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McDonald’s, COREnergy expand retail power partnership in Cebu, Visayas

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In photo are (L-R) Ronald McDonald, Emanette C. Ong, VP and Head of Business Group of McDonald’s Philippines, Margot B. Torres, Managing Director of McDonald’s Philippines, Francis S. del Val, President of COREnergy, and Marko G. Sarmiento, Vice President and Head of Operations of COREnergy during the ceremonial partnership between COREnergy, the Retail Electricity Supplier (RES) of Vivant Energy, and McDonald’s Philippines.

McDonald’s Philippines has partnered with Cebu-based retail electricity supplier COREnergy to expand the use of the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP) across its Visayas operations, a move expected to lower electricity costs and increase the use of renewable energy as the restaurant chain continues to grow in the region.

The partnership will initially cover 36 McDonald’s restaurants in Cebu and Negros Island. Thirty-two stores will join the RAP, including 16 in Cebu and 16 in Negros Occidental, while the remaining outlets will transition individually through the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) program.

Under the agreement, participating restaurants are expected to cut electricity costs by around 10% on average while securing fixed electricity rates for the next two years. About 10% to 15% of the power supplied to the stores will come from solar energy, supporting McDonald’s broader sustainability initiatives.

“As we continue to grow in the Visayas, we’re equally focused on improving how our restaurants operate,” said Margot Torres, managing director of McDonald’s Philippines.

“Electricity is one of the largest operating costs in our business. By working with COREnergy, we can better manage this expense and build more energy-efficient restaurants as we grow,” she said.

COREnergy President Francis del Val said businesses are increasingly seeking greater cost certainty as electricity prices remain volatile.

“Through RAP and RCOA, we are helping McDonald’s access energy solutions that respond to the needs of its growing restaurant network. This includes more competitive rates and renewable energy options that support more efficient operations and long-term business performance,” he said.

The collaboration comes as both companies strengthen their presence in the Visayas. McDonald’s has opened seven new stores in Cebu this year, while COREnergy, the licensed retail electricity supplier of Cebu-based Vivant Energy, continues to expand its services for commercial customers across the region.

McDonald’s said it expects about 64% of its nationwide restaurant portfolio to transition under the Retail Aggregation Program by the end of 2026, improving energy efficiency and cost predictability across its operations.

Cebu Business News

this is vps site already

Cebu to host Visayas’ biggest franchise expo as PFA targets entrepreneurs, investors

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More than 60 franchise brands and business suppliers will gather in Cebu next week as the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) stages its largest regional franchise exhibition, aiming to encourage more entrepreneurs and investors in the Visayas.

The Franchise Negosyo Visayas Expo will be held from July 31 to Aug. 1 at the Mountain Wing Atrium of SM Seaside City Cebu, bringing together franchisors, business service providers and aspiring business owners in a free two-day event.

Organizers said the expo will showcase franchise opportunities across food, retail, services and other industries, while providing visitors with direct access to franchisors and suppliers needed to establish and operate a business.

“Franchising remains one of the most accessible and proven pathways to business ownership, and through Franchise Negosyo Visayas Expo, we hope to open more doors for Filipinos who dream of building their own enterprise,” PFA President Steve Benitez said.

The event will also feature business seminars aimed at helping entrepreneurs grow or expand their ventures.

ActionCOACH Philippines Business Coach Camille Conanan will conduct a free session on “5 Ways to Grow Your Profit” on the opening day, while Francorp Philippines Operations Consultant Noemi Ruiz will lead seminars on selecting the right franchise investment on both days.

Businesses looking to expand through franchising can also attend a paid “How to Franchise Your Business” seminar on Aug. 1 at Summit Galleria Cebu.

The PFA said the expo is designed for first-time entrepreneurs, existing business owners seeking expansion opportunities, and investors looking to diversify into franchising, which remains one of the country’s established business growth models.

The annual Visayas event has become one of the region’s key business gatherings, highlighting Cebu’s role as a major commercial hub and gateway for franchise expansion across Central and Southern Philippines.

Cebu Business News

Top Line partners with Angkas, targets Cebu motorcycle taxi market

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Alessandra Tan
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Top Line
From left to right: Dwight Villon, Light Fuels Vice President for Retail Fuel Trade Operations; Brigitte Carmel Lim, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Top Line Group of Companies; and Jundy Montebon Lisen, Driver Experience Supervisor and Biker Community Lead – Angkas

Listed fuel distributor Top Line Business Development Corp. has partnered with motorcycle ride-hailing platform Angkas to offer fuel discounts and other benefits to partner riders in Cebu, a move it said could generate up to 42,000 litres of fuel sales per day.

The agreement, signed through Top Line’s retail fuel subsidiary Light Fuels Corp., gives the company access to about one-third of Cebu’s motorcycle taxi market. The sector has a 9,000-rider cap divided among three accredited operators, according to Top Line.

“This partnership has the potential to unlock up to 42,000 liters of liquid fuel sales per day,” Top Line Chairman, President and CEO Eugene Erik Lim said, adding that the deal would help strengthen Light Fuels’ position among high-frequency road users.

Under the partnership, Angkas riders will be enrolled in Light Fuels’ Light Rewards Suki Program. They will receive a discount of 2 pesos per litre on gasoline and 1 peso per litre on diesel, along with one free automatic motorcycle wash every quarter and access to raffle promotions.

Angkas Head of Operations David Brian Medrana said fuel is among the largest recurring costs for motorcycle taxi riders and that the arrangement would provide practical savings and additional benefits.

Top Line said the partnership is expected to increase customer traffic across Light Fuels’ retail network by converting Angkas riders into frequent customers. The Cebu-based company operates in commercial fuel trading, depot operations and fuel retailing across the Visayas.

Cebu Business News

DotTV, Barangay Inayawan partner for Puso Festival coverage

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CebuBusinessNews
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Screenshot

DotTV Network has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Barangay Government of Inayawan to provide multimedia coverage and promotion of the upcoming Puso Festival.

The agreement was signed by Inayawan Barangay Captain Kirk Bryan Jaca Repullo and DotTV Network Chief Executive Officer Juniño Padilla during a ceremony attended by barangay officials and representatives of the media company.

Under the partnership, DotTV will provide television, radio, digital and social media coverage of the festival, highlighting its cultural significance, community activities and local traditions.

Repullo said the partnership would help increase public awareness of the event and promote the identity and cultural heritage of Barangay Inayawan.

Padilla said DotTV was committed to supporting local communities through comprehensive and responsible coverage of cultural events celebrating Cebuano traditions.

The partnership is expected to expand the festival’s reach and strengthen cooperation between DotTV and the barangay in promoting community-based tourism, culture and public information.

The Puso Festival celebrates the Cebuano hanging rice, locally known as puso, which is closely associated with the province’s food culture and community gatherings.

Starbucks Philippines launches new app, expands rewards choices

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CebuBusinessNews
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Starbucks Philippines

Starbucks Philippines will launch a new mobile app and introduce a multi-tiered rewards system on July 21, allowing customers to redeem loyalty points across a broader range of products.

The revamped Starbucks Rewards programme will let members choose when and how to use their accumulated Stars, replacing the current system that automatically converts every 100 Stars into a reward voucher.

Under the new structure, customers can begin redeeming rewards at 50 Stars.

Members may use 50 Stars for a free drink customisation or selected bakery products, including bagels, doughnuts and banana loaf. 100 Stars can be exchanged for a handcrafted beverage or bakery item, while 150 Stars can be used for pasta, sandwiches or cake slices.

The company said rewards must be redeemed through the new Starbucks PH App before customers place their orders at the counter.

The app, which will be available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play, will include faster sign-in and real-time Star tracking. The existing Starbucks app will be discontinued.

Starbucks said existing members will not need to register again. Account credentials, stored balances and accumulated Stars will automatically transfer to the new platform.

Reward vouchers will remain valid for 90 days from issuance, while unconverted Stars will continue to expire on a member’s account anniversary date if they are not converted within one year.

The updated programme will be rolled out across more than 500 Starbucks stores in over 68 cities nationwide, including outlets in Cebu.

Rustan Coffee Corporation, the local licensee of Starbucks, opened the brand’s first Philippine store in Makati in December 1997. The company has since expanded its presence across major commercial centres and provincial cities.

The broader redemption system reflects the continued use of mobile platforms and loyalty programmes by food and beverage companies to increase customer engagement and repeat purchases.

Cebu Business News

SM opens Cebu arena as part of ₱8B integrated complex, bets on MICE and tourism growth

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SM has opened the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, the centerpiece of an integrated entertainment, convention and hospitality complex that represents about ₱8 billion in investment and is expected to strengthen Cebu’s position as a hub for business events, tourism and live entertainment.

The development includes the arena, an SMX convention center and two hotels under the Park Inn and Radisson brands.

The arena sits on a 19,000-square-meter site and has about 70,000 square meters of gross floor area. It can accommodate up to 25,000 people and features 30 premier suites for corporate guests and VIPs.

Chico Sy, president of SM Engineering, Design and Development Corp. (SMEDD), said the convention center is on track for completion by the end of the year, with its first events expected in the first quarter of next year.

The two hotels are scheduled to open in the first half of 2028.

“We wanted to make sure we’re able to give affordable accommodation and also very good luxury accommodation,” Sy said, adding that the two hotel brands are intended to cater to different segments of the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market.

He said the integrated complex is designed to support Cebu’s growing events industry by providing venues, accommodations and entertainment facilities in one location.

Sy also sees the development expanding Cebu’s appeal to international visitors by combining world-class entertainment with the province’s tourism offerings.

“When you bring in someone like a major international act, people from Korea, Indonesia and Singapore can also come because we have a beautiful venue here and a beautiful island,” he said.

“Combining that concert with the island, that tourism combination, I think that’s wonderful.”

He said the concept could help position Cebu as a destination for both global entertainment and international tourism, particularly given its direct international flights and established reputation as one of the country’s leading leisure destinations.

Hans Sy, chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings, said the Cebu arena reflects the company’s long-term confidence in Cebu’s growth.

He credited the late Henry Sy Sr. for acquiring the North Reclamation property more than two decades ago, making the development possible.

“My father has always believed in Cebu,” Hans Sy said.

He added that SM is exploring similar arena-led developments as part of future township projects, although no new location has been identified.

“This was done 20 years ago when we had big pieces of land,” he said. “I’m sure this won’t be the last.”

“We’re still looking for a very big property.”

Hans Sy said operating major venues in both Manila and Cebu would strengthen the country’s ability to attract international concerts and sporting events.

The company hopes to bring global performers with Filipino connections, including Bruno Mars and K-pop groups with Filipino members, while also pursuing international volleyball and basketball tournaments.

He said sports tourism represents another growth opportunity for Cebu.

“Sports tourism is something that we have missed out, and that is one of the things that we will fully support,” he said.

SM said the arena, convention center and hotels are expected to complement Cebu’s expanding tourism and business sectors by attracting more conferences, exhibitions, concerts and sporting events, generating additional demand for airlines, hotels, restaurants, transport services and other local businesses.

Julie’s Bakeshop taps COREnergy to power Cebu commissary operations

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CebuBusinessNews
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Julies’ Franchise Corporation Chief Operating Officer Gio Gandionco seals the partnership with a handshake with COREnergy Vice President and Head of Operations Marko Sarmiento.

Julie’s Bakeshop has partnered with COREnergy to supply electricity to its commissary operations, as the Cebu-based bakery chain seeks to manage one of its largest operating costs more efficiently.

The agreement will see COREnergy, the retail electricity unit of Vivant Energy Corporation, provide power to Julie’s Bakeshop’s commissaries, which serve as the production hubs for the company’s network of stores across the Philippines.

Julie’s Bakeshop said the move is part of its efforts to optimize energy use as manufacturers contend with persistent cost pressures, including volatile raw material prices, higher wages and rising logistics expenses.

Electricity remains one of the largest controllable operating expenses for food manufacturers, alongside key inputs such as flour and fuel.

Under the retail electricity arrangement, Julie’s Bakeshop said it expects to manage its energy consumption more strategically, potentially allowing the company to redirect resources toward production upgrades, equipment modernization and future expansion.

The partnership also reflects growing participation in the Philippines’ retail electricity market, which allows qualified consumers to choose their electricity supplier instead of relying solely on their local distribution utility.

Julie’s Bakeshop, founded in Cebu, is one of the country’s largest bakery chains, with a nationwide network of franchised stores serving bread and other baked products to Filipino consumers. Its commissaries play a central role in maintaining product quality and ensuring daily supply across its retail network.

COREnergy is the retail electricity supplier of Vivant Energy Corporation, providing electricity solutions to commercial and industrial customers under the country’s retail competition and open access framework.

DOTTV says viewership hits 7.1 million in first three months

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Cebu-based digital media platform DOTTV said it reached 7.1 million viewers in its first three months of operation, as the company expands its presence across television, radio, and online channels.

The network said the figure reflects growing audience engagement across its integrated media platforms, including Cignal Channel 107, DYCM AM and FM, Facebook Live, YouTube, TikTok, and other digital channels.

DOTTV said its early growth was supported by a media ecosystem that combines news and current affairs, film and video production, event coverage, television broadcasting, and digital content services.

The company describes itself as the first fully digital television station outside Metro Manila, positioning the Cebu-based network as a regional player in news, public affairs, entertainment, and digital content production.

Network officials said the milestone underscores DOTTV’s expanding reach and its potential value to advertisers, brands, and content partners seeking audiences in Cebu and beyond.

DOTTV is also preparing to launch its Cebuano fantasy series, “Higans Tols the Wind,” which the company expects to help further drive audience engagement and broaden its viewership.

The network said it will continue strengthening its programming lineup and expanding its digital footprint after crossing the 7.1-million-viewer mark.

Cebu Business News

Gealon Racing Team’s Toniacao wins Sandugo Bohol Ultra Marathon

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CebuBusinessNews
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Andy Toniacao of Gealon Racing Team won the Sandugo Bohol Ultra Marathon on Sunday, completing the grueling 105-kilometer race across Bohol in 9 hours, 57 minutes and 15 seconds.

Toniacao topped a field of elite ultramarathon runners from across the Philippines in the annual endurance event, which covered a route from the town of Jagna to Getafe and featured an elevation gain of 552 meters.

Gealon Racing Team also fielded Kelvin Boyles and Markiven Revilla, who successfully completed the demanding course alongside Toniacao.

The race tested runners’ endurance over long distances and varying terrain, attracting some of the country’s top ultramarathon athletes.

Gealon Racing Team Manager Rey Gealon welcomed the result, saying he was delighted with the team’s performance after months of physical and mental preparation.

“I am ecstatic with the result, although I was confident the athletes would emerge victorious because of their physical and mental preparation,” Gealon said.

He also expressed gratitude that the team completed the race without any injuries.

“Glory and praise belong to the Almighty for bestowing them strength and courage to finish the race free from harm or injury,” he added.

The Sandugo Bohol Ultra Marathon is among the endurance races held in Bohol, challenging participants to navigate long-distance routes across the province’s varied landscape.

AppleOne bets on diversification, integrated developments to weather market uncertainty

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CebuBusinessNews
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Samantha Manigsaca, vice president for hospitality at AppleOne Group

Cebu-based property developer AppleOne Group is strengthening its investments in healthcare, commercial real estate and renewable energy as it diversifies beyond residential and hospitality projects to build resilience against economic uncertainty, a company executive said.

Speaking at the “Visayas on the Rise: Property Sustains Upside” forum, Samantha Manigsaca, vice president for hospitality at AppleOne Group, said the company has adopted a long-term strategy aimed at navigating inflation, rising construction costs, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks.

“Resilience isn’t built during a crisis. It is built through the decisions you make long before a crisis arrives,” Manigsaca said.

She said diversification has become a key pillar of the group’s strategy, citing investments in commercial developments, healthcare facilities and renewable energy alongside its residential and hospitality businesses.

AppleOne recently opened Mahi Center, a commercial development near Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and has expanded its healthcare portfolio through VisayasMed Hospital, Brokenshire Hospital in Davao and United Shalom Hospital in Tacloban.

The company has also entered the renewable energy sector, which Manigsaca said supports both long-term sustainability and national development.

Rather than relying on a single source of revenue, AppleOne is developing integrated communities that combine residential, retail, hospitality, office and healthcare components, she said.

“When one sector slows, another often continues performing. That’s what makes integrated developments more resilient across economic cycles,” Manigsaca said.

She added that AppleOne continues to focus on locations where tourism, infrastructure development and economic activity are expected to support long-term growth, while partnerships with international hotel operators such as Marriott International and Radisson Hotel Group help strengthen investor confidence and operational standards.

Manigsaca said buyers and investors increasingly prefer mixed-use developments that allow residents to live, work, shop and access healthcare within a single community, a trend that is shaping the company’s future projects.

Cebu Business News

Cebu-based Vivant acquires 200-MW Northern Samar wind project from Envision

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CebuBusinessNews
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(L-R) Liu Wei, Envision Energy Philippines Director; Yuan Rongke, Envision Energy Philippines President; Emil Andre M. Garcia, Vivant Energy President and Al Douglas Villaos, Vivant Energy SAVP for Business Development. (Standing) Duli Zhang, Envision Energy Philippines Business Development Manager and Lawrence Nubla, Vivant Energy Senior Vice President for Business Development.

Cebu-based Vivant Energy Corp. has acquired a 200-megawatt wind power project in Northern Samar from Envision Energy Philippines, expanding its renewable energy portfolio and strengthening its position in the country’s clean energy sector.

Vivant said its renewable energy subsidiary, Vivant Renewable Energy Corp. (VREC), acquired a 100% stake in Samar Philippines Renewable Corp. (SPRC), the developer of the proposed wind farm covering the municipalities of Lavezares, Allen, Victoria and Rosario in Northern Samar.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The project is targeted for completion and grid connection by the end of 2028. Once operational, it is expected to generate about 695 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to supply more than 190,000 households, according to Vivant.

The company said the facility is also projected to avoid around 487,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

“For an archipelagic country like the Philippines, energy security depends on a power mix that is both diverse and deliberate,” Vivant said. “In Northern Samar, Vivant Energy sees an opportunity to add greener capacity where it can support a more resilient energy portfolio and contribute to the country’s long-term energy stability.”

The acquisition marks another step in Vivant’s push to grow its renewable energy business as it works toward its “30 by 30” goal of increasing renewable energy capacity.

Thirty-six percent of the project’s capacity has secured an award under the Department of Energy’s fourth Green Energy Auction Program, while the remaining capacity is expected to be covered by an offtake agreement with a retail electricity supplier.

Envision, the project’s original developer, will continue to support development through turbine technology, engineering services and other project development expertise as it moves toward construction and commercial operation.

The transaction highlights the growing role of Cebu-based companies in national energy infrastructure, particularly as the Philippines seeks to attract more investment in wind, solar and other renewable energy projects.

Real estate group presses DHSUD to speed housing project permits

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CebuBusinessNews
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Anthony Leuterio, founder of Filipino Homes

A Philippine real estate industry group has urged the government to speed up approvals for new housing projects and avoid midstream regulatory changes, warning that delays could worsen the country’s housing shortage and push up property prices.

Anthony Gerard O. Leuterio, president of A Better Real Estate Philippines (ABREP), said prolonged delays in the issuance of License-to-Sell (LTS) permits by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) were slowing the rollout of residential projects across the country.

In a statement, Leuterio said developers in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Ormoc and Metro Manila had reported lengthy waiting periods for LTS approvals despite having submitted complete documentary requirements.

He attributed the delays partly to the centralization of LTS approval authority at the national level, which he said had created processing bottlenecks and hindered the launch of pre-selling projects.

“The people suffering are not just corporations. They are small developers, community builders, and Filipino families waiting for homes,” Leuterio said.

He called on DHSUD to improve transparency by publishing data on the number of LTS approvals issued over the past six months, broken down by region and project type.

Leuterio also raised concerns over what he described as changing regulatory requirements for projects already under development, saying some developers were being asked to comply with new rules after securing financing, engaging contractors and committing to buyers.

He said such policy shifts could discourage investment and delay housing construction at a time when the Philippines faces a significant housing deficit.

“When projects stall, housing supply shrinks. When housing supply shrinks, prices rise,” he said.
The delays also affect overseas Filipino workers, who often depend on pre-selling projects with extended payment terms to purchase homes, Leuterio said.

Housing remains a key driver of the Philippine economy, supporting demand for construction materials, banking services, utilities and employment across multiple industries, he added.

Leuterio cited industry estimates showing the country’s housing backlog exceeded six million units in 2023 and could reach 13 million by 2040 without a significant increase in housing production.

He said the private sector was prepared to work with the government to address the housing shortage while maintaining consumer protection standards.

“We do not ask for the removal of regulations. We ask for regulations that are fair, consistent, timely and developed with industry participation,” Leuterio said.

DHSUD was not immediately available for comment on the concerns raised by the industry group.

Cebu Business News

dotTV launches Cebuano fantasy series ‘Higans Tols the Wind’ starring Bonel Balingit

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Cebu-based broadcaster dotTV is expanding its original programming with the launch of “Higans Tols the Wind,” a Cebuano fantasy series starring veteran comedian and actor Bonel Balingit, as the regional network steps up efforts to produce locally made content for a national audience.

The series, created by Juniño Padilla and written and directed by Sam Costanilla, VF, blends fantasy, comedy and adventure with family-oriented storytelling, according to dotTV Studios, the network’s content production arm.

“Higans Tols the Wind” follows the adventures of a towering giant and his band of small but determined companions as they set out on a journey filled with challenges and life lessons. The production carries the tagline: “He’s 7 feet tall, they’re 7 feet small. Together, they’ll move mountains.”

The project marks the latest original offering from dotTV Studios, which is part of dotTV, billed as the first digital television network established outside Metro Manila. The network has been building a portfolio of Cebuano-produced programs aimed at bringing regional stories to a broader Philippine audience.

The fantasy series is scheduled to air on dotTV Channel 107 on Cignal, giving the Cebuano-language production nationwide reach.

The launch comes as regional media companies increasingly invest in original content to cater to audiences seeking programming rooted in local culture and language. Industry players have also been exploring digital and pay television platforms to expand the market for locally produced shows beyond their traditional geographic base.

Bonel Balingit, one of Cebu’s best-known comedians and actors, headlines the cast, adding star power to the production as dotTV seeks to strengthen its entertainment lineup.

While the network has yet to announce an official premiere date, it said “Higans Tols the Wind” will be coming soon to viewers across the country.

The new series underscores Cebu’s growing creative industry, with local producers, writers and performers developing original content capable of competing on the national stage while promoting Cebuano culture and storytelling traditions.

POP MART expands to Cebu as Philippine growth gathers pace

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CebuBusinessNews
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Collectibles retailer POP MART has opened its first pop-up store in Cebu, marking its entry into the Visayas as the company moves to expand its Philippine footprint beyond Metro Manila.

The store opened on June 5 at Ayala Center Cebu and features CRYBABY, one of the brand’s popular collectible toy lines. It follows POP MART’s rollout of four stores in Metro Manila, including locations in SM Megamall, SM Aura, SM North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia.

Marilen Villamayor, POP MART Philippines country head, said Cebu was deliberately chosen as the brand’s first expansion market outside the capital because of its established retail base and growing community of collectors.

“Cebu is a very important market,” Villamayor said. “We really wanted to open here first.”

The Cebu outlet will initially operate as a pop-up store, but the company is already considering a permanent location in the city. Villamayor said POP MART usually opens pop-ups first before deciding whether to launch a full inline store.

“Normally, what we do is we open our pop-up first and then the inline store will follow,” she said, adding that a permanent Cebu store could come by 2027.

POP MART is known for its “blind box” retail model, where customers buy sealed boxes without knowing which collectible figure is inside. The concept has developed a strong following among fans of designer toys, limited-edition characters and artist collaborations.

Villamayor said demand in the Philippines has been strong, with many local customers previously buying POP MART products abroad before the company expanded in the country.

“We are very happy with the market,” she said. “We’re really doing well, especially in Manila.”

The company’s online stores are also performing strongly, supporting plans to open more physical outlets in the Philippines, she said.

POP MART’s best-performing character lines in the country include Hirono, The Monsters, Labubu and Skullpanda. Villamayor said the company keeps demand active by regularly launching new products rather than relying on a single character or short-term trend.

“It’s not actually only a trend because every week we keep on launching new products,” she said. “The most important thing is we offer something new to the market.”

The Cebu pop-up will carry a range of products, including blind boxes, plush toys, dolls, accessories and larger collectible lines. Prices vary across product categories, with smaller items starting at about 300 pesos.

Villamayor said POP MART’s customer base cuts across age groups and income segments, although younger consumers remain a key market. Students, working women, men, children and families are among the brand’s buyers, she said.

“Everybody can enjoy blind boxes,” she said.

The Cebu store is expected to carry product allocations similar to those available in Metro Manila, although some items may be brought in gradually after the opening.

The company also plans to explore more locations in the Visayas and Mindanao after Cebu, Villamayor said.

The expansion comes as Cebu continues to attract more international lifestyle and retail concepts, supported by tourism recovery, business process outsourcing growth and rising consumer spending.

For POP MART, Cebu offers a gateway to a broader regional market as collectibles culture gains traction in the Philippines through fan communities, social media and demand for limited-edition merchandise.

Builders seek resilience as CebuCon opens in Cebu

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CebuCon
CebuCon. Photo: CebuBusinessNews.ph

The 31st CebuCon Build Expo opened on Thursday at SM Seaside City Cebu, bringing together nearly 100 construction, engineering and building materials companies as industry players sought ways to manage rising costs amid concerns over higher fuel prices and supply chain disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.

The four-day exhibition comes as the construction sector faces the prospect of higher transportation, logistics, and material costs should oil prices continue to rise.

Despite the uncertainties, industry participants said demand from infrastructure projects, tourism developments, industrial investments and urbanization continues to support construction activity, particularly in growth centers such as Cebu.

“We are operating in a more challenging environment, but that also pushes the industry to innovate,” Tristan JL Abais, president of LA Ducut Abais Innovations Inc., the event organizer, said.

Exhibitors are showcasing solar energy systems, water management technologies, digital construction platforms and energy-efficient building products designed to help contractors, developers and property owners reduce operating costs and improve efficiency.

About half of the exhibitors are from Metro Manila, highlighting Cebu’s growing role as a regional hub for construction, engineering and real estate investments in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The Philippine construction industry has remained resilient despite global economic headwinds. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the sector expanded 6.8% in the first quarter of 2025, while approved construction projects increased 5.3% to 180,341 in 2024.

Industry participants said trade shows such as CebuCon have become increasingly important venues for identifying new technologies, strengthening supply-chain networks and exploring ways to cushion the impact of external shocks.

While geopolitical tensions and volatile energy prices remain concerns, developers and contractors continue to see opportunities from government infrastructure spending and private-sector investments, supporting demand across the construction value chain.

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