I’d like to share this good news.
Tibiao Fish Spa has a promo this Summer.
You can check this banner out for details.
Blogger Mark Razonable shared his experience on his recent visit at Tibiao Fish Spa on his blog.
MVP Group Supports StartUps through IdeaSpace
April 3, 2012 By 5 Comments
Do you have a great idea that needs funding? Do you think your idea is the next big thing in innovation?
If you are a Filipino, who has a great idea, IdeaSpace Foundation is alloting Php 100 million for the first year to see your awesome idea moving.
In a gathering of prominent bloggers and representatives of regional blogging organizations, Manny V. Pangilinan (also known as MVP), meets for the first time these bloggers to answer questions on the newest group collaboration to benefit the technopreneurs and startup companies – IdeasSpace Foundation.
- IdeasSpace Foundation Big Wigs. Seated in the middle is Manny V Pangilinan with (L to R) Smart Communications Inc. Strategic Business Development Head Earl Martin S. Valencia and Meralco’s Vice President and Chief Information Officer Marthyn S. Cuan.
Meralco’s Vice President and Chief Information Officer Marthyn Cuan shares that IdeaSpace is an incubator cum angel-fund and accelerator program.
The new foundation’s finances are supported primarily by First Pacific Group companies.
IdeaSpace foundation has an initial start up fund of Php 100 million for the first year of its operations and an additional of half a million every year to sustain it. Supporting companies include: First Pacific Group, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), MPIC Hospital group, Meralco, Philex Mining, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART), Digitel, Sun Cellular, ePLDT, Maynilad, IndoFood, MediaQuest and TV5.
Mr. Cuan further discloses, “We want to replicate the Silicon Valley model, and improve it. There’s a lot of gaps between the model and the Philipines. We will try to close the gap and bring it to a sachet level.”
Smart Communications Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto adds, “The number of the incubatees will depend on the number of bright ideas approved and depending on the requirement. The number can increase.”
Application Starts on May
In the same gathering, it was also opened that a national competition will be launched this year to be able to select who are the first incubatees of the program. Applications will be received starting May. Initial information regarding the search will also be loaded via www.IdeaSpace.ph.
Exciting Features of IdeaSpace to StartUps
In comparison to other existing incubation program, these are its edges:
1. Funding. Smart Communications, Inc. Strategic Business Development Head Earl Martin S. Valencia shares, “it depends on the merits of the idea. The foundation is ready to give as much funding as the project needs. Good thing about IdeaSpace is we will also help you find other investors either from our other group or other venture capital partners.”
2. Mentorship with Top Executives. There are a lot of things that every startup business should learn. Aside from developing the apps or system solutions, every successful technopreneurs understand the need for solid grasp of accounting, planning, operational control and its related knowledge. All of this are already accessible to the incubatees as they are beneficiary to a structured program hosted by the group’s Leadership Academy. Trainings will provide them a wider perspective to make the business successful and scalable.
3. Direct Market Access. If you are developing solutions or product/services specifically targeted to businesses already owned by the group like power utilities, toll roads and transportation, health care, mining, telecommunications, media and food, you will be given access to its direct market for actual testing.
- Manny V Pangilinan with Cebu Bloggers Society Vice President Ruben Licera Jr.
MVP: Take Risk on Idea
The message is clear.
As a startup more than 30 years ago, MVP has created a throng of successful companies in the Philipines.
“We encourage people to take risk on their idea,” MVP explains. Based on statistics, only one innovation out of 3,000 ideas “sees the light of day.”
MVP continues,“But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.”
MVP, sharing his thrust and goals with the new foundation, said, “We want to see innovation in the strongest state.”
STARTUPS. It is more fun in the Philippines.
The growth of this innovation sector in the Philippines is outstanding. It is also impressive to note how big companies, such as the First Pacific group, are providing opportunities for these innovation companies to grow and compete globally. It won’t be long when we pride ourselves to the number of celebrities we produce globally. In subsequent years, we can see an increase in number of technology innovations we can introduce to the world. And that can happen most possibly, thanks to generous NGO’s and companies such as IdeaSpace Foundation.
That move can not just provide additional work or bragging rights to the Filipinos, this can also bring us in line with other first world coutries sooner than 2050.
Start-up Weekend is now in Cebu!
March 16, 2012 By 1 Comment
After the meet-and-greet last March 9, 2012 at UP Cebu, Start-up Weekend Cebu is now officially an official event to look forward to this coming May 2012.
Fleire Castro, the online marketing strategist of the event, relayed this info about Start-up Weekend Cebu and invited Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. to be the official media partner of Startup Weekend Cebu, which will be on May 11-13, 2012.
This event will bring developers, programmers, marketing professionals and business executives under one roof for a tedious, idea-squeezing and time-challenging 54-hour of meet-up, team-building and idea presentation to the big guns from Silicon Valley.
Of course, local personalities are also invited and included in the panel of judges.
To know more about the Startup Weekend, social media mommy blogger, owner of Third Team Media and member of Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc., Fleire Castro brings to us this press release.
Startup Weekend is a 54 hour startup event that provides the networking, resources, and incentives for individuals and teams to go from idea to launch. Startup Weekend’s motto: NO TALK, ALL ACTION. START YOUR BUSINESS! In conjunction with the two entrepreneurs out of Seattle, WA – that were crazy enough to start this whole thing, and the more than 300 events that have been hosted in cities worldwide, we are our own community of passionate entrepreneurs on a mission to help others like us and facilitate innovation in Cebu by organizing the first ever Startup Weekend Cebu on May 11 – 13, 2012 @ UP Cebu.
What Actually Happens During Startup Weekend
Beginning with open mic pitches on Friday, attendees bring their best ideas and inspire others to join their team. Over Saturday and Sunday teams focus on customer development, validating their ideas, practicing LEAN Startup Methodologies and building a minimal viable product. On Sunday evening teams demo their prototypes and receive valuable feedback from a panel of experts and the Startup Weekend Cebu Winner is crowned by the panel of judges. Essentially, building their company in 54HRS.
Who are the crowd
Startup Weekend’s community consists primarily of passionate current and future entrepreneurs with ideas for new ventures mostly for web or mobile. These are the creative and influential workers of Cebu. Startup Weekenders are the movers and shakers of the digital age. They are: No Talk. All Action. In addition to the attendees, we have key sponsors like Globe, Microsoft, and other A list companies who will have delegates in attendance. We are lining up key Filipino mentors who have successful startups and can provide entrepreneurial insight and inspiration to our attendees. We’ve also arranged to have a team of Venture Capitalists (VCs) from Silicon Valley be in attendance at the event and serve as judges on our panel. Last but certainly not least, we are inviting You, which means you will have access to this amazing lineup of talent.
You will get to experience what SWCebu is all about (free snacks of course) and you’ll be able to interview the organizers, judges and mentors. You are encouraged to write your pre-event entry as a participant of the blogging contest. Further details will be forwarded by event marketing head Fleire Castro of Third Team Media.
Startup Weekend Cebu is going to leave a lasting impression on the community and we want You to be a part! We hope to be working with You, and please let us know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Dave Overton & Fleire Castro
On Behalf of The Startup Weekend Cebu Team
Contact Fleire Castro, Online Marketing Organizer
cell: 09182656696 | email: fleire@thirdteam.org
5 Tips for Well-Designed Business Cards
January 13, 2012 By 1 Comment
Business cards are a must-have for businesses and organizations nowadays. A business card can go a long way in helping to build a networks and relationships with customers and other businesses. A well-designed business card is the need of the hour, as it is an effective representation of your company. It is one of the most economical ways to make a name for your business and create your own brand. Regardless of their nature, almost all businesses use business cards.
With the increase in usage, different concepts, themes and designs have been developed for business cards. It is another area where businesses can compete with each other. The importance of a well-designed business card isn’t lost on anyone. Here are 5 tips for well-designed business cards.
1. Incorporate Necessary Information
All necessary information about your business should be printed clearly on your business card. This includes contact information, such as cell phone number, landline number, email address and fax number and correspondence address. Your company name and logo should also be displayed prominently. These are the basic pieces of data a person looks for in a business card. One thing you have to consider is that all information should be printed neatly and be legible. Using a standard font with adequate font size will do the needful.
2. Use Paper of Good Quality
The paper quality has to be good so that the information printed on it also looks good. There are many options for choosing paper type, such as matte, glossy, perforated edges or textured. Whichever paper you select as the material for your business card, make sure it is of a good quality. It is a good idea to have your cards printed on a paper on which people can write. Sometimes people want to jot something down on the card and they won’t be able to if the card is made of metal.
3. Get a Professional
Getting a professional touch for your business card is important. If you don’t have the budget for hiring the services of a graphic designer, at least consult one before you proceed with the designing. Show a preliminary design to the designer and he will advise you on how you can improve it. Even a short chat with a professional graphic designer can make a huge difference to the end product.
4. Don’t Leave the Backside Empty
Business cards have two sides and you can use them both. While the front is for the necessary information mentioned above, the backside can be used for providing extra tidbits of information about your business or mentioning special offers that customers can avail. Often, businesses have a map printed to their location on the back of the card.
5. Choose the Best Design Possible
The best design for your business card doesn’t have to be sophisticated or any avant-garde piece of art. A simple design that includes all the necessary information and your company’s logo, while being legible and printed on good quality paper should suffice. Try comparing it with the cards of other businesses in the same industry to know where you stand.
A well-designed business card can serve as an effect representative of your business. Make sure you follow the tips listed above and get the most out of your business card.
Andrew has been helping businesses with their brand communication through business cards and promotional products. Andrew specialises in the production of branded promotional pens.
RAFI Micro-finance outstanding client gives business advice to nanays
January 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Have a vision for your business. Be determined to achieve it.
These were the words of advice of Elvira Pantaleon, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Micro-finance 2011 Most Outstanding Client, to the 3,289 women clients who attended the RAFI Micro-finance 8th General Assembly held at the University of San Carlos gymnasium last Dec. 3, 2011.
In her acceptance speech, Pantaleon told the 3,289 women clients (inset) present during the RAFI Micro-finance 8th General Assembly last Dec. 3 to have a vision for their businesses and to persevere amid challenges.
“Don’t waste your time. Persevere and work hard for your business because it can provide a bright future for your families. Be patient,” she said during her acceptance speech.
She added that micro-entrepreneurs should be hands-on when it comes to managing their businesses and should learn from the challenges they encounter everyday while dealing with their employees and customers. This way, their ventures will be improved and their skills enhanced.
Pantaleon received Php 25,000 cash prize and a plaque, which were conferred by RAFI Chief Operating Officer Dominica B. Chua, Mercantile Insurance Micro-insurance Department Manager Jose Ma. J. Dadivas, and RAFI Micro-finance Executive Director Ma. Theresa G. Catipay during the General Assembly program.
The RAFI Micro-finance 8th General Assembly, which was attended by clients from various branches in Cebu, Bohol, and Leyte, also gave out awards to the Best Chairwoman, Best Secretary, Best Group, and Best Center Meeting Place.
Special awards were handed out to clients with the highest amount of savings, to one client with the highest referral of new members, to the loyal client with zero defaults, and to the most active Client Advisory Board (CAB).
An award was given to Virgilia Bonghanoy who made it to the semi-finals for the Citi Microentrepreneur of the Year Award for 2011.
Agnes Lacson, chief operating officer of City Savings Bank, was the keynote speaker. She pointed out three ingredients to becoming a successful micro-entrepreneur—vision, determination, and hard work.
The attendees were entertained by the talents displayed by the clients during the Nanays Got Talent contest as well as dance numbers and comical skits of the Buzy Buddies.
The sidelights of the General Assembly included trade fair where various products from the different towns in Cebu were showcased; medical mission conducted in partnership with RAFI’s Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center, which offered consultations and cervical screening 450 women and children; and a Kid’s Corner where the children of the clients enjoyed a film showing, courtesy of the Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund of RAFI.
RAFI Micro-finance is a program under the Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship focus area of RAFI, providing financial resources and know-how to women micro-entrepreneurs to nurture financial independence and entrepreneurship. Its other focus areas are Integrated Development, Culture & Heritage, Leadership & Citizenship, and Education.
For more information on RAFI Micro-finance, please contact 418-7234 loc. 706 and look for Mary Donnavel Libron, or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph
For being the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Micro-finance 2011 Most Outstanding Client, Elvira Pantaleon (third from right) receives Php 25,000 cash prize and a plaque, which were conferred by (L-R) RAFI Micro-finance Executive Director Ma. Theresa Catipay, RAFI Human Resources Officer Jeanette Zulueta, Mercantile Insurance Micro-insurance Department Manager Jose Ma. J. Dadivas, RAFI Chief Operating Officer Dominica Chua, and RAFI Micro-finance Bogo Branch Manager Jacob Tanza
Julie’s: 5 Marketing Points for Franchise
October 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Franchising is the most dynamic business model in the world and it has been going on since the early 80’s and 90’s. In many ways, being part of a franchise system offers immense advantages such as instant brand recognition, among others.
Mature entrepreneurs looking for a business opportunity understand this concept. In a way, they are best described as “Franchise Hunters,” realizing that no business is simple and that successful franchises are bound by corporate structure and operational safeguards.
Here are four specific strengths of Julies Bakeshop that make it an ideal franchise business.
Why Julie’s Bakeshop
In the market for a brand that sells? Join the country’s number one bakeshop – Julie’s Bakeshop!
With over 130 successful Franchisees in the Julie’s Bakeshop family operating close to 500 profitable Julie’s Bakeshops nationwide, you too, can be part of the country’s strongest bakeshop brand!
Julie’s Bakeshop’s (JBS) leadership in the neighbourhood bakeshop category is unquestionable. The many innovations and best-practices JBS introduced when it started in 1981 are now considered industry standard and are imitated by other bakeshops. And while the rest are still catching up, JBS continues to bring more innovation and expansion models. Now, JBS is not only considering expansion in the Philippines but outside of it as well.
Ultimately, the foundation for the extreme popularity of JBS is the high quality of its bread products. Years of experience have translated into making a proprietary JBS blend. A blend sure to keep customers coming back for more – daily! Add to that the efficient and professional Franchise Support Group systems and you have a bakeshop’s recipe to success!
2) Franchise hunters want efficient financial and operational control systems.
Full Support
Until recently, franchising used to be thought of as a principle reserved for multi-billion dollar foreign food chains. Small and medium scale entrepreneurs have quickly followed suit and in turn created a world of opportunity accounting for 15 percent of total retail revenues in 2010.
In principle, it is simply “the practice of using another firm’s successful business model” So what small and medium entrepreneurs lacked in competence and operational expertise, franchisors offered and together, these partnerships flourished.
Profitable franchises are those with highly efficient financial and operational systems. Systems already tried, tested, and put in place to protect a franchisee’s investment. Created and supported by trained and experienced professionals who have mastered their fields.
Julies’s Bakeshop is manned by a team of professionals who provide support in Marketing, Operations, Construction, Accounting, Franchise Development and Human Resource Development. It’s Research and Development Department runs a fully operational laboratory to continuously improve on over 200 varieties of bread and other bakery products. It has three fully-staffed Franchise Support offices – the Head office in Cebu, and full-management offices in Davao and Metro Manila. Each office more than adequately staffed to meet the needs of the growing number of JBS Franchisees.
3) Franchise hunters want wide marketing support scope and community exposure
Always Number One
To maintain market leadership and spur sales growth, Julie’s Bakeshop employs a wide range of Marketing and Advertising Support systems. Working with experienced Marketing Communications groups, JBS has well-placed and effective material in tri-media as well as a comprehensive Public Relations program. All planned for JBS to remain on top-of-mind of its customers.
Julie’s Bakeshop has also taken to heart its commitment of giving back to the community thru numerous Corporate Social Responsibility projects throughout the whole year. Among them are feeding programs, supporting medical missions and educational programs and scholarships because beyond the business is a heart that cares.
4) Franchise hunters look for efficient supply systems. – quick availability of supplies from highly reputable sources at fair market prices
Strong Partners
To ensure product quality and profitability, Julie’s Bakeshop partners with many of the Philippines’ food groups to guarantee quick availability of supplies from highly reputable sources at fair market prices.
All Julie’s Bakeshops carry more than just bread and bakery products. Always ahead to ensure that customers get a little more than expected, Julie’s has partnered with Coke, Selecta, Nature’s Spring and very recently Purefoods. This partnership with industry leaders has catapulted Julie’s into new heights.
5) Julie’s Proven Track Record
Julies has over 30 years of experience in the bakeshop industry and over 500 Julie’s bakeshops operated by about 130 franchisees. No other bakeshop can boast of having more franchise success stores in various parts of the country. Julies is undeniably the country’s strongest bakeshop brand and the nation’s largest bakeshop chain. Proof that the Julie’s system works.
Krispy Kreme To Open First Outlet in Cebu
October 16, 2011 By 1 Comment
Kripsy Kreme, the famous brand of sugary-glazed doughnuts will open its first branch in Cebu.
Cebuanos don’t anymore have to go to Luzon to bring simple dotted-designed boxes filled with piles of oozing sweetness of round pastries for “pasalubong” in Cebu.
It will be a sweet weekend treat for Cebuanos this October 22, 2o11 as it will be the day of Krispy Kreme’s official opening of its first branch in Cebu at the Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu.
But Cebuanos can still visit the outlet a day before to check the goodies.
Why Avail a Franchise of Julie’s Bakeshop
October 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Home-grown Julies Bakeshop has embarked on a new business model that focuses on its core competency which has made it the largest community bakeshop in the country.
JFC CEO and President Joseph R. Gandionco said the company’s new direction aims to achieve its goal of providing improved quality yet affordable bread-products and to expanding its product reach.
In expanding its product reach for the benefit of more Filipinos, JFC’s vision is to provide more support to its franchisees to help them succeed.
Julie’s franchising company, Julie’s Franchise Corp. (JFC), is also looking at the company’s franchise design to make improvements for the benefit of its business partners, its existing and prospective franchisees.
A Julie’s franchise investment amounts to P1.8 million to P2 million. This includes the P250, 000 franchise fee, security deposit, business development or start-up cost, building renovation cost, machinery and equipment and equipment cost, and ingredient. Based on company studies, the average return-on-investment of its existing franchisees is only in two years.
Interested investors need only to submit a letter of intent to franchise, the certified copy of the property’s certificate of title for those who own the property where the bakeshop will be located. For those who will be leasing a property, a letter of intent to lease and the proof of ownership of the lessor and copy of the building’s tax declaration and location map are needed.
Julie’s started business in 1988. It has grown through the years with the help of its over 600 franchisees all over the country. Julie’s has received numerous awards and recognitions from various institutions for consistently exhibiting high standard of growth and development in all aspects of franchise operations.
In June 1999 Julie’s was dubbed as the “Success Story of the Year” and on October 1999 as “Outstanding Country – Side Investor” by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. These awards were followed on June 2000 with the Outstanding Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneur Award and the Certificate of Recognition as Outstanding Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneur Award by the Federation of Filipino – Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce.
In 2002 Julie’s garnered the “Who’s Who in the Philippines: The Best Bakeshop of the Year” by the National Consumers Excellence Award.
In 2005, Julie’s Franchise Corporation was awarded with the Franchise Excellence Award given by the Philippine Franchise Associations, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Philippine Retailers Association. Also in 2005 Julies was given the “ Garbo sa Sugbu” Award, a recognition from the Office of Governor Gwen Garcia and the “Most Socially Responsible Entrepreneur Award” from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry
A Sweeter Treat Beyond Luzon
September 21, 2011 By 1 Comment
Five years after Krispy Kreme set foot in the Philippines, the confectionary company immediately garnered its own niche leading to an extensive expansion across Metro Manila.
Krispy Kreme opened its 1st store at Bonifacio Global City in November 2006. At present, Krispy Kreme boasts of 23 stores that serve renowned melt-in-your mouth doughnuts and coffee.
“We achieved what the Americans have been feasting on since 1930’s—the famous Krispy Kreme doughnut line, best served after the hot light outside the store flashes on,” says Jim Fuentebella, Chairman of Krispy Kreme Philippines . “And we also experienced the long lines that people in the US do, every time a new store opens for business.”
In fact, what the Filipinos did was more than just a line. True to Krispy Kreme’s passion for fun and excitement, the first customers get a month or even a year long supply of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Thus, some camped near the branch hours and even days before the new store’s opening.
And this is probably the scene that Cebuanos should expect now that Krispy Kreme is about to land on the celebrated Queen City of the South.
“Bringing Krispy Kreme in one of the country’s most vibrant cities is just one of the results of our continuous expansion outside Metro Manila,” says Fuentebella.
Meanwhile, Mark Gamboa, Marketing Manager of Krispy Kreme Philippines says that the Krispy Kreme branch in Cebu will also offer wide varieties of doughnuts and beverages that made Krispy Kreme famous across the globe.
“We want to share the Krispy Kreme experience in our Cebu market thus we are bringing what the brand has to offer all the way down to the south,” says Gamboa. “From the world’s famous Original Glazed, yeast-raised and cake doughnut varieties, to our Signature Coffee and its different hot and cold variants—they can experience them all.”
Soon to be located in Ayala Center ’s The Terraces, Krispy Kreme Cebu is poised to be a sweet-destination-treat in the thriving Cebu Business District. Surrounded with sophisticated establishments, green landscapes and orchestrated water features, Krispy Kreme’s future location promises a relaxing yet refined surroundings of Cebu.
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Mandaue Business Month 2011- Calendar of Activities
August 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The biggest business event in Mandaue City, Cebu happens this August with Mandaue Business Month 2011. Spearheaded by Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, MBM 2011 will showcase a myriad of activities starting with OBRA Negosyo Eswela Exhibit on August 5-15, 2011 at Cebu International Convention Center and Photo Gallery Exhibits.
Mandaue Business Movement 2011 also holds the following activities:
1. Photo Gallery: MCCI Through the Years at Ayala Center and ParkMall
2. Mandaue City Clean Up
3. Bloodletting at Pacific Mall Super Metro
4. One Cebu Business and Sustainability Summit
5. Launch of Obra Negosyo Eskwela Season 2
6. Groundbreaking of Gawad Kalinga Maguikay Multipurpose Bldg.
7. OVANTA: Outstanding Ventures and New Technological Alternatives Exhibition
8. Trees Brew Life (Tree-planting)
9. Search for W.I.N.N.E.R.’s (Women in Need, Now Entrepreneurs and Role Models)
10. Surgical Dental Mission
11. Launch of Sulong Mandaue
12. Chamber Night Featuring ECOWALK: SUSTAINABILITY IN STYLE
For inquiries and reservations ( in case you want to join any of the activities listed), please contact MANDAUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (MCCI) Secretariat at (032) 420-2232, 420-2252, 343-3491 or Email info_mcci@yahoo.com.
For complete list of activities of Mandaue Business Month, check below:
Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. is the official media partner of Mandaue Business Month 2011.
Cebu Bloggers Society is the portal site for blogging news, events, food, arts and culture and tourism-related topics about Cebu. It aims to promote Cebu including its culture, places, food, entertainment, business and its economy. This site is owned by Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc., a non-stock,non-profit blogging organization registered in Cebu and arguably, the most organized blogging community in the Visayas and in the Philippines. Founded in October 2008 in Cebu, Philippines.
