MANILA, Philippines - It’s never easy to jumpstart a new enterprise, that’s why startup businesses look to the aid of numerous bazaars in an effort to generate buzz and start creating a name for themselves. Not only are they showing people their unique products, but also promoting the idea of cheap and great finds at a price that’s ridiculously friendly. With the bazaar phenomenon, the Power Plant Mall tries to bridge the gap between consumers and business people. These regular bazaars hosted by Rockwell encourage entrepreneurs to reach for their dreams. They also give consumers a good bargain. In an effor to amp up this advocacy, Rockwell’s bazaar hosts another round off search for the “Next Big Thing.” Budding entrepreneurs are given a chance to take their small ventures and really take their business skills to the test. By garnering the most shopper votes in this year’s competition, the winner will receive a swanky Samsung Galaxy Nexus phone as well as P100,000 in cash. The top contenders are ready for this year’s Rockwell challenge, and all they need is you.
Heliana One of Heliana’s multi-colored sandal designs.
Great journeys begin with a single step, and it wouldn’t hurt to take big strides wearing a great pair of shoes. Heliana footwear owners Hannah Reyes and Paolo Rentero take pride in their products with their practice of designing each style after different cultures of the world. Although handmade locally, Heliana uses materials from other parts of the world, making it both a global brand while keeping its local origins intact.
Bake buddy
It undoubtedly takes great skill and patience to bake, therefore making it a complete pain whenever that cookie recipe you picked up from the Internet just never seems to end well. Aliya Ignacio’s Bake Buddy hopes to make everyone true happy homemakers without the horrible kitchen disasters. Coined as recipes in a can, all you have to do is pick a baked good recipe, follow the instructions on the lid, bake, share the warm treats and enjoy.
Popjunklove
Nothing screams more DIY than owners Maan and Roma Agsalud and their quirky craft store. Started in 2007 as a small business project involving handmade tee-embellishments and shirt-pins, Maan and Roma have taken their tiny venture and made their DIY dreams come true. Necklaces, earnings, rings and bracelets are adorned with cutesy pop culture pieces like old school lego blocks and cartoony versions of our favorite comic book heroes.
Reap
Handcrafted statements pieces are what Reap is all about. Big, colorful, and intricate designs are what speak of owner Chynna Gonzales’s little shop of bejeweled wonders. With a title as a finalist in the Philippine Fashion and Design Competition Accessories Division 2011 under the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines, Chynna Gonzales is prepped and ready to show people what she’s made of. Whether it’s a simple pearl white pinwheel ring or a domino stacked statement necklace is what you’re looking for, Reap has got you covered.
Erb and chet
There’s an old shopping adage that says that one can never have enough bags—that’s where Erb and Chet come in. Priding themselves on the idea of having a design principle of simple sophistication, Erbi Limin and Chet Alzona are in the market to give consumers the accessory fit to complete any style and look that any consumer wants to achieve. This dynamic duo, who earned their designer colors from the Fashion Institute of the Philippines, show technique and flair with their variety of bags from classic clutches to the sought after satchel.
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Rockwell bazaar’s search for the “Next Big Thing” will be on June 15 to 17, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Rockwell Tent.