27 MSMEs recognized at BARA 2013

CEBU, Philippines - Twenty-seven Cebuano micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were recently given recognition by a nationally-acclaimed award-giving body for their exemplary performance and contribution to the business community and economy.

Market Indicators Consultancy, a Cebu-based enterprise advocacy group that awards the efforts of small-scale businesses, held the Business Achievement and Recognition Awards (BARA) 2013 last May 19 at the Cebu City Sports Club.

BARA 2013 chair Rey Calooy said that such award aims to inspire MSMEs to grow their businesses further and excel in their respective fields.

He added that the recognition adds to the integrity and credibility of the awarded enterprise, building more confidence on the part of the entrepreneur.

"This recognition inspires MSMEs to excel and to aim high especially in terms of customer satisfaction, branding and product availability. This is also a part of their marketing efforts to attract a larger market," he told The FREEMAN.

He further congratulated this year's awardees for being the most productive, innovative, creative and competitive companies in the Cebu business community.

He cited that the success of an entrepreneur starts with one's passion, dreams and faith in oneself to stand out among other players.

Among those businesses that were awarded with a plaque and certificate of recognition included Rainforest Park as Adventure Park of the Year, EBR SN Tire Plaza for auto repair services provider, Fountainhead Bakeshop for cakes and pastries maker, Hannah's Cake Décor and Party Needs as cake décor and party needs provider, Jhunlyns Catering Services for the catering industry, Cebu BSR Chem Trading as chemicals and cleaning solutions provider, Choi City Restaurant as Chinese restaurant, Guadalupe Multi-purpose Cooperative as the Cooperative of the Year and Tokoname Enterprises as customized doors and interior works services provider.

BARA 2013 also named Valenzuela Dance Art Center as Dance Studio of the Year, Boardwalk Business Venture, Inc. for direct selling in apparel items, K1 Family KTV for family videoke, JGC Financing Co., Inc. as financial assistance provider, Workout Fitness Center as Fitness Center of the Year, Kalidades Flower Shop as Flower Shop of the Year, Giardini Del Sole Manufacturing and Trading Corp. as furniture maker and exporter, Atlantic Hardware as Hardware of the Year, Digital Paradise Inc. (Netopia) as internet hub provider, and Aquarius Human Resources Development Corp. as manpower services provider.

Other MSMEs given recognition were Marick Corporation as marine equipment and supplies provider, Sabel Pocherohan as the Pochero House of the Year, St. Paul Learning Center as Pre-school of the Year, Conching Food Industries as rosquillos maker, Philippine Trigon Shipyard Corp. as shipbuilder and engineering services provider, JY Square Supermarket as Supermarket of the Year, Seamaster Food Production Company as tempura maker and Cebu Web Services as web designing specialist.

Calooy, who is also the president of the Filipino Cebuano Business Club, Inc., then encouraged the public to start venturing into businesses as early as possible.

Market Indicators Consultancy is responsible of conducting marketing research and surveys in search of business establishments with outstanding performance in delivering their products or services. /JMD (FREEMAN)