18/08/2026
๐๐ผ๐๐ฝ๐ ๐ ๐
๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฟ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐งก
For the past three years, Iโve been a locator in Subic Bay, but Iโve always felt like I was โtoo smallโ to be part of organizations like this. (Hospitality Alliance of Subic Bay)
Most of the people I see are owners of big restaurants, hotels, cafรฉs, and established businesses. And there I wasโjust a small kiosk, quietly watching from the side.
I thought, โBaka hindi ako belong dito.โ
โBaka wala naman akong maiaambag.โ
โBaka hindi rin naman ako mapansin.โ
But this time, I asked myselfโฆ whatโs really stopping me from showing up?
I realized I wasnโt there to compete. I was there to learn, to listen, to connect, and to be inspired by people who are already where I hope to be someday.
So I showed up.
I listened. I interacted. I introduced myself. I allowed myself to be seenโnot because I think Iโve already made it, but because I aspire to.
And Iโm especially grateful to Maโam Pam for encouraging me to speak up, show up, and be part of the conversation. ๐งก
Meeting other entrepreneurs, business owners, and even one of my followers reminded me that sometimes, the first step to becoming bigger is simply having the courage to put yourself in rooms that once intimidated you.
Small today doesnโt mean small forever.
I may still be a small business, but Iโm no longer going to let that make me feel like I donโt belong.
Iโll keep learning.
Iโll keep connecting.
Iโll keep collaborating.
And most importantly, Iโll keep showing up.
Because maybe someday, Iโll be one of the people that another small entrepreneur looks up to and says, โGusto ko rin makarating diyan.โ
For now, Iโm grateful to simply be hereโlearning from the people ahead of me and enjoying every step of the journey. โจ๐งก