THE SAN BEDA Junior Marketing Association (SBJMA) launched its annual Marketing Management Innovation Showcase (MMIS) 2025 at the Abbot Lopez Hall last May 10, giving Marketing sophomores the opportunity to present sustainable, Filipino heritage-inspired products to address real-world challenges.
The event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Sabater’s Lobby to formally open the exhibit area. Leading the ceremony were keynote speakers in the likes of Mr. Jerico D. Namoro, Mr. Edgar Cantuba, and Ms. Zarah Jane Juan, who showed their support for student-led initiatives.
The program formally commenced at the Abbot Lopez Hall with opening remarks from Mr. Namoro, the Officer-in-Charge and Assistant Director of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and One Town, One Product (OTOP), who shared insights on the media industry’s influence on business.
Mr. Cantuba followed, tackling modern Filipino consumer behavior and design trends. In his segment, he mentioned how “Buying decisions are first decided before you buy.” With the current generation, considerations are to be taken into account such as: “Will this make my life better, more importantly—for the next generation—Instagrammable ba?,” he said.
A round table discussion then took place where the speakers played a thought-provoking game of “Prevent or Invent.” Each guest flipped cards based on whether they agreed or disagreed with business scenarios, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and innovation in entrepreneurship.
Building on this momentum, a competition was initiated to challenge students to pitch their product innovations to a panel of guest judges, showcasing creativity, feasibility, and cultural relevance. Judges included Dr. Raquel Salvador, Ms. Lourdes Angelie Virry, and Mr. Sherwin Que.
Corresponding awards were later given for product concept, prototype perfection, presentation prowess, and overall innovation.
Sun-dip Inuyat won the Overall Outstanding Product Innovation Award. It also placed in categories such as Prototype Perfection and Presentation Prowess. Mani Tamis and Panutsa Crunch Ice Cream likewise earned top rankings across categories.
One of the featured products was Hydrotech, a water-resistant take on the traditional Bayong developed by marketing students.
According to Gwyneth Ohashi, the Activity Chairperson, they prioritized ethical sourcing and worked with local artisans during production. The product earned recognition by winning the Prototype Perfection Award.
Ohashi further emphasized that the goal of the event was to “make Filipino products future-forward while remaining eco-conscious,” emphasizing the group’s advocacy for ethical packaging, production, and consumption in response to the worsening climate crisis.
“We wanted to show that these Filipino products are more than items—they are heritage,” said Ohashi.
The event concluded with the awarding of top-performing student innovations, marking a successful culmination of the showcase.
“We cannot just produce and produce. It should be helpful to marginalized communities as well,” she said
(with Joaquin Zacchary Tadeo)