Practical tips from Tinseltown’s business-minded celebs

After its successful first season, which saw close to $1-million worth of investments made into Philippine startups, CNN Philippines’ reality business show, “The Final Pitch,” is set to launch its second season on June 24 at 8 p.m.

It is the country’s first television program that links entrepreneurs to multimillionaire investors who are searching to own a piece of the next big business idea.

“We’ve put together an exciting cast of new Investor Judges who are raring to find and invest in entrepreneurs and businesses, whatever size, stage and industry they’re in,” shares host John Aguilar.

Aguilar has assembled a formidable lineup of investors that includes William Tiu Lim, Fernando “Dino” Araneta, Mikee Romero and Jet Yu.

Entrepreneurs who are picked by the judges after an initial pitch session will go through a monthlong business boot camp and series of challenges. They will also receive business coaching, funding and support opportunities.

In line with this, I asked some celebs who have businesses of their own to share the best biz advice that they follow and practice. After all, a show biz career isn’t forever, so it’s always good to have a fallback. Après tout, it’s not how much celebs earn that counts, but how much they save.

Richard Yap

Richard Yap

Nobody will earn money for you, you have to do it yourself. This means that in running a business, you always have to be on top of it. Be aware of what’s happening, and work hard. Relying on someone to run your business is not advisable, because there are very few people who will have genuine concern.

Ogie Alcasid

The best business advice I got is from the Bible: Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. Treat business as an opportunity for us to give and serve. The money comes after. It’s the bonus that we get, because our first intention is to share.

Ara Mina

Don’t start a business unless you’re doing something you love and are good at, unless you dedicate yourself to becoming an expert at it over the coming years.

Kris Bernal

Start something you’re willing to dedicate most of your time to. Start today. Making excuses won’t help you get ahead in life.

Kris Bernal