Newly launched book gathers insights from top business leaders on how to thrive in e-commerce in the new normal

Everything e-commerce 

E-commerce has now become part and parcel (pun intended) of Filipinos’ daily lives. Filipinos have even gotten creative with their ‘proof of delivery’ photos, receiving their packages with glammed-up poses and going viral for it. While many turns to online shopping simply to fill the void left by the closing of physical stores, the message is loud and clear—e-commerce is here to stay. 

In fact, one of the most quantifiable side effects of the pandemic is the accelerated growth of e-commerce in the Philippines. NielsenIQ stated that online shopping transactions have grown over 325% during this period, and there’s no end in sight. Yet beyond just the buyer side of things, more and more Filipinos are also turning to the digital economy to build a business.

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Unfortunately, while there are many resources about e-commerce in general, there are precious few specific to the Philippines. Starting an e-commerce business in the United States or other western markets is, of course, different from doing so in the Philippine context. There are nuances to every aspect of doing business here, and e-commerce is no exception. 

It is this gap that inspired the editorial team of Bookshelf PH to write The E-Hustle: What the Country’s Best Digital Leaders Can Teach You About Launching and Growing Your Online Business. The book features insights from the leaders who built the e-commerce infrastructure in the Philippines, including logistics, payments, and distribution channels; top online brands; and subject matter experts in relevant skills. 

Many of the brands represented in the book include the online marketplaces, payment service providers, and couriers Filipinos use most when shopping online. Featured leaders include: 

1. Steve Sy – Founder and CEO of Great Deals E-Commerce Corporation
2. Charles Ryan Sy – President and CEO of Dropify
3. Dannah Majarocon – Managing Director of Lalamove PH
4. Martha Sazon – President and CEO of GCash
5. Dino Araneta – Founder of QuadX
6. Martin Yu – Director of Shopee Philippines
7. Nina Ellaine Dizon-Cabrera – CEO of Colourette Cosmetics
8. Kim Lato – CEO of Kimstore
9. Ben Wintle – Founder and CEO of Booky
10. Ace Gapuz – CEO of Blogapalooza
11. Hiyasmin Neri-Soyao – Co-Founder and CEO of Shoppertainment LIVE Inc.
12. Francis Plaza – Co-Founder and CEO of PayMongo
13. Mario Domingo – Founder of Neural Mechanics Inc. and DARC Labs
14. Agnes Gervacio – CEO of MDI Novare
15. Zen Han – Vice President for National Sales of OPPO Philippines
16. Stefano Fazzini – Co-Founder and CEO of MetroMart
17. Michael McCullough – Founder of KMC Solutions

Rather than tap each business leader on a general discussion of ecommerce, each interviewee was asked to focus on their particular expertise. Ace Gapuz, the CEO of Blogapalooza, for example, shared her expertise on how brands can leverage influencer marketing to enhance their ecommerce capabilities. She gave a high-level overview of how to choose the right influencers, set goals, and execute campaigns – all again within the specific context of the Philippines, the social media capital of the world. 

Kyle Nate, the production editor of The E-Hustle, was proud to gather this caliber of experts for the book.

“There is no map to e-commerce, no guide that says ‘you are here’ and tells you how to go the distance. But there are principles, strategies, and tactics that cut across different contexts, and the leaders here share exactly those: You can apply what they learned often through trial-and-error to your own circumstances, fast tracking your personal growth, and in extension, that of your business,” said Nate. 

Joining Nate are co-authors Mio Borromeo, Pancho Dizon, and Monica Padillo; managing editor Ada Ortega; and layout artist Josephine Daluz and cover artist Katrina Dela Cruz. Globe CEO Ernest Cu contributed the foreword discussing the rise of e-commerce in the Philippines, while Senator Risa Hontiveros contributed the afterword focusing on the need for more entrepreneur-friendly legislation in the space. 

While the book abounds with actionable insights and information, the confidence it inspires may be its biggest selling point. 

“Many Filipinos will be embarking into e-commerce for the first time, starting their business during the pandemic. This prospect can of course be intimidating. By learning about the success stories in The E-Hustle, I think they’ll be more inclined toward optimistic thinking when the going gets tough: If they can do it, I can, too,” said Ortega. 

The E-Hustle is available in both physical and eBook copies for order here: https://bit.ly/TheE-Hustle