PHILSME Draws 10,000 as Entrepreneurs Seek Real-World Business Connections Beyond Digital Platforms

Manila, Philippines — More than 10,000 entrepreneurs, startup founders, executives, exhibitors, and business professionals gathered at the recently concluded 18th Philippine SME (PHILSME) Business Expo & Conference at the SMX Convention Center Manila, reflecting what organizers and industry leaders describe as a growing demand for face-to-face business networking, leadership access, and real-world entrepreneurial communities despite an increasingly digital business environment.

Positioned under the theme “Legacy in Motion: Empowering Growth to the Nation,” the expo brought together more than 190 exhibitors and over 260 business solutions alongside packed conference sessions, business matching opportunities, community meetups, mentorship activities, and entrepreneurship-focused discussions.

High attendee turnout, active networking spaces, and continuing discussions beyond the conference stage reflected how entrepreneurs continue seeking real-world mentorship, collaboration, and relationship-building opportunities even in an increasingly AI-driven and digital-first business environment.

Hosted by veteran broadcaster David Celdran, the event opened with ceremonial activities led by PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla alongside Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, sponsors, and business leaders.

“Every edition of this Expo is a testament to what happens when a community truly and genuinely believes in one another — and when we all together believe in the power of Filipino business,” said Celdran during the opening program.

Throughout the two-day event, exhibitors, sponsors, and participating entrepreneurs highlighted the value of face-to-face engagement, business matching, visibility, and relationship-building opportunities generated through the PHILSME platform.

Attendees continuously gathered around the main conference stage and learning sessions, networking areas, exhibitor booths, and consultation spaces throughout the two-day expo, with many remaining after sessions to continue discussions, exchange contacts, and connect directly with speakers, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs.

“We are happy to see exhibitors, sponsors, and visitors leaving the expo not only with leads and potential clients, but also with meaningful business connections and collaborations,” said Esguerra-Abrenilla. “PHILSME has always been about building an ecosystem where Filipino entrepreneurs can grow together, learn from one another, and open doors for future opportunities.”

During her keynote message, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona emphasized the broader role of MSMEs in national development.

“The true legacy of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises is not only measured by profit. It is measured by the lives that we improve, the communities that we strengthen, and the future that we help build for every Filipino,” Lantayona said.

PHILSME Launches First-Ever Business Magazine

One of the major highlights of the event was the launch of the first-ever PHILSME Business Magazine, introduced by PHILSME Media Director and magazine editor Angie Quadra-Balibay.

“Today, PHILSME expands beyond the expo floor,” Quadra-Balibay said during the launch presentation. “For the first time, we are launching the PHILSME Business Magazine — a portrait-led publication built around the lives, decisions, and defining moments behind Filipino enterprise.”

The launch included the unveiling of the magazine exhibit and photo opportunities with featured entrepreneurs, founders, writers, and contributors featured in the inaugural issue.

Media Presser Highlights MSME Innovation and Growth

PHILSME also held its official Media Presser at the PHILSME Meet Up Space, where industry leaders and partners discussed financing accessibility, digital payments, marketing visibility, AI-powered creative tools, and expanding opportunities for MSMEs across the country.

Panelists included PHILSME CEO Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, Mike Tabaday of Skyro, Paul Albano of GCash for Business, Curtis Ko of Adobe, and Ronnel Jovita of Esquire Financing, representing sectors ranging from financing and digital payments to AI-powered creative tools and business growth solutions for MSMEs.

Meet Up Space Emerges as Networking and Learning Hub

Beyond the official Media Presser, the PHILSME Meet Up Space emerged as one of the most active engagement areas throughout the two-day expo, hosting mentoring sessions, founder meetups, networking activities, and business community discussions almost every hour.

Sessions included mentoring discussions with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Quezon City, AI for Business mentoring led by Dean Pax Lapid, and a public speaking and leadership session by Toastmasters International. The space also hosted community gatherings led by the Kapayaman Community, the PH Business Network, and the Kasosyong Malupet Group.

The PHILSME Meet Up Space also hosted the recognition ceremony for new PHILSME Business Network members, highlighting the organization’s continuing efforts to strengthen its growing community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders.

Business Leaders and Government Experts Take the Stage

Featured speakers across the conference discussed entrepreneurship, taxation, innovation, branding, technology, leadership, and business growth strategies for SMEs.

Speakers included motivational entrepreneur Bo Sanchez, Blogapalooza founder Ace Gapuz, entrepreneur Reymond “Boss RDR” delos Reyes, tax educator Ed Cervantes of EC TAXPH, Design-Ed Learning Solutions President Boni De Jesus, Write Send Convert founder John Pagulayan, SureSuccess Global CEO Jojo Apolo, Pinay Girl Boss founder Atty. Kristina “Tina” De Guzman, and Department of Science and Technology Regional Director Dr. Bernardo “Aido” Sepeda, who discussed science, technology, and innovation opportunities for MSMEs.

Overseas Filipino Entrepreneurs Share Global Insights

A special GMA Pinoy TV panel discussion titled “The Overseas Filipino Advantage: What Working Overseas Teaches About Entrepreneurship” also gathered overseas Filipino entrepreneurs and business leaders to discuss how global experience shapes entrepreneurship and nation-building.

The panel included Dubai-based entrepreneurs Nico de Guzman and Karl de Guzman, maritime leader and entrepreneur Captain Marlon Cataquis, and Esguerra-Abrenilla, who divides her time between Germany and the Philippines while leading the PHILSME ecosystem.

The discussion highlighted how overseas Filipino experience, cross-border exposure, and international business networks continue shaping new entrepreneurial perspectives among Filipino founders and business leaders.

Organizers said exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees reported strong networking activity, partnership discussions, customer leads, and business inquiries throughout the two-day event, reflecting how entrepreneurs increasingly value environments where collaboration, mentorship, relationship-building, and practical business exchange happen organically. The continuing activity across conference sessions, exhibitor booths, consultation spaces, networking areas, and community gatherings further reinforced PHILSME’s role as one of the country’s leading business platforms supporting SMEs, startups, franchising, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Even in an era dominated by digital platforms, the continuing success of the 18th PHILSME Business Expo & Conference demonstrated that entrepreneurs still actively seek real-world spaces where learning, networking, mentorship, and business conversations happen in real time.

As PHILSME continues evolving toward future editions, organizers said the platform increasingly represents more than an expo — becoming a year-round business ecosystem where Filipino entrepreneurs, founders, innovators, and industry communities can continue building relationships, sharing opportunities, and supporting one another’s growth.

The 19th PHILSME Business Expo & Conference is scheduled to return in May 2027 as organizers continue expanding the platform’s role in supporting Filipino entrepreneurship, innovation, and business collaboration.

For more information, visit: https://philsme.com