Sunday, November 10, 2024

SM City Cebu opens Xmas season with Santa’s Enchanted Fables

CEBU CITY – SM City Cebu opened the Christmas Season at the mall with an ensemble of Santa’s Enchanted Fables and lighting the 30 ft. Christmas tree, filling the air with Christmas magic for everyone especially the children as various magical characters out of a fairy tale pranced around the newly renovated North Wing Atrium.

Discover and embrace the Christmas holiday spirit at SM City Cebu beginning November 10 as shoppers step inside into a blue whimsical forest filled with wonder and festive charm that makes one feel like stepping into a magical dream with a larger-than-life Santa, crystal-like animal figures, glowing mystical plants, and dynamic holographic butterflies surrounding the Christmas tree, evoking scenes from Santa's mythical tales.
 

As one immerses in a magical world with enchanting stories and experiences the wonder of Christmas at SM City Cebu starting November 10, the holiday season is further brought to life with weekend activities such as the Santa Squad Spectacle, happening every weekend at 4 PM until December 27.

Don’t also miss out on other exciting festivities, including Postcards to Christmas from December 12-24 from 1 PM to 6 PM; the Grand Christmas Parade around the mall on December 14 at 4 PM; and a Holiday Symphony featuring the USC Choristers on December 15 at 5 PM.

The bear-y much awaited SM Cares Bears of Joy 2024 is here! Say hello to Mikah, Bree, Ash, and Ronnie, SM's adorable new squishy squad!

For just ₱280, Buy One and Donate One with #SMBearsOfJoy2024. Hug a bear, share the joy, and give a child a gift filled with love! Visit the booth located at the Lower Ground Level, Main Mall near Jonie's.

Gather loved ones and celebrate the joy of the season with unforgettable Christmas celebrations at SM City Cebu.  For more updates & inquiries, check out SM City Cebu (Official) on Facebook and on Instagram. (Photos: MBCNewman)

Saturday, November 9, 2024

U.S. Peace Corps, USAID launch DRR Toolkit

 MANILA-- The United States Peace Corps, with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Toolkit, a comprehensive training guide designed to help Peace Corps Volunteers and their partner communities build resilience by enhancing their disaster preparedness capability.

The Peace Corps gathered 28 of its Volunteers, staff, and work partners from the Philippine government and non-government institutions for an orientation-training based on the DRR Toolkit in San Mateo, Rizal on October 14-18, to deepen collaboration and knowledge exchange between the Peace Corps and its work partners, helping strengthen the disaster preparedness programs of local communities.

“The DRR Toolkit is a vital resource for helping communities build resilience and reduce the impact of disasters and extreme weather events,” Peace Corps Philippines Country Director Marguerite Roy said.


Roy bared that the DRR Toolkit contains resources on developing disaster preparedness strategies, conducting risk assessments, managing community resources, and strengthening early warning systems.  As an inclusive training guide, the DRR Toolkit promotes the active participation of all community members in pre-disaster planning.

Engineer Raoul Cam of the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO)- Ormoc City, Leyte said that the toolkit is very inclusive and can be easily integrated and used as a guide in the participatory planning and mentoring activities in the communities.

“I will be glad to endorse the toolkit to my colleagues in the local government unit and partners in other sectors that are involved in the DRR advocacy,” Roy added.

To help participants observe DRR practices in action, the training participants also visited the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) office and the Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO).

Since its establishment in 1961, over 9,300 Peace Corps Volunteers have served alongside host communities across the Philippines to address the country’s most pressing development priorities, including the disaster preparedness of vulnerable communities. (Photos: US Embassy/Google Images)

Geeks on a Beach in Cebu on its 7th year

CEBU CITY— Geeks On A Beach (GOAB), a premier international tech startup conference in the Philippines where innovation and inspiration converge in one event, is back in Cebu on its 7th year, at the JPark Island Resort & Waterpark in Mactan Island, Cebu on November 13-15, 2024.

“Cebu is known for its economic growth and world-class beaches and is hence the perfect place to hold GOAB, an event that has taken the position as a critical pillar of the tech startup ecosystem in the Philippines and beyond,” Dave Overton, GOAB co-founding organizer, and Symph founder and CEO said.

GOAB is essentially a non-profit organization committed to growing the tech and startup landscape by bringing together a diverse set of stakeholders, from founders and government agencies to creatives and venture capitalists, Overton bared.

Since its launch in 2012, GOAB has become a critical pillar in the Philippine startup ecosystem that aims to boost tech startup and investment opportunities in the country and the Southeast Asian region.  The conference’s second installment was held in 2014 after its inaugural launch in Boracay Island, was also held in Cebu.

GeeksPH organizes GOAB in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to highlight the development and potential of the country’s startup ecosystem.

The much-anticipated international conference promises an unparalleled convergence of startup ecosystem stakeholders while offering a unique blend of serious conversation and relaxed networking.  With over 500 entrepreneurs, investors, and global leaders expected to attend,

“GOAB delivers tangible benefits to attendees in terms of catalyzing inspiration and a venue for networking and collaboration that can lead to success in the long term. We foster a supportive community for startups and entrepreneurs,” Tina Amper, GOAB founding organizer stated.

Amper shared that in GOAB 2023 in Panglao brought new openings to some of the big names of the startup community in the Philippines.  GOAB was also instrumental to the long-term success stories of tech upstarts who found their footing in the startup world by participating in past GOAB conferences.

Amper bared that this year’s GOAB focuses on the latest trends and challenges in the tech industry and the positive impact of the government’s Innovative Startup Act (ISA).  It also highlights DICT’s years-long work in unlocking market potential for local tech startups and positioning the Philippines as the next frontier for innovation in Southeast Asia.

 GOAB 2024 lineup of events

GOAB event starts on November 13 with in-depth masterclasses from international industry experts. These two-hour workshops explore essential topics related to tech, startups, and design.

The main conference on November 14-15, feature a dynamic agenda, including keynote presentations and breakout sessions covering various sectors, such as Fintech, EduTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech. 


There will also be investor and founder roundtable discussions, exhibits, business matching, networking opportunities, open-area sessions, and happy hour mixers.

Leading the rich lineup of speakers are some of the most influential voices in the tech and startup space, including Jojo Flores, Co-founder of Plug & Play; Mel Nava, Co-founder & CEO, 1Export; Crystal Lee Gonzalez, CEO & Co-founder, Noneaway; Christina Laskowksi, Strategic Advisor, STAC-Silicon Valley; Mohan Belani, CEO & Co-founder, e27.

“We also have Jen Bilango, Country Manager, Coins.ph; Peter Kovacz, Co-founder, Global Startup Awards; Gui Faria, Co-founder, Penbrothers; Josef Werker, Co-founder, Humble Sustainability and Partner, Buko Ventures; Franco Varona, Founder, Foxmont Capital Partners,” Amper said.

Also included in the list are Ksther Lim, CEO, The People Decoder; Jay Fajardo, Executive Director, Ideaspace Ventures and QBO Innovation; Diane Eustaquio, Director, PINVEST; Mia Bulatao, COO, Great Deals E-Commerce Corp.; Erika Aquino, Global Investor & Strategic Advisor; and Jeremy Au, COO, Lucent & Host, Brave Southeast Asia Tech Podcast.

“We encourage participation from all sectors in GOAB. Let’s support each other in navigating startup entrepreneurship’s challenging yet rewarding journey. By building connections and fostering a community of driven individuals, we help uplift the entire ecosystem and grow the economy collectively,” Amper said.

To join Geeks On A Beach, purchase tickets at https://geeksonabeach.com or email hello@geeksonabeach.com. Discounted tickets are available for a limited period.

You can also connect with GOAB by visiting its social media accounts: Facebook: @GeeksOnABeach X: @GeeksOnABeach; and LinkedIn: Geeks On A Beach. (Photos: GOAB Facebook)

 

 

Pulido’s Off-Season Roadshow kicks off at CHBC with yearend deals, free consultations

CEBU CITY— Cebu’s pioneering architectural radio program, Pulido: Arkitekto, Tambagi Ko!, wrapped up its second season and is now taking the show on the road starting November 9 at the Cebu Home and Builders Center, A.S. Fortuna in Mandaue City in anticipation of Season 3. The special off-season roadshow in November aims to empower homeowners with expert architectural advice and practical solutions on repair and maintenance of tiles and bath system. 

Cebu Home and Builders Center (CHBC) is also promoting its Year-End Sale, happening from November 15 to December 15, 2024. As part of the Pulido Roadshow, CHBC will be giving away exclusive prizes that include discount cards, gift certificates, and tote bags. Four lucky winners will be selected from those who participate in the event’s interactive Q&A session by dropping their renovation and construction questions on social media for the chance to win.

Enjoy a morning of meaningful, thought-provoking conversations with the expert Pulido team, including Architects Edmund Samson, Ana Karmela Po, Robert Malayao, and Nheil Crisostomo. With a shared mission to promote accessible, disaster-resilient homes, Pulido has brought critical architectural guidance to the community every Saturday morning on DYLA 909 KHz, helping low-income families create safe, functional, and beautiful living spaces. 

The Pulido Roadshow will continue with another special topic on November 23, 2024, at the Cebu Home and Builders Center Toledo Branch from 9 AM to 12 NN. Ride on this unique opportunity to consult with industry professionals and take home new knowledge and prizes.

Follow Pulido: Arkitekto, Tambagi Ko! on Facebook at @pulidoarkitekto for more event updates and Q&A opportunities. Don’t miss out on the chance to ask, win, and learn. (Photos: MBCNewman)

Friday, November 8, 2024

All systems go for the 4th Visayas Art Fair on November 21-24 in Cebu

CEBU CITY – All systems go for the 4th Visayas Art Fair (VAF) on November 21-24 at the Oakridge Business Park, Mandaue City with the theme, “Art Diversity” as declared by the organizers in a media launch event on November 7 at the Executive Lounge, Oakridge Business Park.


“The Visayas Art Fair is the region’s most anticipated cultural event that gathers all forms of art, artists, traditions and culture embracing the diverse and unique works of artists from across the Visayas islands and regions. From intricate paintings and contemporary installations to a wide range of styles and media to workshops and interactive exhibits allowing visitors to engage directly with the creative process, turning the event into an immersive experience,” VAF chairperson, Lorenza Boquiren said at the launching event.

There are 27 participating galleries representing various regions in the Visayas and Mindanao and one gallery from Malaysia, The Artemis Art Gallery joining the Visayas Art Fair 2024. From Mindanao, there is Gallery Down South.

In the Visayas region, participating galleries include Bohol CCAD, Mariyah Gallery from Dumaguete, and several from Cebu: Florentino's Art Gallery, Qube Gallery, The Company, Museo Cariño, Galerie Raphael, Sugbo Kreatibo Kolektibo, Manila-Cebi Collective, Sacred Heart School for Boys Batch 85, Raymund Fernandez, University of Sa Carlos, Southwestern University-PHINMA, and CIT University.


From Baguio, there is Kidlat Tahimik; NCR is represented by Gab Mejia, 29 Kapitolyo Art Space, Arcadia A Gallery, Drybrush Art Gallery, Daloy Likha, FiftyOne Collective Art Haus, Galerie Soleil, Galerie Francesca, and Historia Art Gallery, M Gallery, Nami Art Gallery and Vill Art Gallery.

According to Boquiren that this year’s Visayas Art Fair features art and cultural events and activities designed to showcase the diversity and richness of the region's artistic and creative industries.

The Art Exhibition at the 12th floor studio at the Oakridge Business Park is the centerpiece of the fair with the 27 participating galleries showcasing a wide array of visual arts in various formats and genres, collectives and individual artists.

The creative installations featuring sculptures, street art, crochet bombs, and more are scattered across the gardens of Oakridge Business Park, showcasing the rich heritage and culture of the Visayas.

VAF2024 collabs with various artists, traditions, cultural presentations

Boquiren said that collaboration is a key focus in the VAF 2024, fostering partnerships across various industries, demographics, including government sectors, academia, and private businesses.

 “We have invited five unique and popular artists at the VAF including Kidlat Tahimik, The Baylan of Mount Kalatungan, James Doran-Webb, fashion designers and creatives and the Pinta de Baryo,” she added.

Kidlat Tahimik, National Artist and revolutionary film director fondly called "Tatay Kidlat" joins the VAF 2014 to share his wisdom and insights on the beauty and realities of Filipino culture while inciting criticisms against the neocolonial of people's everyday lives as reflected in his films. 

"The Baylan of Mount Kalatungan" is a captivating multimedia documentary-art display that takes viewers through a spiritual journey. It is a transcendent experience that features a carousel of illustrations, photos, and the documentary "Baradiya" by Filipino film director and multidisciplinary artist Gab Mejia, converging to create a truly immersive masterpiece. The Baylan of Mount Kalatungan was recently launched at the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP),

James Doran-Webb, one of the world's leading sculptors, he crafts magnificent and striking figures of animals through the carving and assemblage of repurposed and long dead wood, giving his creations a unique style and form. His works have been exhibited worldwide, most notably for respected construction companies such as Candy and Candy in the UK, Vanke in China, and Primary Structures in the Philippines.

 Pinta de Baryo from Davao City celebrates local heritage and community spirit. The term "Pinta de Baryo" translates to "Paint of the Village," and the event typically features mural painting and artistic expressions that highlight the stories, traditions, and identity of the local communities.

Artistic Fusion is an innovative collaborative initiative that combines the creativity of diverse artists with fashion designers to create unique merchandise inspired by the artists' works, all centered around this year's theme: Artistic Diversity.

There will also be cultural performances to take center stage with local performing artists showcasing their talents, encouraging audiences to reconnect with and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The Bodega Design Caravan 2024

The Bodega Design Caravan, now on its 3rd run organized by the Cebu Culture Art and Design Foundation (CCADF), is another back-to-back design exhibit showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity of Cebu's leading designers in furniture, home furnishings, fashion, and accessories.


“This year’s BODEGA has 28 exhibitors offering a dynamic range of activities, including design talks from Cebu's prominent designers; hands-on workshops where creatives engage directly with participants; and a fashion show that highlights local talent,” CCADF president, Christina Gaston bared at the media launch event.

New this year is the Food Artisan segment, celebrating culinary artistry and presentation to engage both chefs and food enthusiasts.  With free entry at Oakridge Pavilion, BODEGA invites visitors of all ages who have a passion for craft and design. This year's showcase promises an even broader selection of displays to suit the preferences and needs of every shopper, Gaston said.

The Bodega Design Caravan has been attracting a growing number of participants and exhibitors for the last three years from its launch alongside the Visayas Art Fair 2022.  “Our goal is to make BODEGA more meaningful, experiential, and impactful for all involved, elevating it as a must-visit event,” Gaston concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman & Google Images)

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

𝐃𝐎𝐄 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬, calls for nominees for the 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

CEBU CITY – The Department of Energy (DOE) is launching the search for the “Sustainable Energy Awards 2024” to recognize and honor outstanding achievements across the renewable energy sector, showcasing projects, practices, and technologies that are leading the shift toward a cleaner energy landscape.

"We warmly invite all eligible participants to apply and showcase their remarkable efforts in advancing sustainable and innovative energy solutions throughout the country. This is an opportunity to highlight your projects and initiatives that not only support our national goals for renewable energy but also demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship and economic resilience. By sharing these achievements, we hope to inspire broader action and collaboration across all sectors toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Philippines." DOE Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said.

The call for nominations is now open and DOE encourages interested participants to find the detailed information on application requirements and eligibility criteria at the DOE website, www.doe.gov.ph.  All nominations must be submitted by November 19, 2024. The Awards ceremony, where the winners will be formally recognized for their contributions to advancing renewable energy in the Philippines, is scheduled on 12 December 2024.

About the Sustainable Energy Awards 2024

The “Sustainable Energy Awards 2024,” seeks to inspire continued progress in the renewable energy sector, highlighting projects and stakeholders whose work not only addresses the country’s energy needs but also contributes to global climate action, Lotilla added.

The Awards are conferred in three distinct categories: Renewable Energy Projects in On-Grid Areas, Private Institutions, and Local Government Units (LGUs). Each category celebrates key players and initiatives that contribute to the nation’s renewable energy targets and sustainable development.

The Renewable Energy Projects in On-Grid Areas category recognizes exceptional contributions to building a secure, reliable, clean, and resilient energy sector. This award emphasizes projects that enhance community resilience, promote sustainability, and deliver positive socioeconomic impacts by advancing renewable energy solutions on the grid.

For Private Institutions category, this award honors corporations, organizations, and enterprises that have made significant strides in promoting, developing, and implementing renewable energy initiatives in the country. It highlights efforts that demonstrate innovation, reduce carbon footprints, and exhibit leadership in incorporating renewable energy into operational practices, thereby setting new standards for sustainability in the private sector.

For the LGU category, this award celebrates provinces, cities, and municipalities that have shown a sustained commitment to creating an enabling environment for renewable energy deployment within their jurisdictions. This includes streamlining permitting processes, establishing renewable energy plans and policies, and fostering projects that provide substantial environmental benefits and socioeconomic growth.

“By highlighting these achievements, we aim to inspire greater commitment to sustainability, foster innovation, and accelerate the nation’s shift to cleaner, greener energy sources,” Lotilla concluded. (Photos/DOE-FB)

Harvard study reveals Filipinos are now better prepared for disasters

CEBU, Philippines— A recent nationwide survey on disaster preparedness and climate change perceptions in the Philippines done by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) from February to March 2024 revealed that Filipinos’ self-reported disaster preparedness level has increased by 42 percent on average over the past seven years.

HHI survey collected nationwide data from 4,608 Filipinos across all regions in the Philippines and showed an average of 19.2 out of 50 across five objective measures of disaster preparedness: planning, training, material investment, information, and social support. Each criterion received a score from 0 to 10.

“A score of 19.2 highlights both progress and areas needing urgent attention. While it shows an improvement in disaster preparedness, the score suggests that Filipinos are only doing 38.4 percent of the kinds of disaster preparedness activities needed to be prepared,” Dr. Vincenzo Bollettino, director of the HHI Resilient Communities program and co-lead for this study shared.

Bollentino said that this is a significant improvement from an average score of 13.5 out of 50 in a pioneering study conducted by HHI in 2017 using the same methodology and instrument; however, it is not enough for a country with the highest disaster risk in the world.

He added that on the 11th anniversary of one of the most destructive typhoons in history—Typhoon Haiyan (local name: Super Typhoon Yolanda) on November 8 2013, the Harvard survey shows how much progress has been made to prepare for such events, and how much more is left to do.

 “For a country as vulnerable to disasters as the Philippines, this is not enough, so we must accelerate our efforts to ensure Filipinos are investing, planning, training, and building closer ties to their communities.” Dr. Bollettino stated.

According to Dr. Patrick Vinck, Director of Research at HHI, enhancing the Philippines' disaster preparedness requires investing in local leadership and leveraging technology to improve early warning systems and community engagement, among other critical measures.

“This should be accompanied by investments in resilient infrastructures, local capacities, and anticipatory actions,” Dr. Vinck added.

Material investments and social support are still low

Among the objective measures of disaster preparedness, Filipinos scored highest in information at 4.9 out of 10; and scored lowest in social support at 2.3 out of 10. However, the overall score remains relatively low across all dimensions, the survey showed.

Survey participants were also asked what activities their households carried out to prepare for disasters.  In terms of specific social support activities, only a few Filipinos at 23 percent, are members of a group or association and are familiar with their local disaster risk reduction and management officers at 16 percent.

Generally, social support declined from 2.7 out of 10 in 2017 to 2.3 in 2024, the survey said. Most Filipinos implemented measures to safeguard important documents like birth certificates and property titles at 87 percent.

Many Filipinos at 70 percent also monitor typhoon and other disaster warnings while 60 percent familiarize themselves with rainfall warning systems, suggesting they routinely experience water-related hazards, such as storms and floods.

While 58 percent of Filipinos discuss emergency plans as a family, only a few, 20 percent have prepared their respective disaster management plan, Go bag 27 percent, adequate supplies of regularly taken medications, 32 percent, and first-aid kit 33 percent.

Disaster preparedness varied by region

In addition to a nationwide perspective, the survey offers regional datasets to provide regional, provincial, and local stakeholders contextually relevant information on disaster preparedness and resilience.

Among the regions, the Cordillera Administrative Region (24.0 out of 50), Central Visayas (21.5), and Western Visayas (21.4) reported the highest levels of preparedness. On the other hand, Davao Region (17.3), Negros Island (15.8), and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM (15.1) reported the lowest levels of preparedness.

Surprisingly, the National Capital Region or Metro Manila ranked 11th in level of disaster preparedness (19.1) and slightly below the national average (19.2). It is also one of the regions with the least progress in disaster preparedness over time, with an increase in preparedness score by only 22 percent or 3.4 points from 15.7 in 2017.

“NCR is the heart of the Philippine economy and home for a significant part of the country’s population, yet it is routinely hit by natural hazards; thus, increasing its disaster preparedness is crucial.” Dr. Bollettino underscored.

Although having the lowest preparedness score among regions, the BARMM has reported the highest increase in preparedness score of 8.0 in 2017 to 15.1 in 2024, marking a 90 percent (+7.1) increase.

The BARMM has historically been less vulnerable to natural hazards like typhoons, but climate change has contributed to increased occurrences of flooding and drought throughout the region. This relatively low exposure to natural hazards and years of conflict have impeded its disaster preparedness efforts.

While major investments are generally poured into peacebuilding, poverty reduction, and protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs), more investments are needed now and, in the future, to deal with an increasing number of climate-related hazards, Dr. Bollettino said.

In contrast, some regions with a low regional preparedness score, such as Caraga (18.0) and Davao Region (17.3), also showed little progress at 11% (+1.7) only.

Wealth and education are associated with preparedness

The survey also explored the role of Filipinos’ socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, gender, education, and wealth in their disaster preparedness levels.  Results revealed that preparedness is strongly associated with the respondents’ education and wealth, but not much with their age and gender.

In terms of education, Filipinos who only have primary education are less prepared compared to those who attended higher education. In terms of wealth, the poorest Filipinos feel less prepared compared to the wealthiest.

Informing DRR through socio-behavioral research

According to Bollentino, with the Philippines ranked as the most disaster-prone country for three consecutive years now, increasing support and investments in preparedness are crucial. It is essential for key decision-makers and policymakers to understand disaster preparedness and resilience through the lens of Filipinos themselves to align relevant programs and policies with emerging needs and priorities at the household level.

HHI’s 2024 nationwide survey collected data using a standardized questionnaire administered during face-to-face interviews by trained local enumerators. The sample was designed to provide representative data at the regional level. Data were weighted to match the population distribution. This ensured that the findings reflect the perspectives of the broader population across the Philippines.

Besides disaster preparedness, the survey also explores climate change perceptions, mental health impacts, micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) resilience, and disability-inclusive DRRM, among others.

In the succeeding months and weeks, the HHI Resilient Communities team will continue sharing data and information from the nationwide survey with relevant stakeholders in the public, private, academia, civil society, humanitarian sector, and the media to inform programming and policymaking at the national and regional levels.

HHI Resilient Communities, a research program at HHI, has nearly a decade of experience supporting disaster and climate resilience through collaborative research, engagement, and informing action in South and Southeast Asia. The program has been operating in the Philippines since 2015.

HHI is an academic and research center in humanitarian crisis and leadership at Harvard University. (Source/Survey Results: HHI/@Mark Daza)

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

CONPC turns 2


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CEBU CITY -- The Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC) marked its second anniversary on October 31, 2024, with a series of events that highlighted the organization’s growth, collaboration, and dedication to the community.

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The celebration began at Honda Cars Cebu, where a significant milestone was marked: the official launch of the CONPC uniform. The uniform, courtesy of UNISOL, symbolizes the organization’s unity and professionalism, fostering a strong sense of identity among its members.

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Cebu Online News Press Corps Founder Robby Alugar, in his opening remarks highlighted the organization’s commitment to be a source of reliable information. “CONPC is more than just a media organization; it’s a movement. We are dedicated to spreading positivity and uplifting our community. We strive to be a trusted source of information, sharing news that inspires, informs, and empowers,” Alugar stated.

Alugar further encouraged CONPC members to continue creating high-quality, ethical content. He also disclosed an exciting plan for CONPC; the organization is poised to expand its reach and impact by establishing chapters in Davao and Metro Manila. The expansion is set to strengthen CONPC’s network in these areas.

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During the event, Cebu Chamber Of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Jay Yuvallos, as the inducting officer, administered the oath of commitment. During his inspirational speech, Mr. Yuvallos urged the new members to uphold the organization’s values. He stressed the importance of CONPC’s impact, influence, and emotion. He inspired CONPC members to stay focused and use their respective influence as opportunities to promote goodwill.

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                                               CCCI President Jay Yuvallos

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“Every cloud is a silver lining but golden opportunities are better. If you lose focus, you will lose golden opportunities,” Yuvallos said.

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Congratulatory message from Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival of N.A. Systems, Inc. Electrical Company

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ACMobility Honda Cars Cebu and VisMin Branch Manager Mr. Bryan Enerio

The event was graced by esteemed guests and sponsors, including Councilor Nestor Archival of N.A. Systems, Inc., Mr. Phil Campbell of UNISOL, and Mr. Bryan Enerio of Honda Cars Cebu. Their congratulatory messages further elevated the significance of the occasion.

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Minerva Newman, a respected figure in the industry, delivered an inspiring closing message which delves into mindful communication. She motivated the members to continue sharing positivity by incorporating uplifting language in their posts.

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The first part of CONPC’s celebration concluded with a group photo with the sponsors and a thrilling raffle draw.

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The festivities continued at Maboy’s Food House in Talamban, where a general assembly and lunch were held. The event was also marked by the media launch of Maboy’s Food House, a significant partnership that strengthens the organization’s commitment to building fruitful collaborations.

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Dr. Judith Akol and Ms. Joli Lacson, key figures in the establishment of Maboy’s Food House, shared their vision for the restaurant and its role in the community.

The afternoon was filled with fun and camaraderie, with games, raffles, and a motorcade back to Honda Cars Cebu.

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UNISOL executives during the press conference. (L-R) Marketing Head Mr. Marcus Wong; Sales Head Ms. Leah Baltazar and Business Development Head Mr. Phil Campbell.

CONPC’s second anniversary celebration is made possible with the generosity of UNISOL – Uniforms On – Demand; URATEX Foam – The Sleep Specialist; Virginia Food Inc.; SM Supermalls; VietNom located at Aldecoa Drive, Dumaguete City; Seda Central Bloc Cebu; N.A. Systems, Inc. Electrical Company; Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, Maboy’s Food House; Honda Cars Cebu and AC Mobility; Bayfront Hotel Capitol Site; Bayfront Hotel North Reclamation; Teleperformance; Sugbo Squad and Mr. Cito Beltran.

CONPC tarp final