CEBU, Philippines - Symantec Corporation recently unveiled the Backup Exec 2010 to help mid-sized businesses effectively manage their businesses under a very pressured and competitive environment.
“Organizations of all sizes are struggling to effectively manage information growth, particularly as they leverage virtualization technologies, creating new backup and recovery complexities,” said Andre Xavier, regional product manager, Symantec Information Management Group, Asia Pacific and Japan.
De-duplication and archiving have primarily been enterprise-class technologies, but Backup Exec 2010 brings them to the masses to solve difficult IT challenges in an extremely simple and easy to use solution, Xavier emphasized.
According to industry analyst firm IDC, storage capacity is growing within 48 percent to 50 percent each year, placing more data at risk and making the disaster recovery process much slower.
In fact, approximately 70 percent of data is described as “duplicate,” and has not been accessed in more than 90 days.
Organizations that implement an integrated de-duplication and archiving solution can realize up to 20 percent up to 40 percent savings in storage costs and easily find and recover their critical information when they need it, Xavier said.
Delivering on Symantec’s de-duplication strategy, Backup Exec 2010 offers a flexible approach to eliminating duplicate data without adding complexity.
Also, the technology offers integrated de-duplication technology at the client/source and media server, in addition to integrating with third-party de-duplication appliances through the Symantec Open-Storage Technology (OST) program.
De-duplication allows organizations to dramatically reduce backup storage costs by consolidating and re-using existing storage resources, and client-side de-duplication minimizes backup windows and reduces network utilization by up to 90 percent.
Backup Exec 2010 integrates two new archive options to provide unified backup and archiving for Windows file systems and Exchange environments by archiving data from the backup copy, rather than separately pulling data from the source. Powered by Symantec Enterprise Vault archiving technology, administrators can easily and more efficiently manage their data lifecycles by setting automated retention periods to migrate older, less critical data over time to less expensive storage environments.
The archive options help optimize Exchange and File Server performance by eliminating redundant data at the server to further free up storage space, keep storage at predictable levels and reduce backup windows.
Backup Exec 2010 is the first backup and recovery software solution to deliver granular recovery for virtual Microsoft applications from a single pass backup. This unique technology enables organizations to reduce business downtime by recovering granular data from virtual environments in just seconds. Administrators can easily restore or redirect an entire application or recover individual emails, mailboxes or file/folders quickly from inside a guest machine – from a single system backup.
Symantec delivers a range of support plans to help Backup Exec customers and partners install and upgrade quickly, and can train employees to leverage advanced functionality and maximize uptime.
Symantec helps organizations secure and manage their information-driven world with storage management, email archiving and back-up recovery solutions.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Liloan to control issuance of development permits for socialized housing projects
CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Vincent Franco "Duke" Frasco yesterday issued an executive order that will regulate the issuance of development permits for socialized housing projects.
"The Municipality of Liloan has been very generous and very lenient in granting many subdivision projects focusing on socialized housing projects such that there were residential houses that had been poorly built, without proper drainage, and narrow access to the main road," Frasco said.
Under the law, all subdivision developers are to provide 20 percent of their subdivision projects for socialized housing projects, pursuant to the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) implementing rules and regulations.
Section 18 of R.A. 7292 states that a Balanced Housing Development requires every developer of a subdivision project to provide 20 percent of the total land area to a socialized housing project.
Frasco, in an interview with The FREEMAN, said there is need to regulate the socialized housing project in his town by taking the initiative of spearheading the construction of socialized housing projects.
Frasco said barangay Jubay has been identified as a site for a socialized housing program.
Under the law, local government units, in coordination with the National Housing Authority, the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, the National Mapping Resource Information Authority, and the Land Management Bureau, are to identify lands for socialized housing and resettlement areas for the immediate and future needs of the underprivileged and homeless in the urban areas, taking into consideration the degree of availability of basic services and facilities, their accessibility and proximity to job sites and other economic opportunities, and the actual number of registered beneficiaries.
The mayor said they have the constitutional mandate to deliver basic services such as health, sanitation, peace and order and among others.
"There is an impending need to exercise police power in promoting sound rural planning to ensure health, public safety and general welfare of the residents of Liloan from the ever growing population brought about by the development of socialized housing projects," Frasco said.
Under the Executive Order, the Office of the Building Official and the Municipal Planning and Development Council shall control and regulate the issuance of development permit for socialized housing projects in Liloan.
The Municipal Planning and Development Council and Office of the Building Official shall recommend to the subdivision developer in the application of its development permit to use the identified land of Liloan at barangay Jubay in the development of its socialized housing requirement, either by contributing cash equivalent to the 20 percent of total project cost or by constructing so much number of houses equivalent to the 20 percent of the total project cost.
Frasco said the Office of the Building Official and Municipal Planning and Development Council shall not issue development permits to subdivision developers if the land is not identified as a site for socialized housing project in Liloan.
"No subdivision developer for socialized housing project shall be given a development permit until such time the socialized housing project of Liloan at barangay Jubay is finished," Frasco said.
Section 4 of the Executive Order states that a subdivision developer is construed to have engaged in developing a socialized housing project if the sizes of the lot area developed are below 100 square meters and the number of lots developed exceeds ten in the subdivision plan.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
"The Municipality of Liloan has been very generous and very lenient in granting many subdivision projects focusing on socialized housing projects such that there were residential houses that had been poorly built, without proper drainage, and narrow access to the main road," Frasco said.
Under the law, all subdivision developers are to provide 20 percent of their subdivision projects for socialized housing projects, pursuant to the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) implementing rules and regulations.
Section 18 of R.A. 7292 states that a Balanced Housing Development requires every developer of a subdivision project to provide 20 percent of the total land area to a socialized housing project.
Frasco, in an interview with The FREEMAN, said there is need to regulate the socialized housing project in his town by taking the initiative of spearheading the construction of socialized housing projects.
Frasco said barangay Jubay has been identified as a site for a socialized housing program.
Under the law, local government units, in coordination with the National Housing Authority, the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, the National Mapping Resource Information Authority, and the Land Management Bureau, are to identify lands for socialized housing and resettlement areas for the immediate and future needs of the underprivileged and homeless in the urban areas, taking into consideration the degree of availability of basic services and facilities, their accessibility and proximity to job sites and other economic opportunities, and the actual number of registered beneficiaries.
The mayor said they have the constitutional mandate to deliver basic services such as health, sanitation, peace and order and among others.
"There is an impending need to exercise police power in promoting sound rural planning to ensure health, public safety and general welfare of the residents of Liloan from the ever growing population brought about by the development of socialized housing projects," Frasco said.
Under the Executive Order, the Office of the Building Official and the Municipal Planning and Development Council shall control and regulate the issuance of development permit for socialized housing projects in Liloan.
The Municipal Planning and Development Council and Office of the Building Official shall recommend to the subdivision developer in the application of its development permit to use the identified land of Liloan at barangay Jubay in the development of its socialized housing requirement, either by contributing cash equivalent to the 20 percent of total project cost or by constructing so much number of houses equivalent to the 20 percent of the total project cost.
Frasco said the Office of the Building Official and Municipal Planning and Development Council shall not issue development permits to subdivision developers if the land is not identified as a site for socialized housing project in Liloan.
"No subdivision developer for socialized housing project shall be given a development permit until such time the socialized housing project of Liloan at barangay Jubay is finished," Frasco said.
Section 4 of the Executive Order states that a subdivision developer is construed to have engaged in developing a socialized housing project if the sizes of the lot area developed are below 100 square meters and the number of lots developed exceeds ten in the subdivision plan.
Source: The Freeman Cebu
Friday, February 26, 2010
Hotel occupancy rate shows positive trend
CEBU, Philippines - Major business hotels in Cebu City see a positive trend in the occupancy rate for the first two months this year, which indicates that the world’s travel market is starting to move up.
Cebu Parklane International Hotel general manager Cenelyn Manguilimotan said that 2010 is a better year, although it is still too early to conclude.
The hotel’s January to February average occupancy rate hit in an average of 65 percent to 68 percent respectively.
Likewise, Cebu City Marriott Hotel registered an encouraging average occupancy rate of 76 percent in the first two months of this year.
Cebu City Marriott Hotel general manager Roy Abraham said in an interview that city hotel business in hotel is now experiencing a positive trend.
“Business is very good for Cebu’s hospitality industry. We normally don’t have this high percentage on the month of February, but it seems that this month is the busiest compared to last year,” said Abraham.
Marriott’s number one foreign guest profile is the American nationals, although domestic guests still the major market occupants of the hotel.
Abraham noted that Chinese nationals, especially those from Mainland China, are an emerging visitor market for the hotel.
“We have noticed a good number of Chinese staying in the hotel this year. We haven’t seen this much Chinese guests in the last year,” he said, adding that Cebu’s hospitality industry is grateful for the efforts of the Department of Tourism (DoT) in pushing for more Chinese arrivals beginning with the direct chartered flights from China to Cebu.
On the other hand, Manguilimotan said Cebu-based hotels are now capitalizing on the bullishness displayed by Cebu’s tourism and business industries by attending international trade fairs and coming up with more value added services for their guests.
Parklane, for instance, has decided to bank on the global meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) market. This coming March, Manguilimotan will be participating in the Middle East travel road-show conducted by the DoT, which aims to lure visitors from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Kuwait, among others.
“City-based hotels will benefit more from the Middle East market compared to the Europeans because those in the Middle East love to shop. Given the proximity of the hotels in Cebu to the nearest shopping and entertainment centers, we hope we can take advantage of this market,” Manguilimotan said.
Abraham added that Marriott is also seeing increasing number of Indian visitors, but the transportation accessibility still the major concern among Indian tourists.
A good market to watch out for is the Chinese market, Abraham said adding “we haven’t seen this high Chinese arrival in the last two years.”
Generally, Abraham concluded that business is turning around this year, especially for global travel and this is good for Cebu’s economy in general.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Cebu, Iloilo power plants to ease energy shortage
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
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
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
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