204 Filipino Marketplace is the hottest group on Facebook!
204 Filipino Marketplace was created in early November and membership into the group blew up with over 1000 followers joining in the first three hours. Just over six weeks old, the group has over 9,600 members and still continues to grow and attract a steady stream of new members and composed of fellow Filipinos in Winnipeg.
The grass roots Facebook group features a wide range of sellers hawking home made food specialities from varying regions of the Philippines, new and used clothing (ukay-ukay), or even giveaways to help fellow new immigrants. It also includes professionals and sales agents hustling for their next sales lead, or promoting the latest sale, discounts and deals on almost everything.
204 Filipino Marketplace, or 204FM as it’s know online held their first general assembly, Christmas party and Meet & Greet at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba on December 13. According to several attendees, “PCCM was crazy busy!” as many online members were excited to sample the food being sold in the group, and connect with other members.
Ivy Lopez Sarmiento from Entrepreneurship Manitoba was a featured speaker during the assembly and she addressed the requirements for business permits. Her presentation featured many of the free business startup services available to Manitobans and is especially helpful for new immigrants looking to launch sideline businesses. Entrepreneurship Manitoba hosts a free 1-hour business startup session every Friday morning at 9am at their office on 250-240 Graham Ave. There’s no cost, no registration and no appointment needed, just show up. Anyone interested in contacting Ivy Lopez-Sarmiento directly at 204-945-2103 or ivy.lopez-sarmiento@gov.mb.ca.
The 204 Filipino Marketplace Facebook group is guided by the brilliantly minded, pure-hearted volunteers administrators – Aleli Carandang, Charry Mae, Markus de Ocampo, Leila Aseron Castro, Kaiser Kathe Santos, Angelic Bagsic, Jerico Anciro and Elaine Sauler-Tumbokon.
Photos by Noni Manalili and Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal
