The spirit of community radiates at the first leg of NakakaLocal Year 4 Bazaar
PhilStar Media Group’s NakakaLocal, in partnership with Ortigas Malls, marked the fruitful start of its fourth year at GH Mall with the NakakaLocal Bazaar that ran from Aug. 15 to 17.
PMG and Ortigas Malls executives, alongside government figures, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony: Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice-president of PMG; Jay Sarmiento, vice-president of sales and marketing of PMG; Catherine Agustin, OIC regional director of Department of Tourism, National Capital Region; Jay Acar, acting regional director of Department of Trade and Industry, NCR; Architect Renee Bacani, vice-president and head of Ortigas Malls; James Candelaria, AVP - head of Mall Operations of Ortigas Malls; Monique Castañeda, AVP and head of Marketing of Ortigas Malls; and Cathy Duenas, AVP - head of Leasing of Ortigas Malls.
Dy Tioco opened the program by delivering a speech in Filipino, in line with the celebration of the National Language Month every August.
“Sa temang ‘Come Together,’ naniniwala tayo sa kapangyarihan ng pagkakaisa—na kapag nagsama-sama ang puso at gawa ng bawat Pilipino, mas mapalalakas natin ang ating ekonomiya at mapalalago ang ating mga lokal na produkto,” Dy Tioco said.
In her speech, Arch. Bacani highlighted how Ortigas Malls has been a home for local brands: “Through our participation at NakakaLocal Bazaar, we are once again reminded that supporting local is not just a trend; it is a responsibility we all share.”
DTI’s Acar then shared an anecdote about an MSME owner who started small and eventually grew their brand, highlighting the importance of supporting locally-made products.
“Buying local is not only a choice, but a shared commitment to our nation's product. I encourage everyone to continue supporting our MSMEs. Every local product you purchase is more than just a transaction. It's an investment in someone's dream,” he shared.
DOT’s Agustin talked about the importance of MSMEs to the tourism industry: “By nurturing local businesses, we elevate the Filipino brand, showcase our cultural heritage, creative talents, and unique products to the world. By empowering the MSMEs, we are fostering economic stability, generating sustainable employment opportunities, and strengthening the fabric of our communities.”
Local products in the spotlight
Entrepreneurial excellence was celebrated at the event, with 19 MSMEs gathering not only to sell their products to mallgoers, but also to share their stories.
Among the merchants who joined the event were Odel, Jorvien, Versa, malayA The Conscious Club, Huebadera Clothing, Dazzlerati, bag’ito, Jhaz Footwear, Craftcha, Cattwrites, Iosifin Studio, A.Mara Parfum, Clara Scents, Minnie’s Cakes & Pastries, Chops to Go, BikedPH, Masa Madre Bakehouse, Chitoe’s Homemade Products, and Kultura PH.
Each participating brand was given the chance to present its products on stage during the MSME Spotlight segment.
Tugtog local: Spotlighting homegrown artists
Two Filipino artists graced the NakakaLocal stage on opening day. Gava, an artist from SuperbUs Entertainment, performed songs that hit the sweet spot. Adding to the enjoyment was Jhamil Villanueva, who had the crowd swooning with his voice.
STAR LOCAL returns
Aside from the familiar lineup of participating MSMEs, the singing competition STAR LOCAL is also back for the fourth year of NakakaLocal. The talent showcase provides a platform for singers to perform and flaunt their talents.
Two STAR LOCAL finalists will be chosen for each leg of the competition, with each finalist taking home P5,000 in cash. They will also get the chance to advance to the Grand Finals, which will be held at the 2026 NakakaBazaar event. The ultimate champion will win an exclusive VIVA Artist Management contract.
For NakakaLocal’s fourth year, the judges of the competition are John Adrian Bautista, artist and repertoire at Vicor Music Corporation, Norainne Marie Ambida, junior artist and repertoire at Viva Records Corporation, and Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice-president of PMG.
Six participants were chosen to compete during this year’s first leg: Robert Valenzuela, Ma. Angeli Pura, Shekinah Baldono, Joanna “Diwa” Crisanto, Leigh Atienza, and Ralph Ballado.
After the singing showdown, Pura and Atienza were chosen as winners for this leg, each winning a P5,000 cash prize and the chance to compete in the grand finals.
