SASKATOON — A newly-formed local organization composed of entrepreneurs native to the Philippines is looking to highlight the concept of co-operation amongst themselves — especially during this time of the pandemic — and in the process promote Filipino cuisine and culture.
The Saskatoon Association of Filipino Entrepreneurs Inc. or SAFE is composed of various businesses, most of which are food vendors who took part in the inaugural Filipino Music and Food Street Festival last August.
Chris Rodriguez of GKM Events Management, known in the Filipino community as ChrisRod, was elected as its first president during numerous meetings where they laid out the plans for their organization. Maria Buenaventura of Mamu’s Corner became vice president.
Members include Rex Cabellon (Dessert Plus by Rex), Ronnie Caber (Mama Nitas Binalot), Allan and Yvette Jamarolin (Ecko’s Lechon), Ferdinand and Maybelle Mendoza (Northern Sky Food & Beverage Inc.), Toni Carlo Chin and Flor Padua (Flor’s Authentic Filipino Cuisine), Al and Karylle Sending (AL’s Kitchen), James and Thessa Villanueva (Katmu Family Restaurant), and Baltazar De Guzman (Lechon King).
Chin said the idea for their organization came about after the music and food festival, which was well received not only by Filipinos but also other sectors of the community.
“The purpose of our group is to be united. Most of us are stressed due to the pandemic the past two years. What’s our stress reliever? Food and music, right?” says Rodriguez. "So, we started talking on having a group that would have the same common interest for every Filipino entrepreneur in the city. A lot of small businesses in Saskatoon have struggled and failed during the pandemic. So, our purpose here is to have everybody helping everybody else. I think this is a good start to keep our feet moving so we can make our community a better place, not just for the entrepreneurs but for everybody.”
Rodriguez said despite having different backgrounds they can still work together and do something for the community.
“Working together, moving forward thru partnerships, and building relationships are geared toward promoting the Filipino culture here in Saskatoon… Uniting Filipino business owners and making a bold move to reach out and say, let us work together,” he said. “SAFE’s vision is to educate the Filipino businesses into adhering to their rules and regulations set by our government, to follow the legal process, to be law-abiding business owners, to bridge the cultural gap, interconnecting with other communities, making friends, building relationships, exchanging commerce is most especially learning from each other.”
He added that he believes success can be achieved through a unified front.
Let us start this journey to grow and build our businesses together. Listen to ideas, create events, connect with other businesses, get involved in the community. SAFE is here so we can be heard, and we can be a voice in Saskatoon's business community.”
Legislative Secretary to the Parks, Culture, & Sports Ministry Todd Goudy, MLA for Saskatoon Fairview Vicki Mowat, MP Brad Redekopp’s constituency assistant Daniel Caswell, Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark, and Ward 3 Councillor David Kirton were some of the special guests during the induction of officers held early this month at the Saskatoon Inn & Convention Centre.
