Bata to Batapreneur: Big hit among Filipino youth

Bata to Batapreneur: Big hit among Filipino youth

The first Filipino children’s business fair, Bata to Batapreneur, was held in Toronto on July 7, showcasing creative products and services of 50 aspiring entrepreneurs from 6 to 18 years old. The novelty of this event attracted participants from various parts of the GTA and surrounding areas and even as far as Waterloo, Ontario and Maryland, USA. The day was packed with activities including direct selling to customers, inspirational talks by distinguished guest speakers, booth-judging by RBC representatives and MBA students from Laurier University, and fun games by TFC. It was like nothing that the community has ever seen!

Throughout the day, the Batapreneurs were inspired by talks given by respected guest speakers: Steve Pagao (PCCT President), Senior Trade Commissioner Maria Roseni Alvero (DTI), Consul General Rosalita Prospero (Philippine Consulate General Toronto), Dr. Mayrose Salvador (Scientist/Innovator/Educator), Charlie Page (Psychotherapist/Power4Teens Founder), Cora Dela Cruz (former PCCT President), Eric Tigley (Artist/Educator), Pauline Chan (Reporter for CTV News at 6), Dr. Eileen De Villa (Toronto Medical Officer), and Julian Baricuatro (Entrepreneur).

At the end of the event, special awards/recognition were given to five selected Batapreneur businesses: Most Creative – Gloriane Baricuatro; Most Popular – Angelo Salvador and Lance Laserna; Most Profitable – Rome and Enzo Ramos; Most Promising – Isabella Cortes; and Business of the Year 2018 – Marcus Justice Uy. All the participants went home with hard-earned money, increased self-confidence, an entrepreneurial mindset, and an experience to last through their growing years.

With the successful turnout and overwhelming interest by the Filipino community, the organizers are now planning a Christmas Bazaar and offering to bring Bata to Batapreneur across Canada. Visit www.bata2batapreneur.com for upcoming events and workshops. For those interested in bringing Bata to Batapreneur to their community, contact Janet Lim or Christine Santos at (416) 732-4822 or bata2batapreneur@gmail.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)