MARKING a milestone for the Junior Bedan Marketing Association (JBMA), the organization hosted its annual Community Service Responsibility (CSR) event from Nov. 12 to 14 at the Multi-Purpose Hall, featuring its first-ever integrated beneficiary.

     With the theme “Marketing Mastermind: Student Business Takeover,” student business owners circled the venue with stalls, showcasing various products such as clothing, jewelry, pastries, and refreshments. A portion of the proceeds, combined with those from the organization’s upcoming CSR event next year, will be donated to their chosen beneficiary, who will be announced during the event.

     Amid the three-day event, a talk on Nov. 12 centered around the intricacies of running a start-up business and the importance of e-commerce. 

     In his opening remarks, Joshua Dalmacio (III-BSBA-MM), External Associate of JBMA, emphasized the importance of start-up businesses. “Start-ups are the heart of innovation and growth, as they have a more grounded feel of consumers’ wants and needs,” he expressed.

     Subsequently, JBMA Moderator Prof. Ma. Luisa Dimaranan conveyed that the event is an opportunity to sell, gain valuable insights, and broaden one’s horizons. She states, “It’s not just [about] gathering here [to] sell, but we are gathered here to have a meaningful event [in the sense that] we are widening our horizons.”

     SBCA Marketing Management alumnus Dane Oquias (Batch 2022-2023) was the event’s sole speaker, sharing his insights on e-commerce and how he balances being a PNB training officer while managing various businesses.

     During his talk, Oquias emphasized that before venturing into e-commerce, it's essential to understand the art of selling. He explained that selling isn’t merely offering a product—it's about conveying the emotions and benefits. He adds, “If I ask you ano binebenta ni Tesla, ano sasabihin mo, cybertrucks? Would you believe me if I told you that they are not selling trucks, but they are selling the future.”

     The former Marketista also shared that what helped him grow in starting a business was what he learned as a student, but most importantly, doing the easy things first. He explained, “One thing that’s really important and will help, even in your studies, is doing the easy things first. What do I mean by this? Waking up in the morning consistently and not being late.”

     In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, Ryana Del Espiritu Santo (III-BSBA-MM), project head and undersecretary of JBMA, shared that community service goes beyond the act of giving; it’s also about the nurtured relationships made along the way. About JBMA's future projects, she says, “The organization has a lineup of numerous projects for the remainder of the academic year, one of which is another CSR event to enable JBMA to provide better support to its chosen beneficiary.”