By Mikee Natinga Norico
Third-year Pharmacy students showcase their booths during PHAR-NINDAHAN, highlighting creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in action.
On May 5, 2025, the canopied walkway beside the Dr. Alfonso Uy Student Union Building transformed into a vibrant avenue of commerce and creativity as third-year pharmacy students launched PHAR-NINDAHAN: Pharmaceutical Marketing and Entrepreneurship, a one-day entrepreneurial fair.
Spearheaded by the Junior Philippine Pharmacists Association (JPPhA) – CPU Chapter in coordination with the College of Pharmacy (COP) faculty, the event was designed as a hands-on activity to bridge academic learning and real-world application. With uniquely designed booths and stalls, students showcased their entrepreneurial skills by selling products of their own concept and creation.
“This event was actually for us third year students for our subject—to help us become more familiar with this kind of environment,” shared Angel Em Escander, COP Governor, highlighting the experiential nature of the event.
Carl Roderick Resano, JPPhA Vice President, emphasized the academic intent behind the initiative. “I believe the essence of this event is learning from our marketing and entrepreneurship subject and how we apply it to real-life situations.”
Smiles and sales fill the walkway as students enjoy the hands-on experience of applying entrepreneurship theories in real life.
Running until 5:00 PM, the event was not only a platform for showcasing creativity and salesmanship but also a true test of collaboration and resilience among the students.
For many, organizing PHAR-NINDAHAN came with hurdles. Catherine Samenian of BSPHAR 3B cited time management, sourcing ingredients, and managing supply shortages as among the major challenges. “Thanks to everyone’s teamwork and willingness to help, we overcame these obstacles and gave our best to make the event a success,” she said.
Althea Juriel Bendoy of BSPHAR 3C echoed similar sentiments. “We had to get creative with our limited budget, coordinate with different teams, and overcome last-minute hiccups. But those challenges helped us grow stronger as a team.”
Abigail Arangga of BSPHAR 3A added that selecting accessible products and crafting a meaningful booth concept were top priorities. “Our main goal was to earn profit and satisfy our customers with what we prepared—elevated with effort and creativity,” she shared.
In terms of student reception, the response evolved from hesitation to enthusiasm. “At first, they were hesitant since our academic load is already difficult to juggle,” Resano recalled. “But as time went by, the unity, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset of the three sections came to play. We wanted it to be memorable, fun, and an avenue for learning.”
Bendoy noted that despite initial nerves, the experience turned out to be both fun and rewarding, bringing students closer together.
As PHAR-NINDAHAN wrapped up, it left more than just a memory—it offered a glimpse of the students’ potential beyond the classroom and underscored CPU’s commitment to holistic education that combines theory, practice, and innovation.