Tears of Joy at WOFEX Startup: How JCI Manila x WOFEX are Turning ‘Small Dreams’ into Reality
From small kitchens to the national stage—JCI Manila x WOFEX are officially turning "small dreams" into big realities!
In a powerful demonstration of this year’s theme, “Lead Beyond,” JCI Manila recently partnered with the World Food Expo (WOFEX) to launch the WOFEX Start-Up 2026 program. Held during the Manila edition of the country’s largest food trade show, this initiative transformed the expo floor into a high-octane incubator for the next generation of Filipino food disruptors.
The collaboration was designed with a singular focus: bridging the gap between small-scale artisanal producers and the mainstream commercial market. By providing prime exhibition space and direct access to industry titans, JCI Manila is ensuring that homegrown concepts aren’t just seen—they are scaled.
Cultivating a Sustainable Ecosystem
For the organizers, this wasn’t just about booths and brochures; it was about nation-building through entrepreneurship.
“We’re trying to help the small guys become the big guys,” says Joel Pascual, President of Peptarsus Corp. (WOFEX). “The partnership between WOFEX and JCI Manila is a strong platform for that. Our hope is that this initiative becomes a regular feature in every Manila edition.”
This sentiment is echoed by the leadership of JCI Manila. Vjohn Dizon, the 2026 Director for Leadership Training and Business Development, emphasized that the project is a direct reflection of the vision set by 2026 President Edison Ke.
“This project is truly supporting startups beyond the next generation,” Dizon noted. “This is service to humanity. This is the JCI Manila brand of leadership – real, felt, and shared.”
From Concept to Commercial Ready
The program’s success relied heavily on mentorship and market access. Nunnatus Cortez, Jr., Chairman of WOFEX Start-Up 2026 for JCI Manila, highlighted the strategic intent behind the program.
“Our vision is to help emerging Filipino food concepts become trade-ready brands,” Cortez explained. “We are deeply grateful to WOFEX and the leadership of Joel Pascual, Randy Manaloto, Joel Nuñez, and Boydee Dizon for a partnership that aligns so closely with JCI Manila’s mission of empowering entrepreneurs.”
Voices from the Field: The Startup Experience
The three-day event was a whirlwind of networking for the participating startups, who found themselves face-to-face with distributors, restaurant operators, and institutional buyers.
- Sip & Chug Coffee: “We’re small, but our dreams are big,” shared Sai Montes. “Being part of WOFEX allowed us to meet so many potential partners. We’re grateful for this kind of opportunity.”
- Not Just Juice: Mac Lofgren reflected on the scale of the event: “To be a small business and suddenly have the chance to reach thousands of people is incredible. This experience has already opened doors for us.”
Looking Ahead
The success of the WOFEX Start-Up 2026 batch underscores a vital truth: when young leaders and established industries collaborate, the entire Filipino food ecosystem grows stronger. As JCI Manila continues to “Lead Beyond,” the goal remains clear—transforming small-scale operations into nationally recognized brands that can compete on the global stage.
