Timezone relaunches Philippine Flagship Arcade at Avala Center Cebu

CEBU CITY -- Timezone re-launches the first ever entertainment venue in the Philippines at the 2nd level of Ayala Center Cebu with more world-class features in a sprawling 710 sqm renovated facility with an array of new and exclusive games and innovations among them Minecraft Dungeons Arcade, Rabbids VR the big Ride, Avengers, Halo, Slam n Jam Ultra, Dinosaur Era, Aurora Air Hockey, Magic Coin. and Snapshot Photo Booth.

“Even our virtual-reality platforms are state-of-the-art and can’t be replicated in the home setting and our photo booths are very engaging and gives one an instant memento of one's visit to a Timezone center,” Timezone president and general manager Raffy Prats said during the relaunching event on June 8 at the Arcade.

Through the vending and ticket games, guests can have social fun and win prizes directly from the games or through the Prize Shops. This is not as easily done and as fun to do in a home computer or mobile phone, Prats added.

According to him, 25 years since the opening of this very first Timezone venue, there was already a total or three Timezones in Cebu located at the Avala Center and (Main), one near the 4™ Level cinema and another at the Ayala Central Bloc.

Timezone Cebu features Party Rooms where guests can celebrate milestones and other special occasions. The Timezone Prize Shop offers incentives and instant-win experiences for customers.

Timezone was launched in the Philippines in 1998 at the same venue endearing the brand to multi-generations of Cebuanos, Prats said that the games Timezone offers to its guests are different from the games available at home computers and mobile phones.

A new generation of Cebuano players are expected to join loyal patrons that used to flock this hub with family and friends at the onset of the millennium.  Timezone has always been a favorite hangout place where people of all ages indulge in their favorite entertainment games and discover new ones, Prats said. 

In an era where everyone is perpetually drawn to computer and mobile screens, Timezone is undaunted in the belief that people regardless of age still want to spend time with each other even while doing their favorite forms of entertainment he added.

“Our games are communal in nature and played casually of our customers in a social setting. We offer a more immersive, shared, and physical experience when playing our games. one simply cannot play our basketball and bowling games in one's computer or mobile phone,” Prats said.

While high-octane arcade games and technology are highly popular at Timezone, traditional games are just as engaging including the Spin Zone Bumper Cars, Billiards Zones, Bowling Alleys, Basketball Zone, and Ping-Pong Zone.

Still, generation Z's favorite computer game Minecraft can be played at Timezone's arcade setting.  Mineral is a highly popular tree-dimensional databox game that enables interaction with other players as they modify 3D blocks and diverse entities.

The Cebu Timezone Arcade is the first branch to adapt Tap and Play Card System in the Philippines.  Instead of tokens, the system adapts the magnetic swipe card wherein the customer can load and reload to their account, tap the RFID card through the machine and play their game of choice instantly.

Meanwhile, the Timezone Fun App is a mobile application program that offers exclusivity to mobile owners in terms of Timezone's games, vouchers, discounts, rewards and other promotions. Customers can also use the app to reload, track their power card balance, tickets and rewards as well. The app is available for download on both Apple App Store and Google Play Store for Android

Timezone will continue to introduce games and attractions most of which have not been seen in the Philippines. Timezone venues will also spell innovation.

“Our Timezone venues moving forward will be large, multi-attraction venues offering best-in-class family entertainment. Our first-rate store architecture will delight our customers with multiple large LED screens and piped-in-music across the entire venue.  Timezone is also set to open 15 branches nationwide in the next two years,” Prats bared.

Aside from the Ayala Center Cebu, Timezone can be found at different malls all over the country. Check out its social media accounts: FB: Timezone Philippines and Instagram: @ilovetimezone. Interact and share your Timezone pictures and experiences on social media using the hashtag #JoinTheFunAtTimezone

Timezone was founded in 1978 in Perth, Australia and, is the leading chain of Family Entertainment Centers in the Asia-Pacific region, offering state-of-the-art interactive game, rides, and attractions.

Timezone provides a social experience filled with non-stop fun for all ages. Our best-in-class venue design and well-trained Fun Squad assures a safe, friendly, and fun environment for all our guests.  Timezone internationally operates over 320 locations across seven countries, with 62 locations in the Philippines.(Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

Mezzo Hotel celebrates 6 years with gratitude, giving back to community

CEBU CITY – Mezzo Hotel, located at F. Cabahug corner Pres. Quezon St. in Mabolo, Cebu City turned six on May 9 this year and continues to celebrate its anniversary with gratitude attitude by giving back to community service as one of its 6^th anniversary’s highlights.

“Community-corporate shared value (CSV) is the heart and soul of Mezzo Hotel.  This year, we want to focus on building a passionate culture in the hotel - a culture where everyone, from the associates to the top-level management, works with a heart to serve not only our clients but the community,” says Mezzo Hotel’s general manager, Christine Bernardo.

It has been six amazing years of heartfelt service to its guests, Bernardo bared and the hotel began its month-long celebration of gratitude to its associates, loyal clientele, partner communities, and to its patrons with projects that benefit the four pillars of Mezzo—Community, Associates, Structure, and Guests.

“We recognize that to be a hotel with a purpose, having a physical building is not enough. We need our associates, our clients, and the community and we are humbled by the love and support we have received throughout the years, and we look forward to sharing with them more exciting events and surprises throughout the month,” Bernardo added.

As the month-long celebration comes to its close, Bernardo shared some of the hotel’s highlights of events starting with the hotel’s Anniversary Promo of P2,300/room for the whole month of May and promo discounts in dining and other hotel’s events and amenities.

On May 16, Mezzo Hotel inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Barangay Kasambagan and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) for the continuation and expansion of the hotel’s “Adopt-A-Community” program where these institutions support various livelihood projects for residents of Barangay Kasambagan who are members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

An “Event Coordinators Appreciation Night” was held on May 24 led by the sales team of Mezzo Hotel to show gratitude and recognition of the event coordinators’ patronage to do business with the hotel through the years.

The “Thanksgiving Night” was on May 31 and it is a celebration for all the people who have been part of Mezzo’s journey throughout the years.

Mezzo’s six years journey in the hospitality industry

“Looking back to six years, the pandemic was the most challenging in the whole hospitality landscape, not only in Cebu but globally. Our goal then was staying afloat during those pandemic years and keeping the brand relevant especially in an area saturated with hotels,” Bernardo said.

But something good came out of the pandemic, Bernardo revealed that Mezzo got its ISO certification amid the pandemic.  The Hotel served the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for their quarantine needs and also serving the local residents during the pandemic and Typhoon Odette where the Hotel continued to engage with the local community for various assistance.

“The hard work and the team work of the management to continue operations while catering to the needs of the guests is truly admirable,” Bernardo gushed.

The immense support of everyone in the team to contribute and together, work on the company’s vision and loyal clientele contributed to these good times now where Mezzo continue its operation which was better than the last two years, but still not past the pre-pandemic levels, Bernardo noted.

Mezzo is very optimistic that it will be able to go back to the pre-pandemic level in the near future, Bernardo added that the hotel continues to learn from its current operations and if there is an opportunity to expand, why not?

The lessons learned from six years, hopefully these eventually support and guide Mezzo in its expansion plans and to achieve an ISO re-certification, putting emphasis on Mezzo’s 4-Pillars: by promoting its Corporate Shared Values for the Community; improving employees benefits as Associates; renovations and improvements for the Structure and to continuously improve the guests’ experiences with Mezzo, Bernardo concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pru Life UK brings in 5,000 cyclists, families in Clark and Cebu legs

CEBU CITY -- PRURide Philippines came back after a three-year hiatus with over 5,000 cyclists and families celebrating life for better health in its Clark and Cebu legs in this year’s PRURide PH, marking Prudential's 175th anniversary celebration, including its first 100 years in Asia.

“We are immensely thrilled with the participation of thousands of cycling enthusiasts and families in this year’s PRURide Philippines. It’s encouraging to see many Filipinos including young children and adults bonding together and experiencing the joys of cycling through this event. We felt the love from the community who invested time and energy to stay healthy,” Pru Life UK president and CEO,Eng Teng Wong said.

PRURide Philippines is even bigger and more exciting this year with thousands of registrants and families join the cycling festivities with its advocates Gretchen Ho, Kim Atienza, and Zoren Legaspi cycled the 100KM Gran Fondo, and enjoyed the exclusive route which included the New Clark City bridge in Pampanga and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway bridge in Cebu.

More advocates joined the event including cycling content creators Ger Victor, Darlings Levi & Sara, Jeno Cuenco, and Ian Austria and Pru Life UK’s health champions District Managers Teri Rombaoa and Miguel Reyes, Montini De Guzman, and Aless Castañeda.

The much-anticipated event affirmed its spirit of inclusivity with fun and friendly courses for cyclists of all ages and levels of expertise. The Family Fun Ride and PRURide Milo Kids Cup were a sure hit.

Cash prizes of PHP 3,000, PHP 5,000, and PHP 10,000 were awarded to the grand winners of Virtual PRURide. In this digital competition, professional and amateur cyclists experienced the fun and excitement of biking without going on the road for free.

Everyone enjoyed the expo activities and freebies and were treated to a LIVE concert by OPM band Sponge Cola.  Pru Life UK makes this celebration even more special with an all-expense-paid trip to London for one eligible and existing customer and three family members.

Giving back while advocating for a healthier lifestyle.  PRURide Philippines supports Pru Life UK's commitment on health and wellness. Since 2016, the event has attracted thousands of amateur and seasoned cyclists, including some of the Philippines' strongest and most competitive athletes.

In celebration of Prudential’s 175th anniversary, Pru Life UK concluded PRURide Philippines 2023 by giving back to the community in Cebu and donating 175 bikes through JCI Zugbuanas on World Bicycle Day.

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK is the pioneer of insuravest, or investment-linked life insurance products, in the Philippines with over 173 branches and 120 general agency offices in the Philippines with the largest life insurance agency force of more than 39,000 licensed agents. (Photos: Pru Life PH/Gem Ebora)

 

AppleOne fearless on expansion amid tourism industry recovery

 CEBU CITY -- AppleOne Group is aggressively pursuing expansion to dovetail with the initiatives of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to sustain the tourism industry’s recovery, a sector badly hit during the pandemic.

“We are in talks with several international luxury brands to help us deliver world class service and convenience in real estate and tourism-related projects that are now under development within and outside our home market of Cebu,” AppleOne president, Ray Manigsaca said.

Manigsaka added that AppleOne has identified several areas in other parts of the Visayas and in Mindanao for its future development projects and diversification efforts.  AppleOne is looking to replicate in other parts of the Visayas and in Mindanao, its brand of luxurious hotels as it aims to embark on partnerships that will uphold the company’s vision.

Manigsaca said the company has engaged Marriott International, an internationally recognized hospitality brand, to ensure that The Residences at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, which sits along a stretch of white sand beach, offer modern conveniences and 5-star hotel amenities.

AppleOne offers more than just a destination– it serves an experience that satisfies the hunger for relaxation and connection to nature which the world was deprived of at the peak of the pandemic, he said.

Mahi Center, meantime, is AppleOne’s response to the need to advance the information technology industry in Lapu-Lapu City.  Mahi Center also offers well-curated retail experiences via a boutique mall, office spaces for IT businesses with direct access to the mall, and a business hotel from global hotel brand Marriott International which will be Fairfield by Marriott Mactan, the first in the country.

“The hotel in Mahi Center is evidence of another strong partnership forged by AppleOne with the world’s largest hotel operator, Marriott International. Mahi Center will be a gateway to a dynamic and vibrant Mactan as it will bring forth world-class experiences and quality accommodations,” Manigsaka bared.

Based on DOT’s data, Cebu province saw a jump in the number of local and foreign visitors in 2022 by 205 percent with 2.8 million visitors which is higher by a mile than 902,000 in 2021.

Central Visayas in 2022 welcomed 3.6 million foreign and local tourists, more than triple the 1.2 million recorded in 2021. Cebu accounted for 2.7 million of those visitors in Central Visayas, underscoring its status as one of the premier tourist destinations in the Philippines.

This year, DOT estimates the foreign arrivals at 1.9 million and AppleOne is confident that the actual numbers will surpass the said projection, especially with its aggressive efforts to attract more tourists now that the borders are open, flights are back to normal, and people are on the lookout for the best revenge travel ideas.