THE VOICEMASTER JOINS ASEAN YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUMMIT 2026, CHAMPIONS YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, AI INNOVATION, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Go Negosyo Mentor Pocholo De Leon Gonzales connects with ASEAN business leaders, DTI Secretary Chris Roque, NYC Chairperson Jeff Ortega, JCI Philippines National President Ginno Jaralve, Hannah Sy, and fellow entrepreneurship advocates at AYES 2026.

PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES | OCTOBER 12, 2026

The future of Philippine entrepreneurship is not simply about creating more businesses. It is about developing a generation of young Filipinos who can innovate, lead, collaborate, and create opportunities for others.

This was the central message championed by Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, widely known as The VoiceMaster of the Philippines, during his participation in the ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Summit (AYES) 2026, held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on October 12, 2026.

As one of the mentors of Go Negosyo, Gonzales joined government officials, business executives, youth leaders, entrepreneurs, and fellow mentors in a major gathering dedicated to strengthening entrepreneurship across the ASEAN region.

Gonzales is the founder of CreatiVoices Productions and Youth Entrep Academy, co-founder of BALANG.AI, and a longtime advocate of entrepreneurship, leadership development, creative industries, and artificial intelligence education.

For nearly three decades, he has worked to empower Filipinos through communication, creativity, mentorship, and technology.

Today, that mission extends to preparing young Filipinos for a rapidly changing economy driven by artificial intelligence and digital innovation.

ASEAN Leaders Unite for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

AYES 2026 brought together prominent leaders from government, business, civic organizations, and the international community.

Among the distinguished personalities featured at the summit were:

- Jose Ma. "Joey" Concepcion III, Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines and founder of Go Negosyo.

- Ma. Cristina "Chris" Roque, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.

- Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jollibee Group.

- Joseph "Jeff" Ortega, Chairperson of the National Youth Commission.

- Ginno Jaralve, National President of JCI Philippines.

- Hannah Carinna Sy, Senior Assistant Vice President of SM Supermalls.

- George Royeca, Chief Executive Officer of Angkas.

- Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs of the United Nations.

The summit emphasized the importance of mentorship, entrepreneurship education, innovation, regional cooperation, and greater access to business opportunities for young people.

It also provided a platform for emerging entrepreneurs to learn from established leaders and develop networks that could help transform their ideas into sustainable enterprises.

For Gonzales, the gathering reinforced an important principle:

"The greatest success of an entrepreneur is not measured only by how much money they earn, but by how many people they empower to succeed."

A Meaningful Conversation with National Youth Commission Chairperson Jeff Ortega

One of the highlights of Gonzales' participation was his conversation with National Youth Commission Chairperson Joseph "Jeff" Ortega.

Their exchange centered on the importance of empowering Filipino youth through entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and technology.

Gonzales expressed his enthusiasm about exploring possible collaboration with the National Youth Commission, particularly through his initiatives Youth Entrep Academy and BALANG.AI.

These initiatives aim to provide young Filipinos with opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills, understand emerging technologies, and participate in the digital economy.

"I had a great conversation with NYC Chairperson Jeff Ortega. We share a strong belief in the potential of Filipino youth, and I'm looking forward to exploring meaningful collaborations that will empower more young Filipinos through entrepreneurship, innovation, and artificial intelligence."

Gonzales believes that youth entrepreneurship programs should reach beyond major urban centers and established business communities.

Young Filipinos in provinces, public schools, universities, and underserved communities must also have access to mentorship, technology, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

He hopes that future partnerships can help expand these initiatives nationwide.

Meeting Hannah Sy: Connecting Business Leadership with Youth Empowerment

Another memorable moment was Gonzales' opportunity to meet Hannah Carinna Sy of SM Supermalls.

Their meeting highlighted the importance of connecting established Philippine businesses with emerging entrepreneurs and youth-led initiatives.

As one of the country's major retail and commercial groups, SM provides an important environment where businesses, consumers, and communities intersect.

For Gonzales, the involvement of major corporations in entrepreneurship development can help young entrepreneurs gain access to networks, market opportunities, and practical business experience.

"It was a pleasure meeting Hannah Sy of SM. I'm glad to see established business leaders supporting initiatives that encourage young Filipinos to dream bigger, become entrepreneurs, and contribute to the country's economic development."

The summit itself, hosted at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, demonstrated how large-scale collaboration can bring together young people and business leaders under one shared vision.

Recognizing DTI Secretary Chris Roque and the Importance of Government Support

The participation of Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina "Chris" Roque underscored the role of government in strengthening the country's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

For Gonzales, government support is essential in helping Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises adapt to changing technologies, new business models, and increasingly competitive markets.

He believes entrepreneurship development must now include practical education in artificial intelligence, digital marketing, e-commerce, content creation, and business automation.

As AI continues to transform industries, young entrepreneurs need the skills to use these technologies responsibly and productively.

"We cannot prepare Filipino entrepreneurs for tomorrow using only yesterday's tools. Artificial intelligence is already changing how businesses operate. Our young people must learn how to use it to create products, services, employment, and opportunities."

Through his AI Education PH advocacy, Gonzales continues to promote accessible AI education for students, teachers, entrepreneurs, and ordinary Filipinos.

His guiding message remains:

"AI para sa masa! Artificial intelligence should not be a privilege reserved for large corporations and wealthy individuals. It must become a tool that helps ordinary Filipinos improve their lives."

JCI Philippines National President Ginno Jaralve and the Spirit of Leadership

The participation of JCI Philippines National President Ginno Jaralve carried special significance for Gonzales, who previously served as President of JCI Makati in 2018.

Having experienced firsthand the value of leadership training, community development, and civic engagement through Junior Chamber International, Gonzales recognizes the important connection between entrepreneurship and responsible leadership.

JCI's commitment to developing young active citizens aligns with his advocacy of helping young people discover their potential and become agents of positive change.

For Gonzales, entrepreneurship is not simply a financial pursuit. It is also a form of leadership.

Entrepreneurs identify problems, develop solutions, organize people, take risks, and create value for their communities.

"As a former JCI president and a Go Negosyo mentor, I believe entrepreneurship and leadership must go hand in hand. We need young Filipinos who are not only capable of building successful businesses but are also committed to serving their communities."

The convergence of JCI Philippines, Go Negosyo, government institutions, and ASEAN business leaders at AYES 2026 demonstrated the value of bringing different leadership networks together to support the next generation.

Reconnecting with Fellow Go Negosyo Mentors

Beyond the keynote discussions and presentations, Gonzales was particularly delighted to meet and reconnect with fellow Go Negosyo mentors.

The summit featured experienced business leaders and advisers including:

- George T. Barcelon, Council Member of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines.

- Nora Terrado, Senior Adviser for Women, ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines.

- James Amparo, Senior Adviser for Agriculture, ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines.

Gonzales expressed appreciation for the continuing work of Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion in promoting entrepreneurship and connecting aspiring business owners with experienced mentors.

For Gonzales, mentorship remains one of the most powerful ways to accelerate entrepreneurial growth.

"I'm always glad to meet my fellow Go Negosyo mentors. We come from different industries, but we share one mission: helping more Filipinos succeed. Entrepreneurship becomes more meaningful when we share our knowledge, experiences, and opportunities with others."

As an entrepreneur who built CreatiVoices Productions and developed training programs for aspiring voice artists, Gonzales understands the importance of practical mentorship.

He believes young entrepreneurs benefit greatly from learning directly from people who have experienced both business success and failure.

Youth Entrep Academy: Teaching Young Filipinos to Become Opportunity Creators

Through Youth Entrep Academy, Gonzales has consistently advocated for entrepreneurship education among young Filipinos.

His philosophy is that entrepreneurship should not be taught merely as a subject in school. It should be developed as a mindset and a practical life skill.

Young people must learn how to identify opportunities, solve problems, communicate effectively, manage resources, and turn ideas into sustainable ventures.

He believes the traditional emphasis on preparing students exclusively for employment must be complemented by education that encourages business creation and innovation.

"We should stop teaching young Filipinos that their only option after graduation is to look for a job. We must also teach them how to create jobs, build businesses, and become innovators."

Through mentorship, communication training, creative entrepreneurship, and technology education, Youth Entrep Academy aims to help develop confident, capable, and socially responsible young entrepreneurs.

BALANG.AI: Bringing Artificial Intelligence to Filipino Communities

Another major advocacy that Gonzales brings to the entrepreneurship community is BALANG.AI, a youth-centered artificial intelligence collaboration network he co-founded with Atty. RJ Sustiguer.

Inspired by the Filipino balangay and the spirit of bayanihan, BALANG.AI seeks to unite communities, educators, entrepreneurs, students, creators, and technology advocates in building an inclusive AI future.

Its guiding philosophy is:

ONE BOAT. MANY COMMUNITIES. ONE AI FUTURE.

BALANG.AI recognizes that artificial intelligence presents enormous opportunities for entrepreneurship, education, productivity, and creative innovation.

However, these opportunities must not be limited to large corporations or individuals with extensive financial resources.

For Gonzales, young Filipinos should become active participants in developing AI-powered solutions rather than remaining passive consumers of foreign technologies.

"The future of AI in the Philippines should not be controlled by a small group of people. We must democratize access to AI education and empower Filipino communities to participate in this technological revolution."

He sees potential for collaboration among BALANG.AI, Youth Entrep Academy, Go Negosyo, JCI Philippines, educational institutions, and government agencies in promoting entrepreneurship and responsible AI adoption.

Celebrating ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurs and Innovators

The summit also recognized promising young entrepreneurs and changemakers from across the region.

The ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurs Spotlight featured personalities including Tran Thai Binh, Andrew Chan, Luigi C. Pimentel, Anna Magdalena-Go, and Vincent Paolo Conti.

The event also included the launch of the ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Action Agenda, featuring youth leaders and advocates including NYC Chairperson Jeff Ortega, Charmaine Co, Leonard Faustino, Royston A. Cabuñag, and Miguel Lopez.

Other featured personalities included Bella Concepcion, Andre Panero, Lie Troy Calimlim, Elvin Laceda, Grace Manquis, and Aya Fernandez.

The program was further energized by performances from The Juans and the Sindaw Performing Arts Guild Philippines.

The gathering demonstrated that entrepreneurship is no longer limited to traditional industries. Opportunities now exist across technology, agriculture, education, entertainment, creative media, digital platforms, and emerging AI-powered businesses.

From Connections to Collaboration

For Gonzales, AYES 2026 was not simply another conference or networking event.

It represented an opportunity to build relationships that could eventually translate into practical programs benefiting Filipino youth.

His conversation with NYC Chairperson Jeff Ortega, meeting with Hannah Sy, and engagement with fellow Go Negosyo mentors reinforced his belief that meaningful progress requires cooperation among government, businesses, civic organizations, educators, and entrepreneurs.

The presence of DTI Secretary Chris Roque and JCI Philippines National President Ginno Jaralve further highlighted the opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.

Gonzales looks forward to exploring initiatives that can bring entrepreneurship education, AI literacy, digital innovation, and leadership development to more Filipino communities.

He believes that the country's young population represents one of its greatest strengths, provided that young people are given the right tools, guidance, and opportunities.

The Future of Philippine Entrepreneurship Begins with Empowered Youth

The ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2026 served as a reminder that young Filipinos have the potential to become significant contributors to the country's economic and technological development.

But potential alone is not enough.

Young people need mentorship, education, access to technology, business opportunities, and leaders who are willing to invest time in their development.

For Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, this mission is deeply personal.

From establishing CreatiVoices Productions in 2005 to developing voice acting training programs, mentoring entrepreneurs, and advocating artificial intelligence education, his work has consistently focused on empowering people to discover their abilities and create opportunities.

Today, through Go Negosyo, Youth Entrep Academy, AI Education PH, and BALANG.AI, that mission continues.

"For almost 30 years, I've dedicated my life to helping people discover their voices, develop their talents, and believe in themselves. Today, I want to help more young Filipinos discover that they have the power not only to change their own lives but also to create opportunities for others."

"The future is not something we should simply wait for. It is something we must build together."

As the Philippines strengthens its participation in ASEAN entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives, Gonzales hopes that more young Filipinos will be inspired to take action.

Because the future of entrepreneurship does not belong only to those who have capital, connections, or established businesses.

It belongs to those who have the courage to begin, the willingness to learn, and the determination to make a difference.

Mabuhay ang kabataang Pilipino! Mabuhay ang Go Negosyo! Mabuhay ang JCI Philippines! Mabuhay ang ASEAN! 🇵🇭

---

About Pocholo De Leon Gonzales

Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, widely known as The VoiceMaster of the Philippines, is a veteran broadcaster, voice artist, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and AI voice technology advocate.

He is the founder of CreatiVoices Productions, the Philippine Center for Voice Acting, and Youth Entrep Academy; co-founder of BALANG.AI; and a Go Negosyo mentor. He served as JCI Makati President in 2018 and has dedicated nearly three decades to youth empowerment, communication education, creative entrepreneurship, and technological innovation.

His continuing advocacy, "AI para sa masa," promotes accessible artificial intelligence education and opportunities for Filipino communities.

#AYES2026 #ASEANYouthEntrepreneurshipSummit #PocholoGonzales #TheVoiceMaster #GoNegosyo #JoeyConcepcion #ChrisRoque #JeffOrtega #GinnoJaralve #HannahSy #JCIPhilippines #DTIPhilippines #NationalYouthCommission #YouthEntrepAcademy #BALANGAI #AIEducationPH #AIParaSaMasa #YouthEntrepreneurship #ASEANPhilippines2026