Business Mentor

Electric firm exec talks about power protection systems in buildings, homesButz Bartolome talks with Robby Anonas Jr., a representative from Fujihaya Electric Corporation, about the importance of power protection systems in buildings and infrastructure. Robby explains how their company plays a key role in bringing high-voltage electricity from power companies down to safe levels (from 115,000 volt...

Couple finds 'corner' in clothing lineJunmill and Vivien Avellana, the creative minds behind Baby Nelle Corner—a beloved baby girl dress brand — undergo a journey of resilience, learning, and rediscovery. Starting as corporate employees and venturing into the food industry, the couple faced setbacks and failures. It wasn’t until Vivien discovered her passion for designing unique and stylis...

Mastering AI: How to be smarter and future-ready with Janette Toral Business Mentor Talks features The Manila Times tech columnist and author Janette Toral*, who recently launched her groundbreaking book, 'Smarter with AI.' Toral deep dives into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—what it is, what it isn't, and how both individuals and businesses can harness its power to become m...

Nanoprotect Eyewear: Innovation for everyday eye protectionNanoprotect is redefining how we protect our eyes in the digital age. Developed by Capt. Roy Rivera and his team, the eyewear uses advanced nano-technology where negative-ion pellets are mixed directly into the frame material. This innovation helps counter the harmful effects of radiation and blue light emitted by gadgets—a modern-day poll...

What does it take to scale a local coffee brand from 5 to 12 stores in just two years? In this episode of Business Mentor Talks, we're brewing up an inspiring conversation with Mark and Christine Vasquez, the entrepreneurial couple behind Coffee Buddy's remarkable growth. From humble bazaar beginnings to preparing for US expansion, this is a masterclass in authentic, community-driven busin...

DTI leads celebration of Consumer Awareness MonthEvery October, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) leads the celebration of Consumer Awareness Month — a reminder that every Filipino has the right to be informed, protected, and empowered in every purchase they make. In interviews with Almira Dais Barbosa, Trade Industry Development analyst (TIDA) and Marites Q. Cuevas, senior Trade Industry...

Gerry Palon, president of the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC), shares a groundbreaking event in California, which can open doors for Philippine manufacturers, franchisors, retailers, and logistics providers looking to expand into the US market. Executive Vice President Ellen Samson enticed Filipino entrepreneurs to join the International Asian American Business Expo (I...

Dr. Gerry and Grace Manalo's culinary journey began at their modest garage where they provided home-cooked meals to students from nearby boarding houses. What started as a small initiative began to grow as word spread about their delicious food and warm hospitality. Soon the expansion included their living room until on Feb. 8, 2005, Genaro was born, which stood for more than just a diner.

Tipid Sulit Laundromat is a business born out of resilience and collaboration during the challenging times of the pandemic. It all began with Jersey Ong, an entrepreneur who had established a foothold in the laundromat industry but needed to focus on his other ventures. Seeking a reliable partner, Ong joined forces with Rod Dilag, an IT specialist whose innovative solutions perfectly complemented...

Marifel Cruz, a licensed pharmacist from Bulacan followed her heart to pursue her true passion—coffee. After practicing her profession, Marifel realized her dream of crafting personalized coffee creations. Starting from her parents garage at the end of the pandemic, she turned her vision into reality with Daylight Cafe. Marifel's mission is simple yet meaningful: to provide delight in every cu...

What started as a simple idea between friends Chris Santos and Casey Cuenca has grown into a thriving business called Wingyard, known for its mouthwatering unlimited chicken wings with 10 irresistible flavors. One is the 'brain' and the other is the 'implementer,' as the friends laid the foundation for their business. The owners of Wingyard, which began in Baguio City, took a calcu...

Building a purpose-driven business from a teacher's heart. A former public school teacher who saw the gap between the Philippine and Japanese education systems turns that insight into an entrepreneurial opportunity.

Prima Donna Guevara: Building a Legacy of Growth. A young CPA-turned-entrepreneur who left the corporate world to empower her hometown in Isabela, as she shares her journey of overcoming isolationand lack of guidance as a fresh graduate.

Junmill and Vivien Avellana, the creative minds behind Baby Nelle Corner - a beloved baby girl dress brand - undergo a journey of resilience, learning and discovery.

Spirit of Galleon Trade Revive in BNI Launch. BNI Manila West launches its first chapter in Manila City - BNI Galleon - reviving the spirit of the historic Galleon Trade that once connected economies and culture.

3 Little Women take different paths to success in business.

Are there any successful examples of entrepreneurs who have expanded their businesses through franchising? Good morning and a fantastic day to you, savvy viewers! Are you curious about entrepreneurial success stories where franchising played a pivotal role in business expansion? Well, you've come to the right place! Since our inception in 1991 at GMB.ph, we've witnessed remarkable growth in franch...

Here’s a comprehensive description of Fred C. Reyes , the man behind SkinStation’s rapid growth — including its expansion to over 100 branches : Fred C. Reyes is a Filipino entrepreneur, award-winning chemist , and the founder, Chairman, and CEO of SkinStation — one of the Philippines’ largest aesthetic dermatology and skincare clinic networks. ( Skinstation ) Reyes studied Bachelor of Science in...

Every great business has a heart—and for SPICE JAR, that heart beats through the passion, perseverance, and partnership of its founders, Jay-Are and Chef Trin. What began in 2011 as a tiny takeout counter near UPLB—built from Chef Trin’s love for cooking and Jay-Are’s decision to leave a life at sea—has now grown into one of Los Baños’ most beloved Tex-Mex destinations.  Their story is a powerful...

With hosts Sherrie Ann Torres and Julius Segovia, it was a great opportunity to share my insights with viewers and listeners on Doing Business. Interesting exchange of views

Meet Ysh Ventura: A 16-Year-Old Change Maker At just 16 years old, Ysh Ventura is proving that age is no barrier to making a significant impact in our world. As a Grade 12 student at Multi Intelligence International School and the President of United Nations Global Youth President Philippines, Ysh embodies the spirit of youth activism and leadership. During a recent discussion, Ysh shared her insi...

Young Couple Turns Hobby of Making Pastillas into a Successful Business Venture Eric and Bernadette Encio are a shining example of a young couple who started with humble beginnings as call center agents but strived to go beyond their present work and create a successful business venture. What started as a simple hobby of making pastilles for Bernadette turned into a lucrative business opportunity...

From Hardware to Headline - The Multifaceted Journey of Grace Bondad Nicholas  Grace Bondad Nicholas embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience!  An industrial engineer by profession, her journey began in the vibrant town of Calauan, Laguna, where she learned the value of hard work and precision from her father’s hardware store. This foundation has been instrumental in shaping her successful...

Norie Retiro's story is one of resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurship. As a former overseas Filipino worker who spent years away from his family working in the food and beverage industry, he knew the importance of finding a business opportunity that would allow him to stay close to home. It all started with a chance encounter with a plant vendor while on his way to church with his wife. Nori...

Join us for an inspiring interview with two dynamic brothers, MJ and Mikey, as they share their journey of taking over and growing their family business, Shrimpy Elly. Learn how they built on the foundation their parents laid to make Shrimpy Elly a well-liked seafood restaurant that welcomes families in this interesting discussion. Discover their unique business strategies, the significance of the...