“Go Negosyo is a storyteller. And we will continue to tell stories that will inspire more and more Filipinos to entrepreneurship.”

These were my exact words last Monday when we launched the 9th publication of Go Negosyo entitled Go Negosyo: 50 Entrepreneurs of Passion. After months of preparation, we were able to successfully launch this wonderful book that will empower people to start their own journey of success.

More than 500 entrepreneurs and advocacy partners joined us as we unveiled our 9th book. It was also the launch of the Global Entrepreneurship Week 2014. British Embassy Ambassador Asif Ahmad, who also joined our morning program and delivered his speech in Tagalog, welcomed the guests that night and officially opened the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW). He was joined by deputy head of Mission Trevor Lewis and their guests from the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines and the Philippine British Business Club.

I remember him saying: “Entrepreneurs are the driving force of growth in the country.” That is true. That is why these activities included in the GEW are to harness and strengthen the entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs to embark on their own journey.

I told everyone that night that we are publishing these books as this is our way to share the advocacy that we have been promoting for the past nine years.

We had a wonderful sharing during the night as our three hosts table-hopped and interviewed the featured entrepreneurs in the book like Jose Antonio, Bernie Liu, Esther Vibal, Rey Lapid, Rikki Dee and many others. More than 40 entrepreneurs joined the discussion. It’s not the usual fora and talks we conduct every time we gather, but it was a more participative, informative and personal session as the entrepreneurs talked about their passion from their hearts.

Go Negosyo is a Storyteller. On its 9th year, Go Negosyo shares 50 inspiring success stories of entrepreneurs in its latest book entitled Go Negosyo 50 Entrepreneurs of Passion. Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion and Go Negosyo Ramon Lopez joins some of the featured entrepreneurs. In photo (top left) Jose Magsaysay Jr., Enrico Dee, Rey Lapid, Willy Tee Ten, Jose Antonio, Nanette Medved-Po, Celestina Maristela Ocampo, Dr. Abraham Pascual, Bernie Liu. (middle from left) Prudencio Garcia, Nelson and Siu Ping Par, Alice Eduardo, Genevieve Ledesma-Tan, Dolly and Sarabeth Salcedo, Kathleen Dy-Go, Marife Zamora, Manny Osmena. (Front from left) Samie Lim, Natividad Cheng, Esther Vibal, Patricia Chilip and Maria Lorena Florendo.

All the entrepreneurs who were featured in the book are not simply working to earn, instead they are there because they pursued passion despite countless challenges and trials, and have now reached their success in life. I am happy with the launch as it was more intimate, with close friends and partners in the advocacy. Even Washington Sycip of SGV & Co., who is now in his 90s, managed to join us and meet fellow-entrepreneurs. I am sure he inspired the young entrepreneurs in the audience just with his presence.

In the morning, we gathered more than 500 top students from various universities for the Go Negosyo Building Enterprising Students for Tomorrow. These are the future leaders in our society and we aim to inspire and teach them further and that we can also help them in making a difference in other people’s lives.

We are sure they were inspired with the journey and creations of Kenneth Cobonpue. Kenneth told them that his designs are of different forms, because “Form gives emotions.” Just like how he wowed the Cebu crowd during our Creativity and Innovation Summit, the students could not help but be in awe during his presentation. I see his creativity even in his presentations.

Jonathan Yabut, the first winner of The Apprentice Asia also gave a very inspiring talk about his journey towards success at a young age, beating all challenges in life. His drive and determination coupled with his strategies and techniques helped him succeed in The Apprentice. And that is what we have always wanted our listeners to understand. That they have to have the positive mindset and the knowhow of things in order to surpass and achieve goals.

Our CEO forum with Aurelio Montinola, Sandy Prieto-Romualdez and Johnlu Koa was packed with insightful ideas from these great minds. Then our young enterprising and entrepreneurial Filipinos forum was also inspiring. Young billionaire Joseph Calata advised the students “Do not lose your drive.” Many successful entrepreneurs keep going because of that drive; their will to go on and progress. And that is what keeps them energized in the morning.

There are more stories to share and more and more people to empower. That is why we will keep on doing all these kinds of activities in order to fulfil our mission.