PRA-Cebu prexy sees need to empower retail industry, adapt new tech to boost market share

CEBU CITY – The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA)-Cebu Chapter elected and inducted Christian Paro-an as its new president for 2023 term including the officers and new members during its 1^st Membership Meeting and Induction of Officers and New Members on May 24, at the City Sports Club Cebu.

“There is great need to empower the retail industry in Cebu, improve the quality of goods and services offered to our customers, foster local entrepreneurship, and to represent our interests both locally and nationally. Our unity is our strength. Let us learn from each other, share our experiences, pool our resources, and collectively address the challenges ahead,” Paro-an said in his speech during the event.

Paro-an noted that there is a need for the PRA Cebu chapter members to work together and for companies to tap new technologies to help boost sales, reach more markets, and increase market share.

Paro-an also cited how technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) have revolutionized the retail sector globally. These new technologies allow for more personalized and efficient customer experiences.

He added that data analytics can help businesses understand the customers better and make more informed strategic decisions.  As consumers increasingly move online, having a robust e-commerce platform is no longer just an option but a necessity for most retail businesses.

“But beyond our economic goals, we must never lose sight of our social responsibility. We must strive to create job opportunities, uphold fair trade practices, and contribute to the sustainable development of our beloved city, Cebu,” he bared.

The country’s retail industry may experience robust growth, powered by a rising middle class and increased consumer spending, Paro-an pointed to the growth of e-commerce and the accelerated online shopping habits of consumers as a result of the pandemic.

According to Paro-an, the resilience of traditional retail sectors such as convenience stores and supermarket cannot be overlooked as these continue to play a crucial role in people’s daily lives.  The PRA Cebu chapter could serve as an inspiration to other chapters by setting standards of excellence, championing innovation, embracing sustainability, and demonstrating the true spirit of Cebuano resilience to make a meaningful difference.

The new set of officers also included James Co, Vice President for Business Development; May Tan Go, Vice President for Membership; Jay Fernandez, Vice President for Ways and Means; Camille Aldeguer, Vice President for Finance; Jane Ong, Secretary/Treasurer; Robert L. Go, Chairman of the Board; and Chester A. Lim; Immediate Past President.

“In closing, allow me to say that the journey ahead of us will undoubtedly be filled with trials and triumphs. But as long as we stand together, as long as we remember our shared purpose, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way. I am genuinely excited to embark on this journey with each of you,” Paro-an concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

Klook keeps looking for growth, expansion in Cebu, pushes digitalization of travels

CEBU CITY – Klook, Asia's leading travel and experiences platform continues to push and encourage digitalization of travels both local and foreign and it “keeps looking” for more growth and expansion in Cebu and the nearby provinces as this place remains highly attractive for domestic and foreign investors and tourists.

"Cebu, the Queen City of the South, full of economic opportunities especially in the tourism sector, is one of the key markets for Klook in the Philippines," Klook Philippines Associate Director for Marketing, Ulla Sy-Roqueza said in a Klook Media Round Table on May 23 at The Pig & Palm restaurant at the Ayala Business Center, Cebu.

Roqueza bared that with the Department of Tourism (DOT) targeting 4.8 million foreign arrivals in 2023, Klook Philippines aims to connect foreign and domestic tourists alike to the many experiences that Cebu has to offer.

Klook believes that digitalization is key to the continued growth of the tourism industry, as so many things are now done online, Roqueza added that Klook continuously works hard to innovate and make the platform more accessible to consumers and merchants in Cebu.

Klook, via its web and mobile app, offers over 515,000 curated experiences and activities in 1,500 destinations that can be booked through its digital platform.  Klook specializes in curating quality activities to inspire and enable more moments of joy for travelers anytime and anywhere.

With the goal to provide a seamless planning experience for vacations, Roqueza bared that Klook has created exclusive passes for key destinations that will allow travelers to discover and visit the best attractions.  

These exclusive passes, which are currently available for Boracay, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bali, Seoul, Taipei, Paris, and etc. have been successful in exposing travelers to different attractions, and in the process, helped increase revenue for merchants in these areas.

According to Roqueza, Klook has been in the Philippines for five years now and is available in 21 cities with close to 600 experiences and activities ranging from accommodations, entertainment, dining, and transportation.  For Filipino users, Klook has seen a growth of 55 percent in Q1 of 2023 as compared to the previous quarter.

What can Klook offer to Cebu travelers?

Given its success, Klook launches a Klook Cebu Pass that is available for both local and international travelers. With the Klook Cebu Pass, tourists can now access 14 exciting attractions from theme parks to day passes, that allow the travelers to create their own itinerary according to their own definition of joy and not have to worry about multiple entrance fees.

Another is the Stay+ Deals package.  These are unique hotel package promotions that bundle hotel rooms with airport transfers, admission tickets to popular attractions, WiFi, and more at a discounted rate.  Whether in Cebu, or popular key outbound cities like Hong Kong and Singapore, Stay+Deals will provide unique hotel combos that will provide Cebuanos, Filipinos and foreign travelers the best bundled deals to enjoy.

To continuously enable users to travel, Klook has a Content Kreator Program which enjoins content creators and tastemakers to share experiences via Klook.  Roqueza shared that recently, popular Cebu-based influencer, Kryz Uy, and her family were in Singapore and shared all the various experiences they had with Klook, which in turn was received well by the general public.

Further to this, Klook is offering Cebu Special Promotions where Cebuanos are entitled to a 10 percent discount when they book experiences and attractions using the code CEBUSAVEI0 via the Klook website from May to August 31, 2023 

Discover Klook and book travels and experiences 

Earlier this year, Klook released the Klook Travel Pulse, a company-led study, to analyze consumer travel trends based on data gathered from app and website usage.  The study revealed that 87 percent of Filipinos are eager to travel and 40 percent of them plan to splurge on their travels.

The top local destinations Klook users’ book for travel and experiences are Cebu, Boracay, Manila, Tagaytay, Clark, and Subic.  Meanwhile, for international travel, Filipinos have shown interest in Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong for their close proximity.

From discovering and onboarding more local merchants to aggressive promotions targeted to users in Cebu for both domestic and international products, Klook Philippines remains committed to uplifting local tourism by streamlining the process of connecting travelers with activities through the power of digitalization.

"The Philippines has a lot to offer, both for locals and foreign tourists, and Klook would like to do its part in propelling domestic travel by enjoining consumers and merchants alike to discover and showcase more of our country and create their own joy through Klook," Roqueza concluded.

Keep Looking via Klook.  It is Asia's leading travel and experiences platform that curates quality experiences from attractions, tours to local transport and accommodation all around the world. Founded in 2014, Klook is here to inspire and enable more moments of joy for travelers anytime, anywhere. (Photos: MBCNewman/Klook FB/Google Images)

 

 

Fiber internet enriches countryside living in Bohol

 TAGBILARAN CITY -- Living in the countryside is often synonymous with a slower and easier pace of life, but for one Boholano, being in the province means big, festive gatherings where family bonds over food, exchange news, and enjoy shared experiences online.

For Jessica Narit, a housewife and mother based in San Isidro, Bohol, having guests and family over brings more happiness. “The more, the merrier. Especially when there are occasions, my siblings usually come here. They come here often. They just live nearby-- in Dauis and Loay. I like sharing stories and bonding with them,” Jessica said.

Jessica comes from a family of seven children most of whom are also in Bohol, who now have children of their own. Adding the relatives of her husband, the gatherings at her home can be pretty big.

Family togetherness is important to Jessica who is used to having her siblings around to talk to, whether in person or online.

“My father stayed with me when he got older so my siblings would just visit us here, together with his grandkids. Then we would be so loud. The four of us are all women so we are so noisy, even our nephews and nieces who are already of age. It was like they inherited our exuberance. They like doing video calls whenever they are here,” Jessica said.

 Making these family bonding moments even better is the Narit family’s internet, which is enough for a crowd of 15 people to surf the internet, stream videos, listen to music, and play mobile games, simultaneously.

“Almost 15 people are using the internet when we are all here together, and the experience has been okay. I like it whenever there are many people in our house because when it's just my child here, it's too quiet. When there are a lot of people around, my child is happy too. He doesn’t get bored.,” she added.

Accustomed to big groups, Jessica welcomes a throng of her son’s friends from college as well, who come over their home to use the internet - ‘mostly’ to study. "It's so fun to have the kids over because there’s a lot of them. Sometimes their classmates would come over not for their thesis but to play mobile games and watch shows. Sometimes, they even sleep here," Jessica smiled.

Hosting these big gatherings is made easier with having fiber-powered internet, said Jessica, who was among the first customers of Converge in Bohol. At the price level of P1,500 and speeds of up to 200 Mbps, the product is a marriage of affordability and quality.

Happily, at home in Bohol with her family near her and always ready for a party at her home, Jessica doesn’t imagine living anywhere else.

"I tried [living] in other provinces but I still like it here because the manner of living is simple. You don’t feel like you’re always running after time. I’m already familiar with the places here, and my siblings and family have always been here too,” Jessica said. (Photos: Converge)

 

 

PH to host APEC-ABAC 3 meet in Cebu, over 200 delegates attending

CEBU CITY-- The Philippines is hosting the 3^rd leg of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC) meetings in Cebu on July 27-30 at the NUSTAR Convention Center, as set by the council during the ABAC II meeting held in Brunei last April.

ABAC III in Cebu promises to be an unforgettable experience, where business and culture intersect to create opportunities for growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and over 200 delegates and guests from the 21 APEC economies are expected to attend.

The four-day meeting in Brunei discussed various issues related to economic growth, trade, and investment in the region.  On the final day of the meeting, ABAC Brunei turned over the hosting duties to ABAC Philippines.

ABAC Philippines members Sabin Aboitiz, Joanne de Asis, and Tomas Alcantara are looking forward to showcase the warm hospitality and rich culture of the Philippines to the 21 member economies.

“As we prepare to host ABAC in the vibrant heart of Cebu, we stand on the cusp of boundless opportunities and exciting discoveries. Let’s write a new chapter in the Asia-Pacific story, where collaboration sparks innovation, and our shared vision for a prosperous future becomes a reality.", Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer Sabin Aboitiz said.

Following the theme “Equity, Sustainability, and Opportunity,” ABAC Philippines aims to encourage more fruitful discussions and collaborations between business leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the region.

This year’s theme puts a spotlight on the critical role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the global economy, as well as the evolving environment, social, and governance (ESG) investing landscape.

The Philippines, known for its vibrant culture and resilient economy, offers a perfect backdrop for this important gathering. An archipelago of thousands of interconnected islands, the nation embodies the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that underpins the APEC economies.

Like the islands that work together to create a cohesive whole, the APEC economies are interconnected and interdependent, each contributing to the larger ecosystem. Working together, APEC economies can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead, working towards a shared vision of sustainable and inclusive growth for all.

As the Vice-Chair of the 2023 ABAC Sustainable Growth Working Group (SGWG), Aboitiz plays a crucial role in advancing ABAC’s efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the region.

He is joined by ABAC Philippines member Joanne de Asis, who is also the country lead for the Financial Task Force, as well as ABAC Philippines Chair Tomas Alcantara.

“We are honored to host this important gathering of business leaders from across the Asia-Pacific. We look forward to providing a positive experience here in the Philippines as the Council continues the great work and progress it has achieved in the past two meetings,” Alcantara said.

Joanne de Asis added that as ABAC members, they are committed to promote sustainable and equitable growth in the region and they believe this meeting will provide another valuable platform for discussion and collaboration on important issues the APEC member countries face.

The ABAC Philippines group is committed to advancing the interests of the Asia-Pacific business community and contributing to the region’s economic development. The third leg of ABAC will provide an opportunity to showcase the Philippines’ potential as an investment destination and to foster greater regional cooperation and integration.

This is illustrated in the ABAC 3 invitational video conceptualized and produced by Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications Secretary Paul Soriano and his team from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications (OPACC). (Photos: ABAC/Lloyd Revilla)

 

 

"The Little Mermaid," now showing in cinemas nationwide

MANILA -- The much-awaited "The Little Mermaid", Disney’s live-action reimagining of the studio’s Oscar’s winning animated musical classic, has come ashore and is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is the story of Ariel, a beautiful mermaid who’s the youngest of King Triton’s daughters. A spirited and defiant girl with a thirst for adventure, she dreams of exploring and knowing more about the vast world above the sea.

Upon visiting the surface, she comes across the dashing Prince Eric and falls for him. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart and make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula.

This gives her a chance to be a part of the world on land but ultimately places her life and the fate of her father’s crown in jeopardy.

The film stars singer and actress Halle Bailey (Ariel), Jonah Hauer-King (Prince Eric), Tony Award winner Daveed Diggs (the voice of Sebastian), Awkwafina (the voice of Scuttle), Jacob Tremblay (the voice of Flounder), Noma Dumezweni (Queen Selina), Art Malik (Sir Grimsby), with Oscar® winner Javier Bardem (King Triton), and two-time Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy (Ursula).

Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is directed by Oscar® nominee Rob Marshall, and produced by two-time Emmy® winner Marc Platt, three-time Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emmy winner John DeLuca, and Rob Marshall, with Jeffrey Silver serving as executive producer.

The film also features an incredible soundtrack and score composed by multiple Academy Award winner Alan Menken, lyrics by multiple Academy Award winner Howard Ashman, and produced by Miranda. Be a part of Ariel’s world and listen to the full soundtrack on Spotify here.

(PH celebrities donned costumes and posed during the special screening of the movie in Manila)

Don’t miss this must-watch summer film and catch Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at cinemas near you!   For more updates, follow Disney Studios Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Join the conversation online by using the hashtag #TheLittleMermaidPH. (Photos: Disney-Philippines/Jocelyn Jimenez)