PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla shared how legacy, community, and constant improvement guide the expo’s next chapter during a live, onstage interview at the 16th Philippine SME Business Expo in SMX Mall of Asia. “This is his legacy,” she said, recalling founder David Abrenilla’s vision and the responsibility to nurture the community he built. Stories of exhibitors closing new deals and scaling operations continue to fuel the team to “make it even better” each edition.
Taking the helm meant integrating her own values and strengths into the platform. Rather than simply repeating a template, Trixie emphasized evolving with every show—new partners, new solutions, and a more meaningful experience for SMEs. “Whatever happens, we always remind ourselves why we’re doing this,” she noted, underscoring PHILSME’s purpose as a one-stop space for business solutions and opportunities.
Esguerra-Abrenilla also previewed what’s ahead: the next edition will incorporate the Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo under the PHILSME umbrella—an innovation designed to serve both long-time attendees and first-time visitors with fresh, practical offerings for growth.
Her final advice to attendees was direct and actionable: network with confidence, swap cards, listen to talks, and follow through. “You are here to network so that you can grow your business,” she said—reminding entrepreneurs that the right conversation can spark the next investor, partner, or customer.
Learn more about empowering your business at philsme.com
Watch the full onstage session of PHILSME CEO Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla now on YouTube, as she shares her inspiring journey of purpose-driven leadership and legacy building at the 16th Philippine SME Business Expo:
