Promoting Taiwan tourism
The Taiwan Tourism Bureau Kuala Lumpur Office and the Taiwan Amusement Park Association held a promotion conference in Manila, on June 2, with a total of 11 amusement parks, six travel agencies, and three airline representatives from Taiwan.
Hundreds of travel agencies, including the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) participated in the promotion conference which is expected to accelerate the efforts to achieve the goal of 320,000 visits from the Philippines to Taiwan in 2023.
Shih Pi Chou, director of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau Kuala Lumpur Office, said the Philippines is important among New Southbound countries. According to the data before the pandemic, there were about 510,000 tourists from the Philippines to Taiwan in 2019, second only to Malaysia among the Asean countries. Since Taiwan’s border has been open to tourists since October 13 last year, the number of Filipino visitors to Taiwan has grown rapidly, which shows the high enthusiasm of Filipino tourists for Taiwan. This promotion matched the preferences of Filipino tourists and focused on theme parks. In addition to Taiwan’s night market delicacies, amusement parks in Taiwan highlight diverse and rich themes, which is worth visiting for Filipino tourists.
Chun-Jun, Liao, chairman of the Taiwan Amusement Park Association, said that Taiwan’s diverse patterns of theme parks have considerable high potential appeal to the international market. Elements such as Taiwan’s aboriginal culture, hot springs, flower viewing, shopping, and mechanical amusement facilities are all favorite for international travelers. Various Taiwan amusement parks present the most eye-catching and attractive content in this event, making Taiwan one of the top destinations that international tourists cannot miss.
Pre-departure Japanese language training for nurse and certified care worker
On June 1, an online ceremony was held for the completion of the Preparatory Japanese Language Training (PJLT) in the Philippines for the 15th batch of Filipino candidates for nurse and certified care workers bound for Japan under the Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and the Philippines (JPEPA).
First Secretary and Labor Attaché KANNO Chihiro from the Embassy of Japan and Undersecretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac from the Department of Migrant Workers delivered their inspiring words for the candidates.
Messages were also shared by Mr. SUZUKI Ben of the Japan Foundation Manila, Mr. Philip B. Sanvictores of the Nihongo Center Foundation Inc., Mr. KATAOKA Yoshikazu of the Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services, Ms. Karen Melody Gonesto Kumazawa representing the candidates, and a compiled video presentation of messages from the lecturers.
The Japan Foundation Manila and the Nihongo Center Foundation Inc. conducted the training online, and onsite for a select few towards the training’s latter duration. All 231 candidates received daily living and internet allowances, and computer tablets were provided on loan.
Upon arrival in Japan, another 6 months of Japanese language training await the candidates prior to the work term in Japanese hospitals and caregiving facilities.
Hotel deals
Cebu Pacific has partnered with several hotels in offering sulit and exclusive discounts.
Club Paradise Palawan offers 10 percent off on seafood bucket; 30 percent off on couple’s massage at Glow Spa; 10 percent savings on other treatment and services
Discovery Shores Boracay: 16 percent off on dining offers; Tomohawk Steak at Forno Osteria Modern Filipino Boodle Fight; 16 percent off on spa treatments
Discovery Samal: up to 40 percent off in The Bar – Junior Suite, Executive Villa and Villa rooms; Includes breakfast for two, roundtrip airport and boat transfers
Fili NuStar Hotel and Casino Cebu: Up to 25 percent discount in Room Bed and Breakfast package at Fili Hotel; Exclusive 15 percent off at Fili Café buffet restaurant
Manami Resort: Exclusive rates on Oceanview Suites; includes breakfast for two, food and beverage credit and 15 percent off for all treatments in Linong Spa
Swissotel Clark: P1,000 discount for any single receipt with minimum spent of P 3,000 in Ristorante di Verona and Verona Brunch Club; Widus Hotel and Casino Clark; 3 + 1 buffet promo at P999/person at Salt Resto
Robinsons Hotels and Resorts: Discounted room rates in Robinsons Hotels and Resorts nationwide
CEB travelers only need to present their boarding pass and valid ID, among other requirements, to avail themselves of these promos.
Impactful projects
GMA Network’s socio-civic arm GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) rolled out several projects last May to spread good will and render public service to needy Filipinos.
In time for the celebration of Mother’s Day, GMAKF went to different areas in Luzon to deliver free medical services and lectures on cervical and breast cancer awareness. These areas include San Luis, Batangas; Natonin, Mountain Province; and Victoria, Tarlac. A total of 100 mothers from Natonin were given free breast examination and visual inspection with acetic acid, while 200 mothers from Victoria and San Luis were offered free pap smear tests and breast examinations. They were also handed free hygiene kits, vitamins, and skincare sets.
GMAKF also took part in the commemoration of Hypertension Awareness Month also in May, by offering free electrocardiogram (ECG), blood sugar tests, and Hypertension Awareness lectures. A total of 100 stone pickers from Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija and 100 broom makers from Brgy. Mabatang, Abucay, Bataan were the beneficiaries of the project. They were also given free grocery packs, hygiene kits, skin care sets, tumblers and vitamins to promote good health.
Kapuso Foundation led by its EVP & COO, Rikki Escudero-Catibog broke ground for the construction of a two classroom Kapuso School Building in Binibitinan Elementary School in Polillo, Quezon. The ground breaking ceremony was held last May 10.
GMAKF is also fundraising for another school, Carlagan Integrated School in nearby Bordeos also in Polillo as part of its Kapuso School Development Project.
Empowering SMEs
Airspeed, an end-to-end logistics company, is the title sponsor during the last Asia SME Forum 2023, held at the Manila Mariotte Hotel.
Business leaders from the different industries gathered for the event, all with the same aim – to help build the nation’s prosperity through innovation, collaboration, and support the booming small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Airspeed understands the challenges faced by SMEs in the competitive business landscape. Through Airspeed’s expertise in logistics and supply chain management, coupled with the forum’s extensive network, they offer SMEs an unparalleled opportunity and comprehensive range of services.
As a trusted leader in logistics, Airspeed offers end-to-end supply chain solutions customized to meet the specific requirements of their clients and stakeholders, from warehousing, efficient inventory management, piece picking, to delivery. It’s a one-stop-shop solution that enable their clients to focus on core business activities while they handle the logistics seamlessly.
Amazing Philippines Digital Economy Corp., the digital arm of Airspeed Group provides digital marketing services and e-commerce training for the micro, small and medium entrepreneurs. Kahanga-Hanga PH, SpeedGifts and Pinaspeed provide SMEs with valuable solutions for their needs.
Meralco energizes Atkins
The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) successfully energized the newest cold storage facility of Atkins Import and Export Resources, Inc. as part of its efforts to support the national government’s thrust to achieve food security in the Philippines. This facility is notably Atkins’ largest in South Luzon and the first to utilize clean energy utilizing a solar panel system.
In partnership with Meralco Enterprise, Atkins expects the collaboration to generate 1,362,100 kWh of clean energy every year, resulting in around P9.5 million in annual savings for the company. It will also help reduce Atkins’ carbon footprint by 970 tons, equivalent to over 44,500 trees planted or saving nearly 3.9 million kilometers of car travel per year.
Now Atkins’ sixth in Luzon, this recently inaugurated facility in Naic, Cavite, can store up to 14,000,000 kilograms or 14,000 metric tons of agricultural products. As an importer and distributor of quality meat products sourced all over the world, Atkins utilizes a 976.8 kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar panel system to energize the new cold storage facility.
Kia names COO
Kia Philippines Motor Corp. (KPMC), the official importer and distributor of Kia vehicles in the country, has just announced the leadership appointment of Brian Buendia starting July 1.
As chief operating officer, Buendia will lead the bolstering of Kia’s position in the industry rankings with the introduction of new models, and the strengthening of the distribution network in its dealerships which currently stands at 44 in strategic locations nationwide. Buendia will likewise lead KPMC’s continued development of the electric vehicle (EV) eco-system in the country, with Ayala organizations and other players as active partners. He will pursue what has been launched by Kia and the Ayala Group in transitioning the automotive industry into cleaner and more sustainable technologies.
Buendia has been with AC Motors since 1998, earning extensive career experience in sales, business development and network operations.
Sweet deals
From June 1 to 30, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is treating its customers to more exciting offers with its new “Rev Up and Win” promo. Buyers may avail themselves of the best deals and lowest special all-in downpayments for All-New Honda BR-V, City, and Brio.
The All-New Honda BR-V Special Test Drive campaign will continue alongside the Rev Up and Win promo until June 24.
The All-New BR-V comes with the following special offers: an additional P5,000 cash discount upon purchase and chance to win 10th generation Apple iPads or gift certificates worth P2,000.
The 23YM All-New BR-V 1.5 VX CVT Honda SENSING is available through these special deals: promo discount of P20,000; special all-in downpayment for as low as P10,000 and low monthly amortization for as low as P25,696 per month.
The Honda City is available with promo discount of up to P60,000 (inclusive of P10,000 Bank Partner Sale Discount); special all-in downpayment for as low as P10,000 and monthly amortization for as low as P17,618 per month.
The Honda Brio may be availed with these promos: Discount of up to P40,000 (inclusive of P10,000 Bank Partner Sale Discount; special low all-in downpayment for as low as P10,000 and monthly amortization for as low as P15,307.
