This is according to the website of the Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI), which is "a non-stock, non-profit national organization of Filipino entrepreneurs and businessmen, duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It was formed in 1997 by a pioneering group of men and women who recognized the potential for business expansion through franchising." AFFI's website lists down its members, including Aqua Best, Brothers' Burgers, Figaro Coffee Company, Reyes Hair Cutters and SEAOIL. It is interesting that being a franchisor or franchisee is not a requirement to be a member of the AFFI. According to its website:

All entrepreneurs, whether existing or non-franchise owners, business owners, or those looking for business opportunities, are welcome to join our group and learn more about franchising and other current business trends. We are composed of a diverse group of both franchisers and non-franchisers from various industries.

Anyway, it's gratifying to note that just like other business organizations, the AFFI is doing its "share in promoting entrepreneurship," which is its declared reason in launching the book "Introduction to ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Success Stories of Filipino Entrepreneurs" (Anvil Publishing, 2007). This is a very positive move because as we've previously noted, one way of inspiring and encouraging more Pinoy Entrepreneurs to swim in the sea of entrepreneurship is to write about those who've made it. In the words of AFFI, the stories of 15 entrepreneurs featured in the book "are inspiring and the common traits and success secrets they possess are eye-openers to the fact that Filipinos have the innate capacity for enterprise and the fortitude to succeed." And what are the common traits according to the AFFI?

"As our fifteen entrepreneurs reveal, success is a matter of having a strong set of values and virtues, belief in God, self, and one's business concept, an appetite for challenges, and a desire to make dreams happen." 

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