Franchise show promotes Pinoy brands

MANILA, Philippines - Potato Corner, Goto-King, Lay-Bare and AquaBest are some of the Filipino enterprises which have gone beyond the country’s shores and established their brand identities on foreign ground.

When Potato Corner put up its first kiosk in the US, many doubted its viability in a major potato producing country. “You”re selling ice to the Eskimos,” an American customer quipped to Butch Bartolome, Potato Corner consultant and president of GMB Franchise Developers, to which he replied, ‘Yes, but it’s flavored!”

In a short span of time, Potato Corner has put up eight outlets in the US. Similarly, Lay Bare has established its presence in US, while Goto king has set up shop in the United Arab Emirates and Aquabest in Saipan.

These homegrown entrepreneurs have proven that Filipino brands can successfully compete in the foreign market.

The Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI) showcases these achievements in its up-coming 11th Filipino Franchise Show entitled “Galing ng Pinoy” on Oct. 12-14 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. Bringing to the fore AFFI fs commitment to uplift the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises, the franchise show is expected to attract prospective entrepreneurs.

“This is going to be a show of the best homegrown brand names in the country,” said Voltaire Magpayo, AFFI director for Mindanao and owner of Sweet Corner Cart. “The show is intended for aspiring entrepreneurs who see franchising as a business model for start-up ventures and for micro-entrepreneurs who wish to grow and expand.”