Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of the Philippine economy. Comprising 99.59% of all businesses and providing over 65% of total employment, they serve as a critical driver of our nation’s growth.

To help these businesses adapt and grow in an increasingly digital world, Globe Business has been working to support MSMEs through various initiatives and technologies.

Host JP Tejada and KD Dizon, Vice President and Head of Globe Business. Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

This year, Globe Business held G Fair, a pop-up market offered MSMEs opportunities to promote their products and connect with a broad audience.

Held at the BGC Amphitheater, G Fair 2024 was part of Globe's month-long G Day celebration in September, which commemorates its iconic 0917 prefix every year.

Armelie Go-Patalud, Customer Lifecycle Management Head at Globe Business, shared the vision behind G Fair, now in its second year. "Think about it: We have over a million MSMEs in the Philippines, each one with its own unique, high-quality products. That’s what G Fair is all about. We’re celebrating their grit and creativity."

The problem has always been market access and how they can be discovered by more Filipinos, Go-Patalud explained. "We want to be the platform to showcase Filipino products and Filipino entrepreneurs."

KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business, gives her opening remarks. Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business, emphasized the event's importance. "We are holding this as a gesture of appreciation for the continued trust our clients have placed in us. Through G Fair, we aim to give them an opportunity to expand their reach and connect with new customers to grow their businesses."

Lumi Candles combines modern luxury with eco-conscious design. Handmade by Filipino artisans, they are dedicated to sustainability and animal welfare. Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

During the two-day event, Globe Business provided free booths and media promotions for 29 merchants, connecting them to Globe's wide consumer base. These artists and entrepreneurs were also given a chance to conduct workshops and demonstrations to interact with more customers.

G Fair's growth and diversity

Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

Having grown from just 20 merchants last year, this year’s event featured new regional specialties and unique offerings, expanding to more participants and a wider array of product.

Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

"We have newcomers like 'Arete,' promoting healthy detox juices, 'Russ and Rose' offering skincare products from Ilocos, and Cagayan de Oro based specialty café and roastery, H Proper Coffee Roasters," Go-Patalud added.

Other merchants include Magwai, whose primary goal is to be ocean-friendly with their reef-safe sunscreen, plastic-free shampoo bars, and towels made from recycled materials; and W Bakehouse with their naturally-fermented breads.

For the Filipinos, made by Filipinos

Araro showcases Filipino flavors with gelato made from 100% carabao's milk and locally-sourced ingredients. Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

G Fair also put emphasis on supporting Filipino farmers with 'Araro Gelato', which uses carabao's milk, as well as indigenous weavers and artisans, with Yana's Woven Textiles.

Yana's Woven Textiles’ handwoven pieces and Baybayin Bags' DIY bike bags. Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

"Yung mga ganitong handicrafts ng Pilipinas, hindi 100% na nama-market," (Handicrafts like these from the Philippines are not 100% marketed) explained Toni Jazmine, founder of Yana's Woven Textile."Nakakatuwa dahil ang Globe, malaking market siya. Masho-showcase o mapakikita ko kung ano ba 'yung mga traditional at one-of-a-kind products na mayroon tayo sa Pilipinas. So, thank you, Globe."

(It is exciting because Globe has a big market. I can showcase the traditional and one-of-a-kind products that the Philippines has to offer. So, thank you, Globe.)

Meanwhile, Kath Madrid, the co-owner of Baybayin Bags, a brand of handmade lifestyle bags from Cainta, Rizal, shared how Globe has helped their business. "Grabe 'yung boosting ng posts nila. (The boosting of their posts [on social media] is massive.) And their messaging, 'For the Filipinos, made by the Filipinos,' supporting local products, it really helps us."

Founded in 2024 by artists Mimaaaaaaaaw and Blic, VeryGood Gallery is an artist-run space in Cavite that embraces community and inclusivity. Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

Blic, co-owner of 'VeryGood Gallery', an artist-run space in Cavite, shared, "Malaki kasi 'yung market ng Globe. So, 'yung foot traffic na mabibigay niya, malaking tulong para sa amin and all the other artists and merchants here. Excited kami na ipakita 'yung art, gusto namin mag-educate. Mag-pa-painting workshop din 'yung partner ko, si Mimaaaaaaaaw."

(Globe has a big market. The foot traffic it brings is a big help for us and all the other artists and merchants here. We are excited to showcase our art and educate others. My partner, Mimaaaaaaaaw, will also hold a painting workshop.")

Rojo Galerie is a venue for Filipino visual artists to tell their stories and showcase their talent. Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

Art for Space, which recently opened an Art Farm in Laguna, promotes artists in both the local and international arenas. Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

A full digital experience at the Globe Business Hub

Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

As part of G Fair, the Globe Business Hub was set up for visitors to experience interactive platforms designed to help MSMEs.

"It is a full experience. You start by meeting GIA, the Google AI. She is a virtual assistant, and she will guide you through the Globe Business Hub journey," shared Go-Patalud. "Then there is Prosperna, a local e-commerce platform that we are partnering with. Visitors get to try to create their own website. Some think it is overwhelming to make a website, but we wanted them to see that it is not hard or intimidating. It really just takes a few clicks and steps."

Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

All merchants that participated in G Fair received a free Prosperna subscription and were given their own website, built by Prosperna from scratch. Go-Patalud shared that Prosperna also demoed the website after building it for them so that merchants could continue managing it on their own.

Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

The Globe Business Hub showcased connectivity plans, cybersecurity solutions, and AI-
powered technology, providing visitors with a glimpse of the future of business.

Free trainings and seminars designed for MSMEs

The Globe Business team. Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

Beyond G Fair, Globe Business conducts free workshops and seminars throughout the year to help MSMEs develop their digital skills. "We create a lot of masterclasses. Our free ‘Breakthrough’ seminars offer MSMEs trainings from industry experts on topics such as AI, building a website, and social media. These sessions are open to all business owners for free” Go-Patalud explained.

Dizon also highlighted the event's significance in uplifting communities. "We believe that when given the right tools, local businesses and artists can transform lives. They can uplift communities and contribute significantly to the progress of our nation. These are stories of transformation, where ideas become businesses and businesses become the lifeline of communities."

Habi Lifestyle showcases 100% Filipino-made sustainable fashion and lifestyle accessories. With partner communities around the Philippines, the brand promotes opportunities for Filipino talents and creativity to shine in their products. Photo source: Gigi Gervasio, ABS-CBN News

To learn more about how Globe Business supports local entrepreneurs, visit their website and follow them on Facebook.