Why #SupportLocal?

Running a micro business in the Philippines is rather a struggle than glamour. One thing that our circle “called friends” don’t realize is that we try to mark up conservatively so we can be competitive. It’s a shame or insensitive to ask for discounts if we want to support small businesses especially if you call them friends.

Few of the many reasons why I founded the Boracay MSME organization called SPAB is (1) to have a voice for the small businesses, (2) to elevate the quality standards of the local MSMEs, (3) to establish the integrity of local MSMEs, (4) to strengthen the supportlocal campaign, and (5) to create internal patronization program between members living in the same MSME ecosystem supporting and patronizing each other’s products and services.

With running GMarket mainly for SPAB, it is not very glamorous. We’re enduring the economic struggles in Boracay (at least for now) but we will sustain because we believe in our #supportlocal and MSME advocacies and its outcome in the future.

When we support local, we should choose to patronize and endorse small local enterprises that practice sustainable measures. In GCafe & Bakery for instance, our integrity is built through PASSION and QUALITY. We cannot afford to hire or pay a culinary educated chef. So we chose a skilled local cook with the biggest heart for cooking. This way, we can maintain a competitive price for our targeted local customers. His local experience and my five star experience in food and hospitality abroad make it a good tandemn for sustainability. He takes care of the menu; I take care of hygiene, sanitation, and food innovation.

We choose to showcase our Filipino Heritage Food as primary move to support local while supporting local farmers and producers…without missing homestyle comfort food to offer to tourists and locals who seeks western taste.

We don’t fancy our food but straightforward goodness and quality. We make everything mostly from scratch: our sauces, breads, and others.

Today, this Messy Triple Treat Sandwich is our ORIGINAL and my personal favorite breakfast sandwich. It’s messy to eat because of its triple treats: 3 types of deli, 3 kinds of sauces, 3 different vegetables, 3 layers of egg and cheese. Our Cappuccino and Omelette Meals are great breakfast treats as well. That fresh and juicy langka for breakfast dessert is from Healthree.

I have always dreamed of a place where I can customized breakfasts outside the menu. I’m happy to announce, there’s one already in Boracay. That’s what we do at GMarket. Come visit, we make good breakfasts!

When you visit GMarket, there’s a whole other MSME stories that you’d encounter. Our sweets and desserts are mostly from SPAB Food Makers, Original Bacolod Chicken Inasal from Montoya Grill Station, Fruits & Vegetables from Healthree, Local Products from Pinay Boracay, Handicrafts & Souviners from various Malay Communities. There’s also Juana Wander Boutique for sophisticated fashion taste.

We always believe that the community will thrive with the support of fellow community members. Let’s make our connections stronger and always—let’s #SupportLocal