By: Nanju Francisco
Gudaibiya: Kadiwa celebrated the grand opening of its first store in the Kingdom of Bahrain on July 26, 2024. The event, held in Gudaibiya, was attended by guests, including Jessica R. Plandez, one of the investors in the Kadiwa Store, along with her business partners Roberto Aragon and Vipin Harshan. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone for the Filipino community in Bahrain, bringing them closer to their roots and fostering a stronger sense of cultural identity.
The Kadiwa store aims to cater to the growing demand for authentic Filipino products in Bahrain. With a wide selection of carefully curated products, the store offers customers the opportunity to connect with their Filipino heritage.
One of the primary objectives of the Kadiwa store is to not only provide exceptional food products but also to create employment opportunities for jobless individuals within the local community. By generating jobs, the store strives to contribute to the economic growth of Bahrain and empower individuals to support their families and achieve financial stability.
During the grand opening ceremony, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the store. The ribbon cutting was led by Jessica Plandez, Roberto Aragon, Vipin Harshan and other key stakeholders of the Kadiwa Store. The symbolic act signified the beginning of a new chapter for the store and its commitment to serving the community. Jess Ricafranca, Principal of the New Generation School in Juffair, also graced the special occasion.
Additionally, the Kadiwa store received a special blessing from Fr. Rogelio “Rolly” Regner, a visiting priest from the Sacred Heart Church in Manama. The presence of Fr. Rolly Regner added a spiritual dimension to the event, emphasizing the importance of faith and community in the success of the Kadiwa Store.
Jessica Plandez, a passionate entrepreneur and advocate for Filipino businesses, delivered an inspiring message to fellow Filipinos during the ceremony. She emphasized the importance of supporting Filipino businesses in Bahrain and encouraged the community to rally behind their fellow countrymen in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Plandez’s vision is to see the expansion of Kadiwa stores across Bahrain, creating more opportunities for Filipinos to establish their own businesses and contribute to the local economy.
The Kadiwa store in Gudaibiya promises to be a hub of Filipino cultural exchange, fostering a sense of community and pride. With its commitment to providing authentic and affordable Filipino products, the store aims to become an integral part of the local community’s cultural landscape.
