16th Franchise & Business Expo stays in tune with ASEAN agenda! “7Ms Towards Shared Prosperity in ASEAN”

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One of the country's longest running tradeshow to date and one of the country’s biggest business and franchising events - the AFFI Franchise & Business Expo is staying true to the seven-point strategy for MSME growth set by the ASEAN MSME Development Summit earlier this year.

The seven-point strategy, known as the “7Ms Towards Shared Prosperity in ASEAN”, includes: 

• mindset
• mastery
• mentoring
• markets
• money
• machines
• models

All of which are essential in the advancement of MSMEs towards the core of the ASEAN economic agenda.

This tactical approach to small enterprise development -- with focus on mentoring, markets and money -- will steer this year’s Franchise and Business Expo, set on September 29 to October 1 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

Under the theme AFFI@20: One with ASEAN, the expo will continue to empower entrepreneurs primarily thru informative seminars and on-the-day mentoring sessions from industry experts and successful business owners.

Backbone of the region’s economy

As the prime trade organization of small and medium entrepreneurs in the country, expo organizer Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. has expressed staunch support for MSMEs to be appointed as key drivers of shared prosperity for the region.

“These enterprises account for over 90 percent of businesses all over ASEAN. That number, in itself, already proves the sector’s role in achieving the desired growth for the AEC (ASEAN Economic Community),” said AFFI President John Chung.

Chung, who is also the founder and CEO of homegrown perfume brand Acquasuisse, specifically pointed out the significant impact of MSMEs on employment generation.

John Chung, AFFI President 

“Small and medium businesses provide more jobs for the common people than any other sector in our society today,” asserted Chung. “For example, AFFI’s member corporations alone have already created over 200,000 jobs as of June 2017.

Hence, it has been AFFI’s main concern to put forward the welfare of these small enterprises ever since it was first founded in 1997. The association is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the industry this year.

“For 20 years, AFFI has been a constant champion of Filipino SMEs. The founders, who are now pillars themselves in the business and franchising community, envisioned the association to be the voice of entrepreneurs in this country. We want to continue fulfilling that vision in the coming decades,” Chung added.

The yearly event that empowers this vision, The Franchise and Business Expo, AFFI will showcase hundreds of brands to thousands of visitors ranging from professionals, established and budding entrepreneurs, students from top universities, and consumers. The expo will offer fresh ideas, trends and solutions through a series of informative seminars, interactive activities, and mentoring sessions provided by partner organizations, government agencies, celebrity entrepreneurs and seasoned businessmen. 

The 16th Franchise & Business Expo is co-presented by SEAOIL Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry. 

For inquiries, please visit www.affi.com.ph or contact the AFFI Secretariat at (02) 501 5449, 0949.8890758 or email us at info@affi.com.ph.

Franchisers optimistic on entrep growth under new admin

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The Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI) has expressed big hopes for entrepreneurs after hearing President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s plans for the sector over the last few days.

Duterte has bared his 8-point economic agenda, which his administration plans to implement once he officially assumes office. He has also vowed to end red tape and corruption in the government to fast-track business processing, promising to cut business registration to only three days.

Ricardo Cuna

“We’ve been hoping to hear something like this from our would-be leader even before the elections,” says AFFI Executive Vice President Ricardo Cuna.

“We’re ranked pretty low in terms of ease of doing business here in the country, and that’s primarily because of our current entrepreneurial ecosystem. I think most of us in the industry agree that it’s the first thing we need to improve.”

Cuna cited the latest World Bank Group’s Doing Business 2016 report, where the Philippines ranked 103rd out of 189 economies with regard to “processing business permits and registrations”. It also came 6th place among its ASEAN counterparts, with Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, and Vietnam outranking the country for the first five slots.

“This situation is one of the factors that slows down the growth of entrepreneurship in the country. Hearing directly from President-elect Duterte that he plans to focus on resolving that gives us confidence that this will all change soon,” mused Cuna.

‘Strike while the iron is hot’

The business community is waiting to hear more of Duterte’s economic plans since his posting a landslide victory last May 9.

Armando “Butz” Bartolome

“Our economy has been tremendously growing these past few years, and it isn’t showing any sign of slowing down. We’re on a tight race here. We have to strike while the iron is hot. That’s why we want to learn more of what he intends to do so we could also act and do our part,” argues Franchise Guru Armando “Butz” Bartolome, one of AFFI’s founders and current Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Bartolome said the next administration’s primary steps are crucial in maintaining and increasing the country's momentum. He praised Duterte for taking cue from the Aquino administration and continuing some of the healthier economic policies the latter has made throughout his time in office.

“There’s no shame in continuing what has been proven beneficial for the nation,” stressed Bartolome. “What the incoming administration should do, however, is to throw in improvements on these reforms and accelerate implementation of programs for the economy and the entire entrepreneurial community.”

‘To achieve goals, we need empowered leaders’ - AFFI

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Recognizing the importance of strong leader-figures in the realization of its goals, the Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI) has recently launched the first Leadership Council Conference for its board officers at the Pioneer House, Makati City.

With the theme “Thriving Nation through Empowered Business Leaders”, the whole-day event focused on instilling the organization’s five core values acronymed as NICES (Nationalism, Integrity-Leadership, Camaraderie, Enterprising, and Service) in the members of its leadership council.

The conference was faciltated by AFFI Honorary Member and Toastmaster Sonia Roco, Philippine Environmental Sustainability advocate Antonio Ingles, and motivational speaker and author, Jayson Lo. Some of the topics highlighted were sustainable environmental acts for business continuity, and social issues that can be answered by the business sector.

“What every group needs is an empowered leader. Inspiration ignites change, and empowerment creates success. That’s what we try to emulate thru our members and officers,” says AFFI Treasurer and Leadership Conference Program Head Teresita Ngan Tian of Lots’ A Pizza. “We can lay out plans every year to help our businesses and the entire community grow, but unless we have leaders who have the will, the skills and the passion to enact those plans, we would not be able to reach our vision by 2020.”

Ngan Tian is referring to the association’s Thrive Towards 2020 roadmap in conjunction with the full-implementation of the ASEAN integrated economy in the same year.

The event was sponsored by Pioneer Insurance, Fiorgelato, Peanut World, Ferino’s Bibingka, Aquabest, Nail It!, and Ink All-you-can.​

​AFFI’s current Leadership Council poses for a group photo after the successful conference.

​One of the conference’s mentors, Ms. Sonia Roco, and AFFI leaders pledge commitment to the Philippine flag as a promise to help solve the country’s problems thru responsible business acts.

The ENTREPRENEUR AND FRANCHISE EXPO 2014 #YourStep2Success! was launched at SM Megatrade

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Local and international entrepreneurs and business executives from various industry sectors attended the opening and ribbon-cutting ceremonies of ENTREPRENEUR & FRANCHISE EXPO 2014 at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall, June 27, 2014.

The ENTREPRENEUR AND FRANCHISE EXPO 2014 with the tagline, “Your Step to Success!”, Philippines dedicated event for innovative entrepreneurs and franchise businesses, was officially launched at the Megatrade Hall 1 located at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, June 27, 2014.

Mandaluyong City Councilor and Vice Chair for MSME Development Council, honorable CHARISSE ABALOS

Gracing the event was Mandaluyong City Councilor and Vice Chair for MSME Development Council, honorable CHARISSE ABALOS, Young Entrepreneur Society Philippines President, HENRY ONG, Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce of Mandaluyong President, ANDREW ONG, together with 2Go Express AVP for Retail Sales and Marketing JOANNE RAMOS; Globe MyBusiness Business Trade Marketing Manager for Emerging Channels KRISTINE TRAVINO; 

KIAN KAZEMI, President of Persia Grill

celebrity food entrepreneur KIAN KAZEMI, president of Persia Grill; e-Commerce advocate JANETTE TORAL, founder of DigitalFilipino.com; technology entrepreneur JORGE AZURIN, regional director of Freelancer.com; email marketing innovator CHUCK SCHIPPER, director & business development EMEAA @ Benchmark Internet Group, LLC (USA), international networking entrepreneur NILS WALLE, founder of the Freight Summit (Hong Kong); branding and design entrepreneur GILMAR PADUA, founder of Infinity Hub; CHRISTIAN RAEUBER of MediaCom Solutions Inc.; design strategist and brand expert BRIAN TENORIO, founder of KKK Coffee and celebrity entrepreneur and Mercato Centrale co-founder RJ LEDESMA, and many more.

Australian Actress singer lead in 'The Boston' Kitchen Musical, NATALIA MOON.

Organized by the MEDIACOM SOLUTIONS INC., a leading business community building and exhibition and convention organizing company and supported by the Young Entrepreneurs Society and the Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA), the ENTREPRENEUR & FRANCHISE EXPO 2014, is dedicated to empower over 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from various business sectors.

The 3-day event features innovative and fast growing businesses, from food, education, retailing, real estate, travel, automobiles, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and financing those visitors can explore from. The expo also provided seminars on how to build a successful business, from funding, hiring, to finding the perfect business for you, making it the perfect market place for aspiring entrepreneurs and future franchises.

“Over 99% percent of registered businesses in the Philippines are MSMEs according to the DTI, but they combined only contribute to 30% of the National GDP. With the ASEAN integration happening in 2015 with new competition coming in, our vision as the expo organizer is to strengthen local businesses and provide a platform for them to showcase their innovative products and services. We also provide assistance to business owners and executives to network amongst other professionals and stakeholders in order to open opportunities to start new businesses and for local businesses to grow" says MEDIACOM SOLUTIONS INC. President and Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo Founder and Managing Director, David Abrenilla.

Highlight of the opening ceremony was the EFE Awards 2014, recognition of distinguished brands who continue to manifest excellence in the entrepreneurship and franchising industry. Included in the roster of awardees are MALAYAN BANK (Best Bank), ESQUIRE FINANCINGINC. (Best Financing Company), FOREVER RICH (Best Health Company), ELITE NAIL SPA (Best Wellness Company), YSA SKIN CARE (Best Beauty Company), PAMPANGA’S BEST (Best Food Company), GLORIA JEANS COFFEE (Best Beverage Company), BENCHMARK EMAIL (Best Business Solutions), WE SERVE GENERICS PHARMACY (Best Pharmaceutical Company & Medical Company), JETTI PETROLEUM (Best Petroleum Company). SISTERSECRETS.COM (Best New E-commerce Lifestyle Website), UNIOIL, TAPA KING and NACHO KING were awarded as Outstanding Franchising Company of the year for its continuous contribution to the growth and success of franchising in the Philippines. Special recognitions were given to INJOY, GLOBE MYBUSINESS, 2GO EXPRESS for its continuous support and outstanding contributions in the business community. Moreover, PRIVATO HOTEL was recognized as one of the most promising hotels in the Metro for upholding a high standard of excellence in the luxury hotel industry, as well as EC GAS (by EASTERN PETROLEUM) for its excellence in innovating quality and safe business products with its first and only explosion proof LPG Composite Fiberglass Cylinders.

The expo run from June 27-29, 2014 at the Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall. Daily seminars  are: “VISION SETTING ON THE ROAD TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP” by celebrity entrepreneur RJ Ledesma; “THE SEE SAW PRINCIPLE IN SELLING” by the sales champ Jonathan Petalver; “DIGITAL MARKETING TIPS” by Gilmar Padua of Infinity Hub; “GOT A QUEZTION ABOUT THE TAXES? ASK THE TAX WHIZ” by Raymond Abrea; and “10 COMMANDMENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL FRANCHISE by multi-awarded franchise developer Rudolf Kotik last Sunday, June 29 from 3pm-5pm.

Coinciding with the expo is the ENTREPRENEUR SUCCESS SUMMIT (ESS) 2014, last Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the Megatrade Function Room, 5th floor, Building B, from 1pm-7pm, ESS is a comprehensive series of talks by 20 entrepreneurs and business innovators who will share their time and secrets to success to empower business owners professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses and their ideas. The summit feature 5 talking topics: Building a successful Start Up Business, Money Mind 101, Passion4Fashion Entrepreneurship, Building a Food Empire and New Media Marketing.

Exhibiting companies include Injoy by Doxo, Globe MyBusiness, 2Go Express, Benchmark Email Marketing, Gleent Innovations, Uber Technologies, Infinity Hub, Persia Grill, SisterSecrets, Ever Bilena, Yan-Yan International, YSA Skin Care, BN Whitenning Shoppe, Gloria Jeans Coffee, UniOil, Esquire Financing and many more. 

For more information, visit www.efe.ph or call +63.2.509.4792.

More photos click Here.

Looking forward to more Media Solutions Events for 2014.

Bread N' Butter Welcomes October with Third Award for 2013

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October starts with a hurrah for UNTV's Bread N' Butter as the business and travel show earns its third award for this year from the Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI). The multi-awarded program received the Franchise Enabler Award for Media category at the 12th Filipino Franchise Show at the World Trade Center last October 4.

Bread N' Butter was acknowledged for its support and promotional efforts for Filipino franchise brands as well as for Small and Medium Enterprises. The show is known for featuring homegrown brands and inspiring stories of hard-working Filipino entrepreneurs.

Rodel Flordeliz, one of the tri-kada hosts of the program, received the award in behalf of Arlene Razon and Kitt Meilly.

In the first and third quarter of this year, Bread N' Butter garnered awards at the Gandingan 2013: The 7th UPLB Isko’t Iska’s Broadcast Choice Awards as the  Best Livelihood-Oriented Program Gandingan ng Kabuhayan Award and at the 33rd Dangal ng Bayan Awards 2013 as the Outstanding Family-Inspired Television Program.

Bread N' Butter is aired over UNTV every Friday at 5pm to 5:45pm. Get updates on the program and promo alerts by Liking Bread N' Butter on Facebook. Follow @bnbtv on Twitter and Instagram.

12th Filipino Franchise - Galing ng Pinoy Show on October 4 - 6, 2013

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The Filipino Franchise Show (FFS) is a one stop shop of homegrown franchising and business opportunities specifically catered for SMEs. This event is definitely a showcase of big and successful local franchisers to new and promising franchise concepts consisting of food, retail, services, and technology.

The 12th Annual Filipino Franchise Show is the country's biggest and only exhibition of homegrown franchises. The event is scheduled for October 4-6, 2013 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila. The theme this year will be "Galing ng Pinoy," which pays tribute to Filipino innovation and ingenuity that underscores the competitive potential of the local franchising industry in the global market.

Produced by the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI), the event anticipates more than 30,000 visitors and has secured already more than 300 exhibitors to take part in the featured products and services from various regions of the country. Participants can look forward to unique franchising investment opportunities in food, retail and services - as well as intriguing demonstrations, seminars, and training sessions.

 

In past events, attendees and participants have included local and foreign corporate executives, business professionals, entrepreneurs and investors from many industries including: Banks and financial institutions, LGU's, Academe, Real Estate, Retail, Hospitality, Restaurant, and more. Attendees have also included returning overseas professional and contract workers, seafarers and on-the-sea workers, administrators from union organizations, local and foreign retirees, and newly college graduates who want to start their own business.

Armando Bartolome, president of the AFFI, comments, "The goal of the Filipino Franchise Show is to uplift the country's micro small medium enterprise. We expect this year's show to attract prospective entrepreneurs and investors who are interested in partaking in South East Asia's fastest growing economy."

Partners for the event include: BPI Family Ka-Negosyo, The Generics Pharmacy, PLDT KaAsenso, SeaOil, Meralco, Magnolia Healthy Beverages, and ThePhilippines.com

AFFI is a non-stock, non-profit national organization of Filipino entrepreneurs and businessmen, duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission geared toward the uplifting of Filipino franchising industry.

Recognizing the needs and potentials of the local franchising sector, entrepreneurs Bob Juan of Labandera Ko, Armando Bartolome of GMB, Tony Cruz of Pancit Malabon, Jorge Wieneke of Potato Corner, Teresa Laurel of Goto King, Pacita Juan of Figaro, and Richie Cuna of Firogelato formed a bodythat would raise awareness and lend assistance to fellow businessmen. This brainchild was set in motion in 1997 and became known as the First Filipino Franchising Federation (F4).

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8csWFPKAks&feature=youtu.be

Resources were scant and the challenges were plenty; but driven by the desire to realize their vision, the group slowly worked toward their goal. The pioneers’ undertakings were not left unnoticed. Since the year it was founded, the group has grown from seven to more than a hundred members. And in the early 2000’s, F4 changed its name to Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI).

AFFI has taken a big leap from its humble beginning. From only a handful of individuals bonded by a common advocacy, AFFI is now a well established institution that inspires the public to take part in the franchising industry offering technical assistance like research and development. It also educates aspiring entrepreneurs of the intricacies of the aformentioned business sector.

Spearheaded by the incumbent AFFI President Butch Bartolome, AFFI takes on a new endeavor of seeking the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) nationwide, beginning in Mindanao.

With yet another object just within its grasp, AFFI continues to conquer new heights.

AFFI is the organization behind the Annual Filipino Franchise Show being held in World Trade Center Manila.

“Galing ng Pinoy” - 11th Filipino Franchise Show , October 12-14, 2012

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The 11^th Filipino Franchising Show sets the backdrop to the spectacle of Filipino talents slated on October 12-14 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Launched by the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI), the franchise show is geared toward making “Galing ng Pinoy” as the focal point of the exhibit.

The event anticipates over 30, 000 visitors from 300 exhibitors to take part in the featured products and services from various regions of the country.

Franchising investment opportunities in food, retail and services as well as demonstrations, seminars, and training sessions also await the participants.

For more information on the exhibit contact:

AFFI Center for Franchising:

Telefax: (02) 654.0345

Line2: (02) 861.9897

Mobile1: 09228149882

Mobile2: 09062456346

Mobile3: 09062456045

Bringing to the fore AFFI’s commitment to Promote World-class Filipino Entrepreneurs, the franchise show is expected to attract prospective entrepreneurs who would partake to what is now dubbed as the “sunshine industry”.

AFFI: TRIUMPHS IN LEADERSHIP

The Association of the Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) is the Philippines’ prime trade organization committed to promoting responsible micro small medium enterprise businesses through franchising. It is consist of Filipino corporate presidents, CEOs, and prominent businessmen who recognize the competitive potential of the local franchising industry in the global market. Duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the association serves as a governing body that safeguards the interest of its members and innovates ways to further its advocacies.

AFFI’s conception began when entrepreneurs Bob Juan of Labandera Ko, Armando Bartolome of GMB, Tony Cruz of Pancit Malabon, Jorge Wieneke of Potato Corner, Teresa Laurel of Goto King, Pacita Juan of Figaro, and Richie Cuna of Fiorgelato recognized the needs and potentials of the local franchising sector. They decided to form a body that would raise awareness and lend assistance to fellow businessmen. This brainchild was set in motion in 1997 and became known as the First Filipino Franchising Federation (F4).

Resources were scant and the challenges were plenty; but driven by the desire to realize their vision, the group slowly worked toward their goal. The pioneers’ undertakings were not left unnoticed. Since the year it was founded, the group has grown from seven to more than a hundred members. And in the early 2000’s, F4 changed its name to Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI).

AFFI has taken a big leap from its humble beginning. From only a handful of individuals bonded by a common advocacy, AFFI is now a well established institution that inspires the public to take part in the franchising industry offering technical assistance like research and development. It also educates aspiring entrepreneurs of the intricacies of the franchising trade.

Its unwavering commitment to its thrust guides the organization to innovations that render significant marks in the industry. Embarking on new territories, AFFI not only safeguards the public from unscrupulous businesses, aids prospective entrepreneurs, and extends support to those already in the business sector; it also anticipates events that yield favorable effects on the local economy.

VISION

Establish the Association of Filipino Franchisers Incorporated as the Leading and Credible Franchising Association for Filipino Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME's)

MISSION

Promote Excellence and Growth in Responsible Franchising while serving the interest of the members and stakeholders.

GOALS

The core of AFFI’s existence is anchored on its three-pronged objective of professionalizing, standardizing and optimizing the potential of Filipino businesses in general and the local franchise industry, in particular.

Professionalize

• To create a venue by which the advancement of members’ business interests and aspirations can be addressed.
• To establish a code of ethics that will guide and police every member’s franchising and business operations.
• To represent the interests if Filipino businesses, particularly in government fora.

Standardize

• To map out salient components of local franchising operations in various industries that would serve as blueprints/guides for would-be franchisers.
• To establish a quality seal guaranteeing professional franchising methods and operations.

Optimize Filipino Potential

• To mobilize the promotion of Filipino products and services so as to achieve success for local business.
• To advance franchising education programs most relevant to Filipino culture.

Affi Board of Directors 2012 – 2014

Armando O. Bartolome, GMB Franchise Developers

President 2012-2014

Ricardo Z. Cuna, CFE, Fiorgelato

Executive Vice President

Teresa D. Laurel, Goto King

Chairman of the Board

Gilbert C. Jim, Bubbatealicious

Corporate Secretary

Estrellita L. Montanido, Chicharrific

Treasurer

Teresita Ngan Tian,Lot's A Pizza

Auditor

Paulo M. Tibig, VCargo Worldwide

Director for Education

Josie C. See, Peanut World

Director for Membership

Paul Andrew Tan, Aquabest

Director for Public Relations and Marketing

Erlinda S. Bartolome, GMB Franchise Developers

Director for International Trade Affairs

Kamela C. Seen, Plato Wraps

Director for Luzon Chapter

Voltaire B. Magpayo, Sweet Corner

Director for Mindanao Chapter

Victor M. Fernando, Big Apple Express Spa

Director for Government Affairs

The Association of the Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) is the Philippines’ prime trade organization committed to promoting responsible micro small medium enterprise businesses through franchising. It is consist of Filipino corporate presidents, CEOs, and prominent businessmen who recognize the competitive potential of the local franchising industry in the global market. Duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the association serves as a governing body that safeguards the interest of its members and innovates ways to further its advocacies.