Aklan, artists’ masterpiece

Map of Aklan (phto from web)

One of the small towns of this province captured the heart of a soulful foreign artist and spun the place into a dreamlike work of art. A secluded place no more, New Washington, Aklan can now easily associated with Sampaguita Gardens Resort which denotes Mr. Samuel Butcher (artist/owner) is completely charmed by the place.

Sampaguita Gardens Resort radiates its owner’s soul and encompasses equally surreal masterpieces like the Precious Moments figurines, the chapel and the Christmas cottage which serves as the focal point. Every nook and cranny of the place casts a warmth spell in one’s heart, making one wishes to stay forever. So true to its resort theme, “Everyday is Christmas at Sampaguita Gardens”.

In contrast, a world-class and highly acclaimed summer destination, Boracay Island is just a 1-2 hour drive away from Sampaguita Gardens Resort. The island’s long stretch of sugary white sand, crystal clear waters and scenic views will make one completely enamored with the place.

While a lot of commercial establishments thrive around to serve the growing number of tourists, the grandeur of the island is still as its best. Aside from the typical activities that most of these establishments offers, a quite and leisurely walk is yet another way to take pleasure of the island. It gives you moment to commune with nature and revere this particular masterpiece of God, the supreme artist of all time.

Aklan is situated in Western Visayas (Region VI). Its two airports in Kalibo and Caticlan have regular flights coming from Cebu and Manila. 

Spellbound in Siquijor

Map of Siquijor (photo from the web)

The smallest province in Central Visayas and most likely one of the smallest provinces in the Philippines is the magical island of Siquijor also identified as “Isla de Fuego” (Island of Fire) by its Spanish colonizers, owing to the swarm of fireflies that glow at night. It consists of six towns that ease exploring the island in couple of hours with a ready transport.

 

Even with its small size, Siquijor is bewitching in more ways one can imagine. It is pack with fairly tempting swimming spots like natural springs, white sand beaches and multi-tiered waterfalls. Spelunking and hiking trails are preferences just as fascinating.

 

"lumay" (photo from the web)

"bolo-bolo" performed by a local healer

old balete tree (photo from the web)

The island itself is legendary for its way of life. The lifestyle revolve in folk healing (like bolo-bolo), hushed talks of supernatural and the rumored tradition of sorcery which keep Siquijor shrouded in air of mystery. This quirky attraction in fact, contributes to the growing tourism industry of the island and the locals benefit more in marketing lumay (concoctions), trinkets and amulets to interested tourists.

Other intriguing activity that enthralled more tourists in this island is prominent during holy week when faith healers and spiritualists or shaman convene and perform certain rituals to rejuvenate and replenish their healing power.

Visiting the mystical island of Siquijor is trouble-free with the scheduled trips coming from Cebu or Negros Oriental.

The quaint university town of Negros Oriental

Map of Neros Oriental

This particular province of Central Visayas (Region VII) is long known for its diving and underwater paradise in Apo Island, pristine white sandbar in Manjuyod and dolphin watching in Bais City.  Aside from these water activities, Negros Oriental tempts its growing number of foreign and local tourists with equally fascinating land-based attractions like spelunking, trekking and most of all discovering the rich history of its quaint university town, Dumaguete City. 

Apo Island (photo from the dumagueteinfo.com)

Manjuyod sandbar (photo from negrostourism.com)

Silliman University (photo from the web)

The city’s commercialization itself is nestled within the multipart of this prominent university (Silliman University – the oldest American institution established in 1901), which covers a considerable fraction of the city’s land area. This distinctive arrangement put in emphasis on the fascinating story and architectural composition of the city.

Rizal Boulevard (photo from a friend)

One of the city’s well loved places is Rizal Boulevard, named after our national hero (Dr. Jose Rizal) and said to be where he took a stroll during a brief visit on his way to the neighboring island of Dapitan. This sea front esplanade is one of the landmarks of the city where most locals and tourists alike love to convene and take leisurely walk along its strip.

motorbikes in Dumaguete City (photo from the web)

What underscores the city’s characteristic is its mode of transportation. This city of the gentle people is obviously a huge aficionado of motorbikes.  And I cannot help comparing the place to Saigon (Hoh Chi Minh City, Vietnam), where I have seen similar motorcycle madness yet still an attraction in its own right. Perhaps motorbikes offer the best convenience to maneuver the narrow road network of the city or perhaps for just a university town itself.

This travel hub of Negros Oriental can be reached via air and sea transportation from Manila or Cebu.

Breathtaking bouts in Bohol

Map of Bohol, Philippines
(photo from the net)

From Cebu City to Tagbilaran City, Bohol will only take 2 hours travel by ferry or by plane in 30 minutes. These conveniences I suppose define Bohol a favorite side trip if not the main destination.

While part of my job obliges me to frequent travel, there are some perks that come along with it. So it is no wonder I have plenty of breathtaking bouts in Bohol.

Apart from the prominent historical landmarks and sceneries like the Chocolate Hills, Man-made Forest, Blood Compact Site, Floating Restaurant Loboc River, Hinagdanan Cave; and the well-known centuries old churches (sadly, most of these churches were wrecked by a strong earthquake last October 15, 2013), Bohol is quite known for its affectionate, hospitable and religious people as well. 

children enjoying the summer @ Panglao Island, Bohol

Sunset at Panglao Island, Bohol

This is somewhat evident during the month of May when the locals celebrate fiestas practically everyday in honor of different patrons and saints of each town in Bohol. And without any hint of qualm, Boholanos (Bohol locals) open their homes to everyone - simple acquaintances, passersby and even virtual strangers included.

pedicab with bible verse (photo from the net)

And as for being strong believers of faith, this is quite noticeable in their daily lives. In fact, favorite bible verses are visibly marked in their local transport called “pedicab”.

E-Commerce Exercise 2: Success Case Analysis

Having an impressive online presence is a gargantuan task that needs careful planning and execution. Some known sites that made it on top are Facebook, Google, Amazon and eBay (known to be the worlds’ largest e-commerce). What these sites have in common? Obviously, these companies manage to come up with excellent strategies and business platforms. 

Facebook uses social network platform and provide framework for creating applications.

Google uses advertising strategy, the Google Ad Network where AdWord and AdSense as Ad Model.  Amazon uses the recommendation technology which involves long tail strategy. eBay uses eBay Affiliate Program for its business and solution partner and crowd sourcing activities. 

As what Dr. Koh (Professor) mentioned in the class, strategy is an important factor in e-commerce. And I learned that there are lots of factors to consider such as:

• Target Customer –this indicates a certain category of online audience. 
• Contents – having an interactive page or content makes potential buyers stay longer and eventually engage a transaction. It can also be customized which will accommodate the needs, interests and reflect a unique experience to its target customer.
• Across channels – the ease of access keeps the company competitive whether it is online or through mobile device apps that offer quick services like transaction updates, feedback and other information. 
• Design – graphic designs may influence the feelings of the site visitors. 
• No Middleman – this strategy can easily make bigger crowd. A quick maneuver to introduce new products since there is no shelf space restrictions and the complication of supply chain. 
• Segmentation – a site with reliable navigation provides an attractive browsing experience and entices audience in coming back.

Cebu from the eyes of a local

Map of Cebu, Philippines
(photo from the net)

For the past years, it has become my obvious inclination to visit at least one new place for my trip. Each and every place I set foot offers a diverse level of experience ranging from ordinary to extreme activities which I find both enjoyable and relaxing. And I always take pleasure in every moment I spent wherever I go, embracing the novelty of the place.

While having fun memories of the place, I silently made random checks of the things I cannot find in Cebu, my place of origin. But for some reason, I can always find one or two similarities. And surprisingly, I can easily associate the semblance to any spot in my hometown. I am not claiming to be a well-verse of my hometown but I can at least make a short preamble from the eyes of a local.     

Cebu City (photo from the net)

First and foremost, one can easily find Cebu as a mixture of old and new, of fast-paced life and laid-back countryside, of business and leisure, and culture, arts and religion which will certainly leave a lasting and unique experience to its visitor.

Lechon (photo from the net)

 
Mangoes (photo from the net)

Dried Fish (photo from the net)

Second, Cebu is a place for food-lovers. Wide selection of restaurants, food shops and local rendezvous will surely satisfy your gastronomic adventure. Of course, one will never leave Cebu without having a grab of the famous delectable lechon, sweet mangoes and crispy dried fish danggit. (just to mention a few)

Besides, what makes Cebu one of the favorite destination place is its accessibility. Having an international airport and seaport, visitors can easily come and go anytime they want all year round. Manila to Cebu and vice versa is one hour travel by plane and visitors can easily navigate around Cebu by taking public utility vehicles (jeepney, taxi, and v-hire) or rent-a-car service.

Lastly, it is also worth noting that not all places I have visited afford the same accommodations and services I enjoy much in my hometown, Cebu. 

E-Commerce Exercise 1

Here are some of the e-commerce websites with different types of online presence: 

1.  Cebu Pacific Air – Why everyone flies

This is a transactional e-commerce site.  Cebu Pacific’s mission is to bring people together through safe, affordable, reliable, and fun-filled air travel.

It has an attractive site design loaded with eye catching information like big discounts and promo plane tickets, known as Piso (one-peso) Fare promos for everyone especially those frequent travelers. The site also accommodates payment method like credit card.

Cebu Pacific is also active on social media.

2. NETSUITE – Business Software, Business Management Software

This is a service-oriented relationship-building website. The site claims leading provider of cloud-based business management software. Its product/service usually caters the need of midsize companies.

It has a professional design that offers wide range of information such as its different products, solutions, services and even customer stories or testimonials.  

The site is also link to NETSUITE Blog and active on social media.

3.  ZALORA Philippines | Online shopping for shoes, clothes & fashion

This is a transactional e-commerce site. One stop online destination for everything fashion is the site’s objective.

 It typically offers branded fashion items for busy workers and professionals as target customers who find less time visiting real shopping malls.

The site design is adequate and its contents are appealing to the customers. It also provides flexible payment methods and other essential information.