11/04/2026
Chairman’s Message – Philippine Business Club Finland
As my two-year term as Chairman of Philippine Business Club Finland concludes this April 2026, I want to express my deepest gratitude to this incredible Filipino community.
Serving as Chairman has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding journeys of my life. Listening to your stories, celebrating your milestones, and witnessing your growth as entrepreneurs has been both humbling and inspiring.
As I reflect on this journey, I do so at a time when the global business landscape is facing significant uncertainty. From economic slowdowns in Finland, to shifting markets in the Middle East, to broader global economic pressures — one thing is clear: we are all interconnected. What happens in one region inevitably impacts businesses and entrepreneurs everywhere.
For many of us, this means navigating rising costs, tighter markets, and increasing unpredictability. But it also reinforces something equally important — the value of resilience, collaboration, and strong communities.
When I started my own business in Finland, I faced many challenges. Rookie mistakes were painful — and expensive — but they were also part of the learning process. As a woman entrepreneur navigating the Finnish business landscape, I quickly realized that support, guidance, and community make all the difference.
That realization led to founding the Philippine Business Club , together with my co-founders Chelle Aliligay-Villanueva and estallo
Our vision was simple yet powerful:
To Empower Filipino entrepreneurs in Finland.
What began as a small initiative with three founding members has grown into a thriving network of 60 strong entrepreneurs, earning recognition and credibility within the Finnish business ecosystem.
Over the past two years, we have:
• Supported workers in Finland who lost their jobs, guiding them to leverage their skills and find new opportunities
• Delivered monthly online masterclasses to help aspiring entrepreneurs set up businesses in Finland
• Engaged with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to promote ethical pathways and fair international mobility
• Built strong partnerships with Work in Finland, Business Finland, Business Espoo, the Ministry of Education and Culture (Sports Division), and the Philippine Embassy in Finland
• Strengthened Finland–Philippines cooperation on sustainable international mobility through Finncare Finland, as part of the Finnish delegation to the Philippines
• Hosted our first major summer event in Kamppi, Helsinki, attracting over 14,000 buyers
• Raised awareness and support for victims of natural calamities in the Philippines and their societal impact
• And most importantly, supported one another — through growth, uncertainty, and change.
In times like these, communities like ours matter more than ever. They provide not only knowledge and opportunity, but also strength, trust, and a sense of belonging — things that no economic downturn can take away.
While I will continue serving on the board, I will be stepping back from day-to-day responsibilities to focus on new projects in Finland.
I am confident that our next Chairman Chelle Aliligay-Villanueva and our new officers will lead with vision, integrity, and purpose — and that this community will continue to grow and create meaningful impact both locally and globally.
To my family — especially my husband, my children , officers , members , partners , sponsors, and everyone who believed in our mission: this journey was made possible because of all of you .
What we have built together is more than an association — it is a legacy of collaboration, resilience, and community.
Maraming salamat ❤️
Congratulations to our new set of officers 🥂🥳
Christine Tilja
Chris Ct
Philippine Business Club Finland
fans
