PH EMBASSY HIGHLIGHTS COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND POTENTIAL FOR FILIPINO BUSINESSES

Chargé d’affaires, a.i. Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr. welcomes guests during a panel discussion geared towards increasing awareness of support from the Filipino business community held on 31 July 2024. The event, co-organized by the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce (PACC) and Filipino Young Professionals (FYP), also aimed to highlight local Filipino American entrepreneurs.
 

The Philippine Embassy, in collaboration with the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce in D.C. and the Filipino Young Professionals, organized a groundbreaking panel forum that highlighted the immense untapped potential and market opportunities for Filipino American businesses and Filipino-focused enterprises. The event drew a diverse audience from the local Filipino business community and aspiring young entrepreneurs.

The Embassy hosted this event to promote Filipino American entrepreneurship that will strengthen economic ties between the Philippines and the United States. The Embassy recognizes the significant contributions of Filipino Americans to the U.S. and Philippine economy and aims to support their endeavors by providing a space for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration. This initiative is part of the Embassy's broader mission to enhance the visibility and impact of Filipino businesses in American markets.

The event underscored the importance of fostering a supportive community within the Filipino American diaspora, leveraging both their Filipino heritage and American experiences. It encouraged further collaboration and mutual support among entrepreneurs, inspiring attendees to explore the myriad possibilities within this vibrant market.

Chargé d’affaires, a.i. Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr. said in his opening remarks that “our community is vibrant and growing, yet Filipino-owned and focused businesses remain underrepresented. By increasing our presence in the business world, we not only contribute to the economy but also ensure that our rich culture and heritage are celebrated and shared more widely.”

The forum featured distinguished guest speakers who are leaders in their respective fields: Jake de Leon, the visionary founder of Fila Manila; Adrian Verueco, a prominent figure from the Filipino American angel investor community; and Tanya Maynigo, the innovative founder of Brindle Boxer Kombucha. Each speaker shared invaluable insights into their entrepreneurial journeys, the unique challenges they faced, and the abundant opportunities they discovered along the way.

Jake de Leon, renowned for his successful appearance on Shark Tank, spoke about the cultural significance of his products and the growing demand for authentic Filipino flavors in mainstream markets. Tanya Maynigo discussed her experiences navigating the local business landscape and the importance of community support in achieving sustainable growth for Brindle Boxer Kombucha. Adrian Verueco highlighted the crucial role of angel investors in nurturing Filipino American startups, offering practical advice on securing funding and scaling businesses.

Guests had the chance to enjoy Narra Oat Milk Lattes, a startup propped up by Filipino angel investors, and Brindle Boxer Kombucha with staple Filipino flavors like ginger, lemongrass, and mango. 

The discussion was moderated by PACC President Matthew Veland (leftmost), while the panelists include (from second to the left onwards) Mr. Jake de Leon of Fila Manila, Ms. Tanya Maynigo of Brindle Boxer Kombucha, and Mr. Adrian Verueco of the Filipino angel investor community. They shared their journeys and challenges in starting their own businesses, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs in the crowd.

Guests enjoy product samples from NARRA and Craft Kombucha.