By Raya Untalan

By Bella Lucindo

What does it take to run a business? From classroom to commerce, the ABM Selling Week takes the Grade 12 ABM students into the ups and downs of real-world entrepreneurship. Serving as more than just an academic requirement — it is a culmination of months of preparation, collaboration, and applied learning.

An integral part of the Grade 12 curriculum, ABM Selling Week provides students with the opportunity to bring theory into practice. From organization and management to entrepreneurship and marketing, students are finally able to operationalize the concepts they have studied in the classroom.

The Foundation

The event acts as the perfect training ground for entrepreneurial mindsets to begin taking shape.

“Their firsthand experience gives them a glimpse of how to effectively run a business and how to make their venture stand out, ultimately preparing them for the field,” shared ABM Strand Chair Maja Samper. As an integral part of ABM’s curriculum, the event is one of the most anticipated, prepared for, and passion-filled projects of the batch. 

Led by the Management Subject Area Head, Sir James Michael Gavina, the Selling Week serves as a platform for students to simulate real-world business environments within the school setting.

“As an ABM student myself, I appreciate how Selling Week allows us to experience running a business and dealing with operational challenges such as stock preparation and sales forecasting,” Samper added. “From conceptualizing a business to preparing ingredients, setting prices, and executing our plans, my passion for innovation has grown even more. I am incredibly proud to see the efforts of all ABM students come into fruition. Beyond the profits we get to keep, it is admirable to see everyone give their best and apply what they have learned.”

From the Ground Up

For student entrepreneurs, the experience proved both demanding and rewarding, offering valuable insights into the realities of building a business from the ground up. Cammie Tirona of 12-Acquaviva, Marketing Head of Shawarmix, shared: “There were many stages in the production of our shawarma rice bowls. It entailed weeks of product development, paperwork, and panel presentations covering all aspects of the business — from finances to operations, marketing, and implementation. Like any startup, it was an extensive yet exciting process, as our team came closer to executing our shared vision.”

Tirona described the experience as deeply fulfilling, noting that seeing their product come to life made the hard work worthwhile. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing how the project equipped her with the skills and experience needed to pursue a career in business. “It has enkindled my passion for business management in all its forms, and it is an excellent avenue for the growth of future student entrepreneurs,” she concluded.

Similarly, Anton Lopez of 12-Arnaiz, a member of TiraMissU, reflected on the dedication required behind the scenes. “For our group, we worked until around 10 in the evening just to create our products. I learned that it takes a lot of hard work and grit to plan how we’re going to operate and earn,” he shared. Despite the challenges, Lopez found the experience rewarding, especially in moments of customer connection. “My favorite part was seeing repeat customers. By the second or third day, I started recognizing familiar faces. In the end, it all works out,” he said. 

Profits of Passion

Through the process, students come to understand that entrepreneurship is not solely defined by success, but by adaptability, resilience, and the willingness to learn from failure. From navigating unexpected shortages to responding to customer feedback in real time, they develop a deeper appreciation for the demands of running a business and the importance of strategic decision-making.

More importantly, the experience instills a sense of confidence and ownership. Students leave Selling Week not only with improved technical skills in marketing, finance, and operations, but also with a strengthened belief in their capacity to create, lead, and innovate. As they move toward future pursuits in business and beyond, these experiences serve as both foundation and fuel.

Beyond serving as a hands-on learning experience for ABM students, Selling Week also enriches the wider student community, who get to enjoy and support the diverse range of student-led businesses on campus.

Ultimately, ABM Selling Week stands as a testament to the students’ perseverance, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, transforming classroom lessons into lived experiences that will carry far beyond the halls of ASHS.