Banwa Private Island : A Journey of Discovery and Adventure

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – 05th February 2024 - This week, over 200 guests from the Philippines, Hong Kong and beyond were treated to a preview of a movie documentary, “Banwa Private Island – A Two Part Adventure,” filmed on location and produced by Asian Air Safari.

Banwa Private Island is the gateway to the incredibly rich and diverse marine and land ecology in Palawan. ‘Banwa' actually means ‘community' in the local Palawano language and the Tagbanwa people are considered guardians of the region's indigenous nature. Proceeds from the island directly contribute to educational and infrastructure projects in the area through its Aquos Foundation whose ethos is to support, nurture and protect the island’s unique biodiversity.

The documentary highlights how guests are coming from around the world to explore the culture, history and ecology of this unique region. A truly private island with just 6 beautiful villas, guests enjoy un-paralleled hospitality from the Banwa Private Island team whilst being entranced by the nature, wildlife, beaches and stunning turquoise water in this mosquito free environment. Within just a 20-minute radius, there are an array of activities including snorkeling, diving, hiking, an underground river, waterfalls and unique wildlife indigenous to the area.

The documentary was produced by the enigmatic and humbling Captain Joy Roa, CEO of Asian Air Safari, who commented: “I was given a beautiful opportunity to visit this incredible island with its rich bio-diversity, right in our own backyard in the Philippines. Flying with the helicopter for only two hours from Manila allowed me to see this private world – a distinctive combination of luxurious pampering and hospitality, wildlife encounters, and authentic, meaningful interactions with the local community. Experiencing it all first-hand makes me proud that an award-winning, world-class property like Banwa Private Island can be found in the Philippines, because it defines what positive, impactful travel should be.”

Banwa Private Island is the vision of Richard Beattie who has been exploring the region for over 20 years and cannot escape the charm and lure of these islands. Richard commented, “We are so grateful to Captain Joy and his brilliant team for this incredible documentary. It enables people to have an insight into the sounds, smells, culture and scenery of this almost unknown region and Captain Joy immersed himself into every aspect of what the region offers. His generosity is unbounded, and he appears to have found quite a few future pilots for his team from the eager local school children!”

The screening was attended by an international audience made up of past island guests, those planning to visit in the future and the best of the luxury travel trade who have already booked guest visits to the island from far-away places such as Brazil, China and Europe – and perhaps surprisingly many from Manila who were previously unaware of the adventure that awaits them in Palawan.

The two-part documentary will be available for public viewing in March and a wonderful preview is available via this link.

Frotea Announces its Sweet Rebrand, Aims to be the New Favorite Milktea Dessert Brand of Filipinos

Philippines — Frotea, the beloved Palawan-based milk tea brand, is reaching new heights as it proudly reveals its rebrand into the Philippines' leading “Milktea Dessert Brand”, bringing a feel of “Summer in Every Cup”. After expanding its footprint beyond the shores of Palawan, with branches now thriving in Batangas, Laguna, Bataan, and South Cotabato, Frotea marks a sweet milestone in its journey to becoming the Philippines' number one.

Frotea rebrands from “Froyo + Milktea” with their previous tagline “For You and Me”, to now being the country's number one ‘Milktea Dessert Brand’, serving “Summer in Every Cup”. The rebrand was driven by their continued commitment to innovating and expanding Frotea according to the trends, its consumers, and the times.

 “At Frotea, we understand that preferences are not static; they evolve with time. That's why we regularly engage with our valued customers through surveys and conduct rigorous product testing to ensure that our offerings align perfectly with their changing tastes,” said Ana Lustre-Malijan, founder and owner of Frotea.

At the heart of its rebranding mission lies, first and foremost, a commitment to serving Filipino tastes. In their eleven successful years, Frotea has tailored its menu to resonate with the unique palates of diverse regions and has curated a selection of flavors ranging from classics, seasonal, and everything in between. They understand that preferences change over time, and as a result, the brand undertakes regular consumer surveys and product testing to stay ahead of the curve. 

To celebrate their eleventh anniversary and rebranding, Frotea recently announced the addition of three new menu items, Dark chocolate Ice cream, Panda Ice Cream, and Fish Waffles. Going beyond just milktea, the addition of fresh and exciting desserts such as these is what keeps Frotea in the front of the game. Their menu constantly carries new flavors that reflect trends and consumer preferences. 

Frotea has recognized the immense potential in reaching out to different regions and demographics in the country. By carefully looking into market trends and consumer preferences, the brand has identified key areas for growth and expansion. They plan to establish new branches strategically in bustling metropolitan cities and even smaller towns, bringing the delightful taste of Frotea desserts closer to people's homes and workplaces.

With their continuous expansion, Ana Lustre-Malijan believes the rebranding of Frotea will open doors to new demographics, expand its presence across the Philippines, and steady them as the country’s number one milktea dessert brand.

 “Rebranding Frotea is not just about positioning ourselves to be number one; it's about evolving to be better - better in taste, better in service, and better in connecting with the hearts of Filipinos across the nation,” said Ana Lustre-Malijan.

By venturing into new markets, tailoring its menu to suit local tastes, and maintaining a focus on quality and sustainability, Frotea only continues to grow as the number one milktea brand in the country. Frotea embraces its rebranding journey and promises to delight, surprise, and inspire customers across the country. 

To stay up to date with Frotea, its products, branches, and future events, visit the official website and the following social media pages ( Facebook | Instagram )

Expanding Sustainability: SM Foundation's 2nd Rainwater Harvesting System

Rainwater harvesting is a way of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. It is an effective and adaptable way to conserve water and reduce reliance on main water supplies. Due to its efficacy, it has been applied by many civilizations in history and is being utilized today by forward-thinking institutions as a sustainable water management strategy.

SM group’s social good arm, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), for one, has embraced this by installing rainwater harvesting systems in two of the local health centers it recently refurbished–Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility. 

SMFI’s Health and Medical Programs proactively implemented this innovation to help sustain the health of the local community while preserving the environment.

Ready in times of emergency

Dr. Alfredo P. Manugas VI, Municipal Health Officer and Health Department Head of San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility, said that while water is crucial to their operations, water supply is not always available in their municipality, even their center.

“The rainwater harvesting system is essential in our health facility because the water supply in our municipality is not available 24/7,” he said. “We are now provided a source of water in times of emergency or any interruption of water supply. Our staff and visitors can use rainwater for cleaning, flushing the toilet bowls, and watering the plants.”

SMFI Health and Medical Programs senior project manager Albert Uy runs through how the system functions.

SMFI ensures that the facility is convenient and manageable to maximize its purpose. It operates without electricity, increasing its sustainability. To harvest water for non-potable use, it collects rainwater from the roof and gutter. The water is filtered through vinyl-coated mesh filters to ensure its quality before being stored in the 800-liter storage tank.

To guide users for safe recycled water use, all faucets connected to the facility have visible labels. Alongside this innovation, SMFI also used air-cleaning paints, LED lighting fixtures and appliances, and locally sourced plants to create a clean and comfortable environment for patients and health workers.

These green innovations exemplify the SM group’s commitment to the environment and community health within the broader context of the SM Green Movement. With the social good impact of the two rainwater harvesting systems, SMFI targets to replicate this initiative in other health centers in its pipeline, further improving water security in the face of challenges. 

Health workers use the rainwater harvesting system for their outdoor cleaning needs.

Shopee Donates 1,200 School Chairs to Barangay Punta Baja in Palawan

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, NOVEMBER 16, 2022 – As face-to-face classes resume, schools all around the Philippines struggle with a shortage of resources due to the influx of enrollees. In Barangay Punta Baja, Rizal, Palawan, students faced the problem of not having enough chairs, as a lot of them had no choice but to sit on the floor during classes. Sitti Halima Adges, a school teacher at the Jose P. Rizal National High School, dreamt of providing her students with a complete set of school arm chairs to create spaces conducive for learning. 

One day, Sitti chanced upon a post on Shopee’s Barangay Shopee initiative– where a barangay could win a community project of their choice. She and her fellow teachers took their chances and joined and thanks to their heartwarming video entry, Sitti’s dream became a reality. Out of 200 entries nationwide, Barangay Punta Baja was chosen as one of Barangay Shopee’s two winners.

On November 11, Shopee went to Rizal, Palawan to visit Sitti and her barangay, and donated more than 1,000 school chairs to the Jose P. Rizal National High School.

Sitti Adges submitted the winning video for the Barangay Shopee contest, and her wish was to provide all students of Jose P. Rizal National High School with new school chairs 

“Kami ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa tulong at suporta ni Shopee sa Barangay Punta-Baja at Jose P. Rizal National High School. Bilang isang ina at guro, napakasaya ko na may mga mabubuting loob tulad ng Shopee na tumutulong sa pag-aaral ng aming mga estudyante sa barangay namin,” shared Sitti.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, shared “At Shopee, we are committed to serving the underserved and making a difference in communities all over the Philippines. When we launched Barangay Shopee, our goal was to address the direct needs of communities. Sitti’s video entry was one of the many we received, and it reminded us of our commitment to nurture young talent, and the importance of creating environments conducive for learning and growth. We are humbled that we were able to bring smiles to Barangay Punta Baja, and we hope to do the same for many more communities.”

Through Barangay Shopee and all initiatives under Shopee Bayanihan, Shopee furthers its objective to bettering the lives of the underserved  by helping communities benefit from the power of technology wherever they are in the Philippines. Learn more about Barangay Shopee here.

Stay Home, Send Money Online with LBC's Instant Peso Padala

In its effort to make sending money safer, faster, and more convenient for every Filipino, LBC Express Inc. rolls out its Instant Peso Padala (IPP) online service, the company’s latest move in bringing digital solutions closer to everyone.

As COVID-19 remains a threat, the leader in the remittance space sees the need for a service that will allow Filipinos to send money easily. “At a time when everyone’s move is limited and even sending your padala to your family members or relatives seems challenging, we recognize the need for an online remittance service that will allow you to send money without leaving your house. With just a click, you’re sure that you’re able to look after your loved ones wherever you may be,” says Mr. Oliver Valentin, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Philippine Branch Operations of LBC.

LBC also announced that it is waiving the transaction fee for those using the service from June 5, 2020 to July 5, 2020.

To start sending money using IPP online, simply follow these steps:

1. Visit: ​​https://www.lbcexpress.com/ippbanktransaction
2. Provide your details including the sender and the receiver’s name and the amount of money you’ll be sending
3. A Reference Number will be generated for you.
4. You will receive the Reference Number via email and SMS.
5. Use the Reference Number to deposit your transaction amount to any LBC express bank account.
6. Send the proof of credit by uploading your receipt to the link found in the confirmation.
7. You will receive a confirmation via SMS and email that transaction had been processed.
8. The recipient can now claim their money at any branch or partner remittance center.

LBC ensures that the process is easy enough to take away the hassle from both the sender and the receiver. To claim funds, recipients just need to go to the nearest LBC branch or partner remittance centers such as Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Express, and MLhuillier.

LBC has over 1,400 branches nationwide, all maintain stringent measures and protocols set by the government including social distancing and regular fumigation and sanitation. Employees are also well-equipped with safety and protection gear.

“This is just one of the several digital transformation initiatives that we are introducing at LBC as the needs of our customers evolve. We are committed to bringing the best and most meaningful solutions to LBC users as we continue to move with them, and for them, during this challenging time,” adds Mr. Valentin.

For the latest updates on LBC’s services, visit https://www.lbcexpress.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/LBCExpress/.


ABOUT LBC

LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).

Solane Villanueva Plant Joins Rescue MARCH Challenge

Isla LPG Villanueva Plant recently participated in the RESCUE MARCH (Mass Assembly for Rescue &Care for Humanity) CHALLENGE that was spearheaded by STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI), an independent power producer operating in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

The Rescue MARCH Challenge is an activity that aims to simulate an anticipated big earthquake and how rescuers would respond to such emergency. Presuming that roads and transportation would be unavailable for use, rescuers would have to withstand going on foot across the city to search for survivors. They must also be able to properly run life-saving emergency procedures.

The program was also organized to show appreciation to the various rescue and emergency first responders around the municipalities of Tagaloan and Villanueva such as the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Red Cross, to name a few. The sole private company invited was Isla LPG Villanueva Plant, assisted by Shell Bitumen.

In total distance, the responders traveled 6.3 kilometers on foot, in their respective rescue uniforms with PPEs (personal protective equipment).

“This march was an endurance test for the responders; with direct sunlight and heat combined with the full PPE covering and exhaustion, it was indeed a challenge—which the responders handled well,” said Mr.Clark Publico, ILC Villanueva Plant operations executive.

The march lasted for an hour. In comparison to actual emergency response, this has proven that the ILC Emergency Response Team is truly capable and prepared in the event of disasters.

Solane LPG supports Davao Culinary Cup 2019

Solane LPG recently sponsored another successful Davao Culinary Cup at SM City Davao. The Davao Culinary Cup (DCC) is the biggest and most prestigious culinary competition in Mindanao. It successfully gathered participants from culinary schools, resorts, hotels, restaurants, and other establishments in the hospitality industry. It captures a similar value that Solane is consistently trying to advocate; that of recognizing the Filipino culinary talent and excellence that is at par with international standards. According to Solane’s Marketing Manager Valeri Villano, the company will always be supportive of culinary competitions that inspire novice chefs to continue honing their skills. As one of the Gold sponsors of the 5th Davao Culinary Cup, Solane also gave away exciting freebies and prizes to the winners and attendees.

Amazing Travel Deals Await with Traveloka’s Su-Paw Sale

There’s no reason to miss out on the opportunity to get on a plane and travel the world with Traveloka’s biggest promo yet, the Su-Paw Sale! On October 25, Traveloka users can enjoy up to 50% discounts on flights, accommodations, and activities and attractions too.

Southeast Asia’s leading online travel platform introduces the Su-Paw Sale in line with its ongoing Petfluencer campaign, which highlights that ease of making all types of travel arrangements via Traveloka; so easy that even your favorite furry friend can do it.

On Friday, October 25, from 10:00 am onwards, Traveloka app users can browse through all destinations and travel periods and enjoy discounted flight bookings with as much as 50% off, up to a maximum of P10,000.

Meanwhile, discounts for hotels and accommodation will also be up for grabs! Users can get up to 40% off, or up to P1,500, for a minimum spend of P3,000 from 6 - 8 pm only. And then specifically for in-app use for hotels, people can enjoy up to P1,250 off their hotels bookings of three nights. Those who are looking to book for 2 nights can also avail of up to 25% off.

Complete the package by taking advantage of cut-rate offerings of Traveloka’s Xperience. First time users can avail 25% off activities and attractions with a minimum spend of P2,000, while existing users can get 20% for a minimum spend of P1,500.

These awesome discounts are available for a limited time only, so get on Traveloka and be among the lucky users to avail of these one-time promos. With Traveloka, you can fly, stay and play the easy way—with just one app to tap.

It’s not just any sale, it’s Traveloka’s Su-Paw Sale! To learn more about these amazing travel deals, download the Traveloka app from the Google Play store on Android or from the App Store on iOS today.

Traveloka, which is available online or as a downloadable app on the Google Playstore and the Apple App Store, provides a wide range of travel needs in one platform—from flights, hotels, and trains; to flight+hotel packages; attractions & activities; and more—enabling customers to create moments together with their friends or loved ones.

PH Bamboo Industry Development Council Identifies New Bamboo Roadmap Strategies to Create more Jobs, Attract Investments

The Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) boosts its efforts in addressing the challenges of the country’s bamboo industry. PBIDC Chairman and Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez shared that the council has identified new approaches and strategies to grow the industry that will lead to investments and job creation.

“We are updating our strategies and expanding the list of government agencies as well as private sector partners to be involved in the development of this industry. It will be a whole-of-nation approach to ensure sustainable progress. We are also working closely with long-time bamboo industry advocates House Deputy Speaker Deogracias Victor DV Savellano and the Philippine Chamber of Mines official Atty. Leo Dominguez,” said Sec. Lopez.

During the council meeting on 16 October 2019, strategies were set such as identification of more land suitable for bamboo plantation; sourcing of right species and planting materials; propagation strategies; setting up of treatment facilities; product development assistance; exploration on the potentials of bamboo fiber as well as its byproducts; and inclusion of bamboo in crop insurance. The council is also looking at establishing bamboo industries at the barangay level to provide jobs and business opportunities in the countryside.

The inclusion of the Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Climate Change Commission, as well as National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) as partner agencies were discussed.

DTI is currently assessing its 101 Shared Service Facilities (SSF) on bamboo processing nationwide. The agency is also consolidating bamboo's market potentials. It will likewise tap the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for skills development, training, and scholarships on bamboo production and processing. Meanwhile, the DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards will work on setting up standards for bamboo products.

“The goal is to make the development of the bamboo industry more inclusive. Encourage farmers to plant bamboo and provide economic activities in their communities,” Sec. Lopez added.

As one of its initiatives, the PBIDC together with industry partners showcase high-value bamboo-made products at the ongoing Manila FAME. Contemporary designs of Filipino bamboo manufacturers and artisans are featured in the premiere lifestyle exhibitions in Asia Pacific.

DTI sees 80-M sales for MIMAROPA MSMEs in Agri-Trade, Tourism Fair

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) hopes micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) region would generate P80 million in sales as it leads the fifth edition of the MIMAROPA Naturally Agri-Trade and Tourism Fair on October 16 to 20, 2019 at the Megatrade Halls 1 and 2, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

At least 280 MSMEs from the provinces of Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan will strut their wares of local products and tourism destinations during the five-day fair, which will also feature the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Next Gen special setting with over 150 new and upgraded product designs.

DTI MIMAROPA Regional Director Joel B. Valera said the high sales expectation was due to the high quality and competitive products of the region’s MSMEs as the agri-trade and tourism fair is also expected to help jumpstart MSMEs’ vision of penetrating mainstream domestic and export markets, which will result job generation locally to support the Trabaho and Negosyo agenda of the administration.

Earning only at a paltry sale of P4.7 million in its opening in 2015, the MIMAROPA Naturally Agri-Trade and Tourism Fair has since garnered much attention in succeeding years as last year’s edition raked a whopping P70 million—far from its actual target of P50 million sales.

“MIMAROPA MSMEs’ enthusiasm in this agri-trade and tourism fair is very high since we started this trade fair in 2015, we set the bar higher by providing them business technical assistance. We make sure we closely monitor the MSMEs’ progress so we can allure buyers from the capital. Hopefully we can reach or even exceed the target,” Valera explained.

Products that will be exhibited during the agri-trade and tourism fair include processed food, furniture and home furnishings, wearables, such as fashion accessories, bags and footwear, and gifts and holiday decors.

One of the highlights of the fair is the OTOP Next Gen special setting that will feature MSME products that were assisted by the agency through the OTOP Next Gen program by improvement and innovation in the areas of quality, product development, design, packaging, standards compliance, marketability, production capability, brand development, among others.

In addition to the highlights, the agency also invited over 500 institutional buyers from Metro Manila for the closed-door buyers’ hour to help MSMEs link with large and expand the reach of their products.

Payments can also be made on a cashless basis as the DTI has adopted an electronic payment transaction to help capacitate MSMEs and utilize online payment solutions. Buyers can pay using GCash, PayMaya, and Dragon Pay applications.

The 2019 MIMAROPA Naturally Agri-Trade and Tourism Fair is in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Tourism (DOT), and in coordination with the provincial and city governments of Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.

Plan the Perfect Long Weekend Getaway with Traveloka

This August has a number of holidays and long weekends that adventure and vacation loving Filipinos can look forward to: Eid al-Adha on the third week of the month, Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21, and National Heroes Day on August 26. Make the most out of these extended breaks by satisfying your wanderlust and going on that much-desired getaway.

Here are some suggestions on where you can go and what you can do to achieve your #looongweekendgoals.

●        August 10 to 12: Singapore or Cebu

Singapore’s always been an accessible and ideal weekend destination for Filipinos. Its quaint old neighborhoods, eclectic dining scene, lively arts and culture, and other exciting attractions make it an even better destination.

The Island of Cebu, meanwhile, offers travelers the best of both worlds: a colorful urban lifestyle and the serenity of nature—the choice is yours!

●        August 9 to 12: Palawan or Hong Kong

You can never go wrong visiting Palawan. Coron, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa are just some of the most beautiful places on the island that offer unique experiences for every adventurer.

Hong Kong, on the other hand, has consistently been a top destination for Filipinos. Travelers can enjoy amazing shopping deals, delectable cuisine, and an unforgettable array of sights and attractions.

●        August 21, 2019: Staycation in Metro Manila

A staycation in Metro Manila on hump day may just be the quick break you need. Treat yourself to a comfortable bed, delicious hotel food, and cool amenities.

●        August 21 to August 26: Japan or Seoul

If you can afford to file a two-day leave, go all out and book a trip to Japan or Seoul, South Korea.

Spend the long weekend in Tokyo or Osaka and have a taste of amazing food while taking in fashion-forward trends, a rich history, and quirky pop-culture.

You can also enjoy the electric atmosphere in Seoul. Experience a whole range of activities, from sampling tasty local delicacies to soaking up K-pop and the rich culture and heritage. Shopaholics will also love the amazing retail finds here.

●        August 23 to 26: Bangkok or Taipei

For those who can only file a one-day leave, a four-day vacation in Bangkok, Thailand or Taipei, Taiwan is perfect.

Bangkok’s culture is best experienced by simply immersing yourself into the heart of things. Try the food and get lost in the sights and sounds of the bustling city.

A trip to Taipei will give you the chance to explore its rich cultural history, irresistible culinary treats, and a modern urban vibe.

●        August 24 to 26, 2019: Davao or Boracay

A quick escape to Davao can prove extremely refreshing, regardless if you stay in the city or head out to experience the beach or the great outdoors.

Boracay’s rebirth, on the other hand, has ensured that its white sand beaches are kept pristine and majestic.

Excited for the upcoming long weekends? Turn these dates into #LooongWeekendGoals with Traveloka, the ultimate one-stop online travel platform, for an experience like no other.

Traveloka provides a wide range of travel needs in one platform—including flights, hotels, transport, flight+hotel packages, attractions, activities, and more—helping customers to easily create moments together with their friends and loved ones.

Check out Traveloka’s #LooongWeekendGoals promotion and get amazing deals! Book your flight+hotel packages via https://www.traveloka.com/en-ph/packages. Download the app via Google Play or the App Store for more exclusive promos.

Chef from Puerto Princesa wins Palawan leg of Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition

Roberto Roldan Jr. from Palawan  emerged as the winner of the fourth regional leg of the Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition—a nationwide cooking competition which aims to recognize a new generation of local talented chefs. Roldan bested five (5) other contestants for his winning dish, Herbs and Cashew nut-crusted Beef Tenderloin in Bistek Sauce. He will have the chance to qualify for the national competition round with a grand prize of P100,000 and a culinary trip to Japan. The Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition is sponsored by Midea, Jolly Heartmate, Dona Elena Al Dente Pasta, Masflex Cookware, King Sue, Anvil Publishing, Ajinomoto, King Sue, Philtranco, Fastcat, and Chef Plus.

8990 Holdings Ventures Into High-End Market

8990 Holdings, one of the fastest growing real estate developers in the Philippines and listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the symbol “HOUSE,” will literally rise a thousand feet above sea level, as it enters into high-end property development. 8990 Holdings has agreed to acquire 100 percent of the outstanding shares of GENVI Development Corporation, one of Cebu’s top developers of high-end properties, including its flagship project, Monterrazas de Cebu.

A rare gem hidden for generations, Monterrazas de Cebu is the largest and last remaining contiguous mountain property development in the heart of Cebu City. The more than 200-hectare property, which has a commanding view of Cebu, Mactan, and Bohol, is a masterplanned integrated community with residential, commercial, and institutional clusters.

Its first set of phases have already been launched and are in varied stages of development. In 2007, Monterrazas de Cebu offered its first high-end residential community, The Peaks. Here, residents get to wake up to the most majestic views of the city and enjoy the five-star amenities of its clubhouse, Verandas.

The Verandas is to be perched on the highest peak of Monterrazas, featuring unmatched architectural beauty that gives residents a 360-degree view of not only the city, but the islands of Mactan, Bohol, and the Buhisan forests.

A year after it introduced The Peaks, Monterrazas de Cebu launched another residential community called North Ridge—an upscale subdivision focused on the core Filipino value of family, where they can share intimate bonds and make timeless memories without boundaries, all against a backdrop of the city skyline and the islands beyond.

In addition, residents of the North Ridge community can take delight in their own landmark clubhouse called The Pavilions. It features a free-form infinity pool, a play area, a lounge, and two function rooms.

These existing projects, however, are less than half of the total land area of Monterrazas de Cebu. With 8990 Holdings’ acquisition of GENVI Development Corporation, the development of these upscale subdivisions and high-end residential communities will definitely continue. In fact, the company also plans to offer other residential projects for those seeking luxury living close to the city.

“The acquisition of Monterrazas de Cebu firms up our intention to expand 8990 Holdings into other real estate segments that have proven to have strong demand in the past years,” said 8990 Holdings president and chief executive officer Willie J. Uy.

Prior to entering the upscale segment, 8990 Holdings has made big moves to beef up and support its plans.

The company acquired new technologies which will be used in developing Monterrazas de Cebu and its future projects. It is also exploring architectural designs seen in the top cities around the world which will be adopted in the next phase of the Monterrazas de Cebu development. Spearheading the sales team will be Dennis Lim, who joins 8990 Holdings as national sales head.

“We wanted to get someone who has the experience in the higher end market. We found this in Dennis Lim. His 21 years of experience in real estate and handling luxury projects, such as the Grand Hyatt Manila, was the main reason why we believed he would help bolster 8990 Holdings’ move towards this segment,” added Uy.

“Our ultimate goal is to become one of the largest property companies in the Philippines. Through organic growth we have been able to double our revenues to Php11.5 billion from a mere Php5.7 billion six years ago and expand our land bank to almost 600 hectares. The addition of Monterrazas de Cebu brings 8990 Holdings’ landbank to approximately 800 hectares. As with other top companies, it is a natural progression for one to move into new markets to achieve sustained exponential growth in the years to come.”

Last year, 8990 Holdings launched its leisure company, 8990 Leisure and Resorts. Its hospitality arm will spend Php5 billion in key destinations in Cebu, Makati, Davao, Palawan, Boracay, Siquijor, Alabang, Manila, Iloilo, Legazpi, Clark, Lapu-Lapu, Siargao, and Baguio.

8990 Holdings’ aggressive growth has indeed risen a thousand feet. And it looks like the company is showing no signs of letting up.