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2026/09/04

7 Reasons to Visit the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair

Toto 9/04/2026 06:24:00 AM

The next great Filipino brand may be closer than you think. Behind every handcrafted accessory, woven textile, artisanal delicacy, sustainable fashion piece, and proudly Filipino product is a woman who turned an idea, passion, or tradition into a growing business. Some are keeping generations-old craftsmanship alive, while others are creating livelihood opportunities and making a difference in their communities. For these women entrepreneurs, the journey is about more than building a business, it is about taking their products beyond trade fairs and pop-up markets and bringing them closer to a wider market through new retail opportunities.


Behind every booth is a woman, a story, and a Filipino brand waiting to be discovered. Women entrepreneurs proudly showcase their creations at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair at SM Megamall, where WomenBizPH and SM Supermalls, through SM for MSMEs, create opportunities for homegrown businesses to gain visibility, connect with more customers, and take their next step toward growth.

These stories came together at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair 2026, which opened at SM Megamall on August 10, bringing women entrepreneurs, government leaders, industry partners, and shoppers together for three days of business, learning, and meaningful connections.

Organized by WomenBizPH in partnership with SM Supermalls through SM for MSMEs, the trade fair celebrates more than what's being sold. It puts the spotlight on the remarkable women behind the brands and creates opportunities for more Filipino businesses to be seen, supported, and discovered.

Here are seven reasons why this year's trade fair is more than just a marketplace.

1. Every booth has a story waiting to be discovered. Walk through the trade fair and you'll discover more than beautiful products. You'll meet master weavers preserving generations of Filipino craftsmanship, entrepreneurs transforming family recipes into businesses, and women turning local materials and creative ideas into products that can compete in a much bigger marketplace.

For Ma. Cecilia Mina of Tinguian Ethnic Art Handloom Woven Products from Apayao, trade fairs have changed the way they reach customers. “Dati, naglalako lang kami para makabenta. Napakalaking ginhawa na nakakasali kami sa mga ganitong trade fair. Pang-limang taon na po namin dito.” Her experience captures something easily overlooked when shopping: behind every booth may be an entrepreneur who once had to go from place to place looking for customers—and who now has a marketplace where customers can discover her.

As Rosemarie Bosch Ong, President of WomenBizPH, shared during the opening, the Women Strong Network is about building not only businesses, but a community where women can learn, grow, and inspire one another, with platforms such as SM helping their stories and products reach more people.

2. You might discover your next favorite Filipino brand. From handcrafted fashion and woven home décor to artisanal food, wellness products, accessories, personal care, and sustainable lifestyle brands, the trade fair brings together a diverse collection of women-led Filipino enterprises. But the best discoveries often begin with a conversation.

Here, shoppers can meet the entrepreneurs themselves, ask about how products are made, hear the inspiration behind a brand, and understand the work that goes into something they might otherwise simply pick up from a shelf. Every purchase supports a local entrepreneur. Every new customer expands a brand's reach. And every discovery can bring a small business one step closer to its next opportunity.

Filipino creativity, craftsmanship, and culture in every creation. From contemporary Filipiniana and handwoven bags to intricate artworks and locally crafted jewelry, women-led MSMEs bring tradition to life through products that celebrate Filipino heritage while reimagining it for today’s market at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair.

3. Great entrepreneurs never stop learning. Building a successful business takes more than having a great product. The opening program reinforced the importance of continuously learning, adapting, innovating, and building the right partnerships. Government agencies, private-sector organizations, and industry leaders came together to reaffirm their support for helping women entrepreneurs become more competitive through market access, capability-building, innovation, and collaboration.

Women MSMEs connect directly with shoppers and guests at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair, creating meaningful moments to share their products, tell the stories behind their brands, and build relationships that can open doors to new customers and future growth.

Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista underscored the role of women entrepreneurs in driving economic growth and the importance of collaboration among government, the private sector, WomenBizPH, and SM for MSMEs in providing knowledge, support, and market opportunities. Day 2 continues with business talks, mentoring, and discussions on innovation and transformation to help entrepreneurs prepare for their next stage of growth.

4. Sometimes the biggest opportunity begins with a conversation. Not every measure of success happens at the checkout counter. Throughout the trade fair, entrepreneurs connect directly with shoppers, fellow founders, mentors, government representatives, and potential business partners. A conversation can become a new customer. An introduction can lead to a collaboration. A trade fair appearance can open the door to a bigger market. For MSMEs, these connections matter because growing a business isn't simply about selling more—it is also about meeting the people and finding the opportunities that can help take the business forward.


Creating connections that help businesses grow. Guests and partners engage with women entrepreneurs at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair, opening opportunities for greater visibility, new customers, and meaningful connections.

Creating connections that help businesses grow. Guests and partners engage with women entrepreneurs at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair, opening opportunities for greater visibility, new customers, and meaningful connections.

5. Behind every product is a community and culture worth supporting. For many women entrepreneurs, their businesses represent something bigger than themselves. Sitti Go Se of Mindanao Pearl International, a third-generation business owner, works with people from her own community in Sulu who harvest the pearls and create the jewelry sold by the company.

“Ang mga empleyado po sa amin ay mismong mga kababayan namin sa Sulu. Sila po ang umaani ng pearls at gumagawa ng jewelry. Proud Filipino po tayo—ang designs namin ay sariling atin. These events help promote our products and culture, and we get a lot of inquiries and sales through them.” Her story shows the ripple effect behind supporting a Filipino MSME: one purchase can help sustain a business, create livelihood, preserve craftsmanship, and bring a community's culture to a wider audience.

6. Success deserves to be celebrated—and shared. The Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair also creates opportunities to recognize women who continue to push their businesses forward. The celebration continues with entrepreneur learning sessions, networking opportunities, exhibitor testimonials, the Amazing Weaves Distinction Awards, and the Capstone Awards, recognizing excellence across areas such as creativity, craftsmanship, innovation, sales performance, and booth presentation. But recognition is about more than receiving an award. When the journey of one woman entrepreneur is celebrated, it can show another aspiring entrepreneur what is possible. And sometimes, seeing someone else's success is the encouragement another woman needs to finally take her own first step.

Proudly Filipino fashion takes center stage. House of Musa showcases its distinctive take on contemporary Filipino design at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair, bringing local craftsmanship and cultural influences to life through bold, modern pieces that celebrate Filipino creativity and identity.

7. A trade fair can be the beginning of something much bigger. For SM Supermalls, a trade fair is more than a place to sell—it can be a pathway to growth. Through SM for MSMEs, entrepreneurs gain opportunities to be discovered, reach new customers, and take their businesses further.

For Gloria Pantaleon, owner of Gloria’s Delicacies, that opportunity has already opened new doors. “We started by joining trade fairs, and today some of our popular products are already being distributed through SM Hypermarket. Our dream is to reach even more customers through other SM retail channels. That’s what opportunities like these can do—give a small local business like ours a pathway to become something bigger.”

Corrs Valenton, CEO of Corrsy’s Kitchen, shares a similar journey from a small start to a growing retail presence. “I started with just a small booth at SM in 2022. Today, we have grown into kiosks at SM City Fairview and SM City Bicutan. SM gave us the opportunity to be discovered, reach more customers, and turn a small beginning into a growing business.”

Their journeys reflect what Royston Cabunag, Assistant Vice President and Head of SM Communities at SM Supermalls, shared during the opening: “At SM Supermalls, we believe our role goes beyond providing places where people shop. Through SM for MSMEs, we create platforms where entrepreneurs can be discovered, local brands can flourish, and communities can thrive. Behind every great Filipino brand is an entrepreneur whose story deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated.”

Because the journey from market to mainstream can begin with one opportunity to be discovered—and the right platform to grow.

Discover the Women Behind Today's Inspiring Filipino Brands

Whether you're looking for handcrafted gifts, sustainable fashion, homegrown delicacies, or simply a story that inspires, the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair offers more than a shopping experience. It is an invitation to meet the makers, discover proudly Filipino brands, and support the women building businesses that strengthen families, preserve communities, and create new possibilities.

Discover proudly Filipino flavors. From artisanal chocolates and local delicacies to bottled specialties and innovative food products, women-led MSMEs showcase the creativity and diversity of Filipino entrepreneurship at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair—giving shoppers more homegrown brands to discover, taste, and support.

Visit the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair 2026:

SM Megamall | August 10–12
SM City Cebu | August 14–16

Because behind every booth is more than a business. It's a woman with a dream—and perhaps, the next great Filipino brand waiting to be discovered.

2024/06/19

updates

DITO Unveils Exciting New Prepaid Promo: 'Level-Up Socials

Toto 6/19/2024 10:02:00 PM

Social media has emerged as a central hub for modern communication.

Users regularly turn to platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share personal updates and engage with their communities. Whether it's documenting travel adventures, celebrating milestones, or showcasing daily routines, people meticulously curate their feeds with captivating photos, stories, and aesthetic reels to highlight their experiences. Additionally, these platforms serve as vital tools for promoting businesses, advocating for causes, and staying informed about current events and trends.

Instant messaging apps such as Messenger and WhatsApp have revolutionized the way we stay connected with family and friends. Group chats filled with humorous videos and memes, along with video calls to share the latest gossip, have made socializing more enjoyable, efficient, and accessible.

Indeed, social media has become an integral part of our lives by providing a platform for entertainment and information, supporting businesses, and fostering communities. Therefore, having access to affordable and generous data is no longer optional but a “must-have” to stay online and connected anytime, anywhere.

At the forefront of providing affordable and value-packed data subscription is DITO Telecommunity, the fastest-growing telecommunications provider in the country, which now officially launched DITO Level-Up Socials -- the newest and exciting mobile prepaid data subscription that offers high-speed and affordable data allocation for Meta apps (Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp), giving Filipinos more reasons to love DITO!

This new prepaid promo aims to provide bigger data allocation so Filipinos can level-up their socials and experience the best of Meta apps at a pocket-friendly price, enabling them to continuously like, heart, and share photos and create video contents for the world to see!

“The launch of Level-Up Socials underscores DITO’s commitment to continuously provide affordable and reliable connection to all Filipinos. Through this, customers can now enjoy subscriptions packed with generous data allocations for META such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Messenger, and WhatsApp,” said Evelyn Jimenez, DITO Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer business.

With DITO Level-Up Socials, customers can enjoy a total of 7GB data (3.5GB for Meta Apps + 3.5GB all-access data) for only PhP 50, valid for three days. Other Level-Up Socials data subscriptions include Level-Up Socials-20 packed with 2.5GB data (2GB for Meta Apps + 500 MB all-access data) valid for one day and Level-Up Socials-70 with a total of 10GB data (5GB for Meta Apps + 5GB all-access data) valid for seven days.

For users looking for higher data allocation and a longer validity period, Level-Up Socials-299 comes with a total of 40GB of data (35GB for Meta apps + 5GB all-access data), valid for 30 days. Level-Up Socials-399 has a total of 60GB data (50GB for Meta Apps + 10GB all-access data), while Level-Up Socials 499 and 599 have a total of 75GB data (60GB for Meta Apps+ 15GB all-access data) and 90GB data (70GB for Meta Apps + 20GB all-access data), respectively.

“In this increasingly digital and interconnected world, we’re adding this exciting new product to our portfolio to give our prepaid customers more options for their data subscriptions, especially for Meta apps enthusiasts. Filipinos are heavy users of social media, since we love to stay in touch with our family and friends online; hence, through Level-Up Socials, we are enabling them to stay connected and empowering them to create and share more content for the people they love,” Jimenez added.

Prepaid customers can now purchase DITO Level-Up Socials promos via the DITO App and DITO Authorized Retailers and Partner Stores nationwide.

For more information about DITO Level-Up Socials and other prepaid promos, visit https://dito.ph/prepaid.

2021/01/27

updates

‘ASAP’ SIMULCAST ON TV 5 IGNITES NETIZEN REACTIONS

Toto 1/27/2021 09:15:00 AM

A milestone for the entertainment industry, as two big networks in the country, pave way for first-ever collaboration to bring a good show for the Filipino people. “ASAP Natin ‘To,” the country’s longest-running weekly musical variety show, debuted on TV5 last Sunday as the latest platform that enabled more Filipinos nationwide to enjoy the best concert experience on television.

Its official hashtag #ASAPasONE trended at number one on Twitter as fans flooded it with positive reviews, giving the historic airing over 100,000 posts.

“We are stronger avid viewers of A2Z, Kapatid, and Kapamilya networks,” said @jay_monterey.

“They broke ABS-CBN into pieces. Now they are all scattered in different platforms and channels. Cable TV, app online, satellite TV, and 2 free TV networks. They cannot stop us for being in the service of the Filipino,” @mahusay_magtweet posted.

@drixsalazar tweeted, “Wow Christmas Special ba ito? Siksik, liglig, at umaapaw ang mga bituin!”

The show featured a stellar line-up of performances, starting with the powerhouse opening by the show’s main hosts and OPM stalwarts, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Erik Santos, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, and Gary Valenciano, who sang the Alamid classic, “Sama-Sama.”

Social media also exploded with different hashtags created by fans for the show’s hosts and guests. Among the many that trended included #ASAPonTV5, #WeLoveYouQueenRegine, #TheUnkabogableVGonASAP, #KyCine51MOSonASAPMAYWARDSundayTreat #ALJONNatinonASAP, at marami pang iba.

Joining them were an all-star ensemble of Kapamilya hosts, including “It’s Showtime”’s Vice Ganda, Vhong Navarro, andJhongHilario, “Magandang Buhay” Momshies Karla Estrada, Jolina Magdangal, and Melai Cantiveros. The cast of hit teleseryes “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin,’ and “Bagong Umaga” also joined the spectacular number.

Inspiring acts followed, including Jed Madela, Jason Dy, Nyoy Volante, Janine Berdin, Elha Nympha, Jona, and KZ while Joshua Garcia,Enchong Dee, Loisa Andalio, and Kim Chiu served up sensational numbers. Providing an exciting teaser to the upcoming series “Huwag Kang Mangamba” are its cast made up of the Gold Squad and Angeline Quinto, who sang the show’s theme song.

Meanwhile, the show also welcomed award-winning actress and newest Kapamilya star Janine Gutierrez to the ABS-CBN family.

Since 1995, “ASAP Natin 'To” has brought to Filipino homes the biggest and brightest performers that deliver a weekly concert experience.

TV5 will also air “FPJ: Da King,” the films of the “King of Philippine Movies” Fernando Poe Jr., every Sunday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

“ASAP Natin ‘To” is also available on the Kapamilya Channel (cable), A2Z Channel 11 (free TV), Kapamilya Online Live (free live streaming), iWantTFC (on-demand streaming), and TFC (overseas subscription).

2020/11/24

updates

A2Z Channel 11 Now Available on Your Digital TV boxes

Toto 11/24/2020 08:46:00 AM

In case you haven't tried it yet, A2Z Channel 11, the Philippines’ TV network whose mission is to inspire and entertain, can now be seen and heard more clearly by televiewers, it is now available on digital TV boxes in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna and Pampanga. This development was announced recently by Sherwin N. Tugna, Chairman and President of Zoe Broadcasting Network, which owns and operates A2Z Channel 11.

Mr. Tugna said, “We are pleased to share the news that A2Z is now on digital TV after a successful test broadcast conducted early this month. Viewers with digital TV boxes can now watch our programs in superior picture and audio quality, for their enhanced enjoyment.”

To access A2Z Channel 11 on digital TV, follow these simple steps: 1) Press the Scan button on the remote control of the digital TV box, 2) Choose “Yes” to start auto-scan, 3) Select “OK” after scanning; 4) Find A2Z.

Formerly carrying the brand of a news TV network, A2Z rebranded to A2Z Channel 11 in October 2020. Its core religious programming composed of “Bro. Eddie Classics,” “Jesus The Healer,” and “Jesus is Lord Sunday Worship and Healing Service;” and hit CBN Asia animated series “Flying House” and “Super Book;” has now expanded to include ABS-CBN’s variety shows, teleseryes, game shows and talk shows; Knowledge Channel’s educational programs; and blockbuster Tagalog movies and Tagalized foreign films.

For the latest updates, like and follow the official A2Z Channel 11 Facebook page: www.facebook.com/OfficialA2ZPH/.

2019/07/28

Slider

GMA Network receives Diamond Button for Reaching the 10 million YouTube Subscribers

Toto 7/28/2019 09:49:00 PM

Here's some interesting news for all Kapuso followers, viewers and fans. The GMA Network, the leading conglomerate celebrates another milestone as the GMA Entertainment Channel just recently went over the 10 million subscriber mark on YouTube, thus joining the list of elite group of content creators in Southeast Asia.

With this accomplishment, the Network formally received on July 23 the Diamond Creator Award, a recognition given by YouTube to content creators that have reached 10 million subscribers. Present in the ceremonial turnover were GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon; President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr.; Executive Committee Vice Chairman Joel G. Jimenez; Executive Vice President and CFO Felipe S. Yalong; GMA New Media, Inc. (NMI) President and COO Judd Gallares; and GMA NMI Senior Vice President and General Manager Dennis Caharian. The Diamond Play Button was awarded by YouTube’s Southeast Asia Director of Content Partnerships and Business Development Vishal Sarin, and Content Partnerships Philippines Country Lead Pablo Mendoza.

Through NMI, the Network’s technology arm, GMA forged a partnership with YouTube dubbed the YouTube Player for Publishers (“YT PfP”) in mid-2017 that has enabled viewers everywhere to watch official, full episodes of GMA programs online. The partnership not only supports the anti-piracy efforts of GMA Network, but more significantly addresses the millennial video viewing habits that demand access to premium content when they want, wherever they may be. The YT PfP partnership was an enabler for GMA as it aided strategy for boosting YouTube views and hastening the acquisition of subscribers. It also allowed for a more robust content archive that used to only house show highlights, recaps, behind-the-scene videos, among others.

From only 1.6 million subscribers at the start of the YT PfP agreement in June 2017, this soared past 10 million in May this year. As of December 2018, the GMA Network YouTube channel’s rank improved from being in the Top 200 in 2017 to being among the Top 50 worldwide.

“We are very gratified that GMA has reached quite an achievement and it is translated into about four times growth [in watch time] year-on-year so that’s enough reason for us to be really happy. This is the work of many people and they are all here as we receive this Diamond Creator Award,” said Gozon.

Meanwhile, YouTube’s Sarin said, “We congratulate GMA for growing their channel to more than 10 million subscribers. This is a great milestone as there are only five media networks in Southeast Asia that have received the Diamond Creator Award and GMA is one of them.”

Of the achievement, Gallares shared, “Our mandate is to lead GMA’s transformation from a media and entertainment giant into a dominant multi-platform content provider worldwide. YouTube has in recent years been a strategic ally in this regard, as it has not only helped us expand GMA’s online footprint but it has also been key to building preference for the GMA brand. This recognition affirms that we are on track.”

Caharian further added that they were just showcasing the output of GMA Entertainment and how they help in making sure that their content can also be discovered online. “At the end of the day, what attracts a lot of viewers is still the quality of the content, so congratulations to GMA Entertainment. We’d also like to thank the viewers for their support, and we’d like them to know that many projects are in the pipeline for more viewing fun.”

Since its launch in November 2006, the GMA Entertainment channel now has 11.8 billion lifetime views. Total subscribers are currently at 11.1 million, a million more in a span of less than three months.

Other Kapuso YouTube channels include GMA News for daily video clips from the Network’s news programs, now with 4.1 million subscribers; GMA Public Affairs for documentaries, docudrama, and news magazine shows, now with 6.1 million subscribers; GMA Playlist for heartfelt song renditions from various Kapuso stars; GMA Playground for some of the Network’s child-friendly programs; and GMA Regional TV for the top stories from the regions.

For more updates on GMA Network shows, visit www.gmanetwork.com or subscribe to its YouTube channel www.youtube.com/GMANetwork.

2019/04/01

Network

IBC 13 with New Logo and New President & CEO Kat De Castro

Toto 4/01/2019 05:37:00 PM

Photo from IBC TV 13 FB Page

Does anyone remember what are the TV shows aired in Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation or IBC 13? I'm pretty sure that kids who grew up in the 80s to 90s can totally give you a lot of answers, and gladly I'm one of those kids who enjoyed the shows in Channel 13.

If you enjoy laughs and funny antics, T.O.D.A.S and Sic O'clock News will surely laugh you out of your seats. If you're into horror and scary series and I'm sure you remember the line, "Ano ang nasa dako pa roon, Bunga ng malikot na pag-iisip, Likha ng balintataw o halaw, Sa isang daigdig ng kababalaghang, Di kayang ipaliwanag ngunit, Alam mong magaganap." we this line is from the TV series Pinoy Thriller. Of course Dads who love sports, the PBA games are aired here. Also if you're a kid that time for sure you didn't missed to watch cartoons and live action heroes TV series like Bioman, Maskman, Machine Man, Masked Rider Black and Ghost Fighter.

It's really great looking back and knowing that we had a great era. Now, the network is coming back from its hiatus stage (I think) which is currently led by its President and CEO Katherine Chloe De Castro. We all know who she is, the daughter of former Vice President and veteran broadcaster Noli De Castro and TV producer Arlene De Castro.

A Communication Arts graduate of Miriam College, de Castro is no stranger to the broadcasting industry. She started her career as a field reporter in ABS-CBN Channel 2 and later on hosted her own travel show "Trip Na Trip" and business magazine show "Swak na Swak".

Malacanang appointment on De Castro, first as a Board of Director then later on as President and CEO, came at a time when IBC is transitioning from its old office in Broadcast City to the new IBC 13."

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) headed by Secretary Martin Andanar, the overseer of IBC 13, is poised to privatize the network within the year. Due diligence is being undertaken to provide smooth transition and secure all the stakeholders of the company especially its employees and blocktimers.

Meanwhile, IBC 13, with Kat De Castro at the helm, is putting its foot forward as it regains the public interest with the re-airing of its well loved IBC shows for the 80's and 90's. Dubbed as the "Ultimate Throwback", the series of classics include TODAS (Monday-Friday 7:30 PM), Sic O'Clock News (Monday-Friday 6:00pm), and Cooltura (Monday-Friday 10:30 PM).

New programs are scheduled to air on IBC starting this month. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the network, a documentary special entitled "The Original No. 1: IBC 13's Legacy to Philippine Television" airs on March 8, Friday at 9:30 PM, OOTD: Opisyal of the Day, a public affairs program featuring the senatorial candidates airs every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 PM. And coming soon is a travel show entitled "#Cooltura', a millenials approach to travelling around the Philippines.

An improved and vibrant IBC 13 courtesy of Kat De Castro is expected to happen in coming days. Their station ID says it all - iconic, bold and chill. IBC 13 will be your best companion when it comes to entertainment. Like a friend, it will make you laugh, cry, give information and advice. IBC, kaibigan mo.