MANILA, Philippines - The energy shortage in the Visayas will soon ease because the billion-dollar 600-megawatt (MW) power plants in Cebu and Iloilo would start generating power next month, President Arroyo said yesterday.
The power plants are projects of the Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC), the power generation arm of the Metrobank group.
“There is an energy gap in the Visayas, but it is being plugged by a 200-MW plant in Naga, Cebu and a billion dollars’ worth of investment by Metrobank and its partners for more than 600 MW in Cebu and Iloilo,” she said in her message at the start of the Cabinet meeting in Puerto Princesa in Palawan.
“In fact, their new 250 MW plant in Toledo, Cebu soft opened last Sunday and will be inaugurated on March 1 with myself as guest of honor,” she added.
Meanwhile, administration presidential candidate Gilbert Teodoro yesterday pushed for the temporary tax-free importation of power generators for private firms needing stable power supply.
“(If there are firms that) can produce their own electric power for a given time in a more efficient manner, let’s leave them be,” he said.
Source: The Philippine Star
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Chartered flights to spur influx of Chinese tourists
CEBU, Philippines - Thousands of Chinese tourists are expected to visit the different tourism sites in the Philippines with Cebu as the focal destination point with the recent establishment of a- regular chartered flights organized jointly by Dong Fang Group of China, and Cebu Pacific Air (CEB).
The two entities will start these twice-a-week chartered flights this April 2010 making Cebu as the gateway for Chinese visitors to visit different destinations in Southern Philippines, especially in neighboring provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Palawan and Boracay Island.
Aside from Cebu Pacific, the Dong Fang Group, also inked partnership with Cebu-based travel agency—Grand Holiday Travel and Tours Inc., led by Margaret Gaisano-Ang.
According to Dong Fang Group chief operating officer (COO) Bu Wei Nian the two times a week chartered flights leaving Guangzou (China) to Cebu, there is now a growing interest of Chinese tourists to travel to the Philippines.
In the past two years, he said Philippines has been identified as one of the favorite vacation and leisure destinations among Chinese travelers.
Because of the proximity of China and the Philippines, and the attractive beaches and other come-ons, Chinese have become much more interest of the Philippines as their top pick vacation hub, although Thailand is still the number destination for Chinese travelers at present.
Each year, an average of 1.5 million to 1.3 million Chinese travel outside their country, large number of these travelers to go Thailand, as it has effectively marketed its tourism attractions to the Chinese market far way ahead than the Philippines.
However, he said that with the active stance of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Philippines to lure more Chinese tourists to visit to the Philippines, as well as the private sector, Philippines is beginning to gain popularity among Chinese travelers.
Alan Dino, senior vice president for Dong Fang Group Philippines, said that this partnership with Cebu Pacific and Grand Holiday Travel and Tours that will start this coming April 25, will run for a year.
“We are strong on all factors that draw Chinese tourists to a country. We have value-for-money destination packages, pervasive Chinese influences, and visa-upon-arrival for tourists,” said Eduardo Jarque Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions.
“We also position ourselves as a prime destination for Chinese couples wanting to have their wedding and honeymoon abroad,” Jarque further said.
Edwin Bautista, Cebu Pacific vice president for sales and marketing, the airline will utilize a 179-seater and 150-seater aircraft to service this Guangzou-Cebu and vice-versa chartered flight program.
Grand Holiday Travel and Tours Inc. president Margaret Gaisano-Ang said that Chinese tourists top three favorite activities once in Cebu aside from sight-seeing are shopping, relaxation (spa and wellness).
But, as the Chinese travelers have matured over the years, they are now also demanding for other adventurous activities, such as diving, among others.
Gaisano-Ang said Cebu’s economy will be well benefited by the influx of Chinese tourists as they are regarded at one of the highest spenders among foreign tourists’ groups.
Economist Nicholas Kwan, Standard Chartered Bank regional head of Research in Asia, earlier said that what is good in attracting Chinese, is they not only traveling as tourists, but also traveling as “invest-consumers” as most of them are shopping in bulk for business back in China.
A travel expenditure of one Chinese tourist is equivalent to four to five tourists combined. This means, that Chinese visitors spend more than the traditional foreign tourists.
“Chinese [travelers] are either tourists or investors, they buy in bulk, that’s why in Hong Kong we call them ‘invest-consumers’,” Kwan said.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
The two entities will start these twice-a-week chartered flights this April 2010 making Cebu as the gateway for Chinese visitors to visit different destinations in Southern Philippines, especially in neighboring provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Palawan and Boracay Island.
Aside from Cebu Pacific, the Dong Fang Group, also inked partnership with Cebu-based travel agency—Grand Holiday Travel and Tours Inc., led by Margaret Gaisano-Ang.
According to Dong Fang Group chief operating officer (COO) Bu Wei Nian the two times a week chartered flights leaving Guangzou (China) to Cebu, there is now a growing interest of Chinese tourists to travel to the Philippines.
In the past two years, he said Philippines has been identified as one of the favorite vacation and leisure destinations among Chinese travelers.
Because of the proximity of China and the Philippines, and the attractive beaches and other come-ons, Chinese have become much more interest of the Philippines as their top pick vacation hub, although Thailand is still the number destination for Chinese travelers at present.
Each year, an average of 1.5 million to 1.3 million Chinese travel outside their country, large number of these travelers to go Thailand, as it has effectively marketed its tourism attractions to the Chinese market far way ahead than the Philippines.
However, he said that with the active stance of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Philippines to lure more Chinese tourists to visit to the Philippines, as well as the private sector, Philippines is beginning to gain popularity among Chinese travelers.
Alan Dino, senior vice president for Dong Fang Group Philippines, said that this partnership with Cebu Pacific and Grand Holiday Travel and Tours that will start this coming April 25, will run for a year.
“We are strong on all factors that draw Chinese tourists to a country. We have value-for-money destination packages, pervasive Chinese influences, and visa-upon-arrival for tourists,” said Eduardo Jarque Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions.
“We also position ourselves as a prime destination for Chinese couples wanting to have their wedding and honeymoon abroad,” Jarque further said.
Edwin Bautista, Cebu Pacific vice president for sales and marketing, the airline will utilize a 179-seater and 150-seater aircraft to service this Guangzou-Cebu and vice-versa chartered flight program.
Grand Holiday Travel and Tours Inc. president Margaret Gaisano-Ang said that Chinese tourists top three favorite activities once in Cebu aside from sight-seeing are shopping, relaxation (spa and wellness).
But, as the Chinese travelers have matured over the years, they are now also demanding for other adventurous activities, such as diving, among others.
Gaisano-Ang said Cebu’s economy will be well benefited by the influx of Chinese tourists as they are regarded at one of the highest spenders among foreign tourists’ groups.
Economist Nicholas Kwan, Standard Chartered Bank regional head of Research in Asia, earlier said that what is good in attracting Chinese, is they not only traveling as tourists, but also traveling as “invest-consumers” as most of them are shopping in bulk for business back in China.
A travel expenditure of one Chinese tourist is equivalent to four to five tourists combined. This means, that Chinese visitors spend more than the traditional foreign tourists.
“Chinese [travelers] are either tourists or investors, they buy in bulk, that’s why in Hong Kong we call them ‘invest-consumers’,” Kwan said.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Cebu's "Silicon Valley" bid viable
CEBU, Philippines - If given utmost support from both private and public sectors, Cebu’s bid on becoming the next “Silicon Valley” is highly attainable especially that it has already started with the establishment of an IT incubation facility.
Incubation facility expert Barbara Harley said that she sees Cebu’s potential to make it as the hatching ground for brilliant technological innovation, and techno-preneurship if given serious attention.
She said although the Philippines is on the very early stage in the IT “incubation” initiative, it is seen to grow in the next few years, just like the successful “Silicon Valley” in San Jose, California in the United States.
Harley, who has been an incubation consultant for the past 30 years, and whose expertise gained respect from World Bank and the governments of China, Japan, and Korea, and other countries, said that she has seen the Philippines going through the growth path, just like Silicon Valley 20 years ago.
The Cebu Incubation Facility for techno-preneurship is a good start for the province to hit its goal as the next “Silicon Valley” with the presence of enthusiastic industry and academe support here.
Harley urged the management of Technology Business Incubator (TBI) operated by University of the Philippines Visayas Cebu College (UPVCC) in support with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to be more active in promoting the facility, to accelerate growth and acceptance among skilled IT professionals to go into commercial ventures, rather than settling for employment.
Although, the TBI in UPVCC is already supported by the DOST, Harley said it needs more support from other government agencies, especially in terms of funding requirements.
Some countries in European Union (EU) and China are putting huge budgets in developing incubation facilities, she said.
The TBI at the University of the Philippines Visayas Cebu College (UPVCC) provides both office space and services, where technology based start-ups can be nurtured and given knowledge and skills to succeed.
With TBI, Cebu is expected to hatch its own technology innovation product, making the province known in the global scene and push its bid becoming the “Silicon Valley” in Asia.
Although Cebu, still has a long way to go, in terms of fully developing the incubation-concept specifically for ICT, Harley is confident that it is following the right tract.
Harley bared the key to success in the development of effective incubation environment, which is a much closer relationship with vital organizations, like higher education institutions, research and development Institutes, local authorities (city government, utility districts), redevelopment agencies, business associations, corporations, technology-craft or manufacturing associations, banks, investor groups, national and international donor agencies.
“Business Incubators should be viewed as long term investments that fulfill a significant public and private purpose. They should be developed with business-like concepts. They can begin small but should be guided by a larger vision,” Harley concluded.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
Incubation facility expert Barbara Harley said that she sees Cebu’s potential to make it as the hatching ground for brilliant technological innovation, and techno-preneurship if given serious attention.
She said although the Philippines is on the very early stage in the IT “incubation” initiative, it is seen to grow in the next few years, just like the successful “Silicon Valley” in San Jose, California in the United States.
Harley, who has been an incubation consultant for the past 30 years, and whose expertise gained respect from World Bank and the governments of China, Japan, and Korea, and other countries, said that she has seen the Philippines going through the growth path, just like Silicon Valley 20 years ago.
The Cebu Incubation Facility for techno-preneurship is a good start for the province to hit its goal as the next “Silicon Valley” with the presence of enthusiastic industry and academe support here.
Harley urged the management of Technology Business Incubator (TBI) operated by University of the Philippines Visayas Cebu College (UPVCC) in support with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to be more active in promoting the facility, to accelerate growth and acceptance among skilled IT professionals to go into commercial ventures, rather than settling for employment.
Although, the TBI in UPVCC is already supported by the DOST, Harley said it needs more support from other government agencies, especially in terms of funding requirements.
Some countries in European Union (EU) and China are putting huge budgets in developing incubation facilities, she said.
The TBI at the University of the Philippines Visayas Cebu College (UPVCC) provides both office space and services, where technology based start-ups can be nurtured and given knowledge and skills to succeed.
With TBI, Cebu is expected to hatch its own technology innovation product, making the province known in the global scene and push its bid becoming the “Silicon Valley” in Asia.
Although Cebu, still has a long way to go, in terms of fully developing the incubation-concept specifically for ICT, Harley is confident that it is following the right tract.
Harley bared the key to success in the development of effective incubation environment, which is a much closer relationship with vital organizations, like higher education institutions, research and development Institutes, local authorities (city government, utility districts), redevelopment agencies, business associations, corporations, technology-craft or manufacturing associations, banks, investor groups, national and international donor agencies.
“Business Incubators should be viewed as long term investments that fulfill a significant public and private purpose. They should be developed with business-like concepts. They can begin small but should be guided by a larger vision,” Harley concluded.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
Social media marketing trend on the rise
CEBU, Philippines - The fast-paced popularity of internet use and the increasing number of internet users by the day is being seen as a good advantage by corporations and politicians to reach out to their specified audience.
This was pointed out by PRWorks Inc managing director, Doris Mongaya who shared that most of their clients not only want to use the traditional form of media for their advertisements but also through the net.
Mongaya explained that internet penetration in the country is approximately 25 percent or some 24 million users in 2009 and continues to increase by the months. Further, she noted that as of October 2009, there are around six million Filipinos registered in Facebook, an online social networking site and another site Friendster, had over 12 million visitors from the country for each month as of September of last year. Multiply registered 2.2 million Filipino users for the previous year.
“This means marketing campaigns could not anymore exclude the Internet especially the social media this year,” said Mongaya.
She said that IT companies like the Filipino firm Neo, which PR works did their launch in Cebu and Davao for, did not just invite members from mainstream media to the launching of its new line of laptops in October 2009 but also invited bloggers to reach their online audience.
After the said success, Neo will be strengthening its online presence this year.
PRworks client, Toshiba, which concept store opened recently in Cebu , maximized also the help of bloggers in the use of its promotion.
Cebu-based GT Cosmetics, another PRWorks client, Mongaya said is also looking forward for a communications plan that would combine traditional public relations and social media to boost its products promotions in Metro Manila, other cities in the Visayas, and in Mindanao .
Aside from private entities, Mongaya observed that several PR consultants are also helping political clients connect with the public through online use especially for the youth.
Mongaya, who is organizing the Cebu chapter of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, clarified though that whether a public relations program is aimed for traditional media, the social media, or both, it should generate credible information via news, events and online content. The information, though, should be presented in more creative ways as Mongaya observed that the lines between PR and advertising is blurring rapidly.
“We expect this trend towards utilization of social media and blogs this election year,” she said.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
This was pointed out by PRWorks Inc managing director, Doris Mongaya who shared that most of their clients not only want to use the traditional form of media for their advertisements but also through the net.
Mongaya explained that internet penetration in the country is approximately 25 percent or some 24 million users in 2009 and continues to increase by the months. Further, she noted that as of October 2009, there are around six million Filipinos registered in Facebook, an online social networking site and another site Friendster, had over 12 million visitors from the country for each month as of September of last year. Multiply registered 2.2 million Filipino users for the previous year.
“This means marketing campaigns could not anymore exclude the Internet especially the social media this year,” said Mongaya.
She said that IT companies like the Filipino firm Neo, which PR works did their launch in Cebu and Davao for, did not just invite members from mainstream media to the launching of its new line of laptops in October 2009 but also invited bloggers to reach their online audience.
After the said success, Neo will be strengthening its online presence this year.
PRworks client, Toshiba, which concept store opened recently in Cebu , maximized also the help of bloggers in the use of its promotion.
Cebu-based GT Cosmetics, another PRWorks client, Mongaya said is also looking forward for a communications plan that would combine traditional public relations and social media to boost its products promotions in Metro Manila, other cities in the Visayas, and in Mindanao .
Aside from private entities, Mongaya observed that several PR consultants are also helping political clients connect with the public through online use especially for the youth.
Mongaya, who is organizing the Cebu chapter of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, clarified though that whether a public relations program is aimed for traditional media, the social media, or both, it should generate credible information via news, events and online content. The information, though, should be presented in more creative ways as Mongaya observed that the lines between PR and advertising is blurring rapidly.
“We expect this trend towards utilization of social media and blogs this election year,” she said.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
Japanese tourist arrivals to remain flat this year
CEBU, Philippines - Cebu expects Japanese tourist arrivals to stay flat this year considering that the Japanese economy is still currently in bad shape and the 17 million Japanese travelers are putting off travel plans this year.
Department of Tourism (DOT-7) regional director Patria Aurora “Dawnie” Roa said although Cebu has continually put efforts in recovering the Japanese market, now that its economy is not doing well there is no hope of attracting more Japanese to come even for short trips.
“Because of the bad economy in Japan, a lot are not employed, they are not traveling anymore,” Roa said adding that at this time Japan is not a good market for tourism as before.
Hopefully, Roa said when Japan’s economy recovers, Japanese tourists will be able to prioritize the Philippines as its premier vacation destination.
Meanwhile, Roa said Cebu’s hot and emerging market nowadays are the middle-eastern tourists from Kuwait, Iran, and other countries, mostly who come to Cebu for “educational” purposes.
China is also one of the top growing markets for Cebu, including Russia for leisure travel.
Last year, DOT announced that additional flights will be opened between mainland China and Taiwan to Cebu and Kalibo.
The new flights are in anticipation of the tourist influx in the said destinations, which will last until this year’s latter part to the early months of next year.
“Direct flights to their chosen destinations are a growing demand from the Chinese market which continues to be a stable source despite the crisis,” Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said.
“With help from the Civil Aeronautics Board, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration, the Bureau of Customs, and our partners in the industry, we have been aggressively pushing for these additional seats, to accommodate the inbound Chinese tourists,” Durano said.
Record showed that about 1.3 billion Chinese (and growing) is now starting to travel. About 50 million to 100 million can now afford to travel outside of their country, and regarded as the one of the highest tourist spenders.
Russians on the other hand, have become an important market for the Philippines, especially for Cebu. In fact, hotel players have even employed Russian staff to cater specifically for this emerging travel market.
The Philippines, being the closest tropical destination in the eastern part of Russia, is expecting a surge of arrivals from this area, given that the distance is only a five-hour flight, Jarque said.
The Russian market been constantly eyed by DOT as an emerging travel market in the Philippines, even described to be among the top high-spenders.
More than average, Russians spend $225 per day. However, Russians are "budget-conscious" when it comes to affording travel packages. They are known to splurge more on hotel accommodation, food and other expenses during vacation.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
Department of Tourism (DOT-7) regional director Patria Aurora “Dawnie” Roa said although Cebu has continually put efforts in recovering the Japanese market, now that its economy is not doing well there is no hope of attracting more Japanese to come even for short trips.
“Because of the bad economy in Japan, a lot are not employed, they are not traveling anymore,” Roa said adding that at this time Japan is not a good market for tourism as before.
Hopefully, Roa said when Japan’s economy recovers, Japanese tourists will be able to prioritize the Philippines as its premier vacation destination.
Meanwhile, Roa said Cebu’s hot and emerging market nowadays are the middle-eastern tourists from Kuwait, Iran, and other countries, mostly who come to Cebu for “educational” purposes.
China is also one of the top growing markets for Cebu, including Russia for leisure travel.
Last year, DOT announced that additional flights will be opened between mainland China and Taiwan to Cebu and Kalibo.
The new flights are in anticipation of the tourist influx in the said destinations, which will last until this year’s latter part to the early months of next year.
“Direct flights to their chosen destinations are a growing demand from the Chinese market which continues to be a stable source despite the crisis,” Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said.
“With help from the Civil Aeronautics Board, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration, the Bureau of Customs, and our partners in the industry, we have been aggressively pushing for these additional seats, to accommodate the inbound Chinese tourists,” Durano said.
Record showed that about 1.3 billion Chinese (and growing) is now starting to travel. About 50 million to 100 million can now afford to travel outside of their country, and regarded as the one of the highest tourist spenders.
Russians on the other hand, have become an important market for the Philippines, especially for Cebu. In fact, hotel players have even employed Russian staff to cater specifically for this emerging travel market.
The Philippines, being the closest tropical destination in the eastern part of Russia, is expecting a surge of arrivals from this area, given that the distance is only a five-hour flight, Jarque said.
The Russian market been constantly eyed by DOT as an emerging travel market in the Philippines, even described to be among the top high-spenders.
More than average, Russians spend $225 per day. However, Russians are "budget-conscious" when it comes to affording travel packages. They are known to splurge more on hotel accommodation, food and other expenses during vacation.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
Transport sector boosts tourist arrivals
CEBU, Philippines - Arrivals to the Philippines is expected to substantially improve this year following the positive performance reported by the transport industry recently.
“We are expecting a substantial boost in tourist arrivals this year given the efforts of the airline industry to cope with the competitive market. Also, initial reports of our partner stakeholders in the transport sector indicate a rising shift in focus from the OFW market to mainstream holiday travelers, which would translate to higher seat allocation for tourists,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.
Durano noted in particular the growing Middle East traffic to the Philippines, specifically from the traditional large source markets such as Saudi Arabia and United Emirates, as well as emerging markets such as Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain.
“The deployment of modern fleet and facilities has allowed airlines to expand their network, increase flight capacity and service more international points, including the Middle East and destinations around the Asia-Pacific,” Durano added.
The Tourism chief expressed approval over Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) move to resume its direct flights to Riyadh next month, to take advantage of the growing number of Filipinos in the Middle East. He also hailed the 5.35 million passengers or 38.2 percent increase in passenger volume at end-September last year of Cebu Pacific, whose request to fly to Beijing thrice a week this year has recently been approved by the Civil Aviation Board (CAB).
China’s national carrier, Air China, has earlier informed the Department that it would service direct flights to Manila next month, on regular scheduled flights three times a week. Clark-based budget carrier Spirit of Manila, on the other hand, would be flying to Macau, China and Taiwan, and is also expected to start flights to Kuwait, Bahrain, and Dubai this month.
Durano also mentioned the expected increase in number of travelers from Korea as Jin Air, Korean Air’s low cost subsidiary, launches services from Korea to Clark this February.
DOT said that greater air access, coupled with competitive fares and improved accommodations, allows travelers to all the more enjoy and appreciate the country’s diverse attractions in convenience.
With summer close at hand, the Department expects more tourists, along with more attractive fares and promos from the airline industry.
China, is also one of the top growing markets for Cebu, including Russia for leisure travel, said DOT-7 regional director Patria Aurora Roa.
Last year, DOT announced that additional flights will be opened between mainland China and Taiwan to Cebu and Kalibo.
“Direct flights to their chosen destinations are a growing demand from the Chinese market which continues to be a stable source despite the crisis,” Durano said.
“With help from the Civil Aeronautics Board, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration, the Bureau of Customs, and our partners in the industry, we have been aggressively pushing for these additional seats, to accommodate the inbound Chinese tourists,” Durano said.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
“We are expecting a substantial boost in tourist arrivals this year given the efforts of the airline industry to cope with the competitive market. Also, initial reports of our partner stakeholders in the transport sector indicate a rising shift in focus from the OFW market to mainstream holiday travelers, which would translate to higher seat allocation for tourists,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.
Durano noted in particular the growing Middle East traffic to the Philippines, specifically from the traditional large source markets such as Saudi Arabia and United Emirates, as well as emerging markets such as Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain.
“The deployment of modern fleet and facilities has allowed airlines to expand their network, increase flight capacity and service more international points, including the Middle East and destinations around the Asia-Pacific,” Durano added.
The Tourism chief expressed approval over Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) move to resume its direct flights to Riyadh next month, to take advantage of the growing number of Filipinos in the Middle East. He also hailed the 5.35 million passengers or 38.2 percent increase in passenger volume at end-September last year of Cebu Pacific, whose request to fly to Beijing thrice a week this year has recently been approved by the Civil Aviation Board (CAB).
China’s national carrier, Air China, has earlier informed the Department that it would service direct flights to Manila next month, on regular scheduled flights three times a week. Clark-based budget carrier Spirit of Manila, on the other hand, would be flying to Macau, China and Taiwan, and is also expected to start flights to Kuwait, Bahrain, and Dubai this month.
Durano also mentioned the expected increase in number of travelers from Korea as Jin Air, Korean Air’s low cost subsidiary, launches services from Korea to Clark this February.
DOT said that greater air access, coupled with competitive fares and improved accommodations, allows travelers to all the more enjoy and appreciate the country’s diverse attractions in convenience.
With summer close at hand, the Department expects more tourists, along with more attractive fares and promos from the airline industry.
Top markets
Cebu’s hot and emerging market now-a-days for instance are the middle-eastern tourists from Kuwait, Iran, and other countries, mostly who come to Cebu for “educational” tourism.China, is also one of the top growing markets for Cebu, including Russia for leisure travel, said DOT-7 regional director Patria Aurora Roa.
Last year, DOT announced that additional flights will be opened between mainland China and Taiwan to Cebu and Kalibo.
“Direct flights to their chosen destinations are a growing demand from the Chinese market which continues to be a stable source despite the crisis,” Durano said.
“With help from the Civil Aeronautics Board, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration, the Bureau of Customs, and our partners in the industry, we have been aggressively pushing for these additional seats, to accommodate the inbound Chinese tourists,” Durano said.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
Lenovo boosts presence in VisMin
CEBU, Philippines - Personal computer and mobile computing manufacturer Lenovo is strengthening its presence in Cebu and neighboring parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, to take advantage of the dynamic consumer market in the Southern Philippines.
Lenovo, which acquired the PC brand of IBM some three years ago, is now strengthening its position in the Philippine market, including Cebu with the introduction of its new range of consumer PCs and varied models of affordable next generation netbooks.
“We see a big potential for growth in Cebu and neighboring cities in Visayas and Mindanao. We will be investing in Cebu significantly,” said Michael Ngan, Lenovo Philippines country manager for consumer business.
With its active introduction of sophisticated mobile computing devices and PCs, Lenovo cornered number four in terms of market share in third quarter of 2009 in the Philippines.
Recently, the company unveiled its new IdeaPad Y550P laptop and IdeaCEnter B500 desktop, designed to meet the performance, style and usability standards of today’s multi-tasking consumers.
Susan Tan, product manager for IDEa Business Unit, ASEAN (emerging markets), Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., said that the Philippines, is one of the fastest growing markets in ASEAN, especially in netbooks.
Lenovo’s latest IdealPad Y550P laptop and IdeaCentre B500 desktop meet consumer demands for mobility, added power to effectively multitask, flexibility to support professional and personal computing needs, data security, stylish designs and the latest multi-media features.
The IdeaPad Y550P, dubbed as “cutting-edge power for multi-media on the go” is ideal for today’s multi-tasker and the most powerful laptop in Lenovo’s consumer portfolio.
The Y550P is Lenovo’s first notebook to use the new Intel Core i7 processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology that automatically speeds up the processor when the PC needs extra performance.
The IdeaCentre B500 or its version of high performance all-in-one, immersive entertainment experience, also features Intel Core 2 Quad processor, powerful discrete graphics, up to 8GB DDR3 memory and 1TB HDD storage space. It is also described as the ultimate PC for serious gamers and multimedia users.
For the affordable mobile computing devices, Lenovo introduced its new series of next generation netbooks through the IdeaPad S10-3t and S10-3 netbooks combine portability, style and industry-leading technologies that will redefine the netbook category.
The S10-3t is the industry’s first multi-touch capacitive netbook tablet, meaning it is built with Lenovo NaturalTouch responsive fingertip touch screen technology versus pressure touch technology, creating an optimal netbook user touch experience.;
Source: The Freeman Cebu
Lenovo, which acquired the PC brand of IBM some three years ago, is now strengthening its position in the Philippine market, including Cebu with the introduction of its new range of consumer PCs and varied models of affordable next generation netbooks.
“We see a big potential for growth in Cebu and neighboring cities in Visayas and Mindanao. We will be investing in Cebu significantly,” said Michael Ngan, Lenovo Philippines country manager for consumer business.
With its active introduction of sophisticated mobile computing devices and PCs, Lenovo cornered number four in terms of market share in third quarter of 2009 in the Philippines.
Recently, the company unveiled its new IdeaPad Y550P laptop and IdeaCEnter B500 desktop, designed to meet the performance, style and usability standards of today’s multi-tasking consumers.
Susan Tan, product manager for IDEa Business Unit, ASEAN (emerging markets), Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., said that the Philippines, is one of the fastest growing markets in ASEAN, especially in netbooks.
Lenovo’s latest IdealPad Y550P laptop and IdeaCentre B500 desktop meet consumer demands for mobility, added power to effectively multitask, flexibility to support professional and personal computing needs, data security, stylish designs and the latest multi-media features.
The IdeaPad Y550P, dubbed as “cutting-edge power for multi-media on the go” is ideal for today’s multi-tasker and the most powerful laptop in Lenovo’s consumer portfolio.
The Y550P is Lenovo’s first notebook to use the new Intel Core i7 processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology that automatically speeds up the processor when the PC needs extra performance.
The IdeaCentre B500 or its version of high performance all-in-one, immersive entertainment experience, also features Intel Core 2 Quad processor, powerful discrete graphics, up to 8GB DDR3 memory and 1TB HDD storage space. It is also described as the ultimate PC for serious gamers and multimedia users.
For the affordable mobile computing devices, Lenovo introduced its new series of next generation netbooks through the IdeaPad S10-3t and S10-3 netbooks combine portability, style and industry-leading technologies that will redefine the netbook category.
The S10-3t is the industry’s first multi-touch capacitive netbook tablet, meaning it is built with Lenovo NaturalTouch responsive fingertip touch screen technology versus pressure touch technology, creating an optimal netbook user touch experience.;
Source: The Freeman Cebu
Cebu emerges as RP's top tourism destination
CEBU, Philippines - Cebu has emerged as the number one tourism destination in the Philippines for 2009, the official year-end report of the Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed.
Cebu ‘s total tourist traffic arrival for the year hit 1.61 million, a 1.2 percent increase compared to the figure recorded in the previous year.
Korea remained the top tourist market for Cebu accounting for 29 percent of the total foreign tourists.
The report indicated that Chinese tourists to Cebu grew by a whooping 70 percent as more chartered flights were mounted between Cebu and Shanghai, as to Guangzhou.
A hefty growth in tourists from Kuwait was also recorded as students from the same markets streamed to Cebu for short-education programs.
More than the expansion in international and domestic flight frequencies to Cebu, from major tourist markets and destinations in Central Philippines, accommodations also increased as 804 new rooms opened in 2009.
Based on the report, this include the P3.18 billion Imperial Palace Water Park, Resort and Spa offering 567 rooms, the Citi Park Hotel with 105 room accommodations, the 84 rooms opened by Alpa City Suites, the establishment of Oftana Suites with 24 rooms, and another 24 rooms introduced by Gran Terra Suite.
DOT also attributed Cebu’s dynamic tourism industry in 2009, amid the global tourism slowdown, to the innovative and young entrepreneurs that bravely put their money on providing tourism-support services that prepped up existing tour package in Cebu and nearby destination.
The report mentioned the Island Banca Cruises, which helped provide spice for Cebu’s attractiveness to local and foreign tourists.
Existing heritage tour has also been enhanced to allow tourist to experience a different cultural and historical aspect of Cebu.
Cebu’s long-time partner in tourism—Bohol, also posted a 10.9 percent growth, hitting a total of 313,317 visitors.
Foreign tourists in Bohol, reflected an increase of 18 percent from previous year’s volume while domestic tourists went up by 7.9 percent.
Hong Kong and Chinese tourists to Bohol also recorded a remarkable increase of 467 percent and 99 percent respectively.
Bohol’s vibrant tourism figures for 2009 is attributed to the product diversification being undertake by the local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to stimulate greater tourist traffic and longer stay in Bohol.
Product development innovations were undertaken by the municipal government of Danao in Bohol which brought a new dimension and perspective to adventure tourism. Dubbed as Ecological, Environmental and Educational Adventure Tour (EAT) – Danao, this product which is fully funded by the municipal government offers an extreme and exhilarating challenge with its 45-meter plunge, 1.5-kilometre Suislide, caving, river tubing, rappelling, kayaking and root climbing.
Though with limited promotion capacity (initially only through word-of-mouth), foreign and domestic tourists trooped to this destination to experience a real adventure.
Following Cebu, in the top 10 top destinations in the Philippines is Camarines Sur, Metro Manila, Baguio City, Davao City, Boracay Island, Cagayan de Oro City, Zambales, Bohol, Puerto Princesa City, Camiguin, Cagayan Valley, Negros Oriental and Ilocos Norte.
Surce The Freeman Cebu
Cebu ‘s total tourist traffic arrival for the year hit 1.61 million, a 1.2 percent increase compared to the figure recorded in the previous year.
Korea remained the top tourist market for Cebu accounting for 29 percent of the total foreign tourists.
The report indicated that Chinese tourists to Cebu grew by a whooping 70 percent as more chartered flights were mounted between Cebu and Shanghai, as to Guangzhou.
A hefty growth in tourists from Kuwait was also recorded as students from the same markets streamed to Cebu for short-education programs.
More than the expansion in international and domestic flight frequencies to Cebu, from major tourist markets and destinations in Central Philippines, accommodations also increased as 804 new rooms opened in 2009.
Based on the report, this include the P3.18 billion Imperial Palace Water Park, Resort and Spa offering 567 rooms, the Citi Park Hotel with 105 room accommodations, the 84 rooms opened by Alpa City Suites, the establishment of Oftana Suites with 24 rooms, and another 24 rooms introduced by Gran Terra Suite.
DOT also attributed Cebu’s dynamic tourism industry in 2009, amid the global tourism slowdown, to the innovative and young entrepreneurs that bravely put their money on providing tourism-support services that prepped up existing tour package in Cebu and nearby destination.
The report mentioned the Island Banca Cruises, which helped provide spice for Cebu’s attractiveness to local and foreign tourists.
Existing heritage tour has also been enhanced to allow tourist to experience a different cultural and historical aspect of Cebu.
Cebu’s long-time partner in tourism—Bohol, also posted a 10.9 percent growth, hitting a total of 313,317 visitors.
Foreign tourists in Bohol, reflected an increase of 18 percent from previous year’s volume while domestic tourists went up by 7.9 percent.
Hong Kong and Chinese tourists to Bohol also recorded a remarkable increase of 467 percent and 99 percent respectively.
Bohol’s vibrant tourism figures for 2009 is attributed to the product diversification being undertake by the local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to stimulate greater tourist traffic and longer stay in Bohol.
Product development innovations were undertaken by the municipal government of Danao in Bohol which brought a new dimension and perspective to adventure tourism. Dubbed as Ecological, Environmental and Educational Adventure Tour (EAT) – Danao, this product which is fully funded by the municipal government offers an extreme and exhilarating challenge with its 45-meter plunge, 1.5-kilometre Suislide, caving, river tubing, rappelling, kayaking and root climbing.
Though with limited promotion capacity (initially only through word-of-mouth), foreign and domestic tourists trooped to this destination to experience a real adventure.
Following Cebu, in the top 10 top destinations in the Philippines is Camarines Sur, Metro Manila, Baguio City, Davao City, Boracay Island, Cagayan de Oro City, Zambales, Bohol, Puerto Princesa City, Camiguin, Cagayan Valley, Negros Oriental and Ilocos Norte.
Surce The Freeman Cebu
Thursday, February 18, 2010
IT-Academe alliance pushed
CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Educational Development Foundation for IT (Cedfit) aims to strengthen the industry-academe linkage system in Cebu to sustain the ICT growth in the province.
Cedfit president Bonifacio Belen said that although the industry-academe linkage structure is already there, this time a more active stance will be started by Cedfit to sustain Cebu’s position as one of the premier ICT destinations in the world.
In coordination with the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines, Belen said Cedfit will soon formulate a sound roadmap for a stronger industry-academe linkage in Cebu.
Because the ICT industry is the most dynamic sector, the academe has to trail blaze with the fast changing need of industries for specialized skills, especially in high-value IT skills like programming, software development, animation, and others.
This effort is not only seen to attract big-ticket investments for ICT sector, but also promote the “brain-gain” bid of the country, luring Filipinos who are working abroad, to come back home, and find the stable job opportunity.
A sustainable industry-academe linkage is very important for the growth of the sector they are complementary sectors that one cannot survive without the other.
Cedfit, which primary aims to sustain and increase the quality and quantity of manpower in ICT industry in Cebu, will soon introduce its industry-academe roadmap, which include the provision of ready-employment for ICT graduates from different universities and colleges in Cebu.
For high-value skills in IT profession, such as software and web development, technical support, and other complicated and sophisticated skills demand in the sector, most big companies offer at least P40K a month salary.
Currently, there is a shortage of supply for high-value IT skills. Demand is estimated at 1,500 per year. Cebu on the other hand, can only supply an average of 50 software engineer graduates a month.
The influx of big names in the IT industry in the world, that have existing operations in Cebu, will surely attract more multinational IT companies to come to Cebu.
Belen said the province should be ready to supply with the needed talents of these IT company giants.
The challenge now is on how to improve the number of graduates having specialized degrees in different ICT fields.
This is the reason why a more intensified academe-industry linkage will be set up in Cebu. Serious partnership between these two sectors should be sustained for long term, and Cedfit is going to cement this system further.
Another challenge is also in the engineering methodology process of doing high-end IT works, Belen said.
“Higher-end IT is very broad, and complicated. Its skills’ requirement is also constantly moving,” he said.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
Cedfit president Bonifacio Belen said that although the industry-academe linkage structure is already there, this time a more active stance will be started by Cedfit to sustain Cebu’s position as one of the premier ICT destinations in the world.
In coordination with the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines, Belen said Cedfit will soon formulate a sound roadmap for a stronger industry-academe linkage in Cebu.
Because the ICT industry is the most dynamic sector, the academe has to trail blaze with the fast changing need of industries for specialized skills, especially in high-value IT skills like programming, software development, animation, and others.
This effort is not only seen to attract big-ticket investments for ICT sector, but also promote the “brain-gain” bid of the country, luring Filipinos who are working abroad, to come back home, and find the stable job opportunity.
A sustainable industry-academe linkage is very important for the growth of the sector they are complementary sectors that one cannot survive without the other.
Cedfit, which primary aims to sustain and increase the quality and quantity of manpower in ICT industry in Cebu, will soon introduce its industry-academe roadmap, which include the provision of ready-employment for ICT graduates from different universities and colleges in Cebu.
For high-value skills in IT profession, such as software and web development, technical support, and other complicated and sophisticated skills demand in the sector, most big companies offer at least P40K a month salary.
Currently, there is a shortage of supply for high-value IT skills. Demand is estimated at 1,500 per year. Cebu on the other hand, can only supply an average of 50 software engineer graduates a month.
The influx of big names in the IT industry in the world, that have existing operations in Cebu, will surely attract more multinational IT companies to come to Cebu.
Belen said the province should be ready to supply with the needed talents of these IT company giants.
The challenge now is on how to improve the number of graduates having specialized degrees in different ICT fields.
This is the reason why a more intensified academe-industry linkage will be set up in Cebu. Serious partnership between these two sectors should be sustained for long term, and Cedfit is going to cement this system further.
Another challenge is also in the engineering methodology process of doing high-end IT works, Belen said.
“Higher-end IT is very broad, and complicated. Its skills’ requirement is also constantly moving,” he said.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
Microsoft slashes licensing, software fees for iCafe
CEBU, Philippines - In its effort to sustain the Internet Café industry (iCafe) in the Philippines, Microsoft Philippines has rolled out the lowest priced software products and licensing for the first time in history.
Microsoft Philippines Inc. License Compliance Manager Fortune Abelo-Magsadia announced to at least 130 iCafe owners the Microsoft’s industry strengthening efforts through its Microsoft iCafe Program.
“In the past eight years, Internet Café owners had been asking for best price. To help them with their businesses we introduced this program designed for the industry, with affordable software and licensing prices,” Magsadia said in an interview.
The iCafé program is Microsoft's response to one of Internet café customers' unmet needs: secure a dependable computing experience in a shared PC space.
Like Internet cafés, Microsoft aims to give more underserved Filipinos access to technology.
“Microsoft wants to forge a partnership with Internet cafés to achieve its shared purpose of empowering more Filipinos with technology, especially those who cannot afford to own a PC,” she said.
Microsoft offers secure and dependable computing in licensing packages that are relevant and affordable for Internet café owners who are looking to serve their customers better and expand their business, she stressed.
As an introduction to the program, Microsoft announced the major slash of Windows 7 (Operating Software) from P9,000 to P2,000 (plus) until May of this year.
Microsoft Office on the other hand, is now pegged at P999 including rental rights fee.
The Billgates-owned company has picked Cebu as its pilot area for the national launching of this program.
“There are a lot of benefits that an iCafe can take advantage of, once they will enroll in the program,” Magsadia said.
Aside from slashed prices, the program offers value added services for free, such as billing and metering tools, PC help tools, among others.
“We are trying to provide them [iCafe owners] value added services and products,” she explained.
This effort is part of Microsoft’s bid to help iCafe industry to operate in legitimate business, meaning employing licensed software, and grow their businesses, at the same time helping the rest of Filipino people to have easy and affordable access to the world-wide-web.
Because of bottleneck competition, the iCafe industry in the Philippines is now struggling and is now in the “survival of the fittest” mode. Getting help from the major infrastructure provider, like Microsoft, is a big help for the industry.
In an earlier interview with one of the largest players in the Internet Café industry in Cebu Francis Lim, he said that profit in Internet Café business is shrinking.
With the seemingly saturated market for Internet Cafes that becomes like a Sari-Sari store, that one can find an Internet Café in every corner Lim said the battle in the industry now is providing value-added services, while renting charges have dropped significantly over the years.
While a lot of Internet Café businesses have folded up in the last few years, because of tough competition, Lim said others are thriving, as they have continuously invested on sustainable measures like software and hardware upgrade, and providing conducive ambiance both for gamers, and web browsers.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
Microsoft Philippines Inc. License Compliance Manager Fortune Abelo-Magsadia announced to at least 130 iCafe owners the Microsoft’s industry strengthening efforts through its Microsoft iCafe Program.
“In the past eight years, Internet Café owners had been asking for best price. To help them with their businesses we introduced this program designed for the industry, with affordable software and licensing prices,” Magsadia said in an interview.
The iCafé program is Microsoft's response to one of Internet café customers' unmet needs: secure a dependable computing experience in a shared PC space.
Like Internet cafés, Microsoft aims to give more underserved Filipinos access to technology.
“Microsoft wants to forge a partnership with Internet cafés to achieve its shared purpose of empowering more Filipinos with technology, especially those who cannot afford to own a PC,” she said.
Microsoft offers secure and dependable computing in licensing packages that are relevant and affordable for Internet café owners who are looking to serve their customers better and expand their business, she stressed.
As an introduction to the program, Microsoft announced the major slash of Windows 7 (Operating Software) from P9,000 to P2,000 (plus) until May of this year.
Microsoft Office on the other hand, is now pegged at P999 including rental rights fee.
The Billgates-owned company has picked Cebu as its pilot area for the national launching of this program.
“There are a lot of benefits that an iCafe can take advantage of, once they will enroll in the program,” Magsadia said.
Aside from slashed prices, the program offers value added services for free, such as billing and metering tools, PC help tools, among others.
“We are trying to provide them [iCafe owners] value added services and products,” she explained.
This effort is part of Microsoft’s bid to help iCafe industry to operate in legitimate business, meaning employing licensed software, and grow their businesses, at the same time helping the rest of Filipino people to have easy and affordable access to the world-wide-web.
Because of bottleneck competition, the iCafe industry in the Philippines is now struggling and is now in the “survival of the fittest” mode. Getting help from the major infrastructure provider, like Microsoft, is a big help for the industry.
In an earlier interview with one of the largest players in the Internet Café industry in Cebu Francis Lim, he said that profit in Internet Café business is shrinking.
With the seemingly saturated market for Internet Cafes that becomes like a Sari-Sari store, that one can find an Internet Café in every corner Lim said the battle in the industry now is providing value-added services, while renting charges have dropped significantly over the years.
While a lot of Internet Café businesses have folded up in the last few years, because of tough competition, Lim said others are thriving, as they have continuously invested on sustainable measures like software and hardware upgrade, and providing conducive ambiance both for gamers, and web browsers.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
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