A Better World
Are You An Idea?
So you want to innovate? You want to go down the entrepreneurial path and carve your own space in the universe? Traditional thinking suggests that you should start with a great business idea. I cannot disagree with that; It is after all something I myself would advocate. But indulge me as I broaden the... »
The Back End is the Front End
In Rags2Riches, we have a term which reflects one of our core philosophies : “The Back End is the Front End”. You see, ‘The Back End’ is the aspect that customers normally don’t see; They only see the fancy advertising, the glitzy images, the seductive storefront, the alluring posters, the massive billboards. The customer’s... »
The Philippines’ Path to Happiness
The Philippines21 group had dinner the other night with Jamie Metzl, Executive Vice-President of AsiaSociety. Sandwiched amidst lighter conversation was a topic that landed on the dinner table : What country’s model of development can the Philippines emulate? Now, I’m an entrepreneur, not an economist; But I guess my opinionated self can’t help but... »
Why Hapinoy is Like the iPhone
You’re probably wondering how in the world I came up with the following equation : Well, the truth of the matter is that lately, I’ve begun to become more comfortable explaining Hapinoy’s Business Model in this way. Most especially now that we’re in a stage wherein we can more tangibly share the next phase... »
Business Partners, not Beneficiaries
Last weekend, Reese Fernandez – President of Rags2Riches, Inc and my other/better half – conducted a transition workshop with the Rags2Riches Cooperative’s Board of Directors. The main content of the workshop was – and stay with me here – finance and managerial accounting. To appreciate the concept on why it’s a transition, one has... »
INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Programme ’09
Through the referral of Rags2Riches’ partner and investor, LGT Venture Philanthropy, I got to know about the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Programme. I applied through Hans Wahl, the Programme Director, and thankfully got accepted – thus spending the last week in INSEAD Singapore on this very engaging learning journey. The course itself was led by... »
My TEDx Manila Talk : Change, Inc – How Social Businesses Can Help Build A Better World
Sharing my TEDx Manila Talk — a personal passion for changing the world through social businesses, and how we at Hapinoy try to live this through the work that we do. Change, Inc : How Social Business Can Help Build A Better World View more documents from Mark Ruiz. »
Eradicating Poverty Conference
The MCPI (Microfinancing Council of the Philippines) had a regional conference on the theme Beyond Credit : A Holistic Approach to Poverty Eradication, and we at Hapinoy were invited to share our experience and perspective on the topic. The topic is actually quite interesting, especially since we founded MicroVentures/Hapinoy specifically on this insight :... »
The Rags2Riches Manifesto on Eco-Ethical Style
As we celebrate the 2nd year anniversary of Rags2Riches, we affirm our commitment to the advocacy we are building – an Eco-Ethical LifeStyle elegantly encapsulated in our Manifesto : My lifestyle is life-giving. I refuse to live in any other way. I believe that we should never compromise beauty for life or life for... »
Filipino Efren Penaflorida is CNN Hero of the Year!
Thank you for the pride, Ef It’s such a cool and refreshing feeling to see headlines like the ones below … you rock! »
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