As part of the 917 GDay 2025 celebrations, Globe Business turned the spotlight on Filipino entrepreneurs whose businesses prove that passion and purpose can go hand in hand. The first-ever G Fair Awards honored local SME partners not only for what they sell, but for the values they stand for: innovation, community, and sustainability.
“Through G Fair, we see how small businesses bring innovation, heart, and resilience to every challenge,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. “The winners remind us that success is not just about growth, but about the impact you create for people and the planet.”
KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business, added: “These entrepreneurs embody the courage to innovate and the commitment to do better. Their success inspires others to scale their business and amplify their positive impact in the communities they serve.”
Merchant displays for G Fair 2025 held at the BGC Amphitheater, with the theme “Building Local Businesses. Strengthening Community.”
For two days, G Fair served as a dynamic platform for local businesses. It transformed into a stage where stories of grit and creativity came to life, offering inspiration to entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners alike.
Brewing Passion Into Progress
L-R: Jonathan Cristobal, Marketing Head, Globe Business; George Narag, Senior Brand Manager, 2Go; Harley Keith Yu, Owner, H Proper Coffee Roasters; and Armelie Aiko Go, Assistant Director for Customer Lifecycle Management, Globe Business.
The Breakthrough Award went to H Proper Coffee Roasters, a specialty coffee roastery born from one man’s search for the perfect cup. What started as a personal passion project is now a growing business where every detail, from sourcing green beans at origin to perfecting roast profiles, carries the founder’s uncompromising standards. Judges recognized H Proper not only for its craft, but also for demonstrating that when entrepreneurs pour themselves fully into their work, they can carve out a distinct place in a competitive industry.
Winning Hearts Through Authentic Craft
L-R: Jonathan Cristobal, Marketing Head, Globe Business; George Narag, Senior Brand Manager, 2Go; Cristine Ong-Chan, Owner, The Good Poison; and Mark Jason Alcantara, Manager for Sustainability and Social Responsibility, Globe.
The People’s Choice Award was given to The Good Poison, a premium iced tea brand that has captured the public’s imagination in less than a year since launch. Crafted with real brewed tea and fresh fruit, every bottle speaks of mindful sourcing and a dedication to quality. Consumers’ votes showed that when a product is rooted in authenticity, customers respond with loyalty and trust.
Lighting the Way for Sustainable Practices
L-R: Jonathan Cristobal, Marketing Head, Globe Business; Nesza and Rich Asuncion, Owners, Lumi Candles; George Narag, Senior Brand Manager, 2Go; Mark Jason Alcantara, Manager for Sustainability and Social Responsibility, Globe; and Armelie Aiko Go, Assistant Director for Customer Lifecycle Management, Globe Business.
The Sustainability Champion Award was awarded to Lumi Candles PH, a homegrown brand that has turned a small hobby into a movement. Known for its soy candles and refillable home essentials, Lumi doesn’t just sell décor, it advocates for responsible consumption. Its booth at G Fair demonstrated waste-reduction practices, while its ongoing support for non-profit organizations shows that businesses of any scale can spark social change. Globe recognized Lumi for championing sustainability across both their digital presence and on-ground activation, based on their reduced environmental impact, ethical and responsible business practices, and long-term commitment to sustainability.
By celebrating these awardees, Globe underscores its commitment to nurturing SMEs as catalysts of inclusive and sustainable growth. G Fair is an invitation for entrepreneurs to share their stories, for customers to support local businesses, and for communities to thrive together.
As Globe looks ahead, the call is clear: the next wave of Filipino SMEs is ready to step forward, and Globe Business is here to support them in their digital transformation journey.
