Geneva's Entrepreneurs
What do you know, the foremost Filipino entrepreneurs are women! Well, what did you expect, after all tribal coastal women were the ones who bartered goods with the Chinese before the Spaniards came.

Below are excerpts from the article of Harry Lacsamana in the third issue of the Ugnayang Bayan Newsletter dated 20 Dec 2006 (Hey, we have a lot of catching up to do, UB's been doing lots and lots since its founding in 2005!).

"Generosity defines these women. They have graciously and effortlessly offered their services and assistance to numerous projects, social events and gatherings, and as such, have touched the lives of many of our kababayans.

"Jennelyn von Alvensleben. Owner and manager of the reputable remittance agency, Geneva-Manila Express. She has been in the business more than 5 years. Her valuable services have helped many of our kababayans in Geneva in sending financial support to their families and relatives back home. She has also continuously supported Filipino functions and remains one of the major local sponsors of different shows and concerts, including the entertaining concert of Janno Gibbs and Vina Morales, as well as one of the most exciting concerts held in Geneva, The Martin Nievera Concert of April 22, 2006.

Geneva-Manila Express, rue du Mont-Blanc 21, 1201 Genève, Tél. 022 731 7916

"Helen Donin-Brunner. Owner of the long-running Mabuhay Asian Store, Helen has been serving the Filipino community over fourteen years now – she even has her own basketball team named after her store, which has won several championships already. Helen was once featured in one of our local newspapers as an outstanding owner of one of the most exotic Asian stores in Geneva. She has always shown support not only for our community but also to her fellow businesswomen, which she demonstrated by heavily promoting the most successful concert ever to happen in Geneva, the aforementioned Janno and Vina’s Back to Back Concert as well as the concert of her favorite balladeer, Mr. Martin Nievera.

Mabuhay Asian Store, rue du Fort-Barreau 21, 1201 Genève, Tél. 022 740 2510

"Susan Quinto. Owner and proprietor of Hollywood Video Club, Susan is a proud mother of three and a caring wife to her equally supportive husband Benjie. She aims to please and entertain her fellow Filipinos through media and showbiz entertainment. One of her unforgettable contributions to our community was her successful production of Janno Gibbs and Vina Morales’ Back-to-Back concert last September 2005 at the Grand-Casino Theatre, Noga Hilton – a truly memorable
event."

Hollywood Video Club, rue de Lausanne 145, 1202 Genève, Tél. 022 731 3865

Harry ends his article with the following note:

"To our elite women entrepreneurs, may God continue to bless you always and use you as channels of blessings to our compatriots in our community in Geneva and Vaud. Mabuhay kayo!"

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