CEBU EXPERIENCE

        Visiting one of the most popular places in the Philippines was like a dream come true. Cebu City, officially the City of Cebu (Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Sugbo, Filipino: Lungsod ng Cebu, Spanish: Ciudad de Cebú), is the capital city of the province of Cebu and is the "second city" of the Philippines, being the center of Metro Cebu, the second most populous metropolitan area in the Philippines after Metro Manila. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 866,171 – making it the fifth most populated city in the country. Cebu City is a significant center of commerce, trade and education in the Visayas area. The City of Cebu is also known as the "Queen City of the South."
         The city is located on the eastern shore of Cebu island. It is the first Spanish settlement and the oldest city in the Philippines. Cebu is the Philippines' main domestic shipping port and is home to about 80% of the country's domestic shipping companies.

         It is the center of a metropolitan area called Metro Cebu, which includes the cities of Carcar, Danao, Lapu-lapu, Mandaue, Naga, Talisay and the municipalities of Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Liloan, Minglanilla and San Fernando . Metro Cebu has a total population of about 2.55 million people (2010 Census). Cebu City is bordered to the northeast by Mandaue City and the town of Consolacion, to the west are Toledo City, and the towns of Balamban and Asturias, to the south are Talisay City and the town of Minglanilla. Across Mactan Strait to the east is Mactan Island.

         The name "Cebu" came from the old Cebuano word sibu or sibo ("trade"), a shortened form of sinibuayng hingpit ("the place for trading"). It was originally applied to the harbors of the town of Sugbo, the ancient name for Cebu City. Sugbo, in turn, was derived from the Old Cebuano term for "scorched earth" or "great fire". As where its name came from, Cebu is one of the places in the Visayas who is the center of trading and industry. We can tell that Cebu has gained a lot in terms of its  economic status over years.

          The Visit at the Queen City of the South was so overwhelming and fantastic indeed. The historical sites and its tourists attraction was being preserved and well cared by the city government  well as the people itself. The City Government indeed has a good job in taking care of its people and its society for it keeps on disciplining them. For example are the ordinances that they arranged for the traffic and as well as for the nomads. Every rules that has tend to be broken has a corresponding fine and punishment. Maybe its too strict but I salute them for being one because I know it is their way of disciplining their people as of to the tourists that came in their city.

         My four days of experience at Cebu cannot be erase and replace, for I know to my self that it is and will be one of  the greatest moment and opportunity that came into my life. That even just for four days, I land my feet on the ground of the most popular city in the country.

         Cebu's historical sites like the Magellan's Cross, Lapu-lapu Shrine, the Sto. Nino Church and many more has attracted lots of tourists and because of that it increases the economic growth of the city. And I cannot disagree to that because it was so beautiful, every Cebuanos has take good care of their national treasures and preserve it well for the new generation would know that they are part and always be part of the Philippine History which is good.

         Since Cebu is one of the center of trade and industry here in the Visayas, it is understandable that we visited eight companies. Each company had shared to us their stories and experiences to achieved their dreams. They also talked about their company descriptions, their mission and vision as well as the goals of their company. And since they were in the business for a long time, some of them discussed about what is the nature of being in the business industry. And for us students, that was so knowledgeable and full of learning that we will be bringing back home.

         The food in Cebu was good also, especially the FISH FILLET. I could say that it was the specialty of most of the restaurant that we visited. Fish Fillet did not missed the banquet table for two days I guess but further more the food that they prepared was too good enough for the growling stomach of the IICTzens.

          For the hotel, it was a good accommodation. I together with my roommates, humbly apologizes for the rearranging of the beds and also thanking the staffs of the hotel for giving us the opportunity to use one of their routers. That was so amazing, and very great experience.

         In conclusion, for me the whole tour was a blast for it was a very and most amazing moment of my life. The food, the place, the people, the learning and the experience is one hell of a package wrapped in a very colorful smiles of every Cebuano, especially of Ma'am Ofelia's. I am hoping that one day I will be coming back to Cebu to experience more, learn more, and eat more! Best tour that will always be remembered.





  

Crown Regency Hotel & Tower (6D Theatre Viewing)

         The Crown Regency Hotel and Towers is a hotel complex in Cebu City, Philippines. The main building, the 40-storey Fuente Tower 1, is one of the tallest hotel buildings in the country at 140 meters (460 feet). It is likewise the tallest building in Cebu City and the country's tallest building outside of Metro Manila.

         The top 38th of the hotel tower feature an amusement facility which includes a roller coaster that runs around the edge of the building, and a stroll around the edge of the building with the protection of safety harnesses, there is also an elevator that takes you from the 18th floor (Sky Lobby) all the way to the 38th floor giving a great view of Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City.

           But we did not go there to try their roller coaster or any other death defying activities, we visited Crown Regency Hotel and Towers to experience their 6D Theatre Viewing.

          6D theatre viewing in Crown Regency was fun. The experience is indeed wonderful, the thrill and the shouting and most of all the fun that make our heart pounding every time there is a thrilling event/thing came out. It was superb! But it was 'nakakabitin', I know some of my friends want to try it again for it was fun and exciting.

IAFT/ BIGFOOT STUDIOS

         Founded in 2004, Bigfoot Entertainment is an international entertainment company producing independent films for the global marketplace. The company finances and develops feature films, documentaries and reality TV shows, many of which have received industry accolades, festival awards and have been distributed throughout the world. Featuring both well-established and up-and-coming American and international talent, Bigfoot releases have shot on location worldwide including the United States, Hong Kong, China, Africa, Europe and Vietnam. Bigfoot Entertainment produces many of its projects at Bigfoot Studios, a wholly-owned subsidiary that encompasses six sound stages and on-site state-of-the-art post-production facilities.

          Bigfoot also develops new filmmakers, talent and industry professionals through the International Academy of Film and Television. Headquartered in Miami Beach with studios in Cebu, Philippines, Bigfoot Entertainment creates content reflecting a Hollywood foundation with a global perspective.

          The Mission of Bigfoot Entertainment is to create innovative and quality content, products, services and training for the global marketplace, while IAFT’s mission is to nurture the creativity and individual talents of their students, to cultivate today’s independent global filmmakers, and to build upon the entertainment traditions of Hollywood and other film capitals of the world. They place a strong emphasis on professional standards - using the latest filmmaking & acting techniques and equipment - taught by highly experienced industry professionals. 

 

         I must say that majority of the students in Bus 1 want to enter the Bigfoot studio, and I am lucky to be part of that group. Since the bigfoot studio itself is strictly prohibited to be seen by the public, we visit its filming academy named International Academy of Film and Television instead. Outside you can see a castle-mansion- type of infrastructure. At the lobby, you will be seeing a beautiful chandelier hanging above the ceiling. The Academy is a three-storey building if I'm not mistaken. After some introductory, the team of IAFT toured us inside their building. We had seen their set, their studio and their equipment in conducting and making films and videos. They also led us to their library, which made me amazed by its contents and as well us the books and movie tapes collected for the usage of their students. This experience is the most awesome and the greatest moments visiting Cebu so far. And hopefully someday, I will be visiting this place again.

Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)

         Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is a government agency for weather forecasting, flood control, astronomical observations, and time service. PAGASA is dedicated to provide flood and typhoon warnings, public weather forecasts and advisories, meteorological, astronomical, climatological, and other specialized information and services primarily for the protection of life and property and in support of economic, productivity and sustainable development. The government agency was created on December 8, 1972 by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 78 reorganizing the Philippine Weather Bureau into PAGASA.

          PAGASA has the following functions: (a) Maintains the national standard of time and frequency; (b) Disseminates the precise time and frequency via Internet, radio broadcast and other means; (c) Extends time and frequency calibration and standardization services to industrial and scientific institutions; and (d) Exchanges data on time and frequency with overseas institutions.

 

          The Vision of PAGASA is to establish a poverty-free society. And its Mission is to provide an avenue and opportunity for the entrepreneurial poor having an access to financial services to improve their economical and social condition. PAGASA's Goal is to provide sustainable financial services to the entrepreneurial poor, to enhance their enterprises, thereby, to make them economically self-reliant.

 

         We all know that this is one of the company of the government that is very important to the people and to society for it is the source of information about any nature disasters, weather forecasts, astronomical news and updates. Visiting the Office of the PAGASA in Cebu is such an honor, we did learn how typhoon names came from, how typhoon and tornados made up and how can it affect our environment. The lecturer may not be a good speaker but then the topics that she had given is interesting in my opinion. She talked about the tools and equipment they used in predicting and watching the climate and weather all over the country.

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING PRODUCTS (Philippines Corporation)

          Ricoh is a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in about 200 countries and regions.
      
         Ricoh Company, Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Kondo; hereinafter referred to as "Ricoh") announces the establishment of PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. as its wholly owned subsidiary on October 1, 2011.

         Earlier, HOYA Corporation (President & CEO: Hiroshi Suzuki; hereinafter referred to as "HOYA") transferred the PENTAX Imaging Systems Business to PENTAX Imaging Corporation, a newly established subsidiary of HOYA, through an absorption-type split (spin off) and business transfer. Ricoh has acquired all shares outstanding in PENTAX Imaging Corporation, as of today, completing the transaction. Ricoh also changed the name of the company at the same time.

        By forming the new company, Ricoh will strive to further bolster consumer products and services, in addition to its existing digital camera business. The new company of Ricoh is named as PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. which this business is in a manufacture and sales of optical equipment such as digital cameras, binoculars and lenses for security cameras.

        PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. (PENTAX RICOH IMAGING PRODUCTS (Philippines Corporation)) has a Mission that states; "At the Ricoh Group, we are committed to providing excellence to improve the quality of living. And their Vision is to be the most trusted brand with irresistible appeal in the global market. In addition Ricoh has a Values Statement that states; "To be one of  global company, we must care about people, our profession, our society, and our planet. We must dedicate our winning spirit, innovation and teamwork to sharpen our customer centric focus, and we also must commit to the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
     
       When we had visited PENTAX on the second day of our tour in Cebu, for me it is a breath taking opportunity. We had this big opportunity to see how they produces their products, how they make it, designed it, packaged it and most of all is how they had maintained it for a long time to give their customers a good, durable and magnificent products.

MyTV Channel

          Since we did not get in to DOST REG VII/ GEOPLAN for only two (2) batches are allowed to visit in there, so we the students in Bus 1 visited MyTV Channel Cebu. MyTV is a local TV Channel that is aired via Sky Cable channel 30. MyTV offers quality tv shows/ programs that is up to date and informative.
        
         According to the facebook page of MyTV, the channel has 16 shows running as of the moment and still continuing to work on bringing real shows that talks about real people, real happenings and real story to their audiences.

        Visiting MyTV was so overwhelming, for even if their studio is not that big, they maximized it to have 2-3 sections of a TV show set. There is for reality show, for interviewing real people and so on.

        

NEC Telecom Software

Source: plus.google.com

         NEC Telecom Software Philippines, Inc. (NSP) is one of the subsidiaries of NEC Corporation. Established in 1999, NSP commenced operations in February 2000 with an initial employee base of less than a hundred software engineers who were seconded employees from NEC Technologies Philippines Inc. located at Mactan Economic Zone, Lapu-Lapu City. In jut twelve months, NSP's population grew by 68% and the number are steadily growing.

        As a software development company, NSP serves as a strategic development center for NEC's global activities, enhancing its competitive ability to provide total solutions for photonic ad optical transmission systems. NSP manages the careers of their employees proactively and provide opportunities for change. They have n informal and friendly work environment, with strong emphasis on continuous learning and improvement.

      I cannot state if what is the Mission and Vision of this company for they did not told us about during the lecture. And speaking of lecture, the spokesperson of NEC on that day talks about their company description, their services and operations. I cannot attached a photo that was taken by me, it is because taking pictures and bringing gadgets is strictly prohibited inside their building and we definitely understand that. So I just search a picture of their building instead. Based on the structure of their place, the work place inside the building is in a large room with so many cubicles for their employees and it is so very quiet in their that no one would ever dare to speak for each of them has a work to do.