The 18th PHILSME Business Expo & Conference officially opened Friday at the SMX Convention Center Manila with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla alongside Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, sponsors, industry leaders, and business partners.
Hosted by veteran broadcaster David Celdran, the opening ceremony welcomed entrepreneurs, exhibitors, media partners, startup founders, and business communities from across the country for what organizers describe as the biggest PHILSME edition to date.
“Every edition of this Expo is a testament to what happens when a community truly and genuinely believes in one another — and when we all together believe in the power of Filipino business,” said Celdran during the opening program.
Addressing attendees during the ceremony, Esguerra-Abrenilla welcomed guests and reflected on PHILSME’s continued growth through the support of the SME community.
“Welcome to the 18th Philippine SME Business Expo. Give yourselves a warm round of applause for making it here today,” said Esguerra-Abrenilla. “We try to keep on getting better and better for you and because of you.”
During her keynote message, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona emphasized the broader role of MSMEs in national development.
“The true legacy of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises is not only measured by profit. It is measured by the lives that we improve, the communities that we strengthen, and the future that we help build for every Filipino,” Lantayona said.
The opening program also featured presentations and participation from PHILSME partners and sponsors including GCash for Business, Skyro, Adobe, Esquire Financing Inc., and Outcomm Inc., highlighting solutions focused on financing, digital transformation, marketing visibility, and business growth for MSMEs.
PHILSME Launches First-Ever Business Magazine
One of the major highlights of Day 1 was the official launch of the first-ever PHILSME Business Magazine, introduced by PHILSME Media Director and magazine editor Angie Quadra-Balibay.
“Today, PHILSME expands beyond the expo floor,” Quadra-Balibay said during the launch presentation. “For the first time, we are launching the PHILSME Business Magazine — a portrait-led publication built around the lives, decisions, and defining moments behind Filipino enterprise.”
Quadra-Balibay emphasized that the publication was designed not as a souvenir issue or collection of business advice, but as a long-form documentation of the people and stories shaping Filipino entrepreneurship.
The launch included the unveiling of the magazine exhibit and photo opportunities with featured entrepreneurs, founders, writers, and contributors featured in the inaugural issue.
Media Presser Focuses on MSME Growth and Innovation
Following the opening ceremony, PHILSME held its official Media Presser at the PHILSME Meet Up Space, gathering media partners and business leaders for a discussion on the evolving needs of Filipino MSMEs and the role of collaboration in strengthening entrepreneurship.
Panelists included PHILSME CEO Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, Mike Tabaday of Skyro, Paul Albano of GCash for Business, Curtis Ko of Adobe, and Ronnel Jovita of Esquire Financing.
The discussion explored financing accessibility, digital payments, marketing visibility, AI-powered creative tools, and expanding opportunities for MSMEs across the country.
Overseas Filipino Entrepreneurs Spotlighted in GMA Pinoy TV Panel
PHILSME also hosted a special GMA Pinoy TV panel discussion titled “The Overseas Filipino Advantage: What Working Overseas Teaches About Entrepreneurship,” featuring overseas Filipino entrepreneurs and business leaders discussing how global experience shapes entrepreneurship and nation-building.
The panel included Dubai-based entrepreneurs Nico de Guzman and Karl de Guzman, maritime leader and entrepreneur Captain Marlon Cataquis, and Esguerra-Abrenilla, who divides her time between Germany and the Philippines while leading the PHILSME ecosystem.
Beyond the expo floor and conference stage, organizers highlighted the PHILSME Meet Up Space as a growing hub for entrepreneurial communities, networking, collaborations, and sector-focused discussions throughout the two-day event.
Business Leaders and Government Experts Take the Stage
Featured speakers across the conference include motivational entrepreneur Bo Sanchez, Blogapalooza founder Ace Gapuz, entrepreneur Reymond “Boss RDR” delos Reyes, tax educator Ed Cervantes of EC TAXPH, Design-Ed Learning Solutions President Boni De Jesus, Write Send Convert founder John Pagulayan, SureSuccess Global CEO Jojo Apolo, Pinay Girl Boss founder Atty. Kristina “Tina” De Guzman, and Department of Science and Technology Regional Director Dr. Bernardo “Aido” Sepeda, who discussed science, technology, and innovation opportunities for MSMEs.
Positioned under the theme “Legacy in Motion: Empowering Growth to the Nation,” the 18th PHILSME Business Expo & Conference occupies two halls at SMX Convention Center Manila and is expected to welcome more than 12,000 visitors over two days, alongside 190 exhibitors and over 260 business solutions.
The expo continues through May 23, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.
