Puregold Highlights Sari-Sari Stores’ Role in Driving Grassroots Commerce and MSME Growth

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In its final installment of the Sari-Sari Stories, Puregold releases “Pangalan,” a moving tribute to the sari-sari stores that continue to power daily life, grassroots enterprise, and community connection across the Philippines.

Following “Ways,” “The Sign,” and “The Witness,” Puregold broadens the conversation from nostalgia to economic relevance, highlighting how sari-sari stores continue to serve as accessible retail touchpoints, community anchors, and entry-level enterprises that support household livelihoods in the country.

Sari-sari stores go beyond informal neighborhood retail. They function as last-mile commerce points that respond to everyday consumer needs with proximity, familiarity, and flexible purchasing options. Their resilience has allowed them to remain relevant even as the retail landscape continues to evolve.

That economic role is matched by social relevance. At the heart of Pangalan is the idea that sari-sari stores are more than neighborhood shops: they are trusted spaces that people turn to not only for essentials, but for connection and reliability. The film captures this dual role in distinctly Filipino terms: the store as tanungan, tambayan, and takbuhan.

The narrative is reinforced by appearances of OPM artists Jhoanna Robles of BINI, Stell Ajero of SB19, and Skusta Clee, whose personal recollections reflect the deep familiarity of sari-sari stores in Filipino life. Their participation adds cultural relevance to a message ultimately anchored in enterprise, accessibility, and community-based retail.

Puregold’s focus on this segment remains rooted in mass-market demand and the practical realities of everyday consumption. By spotlighting community-based retail, the company reinforces its relevance at the grassroots level while drawing attention to the vital contribution of MSMEs to the domestic economy.

The timing is equally strategic, with MSMEs already looking ahead at the upcoming Puregold Tindahan Ni Aling Puring Sari-Sari Store Convention in May. The annual event has become a key platform for sari-sari store owners, entrepreneurs, and partner suppliers, underscoring Puregold’s enduring commitment to small business development and ecosystem growth.

Watch the full video here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAE7m6Ts2ew

Stay in the loop. Subscribe to the Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and X, and @puregoldph on TikTok for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

SB19's Stell launches solo career with debut single, ‘Room,’ released under Warner Music Philippines

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As Stell launches his solo career with the much-anticipated release of his debut single, “Room,” Warner Music Philippines is thrilled to welcome the soulful singer of the acclaimed P-Pop group SB19 into its impressive roster of Filipino artists.

Starting with this new release, Warner Music Philippines in partnership with 1Z Entertainment, Stell’s management, hopes to explore Stell’s artistry with songs that will continue to showcase his wide vocal range punctuated by his mesmerizing delivery, soaring high register, and heart-melting falsetto. With the label’s guidance, Stell may be on his way to becoming the next most sought-after Filipino pop star.

“We are excited to be on this journey with Stell, an artist whose drive to excel inspires many. I’m confident that we can closely develop his personal sound and style for his upcoming music, and we look forward to Stell leaving his mark on the industry,” said Sarah Ismail, Managing Director of Warner Music Philippines.

In “Room,” Stell convincingly conveys the song’s message about how he commands everyone’s attention with his eye-catching presence and ability to read the room in an audition setting. To amplify the single, a music video premiered on the same day of its June 14 release. Stell performed “Room” live for the first time in front of family, friends, lucky fans, and members of the media at Teatrino in Greenhills, San Juan.

Part of the promotional efforts set up by 1Z Entertainment – on June 16, which is also his birthday, Stell will perform “Room” on GMA’s All Out Sundays and an exclusive interview will air on Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho. Two days later, on June 18, Stell will open for Hitman David Foster and Friends Asia Tour 2024 concert at the Araneta Coliseum.

This will be followed by a North American tour in the US and Canada from June 22 to 30 as part of the MilEStone Tour of Erik Santos, where Stell is a special guest. On July 1, Stell will appear as a live guest on Wish Bus USA. On July 27 and 28, Stell will headline a Manila concert, Ang Ating Tinig, with Julie Anne San Jose.

As a musician, dancer, actor, and host, Stell has so much to offer and is committed to exploring all possible avenues as a solo performer. Transcending genres, Stell will work in close collaboration with Warner Music Philippines and other artists who share his passion for music.

The release of “Room” is a prelude to his upcoming EP which will be released in August. And to promote the EP, Stell will go on a nationwide tour and more. Follow Warner Music Philippines for announcements.

“At this stage of my life and career, I hope to continue releasing music that aligns with my true worth as an artist,” Stell noted.

Kelley Mangahas, A&R Director of Warner Music Philippines, fully agrees and adds that “Stell’s talent is undeniable. He is a true star—a top-class singer, brilliant dancer, and charismatic host with a magnetic presence that naturally endears people to him. As he embarks on this personal musical journey, we at Warner Music Philippines are committed to helping him grow as an artist and open doors for him both locally and internationally. We are truly excited to partner with Stell and cannot wait to get started.”

Julian de Dios, COO & CFO of 1Z Entertainment shares that “1Z is greatly thankful for the incredible support for Stell and his latest single. We are thrilled for the bright future and well-deserved opportunities that await him. Let’s continue to champion Filipino talents and showcase their artistry on the global stage. Your support is instrumental in propelling our talents to worldwide recognition.”