Mix Magazine, March 2009
“The Filipino Biz Connection”
By Kimberlie L. San Antonio Petrulis

         Growing up in a Navy family, I am reminded of how there is a powerful Filipino American consumer presence at the military exchanges or commissaries, especially in the Hampton Roads area. But where else do Filipino Americans thrive with their business transactions?

         Tapping into Filipino American persona is all about making a connection with an unconventional twist.  Part of this paradigm shift is the brainstorm of an organization named Connecting Business and Community, LLC

        Edwina Bergano, the organization’s executive director, partnered with Gil Salang and Emer Lunasin to form CBC.   They acknowledged the high buying power and community involvement in Filipino Americans.  “Asian buying power has the second fastest projected rate of growth, slightly behind Hispanic buying power. By 2011, Asian buying power will grow 46% over the current benchmark to reach $626 billion, (from Indolink News Bureau) But how do you focus on serving this particular multi-cultural venue?