London, United Kingdom – Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez headlined the ‘Kapihan sa Pasuguan’ at the Philippine Embassy in London on 22 September 2018. The Secretary related the Philippines’ economic growth to the audience composed of FilCom leaders, Filipino business executives and young professionals in the United Kingdom.

Secretary Ramon M. Lopez speaks to an audience of Filipino community leaders and businessmen

Left to right: Consul Rommel Romato, Undersecretary Rowel Barba, PFA President Richard Sanz, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, PFA Chairman Dr. Alan Escalona, PFA Director for ASEAN Chris Lim, Commercial Counsellor Michelle Fatima Sanchez, and Consul General Senen Mangalile

In the event dubbed ‘Usapang Trabaho, Negosyo at Kabuhayan’ (A Conversation about Employment, Business and Livelihood), Secretary Lopez also presented success stories of small enterprises to encourage and inspire the community to invest in the Philippines and be part of its continuous growth.

Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) officers were present to provide practical insights on the franchising industry and joined Secretary Lopez in the panel discussion and Q&A. PFA President Richard Sanz presented the opportunities and advantages of franchising in the Philippines, while PFA Director Chris Lim illustrated some of the trends in the franchise industry and examples of investment packages available for Filipinos abroad.

PFA President Richard Sanz talks about franchising in the Philippines

PFA Director Chris Lim gives a briefer on how to invest in the right franchise

PFA Chairman Dr. Alan Escalona answers a question from the audience

Homegrown fast-food chain and now global brand, Jollibee, also surprised the guests to a taste of the first ever Chicken Joy to be served in the UK. Jollibee’s Market Head for Europe, Rodel Alcantara, participated as a special guest and officially announced that Jollibee will be opening its first store in the UK on Earls Court Road in London on 20 October 2018. Jollibee is on an aggressive expansion to overseas markets, placing it on the path to becoming one of the top 5 fast food companies globally.♦

Jollibee Market Head for Europe Rodel Alcantara announces Jollibee UK store’s opening on October 2018

Jollibee brings buckets of JOY to the UK, with their trademark fried chicken recipe

Date of Release: 2 October 2018