Go Negosyo, in its past summits, recognized exemplary entrepreneurs whose stories inspired and empowered fellow Filipinos towards entrepreneurship. Go Negosyo searches for individuals whose passion and dedication leads to the success of their businesses.

Last year, we had our 6th Filipina Entrepreneur Summit and awarded top and commendable Filipina entrepreneurs. The 2014 Filipina awardees are: Joy Abaquin, Edith Dacuycuy, Milagros Ong-How, Maria Ressa, Cathy Turvill, Michelle Asence-Fontelera, Monique Hilario, Judy Wong Guevarra, Donna Jiao, and Gwenn Albarracin.

Sta. Elena Construction and Development president Alice Eduardo was the co-chair of the summit. Richwell Trading Corp. founder and CEO Myrna Yao and Go Negosyo trustee and owner of W Buildings Rosalind Wee served as the panel of judges who selected the inspiring Filipinas of 2014.

In our mission to tap other important sectors of the economy, we also launched the first Agri-Negosyo Summit in July 2014 to showcase various agri-negosyo models that are profitable. We awarded 15 Most Inspiring Agripreneurs and Agri-Enablers. These awardees were chosen through consideration of their achievements and the quality of their entrep journey. They all have inspiring stories through which they have made a strong impact on society and helped their community by providing training and employment. The awardees were: Senen Bacani, Tennyson Chen, Henry Lim Bon Liong, Joseph Calata, Danilo Fausto, Arsenio Barcelona, Jacqueline and Antonio Alleje, Martin and Pilamar Ozaeta, Arestina Papillon, Ronald Costales, Jeffrey Lim, Maximo Ricohermoso, Neil Molina, GreenEarth Heritage Foundation and Philippine Biochar Association.

Go Negosyo brought the Creativity and Innovation Summit to Cebu last year after the successful launch in Manila in 2013. We recognized young Cebuano entrepreneurs who were selected and awarded because they showed passion, integrated exceptional innovation and applied creativity in their products and services. Aside from that, they have contributed to the development of their communities. The Young and Inspiring Cebuano Entrepreneurs are: Gabino Abejo Jr., Lorenz Florendo, Joy Anya Lim, Erica Neal, Koh Onozawa and Franz Ignacio, Christian Paro-an, Mark Ynoc, Carlo de Asis and Nico Ybanez, Pearl Sarcauga, and Nicolo Nimor.

Aside from our own summits, we recognized the latest batch of MVP Bossings in Partnership with PLDT SME Nation. The bossings were chosen because they are inspiring role models who were once SMEs and have managed to grow their businesses even further. The 2015 MVP Bossings are Johnny Chan of Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, Ricky Reyes of Gandang Ricky Reyes, Julie Gandionco of Julie’s Bakeshop, Arthur Tugade of Perry’s Group, Ferdinand Marañon of Sagrex Corporation, Alice Eduardo of Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation, Laura Verallo de Bertotto of VMV Hypoallergenics and Esther & Gaspar Vibal of Vibal Publishing House. The Grand Bossing was Carlos Chan of Liwayway Marketing Corporation.

For the past years, I have also participated in the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards of Citibank, Citi Foundation, Microfinance Council of the Philippines and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. This award-giving body recognizes microentrepreneurs from all over the country who have used microfinance in their businesses. Last year’s winners were: Teresita Valdez (National Winner), Ernanie Llema (Luzon Awardee), Teresita Nicanor (Visayas Awardee), Edamil Patta (Mindanao Awardee), Johnny Larano (Special Awardee for Agri Micro-Business), Rosma Cabillon (Special Awardee for Community Leadership) and Purification Tagulinao (Special Award for Innovation).