I have always admired and respected our OFWs. Whenever I travel to other countries, in almost every place I go to, be it in a hotel, cruise ship, a hospital, or restaurants, Filipinos continue to dominate the service sector over other Asians. Apart from Filipinos being able to speak English with a better accent, the Filipino hospitality is reflected in their service.

Go Negosyo has partnered with the Villar Foundation as we see the need to help the OFWs and their family in planning how to invest their money after they have secured their children’s education and basic needs. The Villars are giving back since much of their business are with OFWs who buy houses from them. The Villars share common objectives with us: how we can equip their families with the right mindset and how to identify what negosyos are best for them based on their skills and passion. As startup entrepreneurs, they can begin their venture by doing simple direct selling or distributorship, which will train them to develop their selling and marketing skills. As they become better entrepreneurs, they can move to something bigger as being a franchisee and learn even more lessons on entrepreneurship from their mentor-franchisors.

It would be best if the OFWs’ hard-earned money are invested and rolled over to a profitable venture. This is why the Villar Foundation and Go Negosyo offers the 1st OFW and Family Summit 2011, to be held on Nov. 24, with the theme “Kabuhayan Para sa Kinabukasan.” Our goal is to help OFWs and their families establish themselves here by means of entrepreneurship.

The summit will be bringing in some of our best speakers, lecturers and mentors for an inspirational and truly educational summit. We’ve invited former OFWs turned entrepreneurs with now very big negosyos. One of them is Go Negosyo advocate Prudencio Garcia, who returned home to grow his brand, Mekeni, after working for a few years in Saudi Arabia. Mekeni is one of the leading meat companies and Pruds was an EOY finalist this year. Myrna Padilla, a former DH and now owner of a BPO company, and Randell Tiongson, now a training firm owner, will also be lecturing.

The OFW summit will also be featuring numerous franchise exhibitors presenting ideas and various business opportunities. And to top it all, the Villar Foundation is raffling off to one lucky OFW a Camella house and lot. Participants need only to present valid documentation at the registration area as proof that they are an OFW, and they get a chance win!

We are encouraging all OFWs and their families to come to the World Trade Center on Nov. 24 and spend the day to learn, get inspired and find negosyo opportunities.

Go Negosyo has tied up with the DTI-PTTC, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Center for Future Leadership for the 1st NEGOSYO SA BARANGAY Entrepreneurship Development Training, to bring to barangay officials the concepts of entrepreneurship development. This program started yesterday and will run till this Saturday at Teacher’s Camp, Baguio City.

We aim to encourage barangay officials to discover opportunities in their areas and develop them into small businesses and contribute to their local economy. This run is for barangay officials of Luzon; the second is scheduled next year on April 12-15 in Bohol for those in Visayas; and April 19-22 in Davao for those Mindanao.

Various topics on proper mindset and entrepreneurship will be given by Go Negosyo Angelpreneurs while DTI resource persons will be giving talks and workshops on technical skills.

This is another joint effort to help people and communities become more empowered, self-reliant and more importantly be able to contribute to growth in their localities.

Last week, the 2012 MVP Bossing board of judges, which include myself, PLDT senior vice-president Eric Alberto and last year’s Grand Bossing Cecilio Pedro of Lamoiyan Corporation, met at my place to select this year’s Bossings. From 60 entrepreneurs, we’ve selected our 12 Bossings. The 12 and the Grand Bossing, who is to be selected by MVP Manny V. Pangilinan himself, will be declared at the awarding on Nov. 23 at the Meralco Theater (a by-invitation event).

I’d like to greet my good friend Doris Magsaysay Ho, who has marked another milestone as she celebrates her birthday. Doris is known as the “shipping heiress” as she heads the Magsaysay Group of Companies, which is involved in shipping, logistics and marine travel. I wish you more blessed years to come.

Contact me: feedback@gonegosyo.netor Joey Concepcion Official Facebook Fan Page. Visit www.gonegosyo.net. Watch the top rating entrep show GO NEGOSYO: Kaya Mo! on GMA News TV, Saturday and Sunday 8-8:30 a.m. Get daily Go Negosyo Text Tips in your mobile phone by sending GONEGO to 2910.