Experience the Philippine CX Industry!

The contact center and business process of the country remains steadfast in upholding its position that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will bring about encouraging benefits and opportunities to its stakeholders. The Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) continues to reiterate that generative AI generates positive impact not just to contact center firms but also to the entire Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry.

Reaffirms Confidence on AI Integration

Thus, CCAP is set to facilitate further discussions about the influence of AI and other significant issues to local call center operations. The 145-member organization is inviting key leaders and representatives from contact center and business process sector firms, local and national government, the academe, thought leaders and customer experience officers to the Contact Islands 2024, happening from July 24 to 26, 2024 at the Fili Hotel Nustar Cebu in Cebu City.

The annual sectoral conference sets the stage for pivotal discussions about pressing concerns affecting contact center and business process management sector as AI continues to alter the landscape amid a dynamic global economy and an evolving geopolitical climate.

Contact Islands 2024 is designed to bring about an unparalleled platform for showcasing innovations, highlighting best practices, and moderating dialogues as member-companies unite in taking the path towards realizing the IT-BPM industry's 2028 roadmap.

Continuously growing sector

Based on data from global research firm Everest Group, the sector posted an annual revenue of $29.5 billion in 2023. That accounts for almost 83% of the entire IT-BPM industry revenue of $35.5 billion.

The Philippine IT-BPM industry has set an annual revenue target of $59 billion by the year 2028. The Contact Center Industry is expected to account for about 83% of that amount, or around $49 billion.

CCAP President Mickey Ocampo

"We firmly assert that AI will continue to help make our industry become more resilient and generate more revenue, contradicting fears of some concerned parties." says CCAP President Mickey Ocampo. "People may not be fully aware, but AI has already been widely used through the chatbots we encounter online and even through the mobile features and applications we use daily. That usefulness can further strengthen our industry."

Ocampo reiterates that AI could logically boost productivity in the workplace by enabling contact center agents to focus on more important and complex transactions, which could ultimately make the overall experience much better—for agents and customers alike.

In the past several months, several legislators have called on the national government to regulate or even prevent the integration of AI into the IT-BPM industry. Those include Senators Imee Marcos and Risa Hontiveros— both coming from two opposing political inclinations—who think AI might eliminate jobs.

"Just like how we overcame data privacy challenges years ago, CCAP member companies are continuously re-skilling and upskilling our agents to update and upgrade them to the constantly changing demand of our clients and technology." AI itself will create more jobs related to the engineering, maintenance, and upgrade of AI applications.

Employment in the local contact center sector grew 9.4% year-on-year in 2023. That figure exceeded the overall growth rate of the IT-BPM industry of 8.6%.  About 1.51 million contact center agents were employed in 2023, accounting for 89% of the entire IT-BPM employment of 1.70 million full-time employees (FTEs).

For Contact Islands 2024 inquiries, contact CCAP’s Secretariat Office at +63 2 8843 0603. Visit the conference’s website at https://ccap.ph/event/contact-islands/.

Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), the holding company of tycoon Dr. Andrew L. Tan, achieved a record-breaking net income of P30.3-billion, up 20% year-on-year despite higher inflation, which pushed overall costs and expenses up during the period. Attributable net profit stood at a new high of P19.6-billion, reflecting a 21% increase from the year before.

Consolidated revenues hit an unprecedented level of P211.2-billion, reflecting a robust 15% growth from P183.6-billion the year before.

“2023 was a historic year for the Group as it delivered excellent performance across all of its businesses, led by its real estate, tourism and consumer segments. This was achieved even amid heightened competition in the domestic and global market, various macro challenges in some key markets, rising cost pressures and higher interest rates. Most of our businesses have forged results beyond pre-pandemic levels, even posting new highs in terms of sales, EBITDA, net profit, and all other operating metrics. Such strong performance has encouraged us to carry on with our aggressive business strategies and expansion plans across our diversified portfolio,” says Kevin L. Tan, chief executive officer, AGI.

AGI has varied interests spanning real estate developments through property giant Megaworld Corporation; spirits manufacturing through Emperador Inc.; leisure, entertainment, and hospitality through Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc.; quick service restaurants (QSR) through Golden Arches Development Corporation (GADC), popularly known as McDonald’s Philippines; and infrastructure development through Infracorp.

Premier township developer Megaworld registered a 17% increase in consolidated revenues to P69.7-billion in 2023 from P59.5-billion the year before. This was driven by the sustained 16% year-on-year growth in real estate sales, the sharp recovery in the revenues of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls by 54% and Megaworld Hotels by 46%, in addition to the 3% rise in rentals of Megaworld Premier Offices. Supported by the stable growth in consumer spending and foot fall as the economy continues to recover, occupancy rates of Megaworld’s office spaces, malls, and Metro Manila hotels stood at 88%, 93%, and 67%, respectively. Meanwhile, reservation sales surged anew to P139-billion, boosted by project launches during the year amounting to P73-billion.

Travellers International, the Group’s leisure and tourism arm and owner-operator of Newport World Resorts (NWR), also broke new records in 2023 with net revenues growing by 19% year-on-year to P31.9 billion. This was driven by the resurgence in tourism and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibition (MICE) activities, which allowed for a stellar 40% year-on-year increase in hotel and other revenues to P7.4 billion, while its gross gaming revenues went up by 7% to a new high of P34.2 billion. Despite rising cost pressures, EBITDA over the same period went up by 8% year-on-year to P8.2 billion, its highest level since 2012. Net income also grew by a robust 89% to P2.0 billion from last year’s P1.1 billion.

Emperador, the biggest global brandy company and amongst the fastest-growing Scotch whisky manufacturers, reported a 5% increase in consolidated revenues of P65.6 billion from year-ago level of P62.8-billion. This was driven by the sustained improvement in international whisky sales as Whyte and Mackay’s single malt brands The Dalmore, Fettercairn, Jura, and Tamnavulin continue to make significant inroads in major markets like Asia (mainly China), North America, and travel retail. Emperador Brandy has also maintained its dominance in the domestic brandy market. Attributable net income stood at P8.6-billion.

GADC also sustained its strong growth trajectory in 2023 across all operating levels, driven by the sustained improvement in consumer spending. A long-term partnership between AGI and the George Yang Group that holds the exclusive franchise to operate ‘McDonald’s’ restaurants in the Philippines, GADC reported a record level of sales revenue of P42.8-billion, an increase of another 24% from P34.4-billion the year before.  Systemwide sales also grew by 22%, backed by SSSG of 15% year-on-year. Even with challenges brought about by higher raw material costs and operating expenses, the company registered attributable profit of P2.5 billion from P1.8-billion a year ago. McDonald’s Philippines closed the year with 740 stores throughout the country.

“For 2024, we look forward to the much-anticipated policy rate cuts as inflation begins to ease, improving the economic and business environment with the resurgence in consumer spending, as well as demand for housing, tourism and staycation activities.  Armed with our superior product offerings, AGI is well-positioned to take advantage of these enormous opportunities as they unfold,” adds Tan.

From its size all the way down to its irresistible crunch, there’s just so much to love about it.

We take our chicken seriously, and rightfully so. There’s just something about a piece of perfectly-breaded, crispy chicken that fuels us to take one bite after another. Couple that with a mountain (or two!) of rice, and we’ve got all we need for a chicken meal that makes us say, “Niiiiiiiice.”

Now imagine this chicken – only now as something you can enjoy any time, anywhere. This is what McDonald’s has done with Chicken McDo; now bigger and better in every bite, while still tasting as good as it looks from every angle!

Much Malaki. Much Juicier. Much Crispier. Chicken McDo  (vs. previous recipe)

NICE, Sarap!

Much Malaki. Much Juicier. Much Crispier.* With Chicken McDo, come see and taste for yourself McDonald’s newest gold standard consisting of better cuts that will ensure not only tastier and juicier chicken in every order, but also chicken that’s home to bigger sulit sizes.

So for those screaming for “dinosaur chicken” from McDonald’s, you’re in luck: the bigger Chicken McDo is here to stay!

Just as well, McDonald’s has introduced a new breading procedure; pay close attention to how it results in an even crispier and flakier chicken skin, known as everyone’s favorite un-guilty pleasure when it comes to excellent chicken! 

With training, experience, and mastery in tow, you can expect every bite to come out satisfyingly juicy, right down to your last.

Last but not least, having a more filling experience by ordering McDonald’s sulit offers – the 1pc Chicken McDo with DOUBLE Rice, a pairing that would surely fill you up for the day and let you enjoy the most out of your Chicken McDo; and the 1pc Chicken McDo with McFloat, ideal for those who’d want to cool down in between bites!

1pc Chicken McDo with DOUBLE Rice

With McDonald’s always grounded in its commitment to provide quality offers, such changes have been applied to Chicken McDo to provide an even more elevated experience.

NICE, Ganda!

The Chicken McDo has truly been making waves – so much so that it has received its own stamp of approval from the unkabogable star herself, Vice Ganda.

Unkabogable star, Vice Ganda

McDonald’s Philippines has partnered with the icon, knowing her big love for McDonald’s gold standard Chicken McDo. What does she have to say about these improvements?

“Sobrang fan talaga ako ng Chicken McDo ever since. Before work, kapag lunch break, after shoots, it has always been my go-to. Kaya ngayon talaga sobrang saya na much malaki, much juicier, at much crispier na siya! Hindi na kayo tsatsambahin lang sa Chicken McDo, kasi they are here to stay,” says Vice Ganda.

Much Malaki. Much Juicier. Much Crispier. Chicken McDo  (vs. previous recipe)

Satisfy your chicken cravings with the much malaki, much juicier, much crispier Chicken McDo! Enjoy the chicken that tastes as good as it looks anywhere and anytime, with Chicken McDo available via Dine-In, Take-Out, Drive-Thru, and McDelivery across all McDonald’s stores nationwide.

Tune in for more exciting deals for the Chicken McDo by downloading both the McDonald’s App and McDelivey App, and keep updated on all things McDonald’s through their Instagram and Facebook.

Photo grabbed from fb.com/McDo.ph

Savor the joy of the season with tempting treats from Shakey’s Christmas Collection to make your holiday spread more exciting!

Whether you’re having an office party or a reunion at home, these Shakey’s treats will definitely make your holiday spread more festive. 

Merry Pepperoni Holiday Pizza - Php 379

Start off with the Merry Pepperoni Holiday Pizza, a perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and sweet in every bite with creamy white sauce topped with pepperoni, cheddar, mozzarella, feta, and parmesan with a hint of sweet honey and fresh chopped basil. Price starts at Php379.

Enjoy your pizza with the festive and exquisite flavor of Truffle Chicken Holiday Pasta made with creamy white sauce with truffle oil and flavorful chicken breast fillet. This is available in Solo size (Php334) and Family size (Php869).

Truffle Chicken Holiday Pasta - solo size (Php334) and Family size (Php869)

For a “berry” special twist, Santa’s Strawberry Cheesecake Pizza is the perfect fusion of cheesecake bliss and strawberry sweetness, topped with a luscious cherry. This is available for Php199.

Santa’s Strawberry Cheesecake Pizza - Php 199

Every sip will feel like Christmas with Shakey’s Frosty Peppermint Milkshake. This is made with creamy vanilla ice cream with a burst of peppermint flavor, topped with sprinkles. This is priced at Php199. 

Frosty Peppermint Milkshake - Php 199

Shakey’s Merry Pepperoni Holiday Pizza, Truffle Chicken Holiday Pasta, and Santa’s Strawberry Cheesecake Pizza are available in Shakey’s stores for a limited time only for Dine-in, Carryout and Delivery; while guests can try the Frosty Peppermint Milkshake for Dine-in and Carryout only.

Shakey’s Merry Pepperoni Holiday Pizza, Truffle Chicken Holiday Pasta, and Santa’s Strawberry Cheesecake Pizza are available in Shakey’s stores for a limited time only for Dine-in, Carryout and Delivery; while guests can try the Frosty Peppermint Milkshake for Dine-in and Carryout only

To know more, follow @shakeysph on Instagram and Shakey’s Philippines on Facebook.

Embrace life, nature, and enduring memories at True Vine Garden Columbary, reshaping Cebu's investment landscape. Strategically located just 10 minutes from SM Seaside City Cebu, it's your sanctuary amid urban hustle.

True Vine Cebu City: Chapel of Prayers

Lush botanical gardens and sustainable indigenous materials weave a narrative of unspoiled natural beauty at True Vine Garden Columbary. Here, the Fire Tree dances in harmony with the Palawan Cherry Blossom, and the Yellow Copperpod Tree shares its secrets with the Jacaranda—a tribute to the rich tropical heritage of the Philippines.

Groundbreaking Ceremony (L-R)Jerry So, Pastor Timothy Joseph Caparros, Dexter Amaga, Jeffrey So, Joseph So Jr, John Rama, Rhoda De Los Santos, Dwight Padas, Carol Ballesteros, Rex Calfoforo

President and CEO Joseph So, Jr., envisions it as a serene haven for celebrating life and cherished moments.

Inspired by Cebu's vibrant beauty, True Vine features indigenous trees, embodying the timeless wisdom of the Gospel of John: "I am the True Vine, and My Father is the vinedresser."

True Vine Cebu City: Estate 1.1

True Vine Cebu City: Memorial Wall

True Vine Cebu City: Perimiter Wall

Beyond spiritual significance, True Vine offers practical investment, especially for the younger generation. Its unique approach to Memorial Trees, elegant urn styles for distinct personality expression, and vaults crafted from premium natural stone set it apart as a sought-after choice.

True Vine Cebu City Site Map Plan as of November 11,2023

When you invest in True Vine, you're not merely acquiring property; you are weaving a legacy for generations to come. You are making a financial decision that resonates with your heartfelt desire to preserve the memory of your loved ones.

Seek sanctuary where life blooms eternal, where ripples of love and influence continue to spread, and your cherished ones find their place in the tapestry of existence.

True Vine Cebu City Site Development as of November 11,2023

For inquiries on detailed pricing information and investment options, visit our Facebook page or contact us at +639565983732 and ceb7fields@gmail.com.

Filipinos have always eagerly anticipated Christmas and most consider this as their favorite time of the year. In fact, the Philippines is known as the country with the longest celebration of Christmas! 

Jollibee Chickenjoy Bucket new Christmas designs

To further make the holiday season more joyful, Jollibee launched its Christmas campaign last October. With the theme of “Make it Christmas with Jollibee Joy” – it highlights how everyday moments can be occasions to celebrate the joy of the season. 

Jollibee crew during  Joyful Christmas Stores light up at Jollibee General Maxilom

“For over four decades, Jollibee has been spreading joy across the world with its best-tasting food and by enabling memorable experiences whether with family or friends. As we enter the Christmas season, I think this is the perfect opportunity to look back with gratitude and be thankful for all our achievements and joys on our 45th year. For us at Jollibee, this means giving back to our dear customers by making this season extra special for everyone as we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year,” says Mayee Deveza, RBU Head for VisMin of Jollibee.

Brightening the Holiday season across the country 

One other proof of Pinoys’ love for the holidays is their penchant for bright Christmas lights and colorful decorations, all of which adds to the happy and festive atmosphere. As part of its Christmas campaign, Jollibee is making sure that its customers can have this delightful experience in their stores. 

Jollibee General Maxilom facade during  Joyful Christmas Stores light up

Jollibee General Maxilom side facade during  Joyful Christmas Stores light up

Jollibee opened their nationwide Joyful Christmas Stores last November 9 with simultaneous events in Manila at Jollibee BGC Triangle Drive, in Davao at Jollibee Quimpo, and in Cebu at Jollibee General Maxilom. Jollibee officials, media and other esteemed guests gathered to launch it in a unique way –through a ceremonial lighting of the stores with a giant socket and plug. This officially commenced the lighting of 10 flagship Jollibee stores across the country, with another 100 stores with their own merry light displays. 

Sharing Joy and Happiness this Christmas

For Luzon and Visayas stores, the brand partnered with another world-class brand known for spreading happiness – Coca Cola Philippines. “We are glad to partner with a brand like Jollibee that shares our values and principles. We are both dedicated to offering delightful food and beverages to all, with the same commitment to making the world better and brighter. We invite you to explore Jollibee’s festive stores, perfect for celebrating the Filipino spirit this Christmas season,” said Tony del Rosario, Coca Cola Philippines President. 

Jollibee General Maxilom during  Joyful Christmas Stores light up

“We launched our Joyful Christmas Stores nationwide so that customers can feel and experience the joy and spirit of the season with their families and friends. We would like to invite everyone to visit our stores to create more lasting memories and make this Christmas the best one yet with Jollibee Joy,” said Dorothy Dee-Ching, VP – Marketing of Jollibee.

You can drop by any of these branches to experience the magic of a Jollibee Christmas:

• Mega Manila: BGC Triangle Drive; Madrigal; North Fairview; Baras, Rizal; Katipunan; 9th Avenue
• North Luzon: Binalonan, Pangasinan
• South Luzon: Tagaytay Rotonda
• Visayas: General Maxilom DT Cebu
• Mindanao: Davao Quimpo DT

If you’re not in the vicinity of these flagship stores, don’t worry! All Jollibee branches are also adorned with festive Christmas displays, ensuring that everyone can experience Jollibee Joy this holiday season. You can also visit the Jollibee Facebook page for more details. 

For all the latest updates, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. 

About Jollibee

Jollibee is the largest fast food chain brand in the Philippines, operating a network of more than 1,500 stores in 18 countries. A dominant market leader in the Philippines, Jollibee enjoys the lion’s share of the local market that is more than all the other multinational fast food brands in PH combined. With a strict adherence to the highest standards of food quality, service and cleanliness, Jollibee serves great-tasting, high-quality and affordable food products to include its superior-tasting Chickenjoy, mouth-watering Yumburger, and deliciously satisfying Jolly Spaghetti among other delicious products.

Jollibee has embarked on an aggressive international expansion plan, with more than 270 international branches in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Macau, Brunei, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Italy, Spain, and in the United Kingdom.

India and the Philippines have entered a new phase in their economic relations with the volume of trade marking a new milestone. The last fiscal year registered a trade volume in surplus of 3 billion US Dollars. Both India and Philippines are young fast growing democratic economies with immense potential for mutuall bpeneficial collaboration. Several Indian businesses across a range of sectors are already contributing to the positive growth story of the Philippines.

As part of its commercial outreach activities, the Embassy of India in Manila organizes business roadshows in different parts of the Philippines in partnership with the regional business chambers, city administration, and provincial government to explore opportunities for trade and investments as well as to generate awareness and apprise local Government, authorities, businesses and other stakeholders in the Philippines about the successes of the Indian businesses.

(L-R): Puran Prakash Singh, attache for the Economic and Commercial Wing of the Embassy of India, Dr. Sadre Alam, head of the Economic and Commercial Wing and the Chancery of the Indian Embassy, Mr. Benedict Cue, VP for Business Development,Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dileep Tiwari, president of the Indian Business Forum Philippines Association Inc and Aseem Roy, Country Head of Wipro Phils. Inc., and the President of the ITBPO Training Center Cebu IT BP Organization (CIB.O))

India is now coming to Cebu, the hub of commercial activity in Central Visayas. Cebu is the next destination of the Embassy for the India Business Roadshow. The Roadshow will be held in Cebu on 14-15 November 2023. The focus of the Roadshow will be those sectors that hold potential for partnership based on complementary strengths and comparative advantages.

The roadshow is being organized in partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) and the India Business Forum (IBF). IBF is a non-profit organization which act as a think tank to and voice of the Indian Businesses in the Philippines as well as a focal point for engagement with interested Philippines businesses with the aim of promoting India-Philippines bilateral economic relations.

(L-R) Dileep Tiwari, President of the Indian Business Forum Philippines Association Inc., Dr. Sadre Alam, head of the Economic and Commercial Wing and the Chancery of the Indian Embassy in Manila, Mr. Benedict Cue, VP for Business Development,Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Aseem Roy, Country Head of Wipro Phils. Inc., and the President of the ITBPO Training Center Cebu IT BP Organization (CIB.O) & Puran Prakash Singh, attache for the Economic and Commercial Wing of the Embassy of India.

CCCI will mobilize the participation of local businesses from the province. IBF will mobilize participation from the Indian businesses across various sectors. The Embassy is also seeking support from the Cebu Provincial Government as well as the City Government of Cebu, which are essential for the success of the roadshow.

In consultation with CCCI and IBF, the roadshow will focus on the following identified sectors: Agriculture, Energy Infrastructure, Innovative Tech Solutions, IT-BPO/BPM, Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals & Tourism. More than 20-30 Indian businesses in the identified sectors are likely to participate in the roadshow to showcase their products and solutions.

The roadshow will be a 2-Day event and include, inter alia, expert panel discussions, presentations and showcasing by the participating Indian businesses, signing of an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CCCI and IBF and goodwill contribution by the Indian businesses. The Cebu Province Governor and the Cebu City Mayor are expected to grace the roadshow. Relevant stakeholders from across the government, business chambers and media are cordially invited to attend the event.

The 1st edition of the India Business Roadshow in the Philippines was organized in a hybrid format in Baguio City on 28 November 2021 in partnership with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) under the Global Biz forum, with active participation from more than 10 Indian businesses. The 2nd India Business Roadshow was held in Davao City on 18 February 2022, with 10 participants from the Indian side and around 100 participants from the Philippines side. The 3rd India Business Roadshow was held in Cagayan de Oro City on 18 May 2022, with 39 participants from the Indian side and 71 participants from the Philippines side. The 4th India Business Roadshow in llocos Norte was held on 27 March 2023, with 16 participants from the Indian side and 139 participants from the Philippines side. Most recently, an India Business Roadshow was held in lloilo on 31 May 2023, with 40 participants from the Indian side and 161 participants from the Philippines side.

CCCI, Visitors from Indian Embassy and members of the Media and blogging community.

The India Business Roadshows have proven to be a practical means to further government to business and business to business engagements between India and the Philippines. It contributes to spreading awareness about business presence and expertise, showcasing of cutting-edge products and solutions, exchange of ideas and business concepts as well as strengthening existing and creating new connections for meaningful economic cooperation.

Lastly, on day 2 of the Indian Business Roadshow, a snippet of Indian Culture and tradition as well as Indian cuisine will be showcase together with Cebuano ways of embracing visitors. Stay tuned in with the Embassy, CCCI and the IBF for more in the coming days.

Concentrix + Webhelp, a leading global provider of customer experience (CX) services and technologies and the Philippines’ largest private employer, today unveiled its newest site in Cebu Exchange Tower. The launch included employees and executives, local officials from various government bodies, media, academe and private sector partners.

With the recent launch of Cebu Montage just last year, the Cebu Exchange site is now the company’s 9th office in Cebu, demonstrating its continued growth. Amit Jagga, SVP and Country Leader for the Philippines, says “Our site in Cebu Exchange is another milestone and visible message of Concentrix’s continued commitment to the country. As a company that designs, builds and runs game-changing customer experiences, we invest not just in creating meaningful, future-ready jobs, but also in sustainable wellness-centered workplaces that care for our game-changers as well as our environment.”

Media Roundtable with Concentrix + Webhelp Philippines Executives, from left to right: VP of People Solutions Hazel Banas, SVP and Country Leader Amit Jagga, and Sr. Director of Client Success Dagny Estacio

Unveiling Cebu Exchange Tower’s scale model at the site launch, from left to right: Concentrix + Webhelp Sr. Director of Real Estate Michelle Ignacio, SVP and Country Leader for PH Amit Jagga, Board of Investments Visayas Division Head Florteliza Alpuerto, and Arthaland National Sales Director Anna Marco

With various certifications such as LEED GOLD, BERDE 5-star, and EDGE Zero Carbon, Cebu Exchange is also considered the largest net-zero carbon certified building in the country, according to the company’s joint announcement with real estate developer Arthaland earlier this year. This is a win for the environment as the building operation has 25% less energy consumption and 34% lower CO2 emissions. At a physical site tour during the launch, Concentrix + Webhelp also showed guests distinctly designed facility features such as the Tech Zone, Workout and Wellness Zone, Quiet Zone, site clinic and lactation room, all-gender washrooms, and other flexible, inclusive spaces such as the Entertainment and Social Zones which are multi-purpose activity areas all employees can freely use.

With its remarkable presence in 52 sites and 20 cities across the Philippines supporting over 100,000-strong game-changers today, Concentrix + Webhelp launching its newest and biggest site in Cebu Exchange as the “Workplace of the Future” truly solidifies its commitment to growth, sustainability and superior experiences for Filipinos. Take a peek at Cebu Exchange in this video: 

About Concentrix + Webhelp 

Hi, we’re a leading global provider of customer experience (CX) solutions and technology. We create game-changing customer journeys for some of the world’s best brands, and the ones that are changing the world as we know it. Every day, we Design, Build and Run CX that helps brands grow across the world and into the future. Whether it’s a specific solution or the whole end-to-end journey — we’ve got it covered. We’re the strategic thinkers who design brand-defining experiences. The tech geeks who build smarter solutions. And the operational experts who run it all and make it work seamlessly. Across 70+ countries and six continents, we provide services across key industry verticals including technology & consumer electronics; retail, travel & ecommerce; banking, financial services & insurance; healthcare; communications & media; automotive; and energy & public sector. Concentrix Corporation (NASDAQ: CNXC) operating under the trade name Concentrix + Webhelp - Location: virtually everywhere - visit www.concentrix.com to learn more.

Bakery World 2023 was a resounding success. The exhibition has fulfilled its goal of providing a venue for networking between the bakery and food industry stakeholders and the companies providing the latest trends in ingredients and cooking equipment.

Organized by the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry as part of the Mandaue Business Month, the just-concluded Bakery World 2023 showcased the latest in bakery inputs, equipment, and technology.

“Events like this give us a better option because a lot of suppliers are here,” according to Chef Christopher Vincent Borja, one of those who participated in the cake design category. “With the increasing prices of ingredients, we need more options. We need better options to do our cakes and our baked goods.” Borja’s entry for the Love the Philippines cake design category is dubbed as “Embracing the Beauty: A Journey to Love the Philippines.”

“It (Bakery World 2023) brings all aspiring bakers, cake artists and chefs in one big event,” said Marie Mae Tacugue, whose entry “Remembering Harana” placed third in wedding cake design category.

Michelle Frances Ang, a home-based baker, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to join the Love the Philippines cake design competition so she can showcase how she and others have improved. “Events like these, as big as this, make us feel valued and privileged. Somehow, it boosts our morale.”  All three - Borja, Tacugue and Ang -  come from Davao.

Twenty-six-year-old Jose Miguel Tutor, whose entry “Enchantment of the Sea placed second in the Bread Art category, said it was the first competition that he joined.

Tutor traveled to Cebu together with fellow Surigaonon Elaine Dale Balahay. Ms. Balahay joined the Wedding Cake design competition with her entry Portraits of a Filipino Love Story: Maria Clara and Ibarra.

While all of the five delegates had to face challenges in bringing their entries to Cebu, they expressed satisfaction over joining the Bakery World 2023 competitions.

“We’re very, very happy for the turnout of Bakery World 2023. Every day, we accept about close to 2,000 visitors. We are happy that they are actively participating in the demos, and in the seminars,” MCCI President Kelie Ko said. “So, ultimately, we would score ourselves very good in terms of upskilling the bakery industry in Cebu, the Visayas and Mindanao.”

Ko noted that they were able to achieve MCCI’s goal in the holding of Bakery World 2023. “ We want people to learn, to innovate. It’s heartwarming to see that they are very enthusiastic in all the activities we have prepared.” 

“We are hearing (that) exhibitors want to come back. the delegates also say they want to come back and it’s probably one of the best exhibitions and events that they’ve attended,” he added.

MCCI Past President Stanley Go also expressed satisfaction over what the Bakery World 2023 has achieved. “I have the feeling of fulfillment that in our own little way as a chamber, with the help of the Province of Cebu and Mandaue City we were able to do our role to help different businesses not only in Cebu but also in Visayas and Mindanao.”

MBM 2023 Chair Mark Anthony Ynoc also felt overwhelmed by the response the exhibition has generated. “It exceeded our expectations. We cannot wait for the next one. We hope we met their expectations. Hopefully, they learned something and were able to get their supplies. And, they also learned the newest technology in the food service industry.“

Aside from the various product demonstrations in the individual booths of the exhibitors, there were also learning sessions conducted on stage.

Renowned photographer Stanley Ong conducted a Food Photography Workshop. He gave tips on how to take good pictures of products using mobile phones.

Chef Joan Estabillo and Chef Madelaine Maddagan discussed trends and innovations in sugar modeling figures. Chef Beverly Maranan spoke on the topic “Fresh Out of the Oven: A Discovery of New Flavors and Baking Techniques. Chef Maranan demonstrated how to use Oleo-Fats Inc. ingredients in making different baked products.

Chef Rose Marie Lim discussed Quality Assurance and Food Safety in Sweetening Lives through Peotraco products.

On the other hand, Global Pacific brought chefs Raymond Mendoza, Timothy Faller and Anna Octaviano to showcase Merry Little Café- a Holiday Treat.

With success and good response from both the exhibitors and the guests, MCCI is expected to continue holding the Bakery World Exhibition every two years.