Join the Dinner

Join the Next Meetup: May 20, 2025
The Growth Network: Where Connections Thrive
Welcome to The Growth Network, an exclusive community designed to foster genuine connections that support your personal and professional growth. Here, you'll find a safe and collaborative space for sharing insights, building relationships, and learning from each other
Meet Our Growth Speaker on May 20: Carelle Mangaliag - Herrera
With Carelle Mangaliag-Herrera
President and CEO, Trainstation Philiippines
Carelle is a renowned social and emotional intelligence coach, NLP trainer, international speaker, and best-selling author of Captivating Communication.
She empowers individuals through transformative workshops on leadership, communication, and motivation, and is certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Gallup Strengths Finder.
Currently studying neuroscience through Wharton and the NeuroLeadership Institute, she founded the BrainStrong Initiative to build resilience and leads ChangeStation to drive community change.
Known as a “love guru,” she also coaches executives, leaders, and celebrities. With 30 years of performance experience in TV, film, and theater, she has trained thousands across top organizations like Shell, Microsoft, and Johnson & Johnson. Her initiatives include crisis coaching and partnerships with groups like AHA Learning Center to support marginalized communities.
Meet Our Growth Speaker on May 20: DJ Cali Manzano
With DJ Cali Manzano
CEO/FOUNDER, 104.2 STAR Radio FM
DJ Cali is a multi-awarded podcaster, visionary radio founder, and humanitarian change-maker. As the CEO-Founder of 104.2 Star Radio FM and former Podcast Founder and Marketing Head of 98.4 Love FM Teleradyo, he has built a strong reputation in the media industry through his magnetic storytelling, compelling interviews, and powerful social commentary. With roots in Toronto’s Kwirtalks on Iluv TV, DJ Cali blends experience, charisma, and creativity to captivate audiences worldwide.
Beyond podcasting, he serves as Editorial Producer for Phil by Luxury Trend and Business Concept Magazine in San Francisco, spotlighting Capiz and working with global luxury brands like Dior, Chanel, and Dolce & Gabbana. Recognized as the Most Empowered Podcaster in the Philippines and Filipino Iconic Podcaster of the Year, Cali's mission extends to social impact—leading 29 charity projects for marginalized communities and disaster victims.
His legacy is rooted in elevating MSMEs, promoting inclusivity, and creating platforms where diverse voices can thrive. DJ Cali is not just a voice on air—he is a force for transformation, inspiring others to dream big and succeed together.
Past Speaker: Kislay Chandra talks about How to Lead Hyper Growth Companies
Kislay Chandra is the Chief Operating Officer of Sprout Solutions, the Philippines’ foremost B2B SaaS success story.
A seasoned product and operations leader with over 15 years of experience, Kislay has been pivotal in scaling Sprout from a bold startup into a market-dominating force in HR tech.
Since launching in 2015 with a vision to streamline HR and payroll for Filipino businesses, Sprout has charted a meteoric rise—securing Series A funding in 2017, launching financial wellness tools like Instacash in 2019, and raising $10.7 million in Series B in 2023 alongside the acquisition of AI firm Aiah.
In 2024, under Kislay’s operational leadership, Sprout further cemented its regional presence by acquiring JustPayroll Philippines and GainPlus Solutions and expanding into Thailand.
With an innate ability to turn strategy into execution, Kislay brings to the Growth Network stage a powerful story of scale, innovation, and mission-driven impact—offering a front-row view into what it takes to build, grow, and lead in one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting SaaS landscapes.
Join us for Dinner and Networking Night at The Astbury Club, Poblacion, Makati, Ph
Join like-minded professionals and entrepreneurs to kickstart the new year with connections and opportunities. Enjoy a fantastic evening of great food, insightful conversations, and new possibilities for collaboration in 2025! At 6:30 PM on May 20, 2025 in Makati City, Philippines. Reserve your seat, limited to 50 attendees, please confirm attendance through the link.
Imagine having a dedicated group of like-minded individuals, all committed to mutual growth, achievement, and success. A true mastermind group is about elevating your personal and professional life through collective wisdom.
As a Community, We dare take on these challenges by using our businesses and professions as a force of good

Click expand to reveal more…

1. Poverty 15.5% of Filipinos (approx. 17.5 million) live below the poverty line (PSA, 2023). Rural areas and regions like BARMM and Eastern Visayas experience significantly higher poverty incidence. Climate shocks, inflation, and job insecurity remain major drivers of poverty. 2. Hunger 26.7% of children under 5 are stunted. 39% stunting in BARMM – the highest in the country. Over 672,000 children suffer from wasting. Food insecurity worsens during typhoon seasons and in areas with poor logistics infrastructure. 3. Good Health and Well-being The Universal Health Care Law is in place, but implementation remains uneven. High out-of-pocket health expenses (around 44%) burden low-income families. Mental health issues are underreported; 3.6M Filipinos suffer from depression. Maternal mortality: 110 deaths per 100,000 live births (2022) – far from the 70 SDG target. 4. Quality Education 91% of 10-year-olds can’t read and comprehend simple text (World Bank, 2022). Remote areas lack access to trained teachers and resources. The Philippines ranked low in PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment): Reading: 76th of 79 Math: 78th of 79 Science: 77th of 79 5. Gender Equality Women hold only 29.9% of management roles (ILO, 2023). Gender-based violence remains underreported—1 in 4 women have experienced abuse. There are laws supporting gender equality, but cultural norms and weak enforcement remain a challenge. 6. Clean Water and Sanitation Only 48% of Filipinos have access to safely managed drinking water. 63% have access to improved sanitation. Water pollution from domestic waste and poor wastewater treatment affects over 55 rivers nationwide. 7. Affordable and Clean Energy The Philippines have a 92% electrification rate, but remote and island communities still rely on expensive diesel generators. Renewable energy only accounts for about 29% of energy mix—below targets. High dependency on coal remains a major concern. 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth 4.5% unemployment (as of late 2023), but underemployment is high at 12.9%. Informal sector: ~40% of the workforce—no social protection or benefits. OFWs: ~1.8 million, reflecting lack of domestic job opportunities. 9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Only 0.3% of GDP is invested in R&D (UNESCO). Poor internet infrastructure—Philippines ranks 7th lowest in SEA in internet speed (Ookla, 2023). Manufacturing remains weak compared to neighbors like Vietnam and Indonesia. 10. Inequalities Wealth and access to services remain centralized in Metro Manila and key urban centers. Indigenous peoples, PWDs, and conflict-affected communities remain the most vulnerable. Income inequality: Gini Index of 42.3, among the highest in ASEAN. 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities 45% of urban residents live in informal settlements. Rapid urbanization has outpaced infrastructure: traffic, floods, and housing shortages. Metro Manila alone suffers $3.5 billion annual losses due to traffic congestion (JICA). 12. Responsible Consumption and Production Solid waste generation: 61,000 tons per day, with Metro Manila producing 30% of that. Only 40% of waste is collected, and only 9% is recycled. Single-use plastic remains a huge issue; enforcement of bans is inconsistent. 13. Climate Action Philippines is ranked the #1 most at-risk country in the World Risk Index (2023). Loses ₱200B–₱300B annually to climate-related disasters. LGUs struggle with local climate adaptation due to lack of funding and expertise. 14. Life Below Water Over 60% of coral reefs are under threat from overfishing, pollution, and warming seas. The Philippines is the 3rd largest ocean plastic polluter globally. Only 1% of marine areas are effectively managed and protected. 15. Life on Land The Philippines has lost 1.34 million hectares of forest from 2001 to 2022 (Global Forest Watch). 175 threatened species due to habitat loss, illegal logging, and land conversion. Deforestation increases risk of landslides, flooding, and biodiversity loss. 16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Corruption perception: Ranked 115th out of 180 (Transparency International, 2023). Rule of law challenges: extrajudicial killings, red tape, and impunity remain concerns. Access to justice is limited for marginalized groups. 17. Partnerships for the Sustainable Development Goals Strong presence of international cooperation, but: Local governments and MSMEs often lack access to SDG-aligned funding. Gaps exist between government policies and private sector or grassroots implementation.

The Real Problem:
It’s not just poverty, hunger, or corruption.
It’s that too few Filipinos are being empowered to believe they deserve better—and even fewer are equipped to lead that change.
Most are surviving, not thriving.
And those with potential are often isolated—trapped in systems, environments, or mindsets that tell them to settle.
🔥 The Bigger Truth
We have millions of brilliant, driven Filipinos.
But we lack enough advocates, catalysts, and communities to:
  • Challenge the status quo
  • Equip people with real tools and networks
  • Inspire ambition that leads to action
  • Normalize growth as a national identity
🧠 Imagine if
  • Every barangay had someone teaching financial literacy, innovation, and personal leadership.
  • Every young professional had access to mentors who believed in them and gave them platforms to succeed.
  • We created a culture of progress, where people aren’t just waiting for change—they’re building it together.
💡 That’s What The Growth Network Can Be
Not just a space for learning.
Not just another group.
But a national movement that advocates for better lives,
where growth isn’t an individual goal—it’s a shared mission.
👊 Let’s shift the question from
“When will things get better?”
to
“How many people have I helped break through this week?”
Because once we have enough Filipinos demanding more, leading more, and building more—the future starts to look very different.
Who we are
The Growth Network is built around a distinct mission and vision that resonates with individuals seeking purposeful connections and accelerated growth
1
Our Purpose
To ignite a nationwide movement of growth-driven Filipinos—entrepreneurs, creators, leaders, and changemakers—who are committed to elevating themselves and others by challenging limitations, building future-ready solutions, and leading meaningful transformation in their communities and industries.
We exist to equip and empower people to grow beyond survival, rise above outdated systems, and co-create a better Philippines—where success is not reserved for the few, but multiplied through shared leadership, innovation, and service.
2
Our Members
Our network is designed for professionals and entrepreneurs who are committed to continuous learning and development. We seek individuals who are passionate about growth, eager to share their knowledge, and committed to contributing to a supportive and collaborative environment.
The Growth Network Manifesto
For Filipinos who are done waiting—and ready to lead.
We are builders of a better future—not someday, but starting now.
We believe that the greatest untapped potential in the Philippines isn’t oil, gold, or foreign capital.
It’s our people—our ideas, our talents, our hunger to rise.
But for too long, we’ve been told to settle.
To follow instead of lead.
To wait instead of build.
To stay small when we were meant to grow.
We reject that.
We reject a system that normalizes survival over success.
We reject cultures that reward conformity and punish ambition.
We reject the silence that keeps Filipinos from demanding better, living bigger, and becoming more.
We believe in bold growth—shared and unstoppable.
Growth that lifts communities, not just individuals.
Growth that breaks barriers—poverty, ignorance, corruption, and fear.
Growth that’s earned through learning, connection, and contribution.
We choose to act.
We will not wait for government permission.
We will not rely solely on foreign aid or global trends.
We will build what we need, together.
We show up to the conversation early,
lead movements before they trend,
and empower others to do the same.
We rise by lifting others.
Your credibility is not your title, wealth, or follower count.
It’s how many people grow because of you.
It’s the ripple effect of your courage, your knowledge, your leadership.
This is our mission:
To create a network of growth-minded Filipinos
who challenge each other to rise,
equip each other to lead,
and support each other to win.
From startup founders to students, freelancers to executives, creators to coaches—we are united by one belief:
A better Philippines starts with more Filipinos who believe they can build it.
And we’re building it now.
We are The Growth Network.
Not a group.
Not a program.
But a movement.
One that grows faster, leads earlier, and uplifts others as we climb.
If you’re done waiting for change—
If you’re ready to lead the next generation forward—
Welcome home.
Recommend a Member
Open Membership
The Growth Network is open but an invitation-only community, ensuring a select group of individuals dedicated to personal and professional development.
Grow Your Circle
Recommend a colleague or friend who you believe would benefit from and contribute to our thriving network. Their unique perspectives can enrich our community.
Curate Your Connections
By inviting others to join, you play a crucial role in shaping the diverse tapestry of The Growth Network, fostering meaningful relationships and shared growth.
Creating Meaningful Engagement Through Curated Experiences
Monthly Meetups
We host casual yet purposeful monthly meetups centered around personal development themes. These events offer a space for sharing insights, engaging in discussions, and connecting with like-minded individuals.
Member Selection
The Growth Network is an invitation-only community, ensuring that each member brings a growth mindset and a commitment to contributing to the collective.
Onboarding
We prioritize a welcoming onboarding experience for new members, highlighting the network's focus on personal and professional growth and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
Fostering Collaboration and Learning Through Shared Experiences
Networking Opportunities
The Growth Network provides a dedicated space for members to connect, build relationships, and expand their professional networks. It's a platform for sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and discovering new perspectives.
Peer Learning
We encourage knowledge sharing and discussion on the challenges faced by growth-minded professionals. This platform allows you to learn from others' experiences, gain insights from different perspectives, and accelerate your growth journey.
Creating a Culture of Trust and Confidentiality
No Hard Selling
We encourage genuine conversations focused on personal and professional growth, free from any pressure to sell or promote products or services.
Respect for Confidentiality
We uphold the confidentiality of shared discussions, creating a safe space for members to openly share their experiences and challenges without fear of judgment.
Deepening Connections
We foster deeper, more meaningful conversations beyond self-promotion, allowing members to connect on a personal level and build lasting relationships.
Ensuring Longevity and Stability Through a Strong Structure
1
Governance
A dedicated volunteer leadership team
oversees the network's daily activities, including member onboarding, event planning, and community management, ensuring smooth operation and a consistent experience.
2
Dynamic Leadership
As the network thrives, we explore dynamic leadership structures, such as rotating roles or evolving leadership teams, encouraging diverse perspectives and fostering continuous growth within the community.
3
Financial Sustainability
We consider membership fees and sponsorships aligned with our growth ethos, ensuring a stable financial foundation for the network's future and allowing us to invest in continuous improvement.
Funding the Growth Network: Building a Sustainable Future
A sustainable financial model is key for the Growth Network's growth. We aim for a balanced approach that ensures long-term stability while staying true to our values of fostering growth and community.
Membership fees provide the foundation for investing in resources, events, and initiatives that benefit our members. We strive for affordability, making participation open to all growth-minded individuals.
Strategic partnerships and sponsorships with aligned organizations provide additional funding opportunities, enriching the network's offerings with valuable resources and expertise.
Transparency and accountability are paramount, ensuring efficient use of funds for the network's growth and development. We regularly review our financial practices and seek feedback from members to ensure alignment with their needs and expectations.

Membership Interest

Sponsorships

Meaningful Meetups & Conversations

High-value Network

Data Management and Continuous Improvement: A Foundation for Growth
1
Tracking Engagement
We'll track member engagement, event attendance, and feedback to gain valuable insights into what's working and what needs improvement.
2
Adapting Offerings
Continuously evaluating and adapting our network offerings based on member needs ensures we stay relevant and valuable.
3
Data Security
Implementing secure data management practices protects member information and builds trust within the community.
The Growth Network: A Powerful Tool for Personal and Professional Development
Joining The Growth Network unlocks a world of exclusive opportunities, valuable connections, and ongoing support, designed to accelerate your personal and professional journey. We provide a platform for knowledge sharing, collaborative learning, and building meaningful relationships with like-minded individuals.
What do people say?
Jay Rness Ceria, Multi-awarded Photographer
All of the participants are very approachable, and I feel that we are on the same social wavelength.
Even from the beginning of my interaction with them, they were listening attentively and with purpose.
We're already creating value as we speak.
I believe The Growth Network will become a thriving community of like-minded, talented individuals with a vast network of expertise across multiple industries.
Karl Lleung, Founder of Go Philippines
A great way to meet like minded people, potential business partners, and life long friends.
Kim Sarreal, Real Estate Broker
It was great to meet people from different industries and be inspired by their backgrounds.
I like that it is just intimate, laid back, and I also made good connection and started doing some business with some attendees.
Sonnie Guerrero, VP - GNP Trading Corporation
I’m thrilled to be part of The Growth Network, where I can connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about personal and professional growth.
The engagement during our first meeting was outstanding, and it energized me to dive deeper into this community.
Looking forward to what we can achieve together!
Cla Dypuekeng, Certified Dream Builder® Coach
This community is a remarkable blend of diverse, accomplished individuals, each bringing their own expertise and insights.
The positive, friendly atmosphere fosters genuine connections and an openness to learning from one another. An inspiring experience.
Miggy Silva, GM of Zenutrients
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people. Learning something new from like minded people in similar interests is needed in todays world.
Think contacts like you - in the AI/executive search space or like Ron in the tech space were people I connected with the most.
October 2024 Meetup at Bon Appetit, 1120 House, Estrella, Makati, Metro Manila, Ph
An Evening of Networking, Learning, and Exploring New Opportunities: Growth Network’s Exclusive Meetup
On the evening of October 15, 2024, the Growth Network gathered for an unforgettable event at Bon Appetit, Building 1120 in Makati City, Philippines. With a perfect blend of casual ambiance and professional energy, the exclusive meetup attracted some of the brightest, growth-minded professionals and entrepreneurs in the city. From 6:00 PM onward, members connected, shared insights, and explored new opportunities for collaboration and development.
A Welcoming Environment for Growth
As members entered Bon Appetit, they were greeted with the warmth and familiarity that the Growth Network has become known for. The intimate setting—complete with cozy seating, soft lighting, and delicious food—set the stage for meaningful conversations. This event was not just about exchanging business cards but about fostering genuine relationships centered on growth, both personal and professional.
The "no hard selling" ethos was evident throughout the evening. Members felt free to discuss ideas, share their challenges, and seek advice without the pressure of being pitched to. This created an atmosphere of trust and openness, where conversations flowed naturally, and every attendee could engage authentically.
The Growth Moment: Celebrating Wins and Breakthroughs
One of the highlights of the night was the "Growth Moment"—a ritual unique to the Growth Network that celebrates members' recent breakthroughs and achievements. Members shared stories of personal development, professional wins, and even unexpected lessons from challenges they had overcome.
From an entrepreneur who successfully scaled her startup to a professional who navigated a major career pivot, these stories of growth inspired everyone in attendance. It was a powerful reminder that this community is more than just a networking group—it’s a supportive space where people uplift each other on their journey toward success.
Learning Through Peer Insights
Beyond networking, the evening offered rich learning opportunities. Attendees engaged in focused discussions on topics like leadership, innovation, and maintaining a growth mindset in the face of adversity. Small group conversations encouraged everyone to share their perspectives, allowing for diverse insights to come to light.
Members of the Growth Network were also excited to hear from guest speakers, who spoke briefly about emerging trends in entrepreneurship, innovation in tech, and personal development strategies for staying ahead in a competitive market. These insights sparked deeper conversations that continued well into the evening.
Exploring New Opportunities
The Growth Network's meetup provided fertile ground for collaboration and the exchange of new ideas. Several members found synergies in their goals and discussed potential partnerships that could help them scale their businesses or explore new markets.
By the end of the evening, it was clear that many left with valuable new connections and fresh opportunities to explore—proving once again that the Growth Network’s events are where genuine growth, both personal and professional, begins.
Looking Ahead
The event wrapped up with a sense of excitement for the future. As members made plans to follow up on conversations and collaborations, the spirit of the evening lingered: a space where growth-minded individuals come together to support each other and push boundaries.
The next Growth Network event is already highly anticipated. Until then, members will continue to stay connected through the community’s digital platforms, nurturing the relationships they’ve built and preparing to bring more value to the table at future meetups.
The Growth Network continues to be a catalyst for growth, learning, and opportunity. With each event, it reaffirms its commitment to being more than just a networking space—it’s a thriving community that empowers its members to reach new heights.
Stay tuned for our next event, and don’t miss the chance to be part of a community where growth is the foundation of everything we do.
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