Philippine ECommerce Experts Converge at ECommerce Entrepreneurs Summit Cebu 2014

In Photo: Third Team Media Founder Fleire Castro speaks on running effective social media campaigns. 

 

 In Photo: The Event's topnotch speakers from various ECommerce Backgrounds

November 29, 2014- I was fortunate to be a part of the recently concluded Ecommerce Entrepreneurs Summit held at the Diamond Suites Cebu and I got a glimpse of developments of the ECommerce industry in the country, the ASEAN region and the rest of the world. 

Indeed, the internet is a huge world where loads of possibilities can happen at any given time for an entrepreneur or an establishment using the right marketing strategy and campaign.

ECommerce entrepreneurs were given light by industry experts on the best practices and strategies to make it big online, build a lasting relationship and convey the right ideas to their respective clients.

The event was spearheaded by non other than the mother of ECommerce in the Philippines, Ms. Janette Toral and was presided by top hitting speakers who thought up of innovative strategies to expand their reach online and reach their target clients.

Much like a system reboot, the event inspired me to continue my online marketing efforts and check along with my peers in the digital world if my techniques and strategies are at par with today’s standards in the digital marketplace.

Thank you very much to the organizers, friends in the business, my supportive GM and of course to Ms. Janette Toral of Digital Filipino for the opportunity to expand my horizons further. 

In Photo: the organizers, participants and mentors of the ECommerce Entrepreneurs Summit 2014 

Cebu Urbano

 

Enjoying the thrill of hot spring waters at Esoy Hot Spring Resort in Duyan, Catmon Cebu

Having been living in Cebu’s North all my life, I've just recently heard from friends and other bloggers as they share their great experience at Esoy Hot Spring- A hot, sulfuric spring that emerged on the side of one of the mountains of Duyan, Catmon from volcanic activity underneath.  

This sparked my curiosity to visit the place but never actually found the time do so until my wife and friends got together and agreed for us to while the time there, have a picnic, talk over drinks and experience firsthand the spring’s natural amenities.

One Saturday, we went there and had a great time frolicking about the place’s offerings which includes: hot spring pools, river trek, waterfalls and explore the caves below the mountain. We were also guided by the none other than the very friendly resort owner, boss “Esoy” himself who oversaw that we were properly following safety instructions and have our life vests on while heading down the hanging bridge, swim in the river and walked upstream to see the whole place out.

Overall it’s another great experience that fits a traveler’s journal and I’d say is a must try for everyone. Should you need help in getting there, just take note of these: the resort sits roughly around 2-3 kilometers away from the highway and you need to turn left inside Duyan, Catmon. Signages abound the road so getting there is not a problem. In terms of transportation in case you’ll not be bringing one, “habal-habal” cycles are also in plenty.    

Below are some photos that we took from our trip to give you a better glimpse of the place. Enjoy!  

 

Cebu Urbano 

Experiencing renewed faith thru a pilgrimage to Simala Sibonga Cebu

 Figuring out the best way to spend our lenten vacation, wife called up for us to go on another adventure and personal pilgrimage to the world renowned- Miraculous Shrine of the Virgin mother down south at Simala, Sibonga Cebu.

It was a trip that was worth the long wait (approximately 3 hours and one Time magazine issue away) we got to the shrine via V-Hire at One Citylink Terminal (80 Php) which by the way, drove us right at the gate of the church and saved us the 5 kilometer “Habal- Habal” ride from the highway proper.

At the site, we’re met with religious spectacles from just about every corner; we reveled in the minute shrines near the footsteps of the shrine / monastery, climbed up what seemed like a thousand steps up to the museum where we were introduced to precious idols, insignias and other significant artifacts of the Catholic faith. We then went down the serene church and said our thanks,  praises and wrote down our petitions at the courtyard.

After having our fill of faith and savoring the all scenic atmosphere, we then got to the shrine’s picnic grove by the pond where we enjoyed the grub that we brought along. We packed in lots of Picka-pickas of large (and very heart wrenching) pork chicharon packs which we bought at the pit stop at Carcar and potato chips, soft drinks and water bottles.

It was almost dinnertime when we took the strides again for the trip back home. Since it was already night time and the V-Hire shed was already closed, we rode the “Habal-habal” (20 Php) back to the highway and after quite a long walk, took refreshments and had dinner at one of the roadside BBQ stalls that abound the highway.

Finally after an hour of waiting, we got on a half-full bus back to the city for another 3 hour ride (70 Php and very bumpy mind you) and reminisce the day's great journey while hitting the sack. Over all, it was a soul refreshing escapade that's definitely worth a 2 thumbs up and a must try for everyone.   

Cebu Urbano