MANILA, Philippines - They?re better known as movie stars, celebrities and television personalities whom Filipinos look up to as role models. Behind the cameras however, they tackle their most challenging roles?as entrepreneurs who must cope with the fickle tastes of an evolving market.

Put them together in a book like ?Go Negosyo,? and they become a collective inspiration to ordinary Pinoys dreaming of someday becoming their own boss. The book, also known as ?Joey Concepcion?s 50 Inspiring Entrepreneurial Stories? shows how entrepreneurs can bring the country forward even during our darkest days. By putting their money where their faith is, these negosyantes prove that they?re willing to invest in the Filipino despite the risks involved.

?Go Negosyo,? the book is the handy version of the battle cry of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, the organization established by Concepcion and other big names in the Philippine business landscape. The book, with a portion on lessons learned by Entrepreneurs School of Asia founder Vivienne Tan, was recently launched to kindle among Filipinos an optimistic and entrepreneurial spirit.

Among the business tips shared in ?Go Negosyo? are these, from some of the country?s top celebrities:

Joyce Jimenez (co-owner, Private Joyce lingerie and accessories boutique): ?Get involved in every aspect of your business?the inventory, accounting, marketing and other operational activities, including manning the cash register.?

Arnel Ignacio (Creative Hair Systems Hairwear by Arnel Ignaco). ?You?ll be facing a lot of clients who are feisty. Sometimes they come here in a foul mood because they don?t feel beautiful, so you have to change that mood. We are in the business of making people happy.?

Lorna Tolentino (Franchise holder, Gal?s Bakery). ?You cannot leave anything to chance. Everything is deliberate and you should be mindful even of the smallest detail. Being a celebrity is not a guarantee that your product will sell. Give the client a good product and match it with quality and service, and you will certainly end up with satisfied customers. And when a customer is happy, your being a celebrity becomes just incidental.?

Erik Matti (Reality Entertainment Productions). ?Your business profile, right from the start, should be something that no one has seen before.?

Ces Drilon (Mag:net magazine and art shop). ?In every endeavor, one must take herself to the next level. Take risks. Grab every opportunity knocking on you doors. Eventually, it will be all worth it.?

Vina Morales (Ystilo Salon). ?We train our people to give good service to our clients. That?s why our clients return; they feel that they?ve become part of our family.?

Cesar Montano (Belissimo restaurant). ?I share everything I know with my employees. I am honest with them. ?

Jolina Magdangal (Jolina?s Fashion Gallery). ?Your business will endure if it?s one you really like. You also have to learn everything about your business, and think of innovations to give sustainability to your enterprise.?

Gary Valenciano (Studio V band and dance rehearsal studios). ?Never step back on a setback. They will always be there so you have to learn how to move forward and overcome them.?

Regine Tolentino (Regine?s Fashion Boutique). ?All these years, I?ve realized that it?s never worth it to enter (into) something that you?re not passionate about. What I do, I never really consider work. It?s all just a labor of love.?

Quark Henares, Lia Martinez, Ning Tadena, Jay Tadena, Jessie Pastor and Jenny Pastor (Blow-up Babies photography). ?You just have to understand that everything has to be hands-on when it comes to business. Although trust with your employees is and will always be an issue, you just gotta make sure that you are always in the loop.?

Joel Torre (JT?s Manukan and BBQ Grill). ?Start small but think big.?

Jericho Rosales (Silvermoon production company). ?Be flexible! Understand your market because they will be the key to your success. Take care of your people because they will be there for you every step of the way. Be aware of your own capabilities and limitations. And most of all, think positive yet (be) realistic. Life isn?t just about indulging on a bed of roses. It?s also about finding a way to avoid the thorns.?

Ogie Alcasid (Ogie Doggie hotdog stand). ?One should remember, especially if you?re the manager, to set an outstanding example of hard work and dedication to your employees. At the same time, be flexible with your system. And of course, take care of both the customer and the employee.?

Drew Arellano (Gruppo Barbero barbershop). ?I understand the stakes (in business) and I?m proud to say that experience teaches you more than anything. Hands-on experience will hone your business skills. Principles can be taught in school but actual experience gives you a different kind of knowledge and that is what helped me a lot.?

Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales (Ice Crystals bead and jewelry shop). ?As with anything, you have to continue honing your skill and drawing inspiration from the things that you see and experience. Everyday is a day of learning for me.?

Tessa Prieto-Valdes (Urban Spa). ?You have to have guts and you should research. Calculated risks are great.?

Vicki Belo and Cristalle Henares (Intelligent Skin Care company). ?Find a purpose other than just making money and selling, because that will not motivate you everyday.?

Kuh Ledesma (Hacienda Isabella private resort). ?The best part of being an entrepreneur is getting wonderful feedback from people and seeing your business grow. It is a definite sign that you have something that people like.?

Judy Ann Santos (Kaffe Carabana). ?Know your budget (first), then plan everything.?