise is presenting the country’s biggest exhibition and convention for innovative entrepreneurs and growing franchise businesses, the ENTREPRENEUR AND FRANCHISE EXPO 2014.

  

The ENTREPRENEUR AND FRANCHISE EXPO 2014 with the tagline, “Your Step to Success!” is set to be held on June 27-29, 2014 at the Megatrade Hall, Hall1, 5^th Level, Mega B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. 

 Empowering over 150 Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from various business sectors, from food, education, retailing, real estate, travel, automobiles, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, IT, financing and more.

“Our vision is to provide entrepreneurs a top environment with fun-filled activities and exciting programs where they can network with other business stakeholders, introduce their businesses, learn the latest industry trends and to assist them in growing their business to achieve the next step to success” says MediaCom Solutions, Inc. CEO and Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo organizer, David Abrenilla.

The Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo 2014 is supported by the Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA) and will feature the latest innovations and showcase exciting products and services from the brightest entrepreneurs in the Philippines. This three-day event will feature personal finance guru, Randell Tiongson, RFP, Digitalfilipino.com founder, Janette Toral, Freelance Regional Director for Continental Asia, Jojy Azurin and many more as they share their success stories on how to make it in the world of business.

This event is sponsored by Injoy and supported by Department of Science and Technology –Technology Application and Promotion Institute, Brother Philippines, UniOil Petroleum Philippines, Inc., Le’Ondell, Jetti, Global Pinoy Remittance & Services, Nail Cocktales, Becken Trading, Ever Bilena, Yan Yan International, Laminine, Express Pay, Tapa King, E-Concepts, Victoria’s Empanada, Bon Appetea, MShoppe, Positive Living Station, Starkaffea Corporation and many more.

For more inquiries and bookings, visit www.efe.ph or call the EFE secretariat at (+632) 843-2174 or email entrepreneurandfranchiseexpo@gmail.com. 

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Teaching Kuya the Importance of Investing, Saving, Wise Spending, and Delayed Gratification

Three months ago, my husband and I decided to teach my eight year old son a better way to understand that valuing money is very, very essential.  We asked him to invest in our home-based business Php 350.00 of his savings. 

We used Kuya's money in purchasing raw materials in creating  these Keep Calm and Posters-inspired key holders. Sales went directly to him. We guided him on how to use his money properly.

When we gave him his gross income, he bought  Artzooka (Php 299.75) and a small pack of Mighty Beans (Php 99.75) that he wanted for a very long time which we refused to buy before. These were his rewards after earning from his first investment. He reinvested Php 350.00 then planned to save what remained.

He told us that he realized that money was hard to earn. He felt good knowing that he was capable of buying things for himself by investing and earning. The result of delayed gratification was so sweet!

He would ask us to buy him toys whenever we go to the mall but we wouldn't give in. I would tell him that he has plenty at home so why buy often. He would listen but we could feel his sadness and frustration.


After this learning experience, he was able to understand us. He realized the importance of  PRIORITIZING WHAT WE NEED AND NOT WHAT WE WANT. He was happy that he could make a way to own the things that he wanted but he should work hard to get them.

These are the photos out of his reward, Artzooka! He made all these by himself with so much patience, love, and pride!

Kuya has so much to learn! Thank God he is very much willing to listen...

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