This Independence Day, the Philippines celebrates its vibrant spirit of freedom and ingenuity—a spirit perfectly reflected in Nakakalocal.
Philstar Media Group’s flagship project empowers Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises, providing a platform to showcase their creativity and resilience.
For four years, Nakakalocal has nurtured entrepreneurs, embodying the very essence of our nation’s hard-won independence.
The recent launch of “Nakakalocal Year 4: Come Together” on June 10 at Casa Buenas, Newport World Resorts, further strengthens this commitment to community and collaboration—a powerful symbol of our national identity.
A grand opening
The launch of “Nakakalocal Year 4: Come Together” drew a distinguished crowd of partners who share the same vision as Philstar Media Group. Key partner MSMEs were also in attendance, sharing inspiring speeches that highlighted their growth and success within the Nakakalocal program.
Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice-president of PMG, welcomed guests and celebrated Nakakalocal’s achievements since its inception.
“Over the past three years, Nakakalocal has become more than just a platform; it has evolved into a movement of shared dreams, global aspirations, and the relentless pursuit of creativity that defines modern Filipino culture,” Dy Tioco stated.
“We’ve proudly witnessed local enterprises not only survive but thrive as they embrace their identities and share their stories with the world.”
He also outlined the program’s goals for its fourth year: “This year, Nakakalocal levels up, not just as a campaign, but as a dynamic community where collaboration, connection, and continuous growth will flourish.”
“We are creating a space where businesses are not only showcased but fully supported with access to resources, tools, and networks that empower them to scale,” Dy Tioco added.
STAR MSME Membership: Fostering growth and community
A key highlight of Year Four’s launch was the introduction of the STAR MSME Membership, designed to further support and empower Filipino MSMEs.
It is built on three core pillars:
- Connect: Creating opportunities for MSMEs to network and build relationships
- Cultivate: Nurturing growth through exposure, events, and platforms
- Coach: Providing access to knowledge, mentorship, and tools for long-term success
Benefits of the STAR MSME Membership include social nights, free bazaar participation, PMG’s media resources, participation in workshops, and access to data-driven insights for strategic planning and partnerships.
Several STAR MSMEs—Craftcha, Clara Scents, bag’ito, Rolyolikha at iba pa Handicrafts, Iosifin Studio, Alixia Marie PH, and Jhaz—were invited and received their certificates.
Celebpreneur: Advice from fellow business owners
Nakakalocal invited renowned business figures to share valuable insights with partner MSMEs. Three celebrity entrepreneurs participated in a panel discussion, sharing their experiences, passion, persistence, and local pride.
Dani Barretto, founder and CEO of Wellness Whispers, discussed how her brand built customer trust, particularly as a wellness brand.
“I really focused on live streaming. That’s why I believe in the power of social media platforms, especially for business owners,” Barretto said. “Through TikTok live selling, I was able to fully explain the origin story of Wellness Whispers, why I started it.”
“I was able to connect immediately with my target audience.”
Barretto also emphasized the importance of training her team in live selling.
Kat Bautista, founder and COO of NYMA Talent Management, shared her approach to cultivating leadership and professionalism among new creators.
“We ensure they’re prepared to manage their success as a business because content creation is a business,” Bautista stated.
She also highlighted the importance of ensuring creators have time for themselves, especially younger ones.
Vanessa Pastor-Ledesma, president of Mercato Centrale, offered insights on mentorship.
“We identify small food entrepreneurs, help them grow, and help them scale,” Pastor-Ledesma explained, highlighting Mercato Academy, which teaches business fundamentals like food costing and human resources to aspiring entrepreneurs.
STARcast Exclusive: Supporting the local music industry
This Independence Day, we celebrate the power of connection.
The Nakakalocal Year 4 launch marked the debut of STARcast Exclusive, a partnership between PMG and JuanCast, an online platform designed to enhance fan engagement.
It is a platform that amplifies the voices of changemakers, sharing their inspiring stories with a broad audience and fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness of our culture. It also allows fans to support their idols through themed polls, even outside of active promotional periods.
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“STARcast Exclusive isn’t a product itself, but an experience for fans and the brands we partner with,” explained Booboo Alvendia, program development manager of PMG.
STARcast Exclusive offers features like live streaming for both fans and idols.
“P-pop and OPM are rising in the country. We want everyone to support our local music industry,” added Gabriel Oreta, founder of JuanCast.
More than a product, STARCast Exclusive is a testament to the strength and spirit of the Filipino people.
Nakakalocal, in its fourth year, continues to shine as a beacon of support for Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
As we celebrate our country’s independence, let’s remember to embrace the different facets that make us a Filipino—and that includes our culture, our communities—which shape our very being.
Nakakalocal Year 4 promises to be bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever before, fostering community and collaboration on an unprecedented scale.
