Glenfiddich's WHERE NEXT CLUB announces MAYANI as the Breakthrough Maverick for 2023
By Tedrick Yau
January 16, 2024
Glenfiddich, known as the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, has been adding excitement to gatherings since 1887. The ultra-premium and family-owned heritage brand deeply rooted in traditions of the past, continually strives to be a part of the next generation to impart the core values and heart of Glenfiddich, that is to live out passions and create positive and lasting change.
Throughout a rich history of growth that aims to break and conquer new ground, Glenfiddich sets a path for others to follow with Glenfiddich asking the question “Where Next?”.
“Glenfiddich, which launched the WHERE NEXT CLUB Program, has developed a stepping stone for entrepreneurs and businesses embodying the core values of the brand,” says Kate Osmillo, Philippine Brand Ambassador for William Grant and Sons. The program this year was developed to search for and reward an innovative venture that is ready to scale up and create a lasting impact in the Philippines and eventually, the World. The Glenfiddich WHERE NEXT CLUB aims to highlight and bring out the Maverick spirit in everyone. The Maverick spirit inspires everyone to push boundaries and be better, both in their professional and personal lives.
The Glenfiddich WHERE NEXT CLUB is the perfect opportunity for like-minded individuals to go beyond their limits and set the bar even higher.
Last year, Glenfiddich was proud to partner with three esteemed industry pillars, each one is a trailblazer who represents and embodies the core values and vision of Glenfiddich. These three partners helped in picking the Breakthrough Maverick startup for this year's WHERE NEXT CLUB Program. They will provide strategy and one-on-one mentorship to help propel the chosen startup and its founders to the next level.
The Glenfiddich WHERE NEXT CLUB panel
Manny Ayala - Managing Director of Endeavor PH
Manny Ayala is the Managing Director of Endeavor Philippines, a global nonprofit organization committed to accelerating the growth of High-Impact Entrepreneurs. Endeavor is the Leading Global Community of, by, and for High Impact Entrepreneurs, under his leadership, Endeavor Philippines has provided support to 30 different companies which has generated over $500 Million in revenue last year and has generated over 29,000 Jobs in just 8 years.
Anne Gonzales - Co-Founder and President of Terry S.A
Anne Gonzales is the Co-Founder and President of Terry S.A (a retail company housing coveted brands such as Havaianas, Dupe, Bensimon, Common Thread & Aura Athletica), she is also a recipient of Go Negosyo's 55 Inspiring Women in Business last 2016.
Martin Cu - Partner of 500 Global
Martin is a builder and scaler of one of the top startups in Southeast Asia. Under his helm, Ninja Van grew from 0 to 10,000 workers and dominated the Country's logistics space. Currently, he is a partner at 500 Global, an early-stage venture fund leading the growth equity investments in South East Asia.
Panelists (L-R: Martin Cu, Anne Gonzalez, Manny Ayala)
Last November 2023, five selected start-ups (AlliedHealth Academics, DOON, GoGym, Mayani, and Parlon ) underwent a rigorous panel presentation and deliberation and in the end, one was selected to be given Organized mentorship and guidance by the esteemed Panel. Glenfiddich will also be providing a One Million Peso non-equity dilutive grant to the Breakthrough Maverick startup to help propel them to the next level.
Group Photo of the Maverick Startups
The Five Maverick Startups
AlliedHealth Academics
AlliedHealth Academics is revolutionizing the education and practice of current and future Filipino allied healthcare professionals. With its affordable and readily accessible platform, healthcare students and professionals can enhance their skills anytime and anywhere.
Maria Borras and Carla Cuadro hold leadership positions at the startup, both who strive to create a better future for the healthcare system in the Philippines.
DOON Transport Technologies, Inc.
DOON is the first fully insured peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace in the Philippines, ensuring a seamless and easily accessible process for finding the perfect vehicle to rent.
The startup is led by Enrique Hormillo and Miguel Locsin, both experienced entrepreneurs with a venture-building capacity and passion for cars.
GoGym
GOGYM is your neighborhood tech-enabled pocket gym, bringing a better and healthier lifestyle in every barangay in the Philippines — at reasonable and affordable prices.
With Jay Magsaysay and Felicia Perez on the team, GoGym has gathered over 20 years of experience in health, fitness, property development, business development, marketing, and operations.
Mayani
Mayani is on a mission to transform the lives of Filipino farmers through the power of technology, ensuring that their hard work and high-quality produce are accessible to everyone through a digital supply chain.
JT Solis and Josef Amarra are part of Mayani’s leadership team, both who have deep domain experience in eCommerce.
Parlon Wellness and Beauty Technologies, Inc.
Parlon is building Southeast Asia’s largest beauty discovery and fintech platform, where people can discover, book, and buy best-in-price salon and wellness services online.
The startup was founded by Claire Ongcangco and Miko Cornejo, both skilled entrepreneurs who have more than 13 years of experience in the IT industry. The duo also owns an IT firm that develops digital and tech solutions for top Philippine companies, US companies, and tech startups.
Mayani was announced as the chosen startup by the esteemed panelists to be the Breakthrough Maverick startup of 2023 for the Glenfiddich WHERE NEXT CLUB and was announced at the culminating event last January 11 2024 at the Balmori Tent in Rockwell.
The culminating event was well attended by many members from the Philippine start-up and business community as well as some of the previous members of Glenfiddich’s WHERE NEXT CLUB.
Unanimously the Panelists finally decided on Mayani to be the WHERE NEXT CLUB Breakthrough Startup after their very comprehensive pitch presentation. They are also aiming to solve a very timely problem of food security for the country and helps both the Filipino consumers as well as the Farmers and Fisherfolks says the Panel.
After accepting the award, Mayani dedicated this victory to the Philippine Farmers and Fisherfolk championing them as unsung heroes of the Country, Co-founder Josef Amarra says “I hope we remember our Farmers and Fisherfolk, I hope that in the future, Filipinos empower the local food industry and consider their harvests instead of heavily relying on foreign imports while the local harvest goes to waste”
Although the Glenfiddich WHERE NEXT CLUB Program for 2023 just culminated, expect more and bigger things from all the new members of the Glenfiddich Where Next Club this year, a true testament to the Maverick mindset that reaching the top is just the beginning.
To find out more about Glenfiddich's WHERE NEXT CLUB Program everyone may check out their social media channels and reach out to [email protected]
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