17th PHILSME Business Expo Holds Successful Media Launch Ahead of November Expo

The 17th Philippine SME Business Expo: Entrepreneur and Franchise Edition successfully held its official Media Launch at SPACES Century Diamond Tower in Makati City, bringing together the event organizers, top sponsors, and media partners in anticipation of the country’s biggest business-to-business expo for SMEs and franchise ventures, happening on November 28–29, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.

The launch was led by Mediatrix Solutions CEO and PHILSME Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, who expressed gratitude to media partners and sponsors for their continued support in empowering Filipino entrepreneurs.

“PHILSME has become a trusted platform that connects, empowers, and celebrates the country’s small and medium enterprises,” said Esguerra-Abrenilla. “This upcoming expo builds on our shared mission to inspire collaboration and create real opportunities for business owners to thrive.”

The panel also featured officials of the expo’s major sponsors: Toyota Motor Philippines Manager Renz Patrick Diaz, who reaffirmed Toyota’s commitment to mobility solutions designed specifically for businesses; GCash B2B Commercial Head Martin Kristopher Limgenco II, who highlighted how digital finance is accelerating operational efficiency and financial inclusion among SMEs; and Taho Story Chairman & Co-Founder Jude Paul Espinas, who shared his entrepreneurial journey of modernizing a Filipino classic.

Attending media partners participated in a lively open forum with the panel, discussing the evolving business landscape and the exciting features of the upcoming expo, which continues to be the Philippines’ largest and most comprehensive B2B event for entrepreneurs and franchise leaders.

During the discussion, the panel also explored how Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can be encouraged to set up businesses in the Philippines through their families — giving them opportunities to eventually return home with sustainable livelihood.

The expo’s dedicated Franchising Village will help OFW families scout and assess the most suitable franchise opportunities and business options to support their long-term goals.

After the Q&A led by host Tish Lindaya, a networking segment with light snacks followed, allowing the press to directly connect with organizers and sponsors to explore collaborations within the SME ecosystem.

First Lineup of Conference Speakers Revealed

The Media Launch also announced the first batch of confirmed speakers for the PHILSME Expo and Conference — a two-day learning program that will feature the country’s most inspiring business mentors and thought leaders:

● MYRNA NATIVIDAD (Mommy Negosyo) – Founder of Mommy Negosyo and author of Grow Your Business, Pinoy!, known for mentoring thousands of Filipinos on growing purpose-driven businesses while raising families.

● DR. FRANCISCO “DEAN PAX” LAPID – Chairman and CEO of IT-SPAC and AIOS.PH, serial entrepreneur, and TOP30 LinkedIn Leader Philippines recognized for championing AI-driven business solutions.

● JONATHAN YABUT – Winner of The Apprentice Asia, motivational speaker, and founder of The JY Consultancy & Ventures, known across Southeast Asia as “Asia’s Millennial Guru.”

● BOSS RDR (Reymond Delos Reyes) – Entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and content creator behind RDR Talks, inspiring aspiring business owners through digital storytelling and mentorship.

PHILSME and PhilStar Media Group Forge Partnership to Strengthen MSME Advocacy

The Media Launch also marked a milestone partnership between PHILSME and the NakakaLocal project of the PhilStar Media Group, formalizing their collaboration to amplify support for Filipino entrepreneurs nationwide.

The partnership brings together PHILSME’s mission to help grow SMEs and NakakaLocal’s advocacy for Filipino MSMEs, the country’s largest employment sector.

Representing PHILSME at the media announcement were CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, COS and Media Director Angie Quadra-Balibay, with Partner Success Manager Mailine Upano and Partner Success Officer Franchezca Romano.

From the PhilStar Media Group, attendees included Marketing Manager Jenalyn Sarte, and Trade and Brand Specialists Kayla Rodriguez and Gerielle To.

Register Now for Free Tickets to the 17th PHILSME Expo

The 17th PHILSME Business Expo: Entrepreneur and Franchise Edition will feature over 130 exhibitors, showcasing more than 180 brands and business solutionsdesigned to help entrepreneurs grow and scale.

The event is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees from across the Philippines and around the world, offering unmatched opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.

Pre-register now for free tickets at www.philsme.com/ticket.​
Walk-ins during the expo will be subject to an entrance fee.

About PHILSME
The Philippine SME Business Expo (PHILSME) is the country’s leading business-to-business event gathering 10,000+ business owners, startup founders, franchise seekers, and professionals dedicated to empowering small and medium enterprises.

Now organized by MediaTrix Solutions Inc., the expo connects entrepreneurs with suppliers, partners, and mentors to help them grow, innovate, and succeed in a competitive market.