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Tag: Philippines

  • Globe expanding LTE network amid growing demand

    Globe expanding LTE network amid growing demand

    The Philippines’ Globe Teleom expects to be generating around half of its mobile data traffic from LTE by the end of the year.

    The operator plans to deploy 600 more LTE cell sites by this time to cater to growing demand, taking its total network of sites up to nearly 5,600.

    Currently around 43% of Globe’s data traffic comes from its LTE network, which operates on the 700-MHz, 1800-MHz and 2600-MHz bands.

    Total mobile data traffic for the first six months of the year climbed 85% year-on-year to 280 petabytes as smartphone penetration increased to around two thirds of the opeartor’s total mobile subscribers, Globe’s latest statistics indicate.

    Globe has been concentrating its LTE rollout on Metro Manila and other densely populated areas.

    But a significant number of its customers are still using 3G SIMs with LTE devices or vice versa, so the operator is encouraging customers to upgrade for a superior experience. Since January the company has migrated around 900,000 customers using LTE devices onto LTE SIMs.

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  • Cebu Pacific invests in facilities for persons with reduced mobility

    Cebu Pacific invests in facilities for persons with reduced mobility

    The Philippines’ carrier, Cebu Pacific(CEB), is set to roll-out Disabled Passenger Lifts (DPLs) in key airports in the Philippines. The DPLs which would allow Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRMs) an easier and more comfortable boarding experience on Cebu Pacific flights.

    CEB is the first airline to invest in its own DPLs, in line with its thrust to improve passenger experience. The use of the DPL is free of charge for Cebu Pacific passengers with reduced mobility. Aside from Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), these include pregnant and elderly passengers who may have difficulty climbing stairs to board their flights.

    CEB has invested over PHP100 Million for the procurement and installation of 35 brand-new DPLs. The first DPL was installed in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in March 2017 for testing and evaluation. Since July 2017, the DPL has been used to lift PWDs, pregnant and elderly passengers on a limited number of CEB flights.

    Michael Ivan Shau, Vice President for Airport Services of Cebu Pacific said that the rest of the DPL units would be installed starting 2018. Six more units would be placed at the NAIA Terminal 3, with the rest deployed to other CEB hubs across the country, namely, Clark, Kalibo, Iloilo, Cebu and Davao; as well as high-traffic airports across the country with CEB operates flight using Airbus aircraft. Target completion is by June 2018.

    “We are looking at initiatives to improve the passenger experience for everyJuan. For our PWD passengers and those with reduced mobility, we recognize that the experience of being lifted manually can be uncomfortable. Investing in the DPLs will allow us to board and deplane passengers with reduced mobility safely, with minimal discomfort,” said Shau.

    In 2016 alone, over 43,000 passengers availed of wheelchair assistance from the check-in counter. Of this number, more than 14,000 were wheeled from the check-in counter and carried to their seats in the aircraft.

    The DPL was introduced in 1998 by international aircraft service provider Airport Maintenance Services– Ground Service Equipment to give airports a safe, comfortable and dignified way to get PRMs on and off aircraft. The DPL allows PRMs, as well as their companions or service agents to board the aircraft or deplane via the aircraft door designated by the airlines. To date, there have been at least 500 DPLs used worldwide.

    For PWDs and other PRMs who need wheelchair assistance, they simply need to tick the box indicating this requirement upon booking their flights.

    Cebu Pacific has also recently implemented discounts on base fares and value-added taxes (VAT) exemption for all domestic flights for PWDs and senior citizens across all its booking channels. CEB has also integrated the domestic terminal fees into CEB ticket costs—all aimed to provide guests with a more convenient and hassle-free flight experience.

  • Puregold Price Club enters Western Visayas

    Puregold Price Club enters Western Visayas

    Puregold Price Club has bought five supermarkets in Roxas City, its first move into the Western Visayas.

    This takes the group’s nationwide store network to 313. The cost of the acquisitions has not been disclosed.

    Puregold has been expanding outside Luzon with construction of its second store in Leyte expected to finish next month.

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  • Cebu Pacific seeks extended travel tax exemption for some SE Asia routes

    Cebu Pacific seeks extended travel tax exemption for some SE Asia routes

    Cebu Pacific on Tuesday urged the government to extend the travel tax exemption on routes within Palawan, Mindanao and neighboring Southeast Asian countries, which expires next month.

    Travelers coming from the two Philippine islands who are going to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia were exempted from the P1,620 duty for 3 years from Oct. 24, 2014 to promote BIMP-EAGA, a Southeast Asian growth area.

    President Rodrigo Duterte also recently pushed for the revitalization of the BIMP-EAGA or the Brunei-Indoneseia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asia Growth Area.

    “We believe that this would provide relief to the Filipino travelers and accelerate trade and tourism between the member countries, in accordance with the spirit and intent behind the creation of BIMP-EAGA,” said Cebu Pacific vice president for corporate affairs JR Mantaring.

    The Mindanao Development Authority serves as the Coordinating Office of the Philippines for BIMP-EAGA.

    Cebu Pacific subsidiary Cebgo will start its Zamboanga-Sandakan route on October 29, 2017. The 4 times weekly service (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays) is the carrier’s 27th international destination.

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  • Cebu Pacific includes tax in fares

    Cebu Pacific includes tax in fares

    The Philippines’ low-cost airline, Cebu Pacific, is now including the cost of the Domestic Passenger Service Charge (DPSC) in all ticket quotes.

    Commonly known as the “Terminal Fee” the inclusion is for domestic flights operating out of airports managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

    It became effective across the airline’s booking system for domestic flight sectors, 15 September. CAAP was the last airports operator to allow airlines to collect the tax. Previously, passengers had to queue at tax counters to pay the fee prior to boarding.

    However, the airline noted that the announcement applies to airports under CAAP. There are different arrangements on paying the tax in place at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Clark International Airport and Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan (Boracay).

    Manila International Airport Authority and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority have included domestic terminal fees for the Manila and Cebu airports in ticket payments since 2013.

    Passengers who are only transiting through the 33 CAAP-managed airports are exempted from paying the DPSC.

    Depending on the airport, CAAP terminal fees range from PHP50.00 (approximately USD1) to PHP200.00 (approximately USD4).

    “While the total cost paid by passengers who booked flights on Cebu Pacific became slightly higher due to the addition of the terminal fee, this system is a convenience to travellers. They no longer have to line-up at the counters to pay for the domestic terminal fee,” said, Cebu Pacific vice president for corporate affairs, Atty JR Mantaring.

    Cebu Pacific passengers have also been given the option to pay the travel tax on international flights of PHP1,620.00 (approximately USD32), plus a handling fee of PHP80.00 (approximately USD2) when they book their flights online, via www.cebupacificair.com, or through Cebu Pacific ticket offices.

    Passengers who are exempt from the tax, or are eligible for reduced travel tax, can still book, pay and confirm their flights on Cebu Pacific, but will need to present valid tax exemption documents upon check-in.

  • Michael Kors Philippines updates Makati flagship

    Michael Kors Philippines updates Makati flagship

    Michael Kors Philippines has completed the renovation and reopening of its flagship store at Greenbelt 5 in Makati.

    The US affordable luxury brand is distributed in the Philippines by Stores Specialists Inc (SSI) and has other stores at Central Square on Bonifacio High Street, Newport Mall, Power Plant Mall, Rustan’s Makati, and Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

    “Michael Kors has contemporary styling and great value. It is very up to date with trends interpreted in a way that resonates with every kind of style,” says SSI Group president Anton Huang.

    He says Michael Kors Philippines has noted a recent upturn in sales of ready-to-wear lines, while bags and accessories and footwear are the most popular categories in the local market. “Up-to-date, ready-to-wear apparel has become more important to our customers. It’s been successful.

    “For apparel, there’s growth season after season.”

    Huang says the brand’s fortunes are rising along with the evolving sophistication of Filipinos’ lifestyles.

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  • Motorola Philippines moves beyond Manila

    Motorola Philippines moves beyond Manila

    Motorola Philippines has opened a Motorola Kiosk in SM Batangas, its first retail venture outside Metro Manila.

    It is its fourth store since Motorola entered the Philippines in October last year, and follows the opening of a kiosk in Cyberzone, Mall of Asia, two months ago.

    Motorola launched with two concept stores, in the Cyberzone area in SM North Edsa Annex and SM Megamall, both run by MemoXpress.

    Lenovo Mobile Business Group Philippines country manager John Rojo says the brand aims to create more consumer engagement through activities and communications.

    All Motorola concept stores carry the full Moto smartphone lineup.

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  • Jollibee Kauswagan Diversion 20th store for city

    Jollibee Kauswagan Diversion 20th store for city

    Fast-food giant Jollibee has opened its 20th branch in Cagayan de Oro City – the drive-through store Jollibee Kauswagan Diversion.

    It is beside a gas station along San Pedro Street, and close to the villages of Bayabas, Bonbon and Kauswagan.
    The store is also the 126th Jollibee fast-service restaurant in Mindanao.

    Its blessing and inauguration was attended by Jollibee executives and Cagayan de Oro politicians.

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  • Oppo Philippines launches concept store in Cebu

    Oppo Philippines launches concept store in Cebu

    Oppo Philippines has opened a concept store at Ayala Center Cebu.

    It is part of a nationwide expansion plan by the smartphone brand.

    “Cebu is a valuable market for Oppo… our selfie-centric smartphones are definitely relevant in the ninth city for most selfies in the world,” says Oppo Philippines PR manager Eason de Guzman.

    As well as the latest phone models, the Oppo concept stores carry accessories.

    On hand at the Ayala Center store’s opening was actor Rocco Nacino.

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  • Vitamin World to file for Chapter 11 protection

    Vitamin World to file for Chapter 11 protection

    US retailer Vitamin World is to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection hoping that will allow it to exit lease deals and trim its 345-strong store network.

    The New York-headquartered retailer which sells vitamins and dietary supplements, says it inherited a lot of expensive leases from its previous owners and the rent burden is making it hard to trade effectively.

    CEO Michael Madden said in a statement that entering Chapter 11 protection would allow the company to move forward as a stronger organisation, serving customers both in stores and online.

    Madden assumed the CEO role last year and says he has been in negotiations with landlords ever since.
    “While a handful of landlords cooperated, the vast majority have not. At this time we have no other option than to restructure the company’s real estate portfolio by filing for Chapter 11 protection.”

    Last year, Vitamin World was sold by NBTY Inc, the maker of brands such as Nature’s Bounty and Sundown Naturals, to private equity investor Centre Lane Partners, for about US$25 million.

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  • Trimark Holdings introduces CH Carolina Herrera to Philippines

    Trimark Holdings introduces CH Carolina Herrera to Philippines

    Manila has its first CH Carolina Herrera boutique, launched by Trimark Holdings, which introduced Vera Wang Bride to the Philippines last year.

    Born in Venezuela, the New York designer was a favourite with the US first ladies as well as Hollywood stars.

    At Greenbelt 5, Makati, CH Carolina Herrera is the diffusion line of designer and offers womenswear and menswear, handbags, shoes, eyewear, jewellery and silk accessories.

    Next to burger outlet Lusso, the 130sqm boutique features dark shades of brown, black and gray against bold red and white walls, with gilded moldings and grained wood floors.

    Herrera, 78, has dressed such style influencers as Jackie Kennedy and Renee Zellweger.

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  • Max’s Group moves east and north

    Max’s Group moves east and north

    Casual-dining giant Max’s Group Incorporated (MGI) has broken into the Middle East and also broadened its presence in Canada.

    Its casual-dining restaurant brand Sizzlin’ Steak has gained a foothold in the UAE through a partnership deal with Kasamar Holdings. The aim is to build seven Sizzlin’ Steak outlets in the UAE over the next five years.

    “We are seeing the emergence of Sizzlin’ Steak as a global mainstream brand,” says MGI president/CEO Robert Trota.

    It is the fourth development contract signed by MGI for the year, adding to a pipeline of more than 130 stores for the coming years.

    Kasamar is a family enterprise based in Abu Dhabi with diversified interests in retail. It is planning to assemble a portfolio of food brands for the region.

    Director Mo Bississo says the group hopes to launch the first Sizzlin’ Steak by early next year to be followed by an accelerated rollout long term.

    MGI has 655 stores, including 55 franchised outlets, abroad including parts of Asia.

    Meanwhile, it has advised the Philippine Stock Exchange that with its partner Alibin Group it will establish the first Max’s Restaurant in Winnipeg before next year.

    MGI has four Max’s Restaurant branches in Canada, in Vancouver, Toronto, Scarborough and Edmonton. Alibin is a Winnipeg-based private firm with experience that embraces retail and food services.

    MGI’s other brands include Dencio’s, Krispy Kreme, Le Coeur de France, Maple, Meranti, Pancake House, Teriyaki Boy and Yellow Cab Pizza.

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  • AirAsia to start offering Manila–Ho Chi Minh City flights in November

    AirAsia to start offering Manila–Ho Chi Minh City flights in November

    Budget carrier AirAsia Philippines on Tuesday announced it will begin offering direct flights from Manila to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in November.

    “We are thrilled to announce that we will start servicing direct flights from Manila to Ho Chi Minh in November as part of our commitment to continue bringing the Philippines closer to neighboring cities within the Asean region,” AirAsia Philippines CEO Dexter Comendador said in a statement.

    AirAsia is offering an introductory promo fare of P990 for the Manila-Ho Chi Minh route. The promo is available for booking from September 19 to October 18 on AirAsia’s website and mobile app.

    The promo fares are available for travel period from November 17, 2017 to November 21, 2018.

    AirAsia will fly three times a week from Manila to Ho Chi Minh, every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday.

  • Cebu Pacific to launch Davao-Tagbilaran flights in October

    Cebu Pacific to launch Davao-Tagbilaran flights in October

    Leading low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific continues to expand its network as it is set to launch its new route that will directly link Davao City with Tagbilaran, Bohol starting October 21. The flight will be operated by Cebu Pacific’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Cebgo, and will be flying between Davao and Tagbilaran four-times-a-week, Tuesdays, Thursday, Saturdays, and Sundays.

    The flight will be operated using one of the subsidiary’s ATR 72 aircraft. “As part of our efforts to improve the overall customer experience for everyJuan, we have been taking to heart the suggestions and feedback from our guests. We’ve looked at the feasibility of the Davao-Tagbilaran route and are optimistic that this new air link will not only answer the clamor from the local communities, but stimulate trade and tourism in both destinations,” said Alexander Lao, President and chief executive officer of Cebgo. “It’s (Davao-Tagbilaran flight) going to give us and Bohol more opportunities not only for tourism but business as well. Hopefully, also aside from locals, foreign guests will use this opportunity to come visit us in Davao,” said Davao City Tourism Operations Office head Generose Tecson, in a text message to SunStar Davao.

    For his part, Department of Tourism (DOT)-Davao Regional Director Roberto Alabado III said, “DOT welcomes the new route since this will provide more access for tourists as Bohol is one of the sought after destinations in the Philippines. The new route will allow foreign tourists to go to Davao as their next destination.” “Their Chocolate Hills experience will be complemented by the Mt. Apo and Mt. Hamiguitan experience while their tarsier encounter will be enhanced by the Philippine Eagle encounter,” he added. Davao serves as the Cebu Pacific hub in Mindanao, linking the city directly to Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Manila, Tacloban, and Zamboanga; as well as to Singapore.

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  • Jollibee linked to Pret-A-Manger bid

    Jollibee linked to Pret-A-Manger bid

    Philippines-based Jollibee Foods is reportedly running the numbers to buy gourmet sandwich and coffee chain Pret-A-Manger.

    Sources have told Reuters news agency that the Pret-A-Manger bid would value the business at in excess of US$1 billion, and close to the $1.1 billion it achieved in sales last year.

    While at first glance the Filipino food concept – which has low-cost burgers, chicken pieces and fries as its staple menu – seems an unlikely bedfellow for the London-based sandwich concept which targets office workers, Pret-A-Manger’s previous owners have included US fast-food giant McDonald’s.

    Quoting “sources familiar with the matter”, Reuters said Jollibee has been holding in-camera talks with an advisor over a bid for Pret-A-Manger, affectionately known by its customers as ‘Pret’.

    Jollibee Foods, founded by entrepreneur Tan Caktiong in 1975, recently opened its 1000th Jollibee restaurant in the Philippines and has 2700 stores in all, including in Hong Kong, China, Vietnam and the US. The company is valued at $5.2 billion and its portfolio also includes joint ventures owning Highlands Coffee and Pho 24 (in Vietnam), Smashburger (the US), Chowking (China) and Burger King (Philippines). Its domestic brands include Greenwich, Mang Inasal, Chowking and Red Ribbon.

    Pret has about 400 stores worldwide, including a small network in Hong Kong, selling breakfasts, hot beverages, cakes, its own snack foods and its core sandwich offer.

    The company is owned by private equity company Bridgepoint, which earlier this year was reportedly mulling a listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

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