The 16th Philippine SME Business Expo (PHILSME 2025) officially opened its doors today at the 2nd Floor of the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, welcoming thousands of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and innovators eager to drive business momentum.
READ: PHILSME Business Expo Unveils Powerhouse Speaker Lineup and Exclusive Activities for 2025 Edition
The two-day B2B trade show kicked off with an Opening Ceremony and Media Press Conference, headlined by PHILSME Business Expo and Network CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, who set the tone for this year’s theme: “Driving Momentum: Pursuing Ingenuity, Resiliency, and Customer-Centricity.”
“PHILSME 2025 is all about momentum,” said Esguerra-Abrenilla. “We’re helping Philippine SMEs gain the edge they need by creating a space where innovation, collaboration, and real business growth intersect.”
RECALL: 12,000 Entrepreneurs Empowered at the 15th PHILSME Business Expo in Manila
This year’s expo aims to empower Filipino entrepreneurs with access to cutting-edge tools, valuable insights, and high-impact collaborations to help them scale their businesses.
Over 180 local and international brands are featured in the exhibit area, offering business solutions in digital services, logistics, e-commerce, franchising, retail, finance, and more. The event expects 20,000 pre-registered attendees and walk-ins from May 9 to 10.
SEE: GNP Academy for Entrepreneurs Launched at PHILSME 2024 to Empower Filipino SMEs
Industry Insights and Global Connections
Opening Day featured insightful talks from top industry players, including:
- Jitendra Tripathi, Country Manager of JRS Dynamics Info Solutions Corp
- Mary Del Rosario, Head of Institutional Sales, Cignal TV Inc.
- Reji Retugal, Country Representative, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council
- Francis Lorenzo Estacio, Regional Sales Head for Distributive Trade, GCash for Business
- H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, introduced the Special Malaysian Pavilion by MATRADE, highlighting Malaysian innovations and promoting cross-border SME partnerships.
CHECK THIS OUT: Josiah Go and RJ Ledesma Lead Powerhouse Speaker Lineup at 15th PHILSME Business Expo
PHILSME Business Conference Ignites Entrepreneurial Vision
Also launched on Day 1, the PHILSME Business Conference delivered powerful sessions on growth, innovation, and leadership.
Highlights included:
- RJ Ledesma, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Mercato Centrale, opened with Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation, drawing from his own success stories.
- A dynamic panel discussion, The Blueprint for E-Commerce Success: Strategies from the Founders Themselves, brought together e-commerce trailblazers:
- Kim Lato, CEO/President of Kimstore
- Dar Ty-Nilo, Founder of Belle de Jour Planner
- Miko David, Co-Founder of David & Golyat and President of DMAP
- Ric Gindap, CEO and Creative Director of Design for Tomorrow, tackled Authentic Leadership: CEOs Crafting Brands That Resonate.
- Rowen Untivero, Chairman and CEO of KinetX, explored Challenges & Strategies in Scaling Your SME Business.
- Cristalle Belo-Pitt, Managing Director of Belo Essentials, delivered Real Talk: What I’ve Learned from Starting and Growing Multiple Businesses.
Before the final talk of the day, the PHILSME Business Network Ceremony brought together some old and new members in a formal certificate-awarding ceremony, marking their commitment to strengthening collaboration and community among Filipino entrepreneurs.
The day concluded with bestselling author and motivational speaker Jayson Lo, who inspired the audience with his signature talk, Discover the Younique, blending personal growth insights with business mindset transformation.
Day 2 beckons as Pambansang Wealth Coach Chinkee Tan graces the PHILSME Business Conference stage and many more speakers from business solutions offered to small and medium enterprises.
With such a powerhouse lineup, the PHILSME Conference continues to be a hub of inspiration and actionable strategies for entrepreneurs ready to grow and thrive.
Don’t miss out—attendees are encouraged to explore the exhibits and attend the remaining talks before PHILSME 2025 closes on the evening of May 10.
Industry Giants Powering PHILSME 2025
The 16th edition of PHILSME is backed by a roster of top industry sponsors:
PLATINUM SPONSORS
JRS Dynamics Info Solutions Corp, GCash for Business, Cignal TV Inc., USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, Benchmark
GOLD SPONSORS
IWG International Workplace Group, DSOURCE Inc., ZOHO, MATRADE, Cebuana Lhuillier Inc., Finest Media PH
SILVER SPONSORS
Security Bank, LANDI, Skyro, Sterling International Consulting, Pru Life UK, SPX, Design for Tomorrow, Sine Haraya, PHILSME Business Network
Get Involved
Walk-in guests will be charged PHP 200 at the venue, so early registration is encouraged. Get your FREE ticket now at https://ticket.philsme.com
Join our vibrant Good News Pilipinas community, where we celebrate the achievements of the Philippines and Filipinos worldwide! As the Philippines’ No. 1 Website for Good News and proud winners of the Gold Anvil Award and Lasallian Scholarum Award, we invite you to connect, engage, and share your inspiring stories with us. Together, let’s shine a spotlight on the stories that make every Filipino proud. Follow us on all platforms through our LinkTree. Let’s spread good news and positivity, one story at a time!
