I would like to congratulate the management of Ayala Center Cebu led by Clavel Tiongco, Joy Polloso, Bong Dy on the soft launching of The Terraces. It is a stunning development integrating nature and commerce. It is a much anticipated addition to the expanding attractions that Cebu has to offer. The Terraces is a critical part of the rise of Cebu to becoming a world class city.

There are many establishments that are opening that are firsts for Cebu. I got a text from Pancake House Managing Director Germin Espino inviting me and Cebuanos to the try the newly opened Terriyaki Boy and Sixxling Pepper Steak. I can’t wait to do so. I know there are many Cebuanos that are also waiting in high expectation for hukad by the Golden Cowrie Group. Congratulations to the Kokseng Family for innovating and presentating something new for Cebu.

I would also like to congratulate the Co family led by Carlos, Napoleon, Michael, James, Kenneth and Ciara on the soft opening of Parkmall and the inauguration of the Tree of Discovery. Parkmall is indeed a revelation and discovery for many people. It has transformed the landscape of Mandaue North Reclamation and opened a lot of eyes on the investment potential of the area. James and Jewel also opened Playmaze, a huge play area for children to explore. It makes adults want to explore being children again.

Kudos also to the Chua Family led by my good friend Frederick on opening their biggest branch as well as the Philips Concept Store in Parkmall. Fred tells me that they will be surprising a lot of people with the value innovation that they will be offering.

Congratulations are also in order for the newly elected Chairman of the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) Cebu Chapter Jay Aldeguer as well as our new Madam President Melanie Ng for successfully holding the 2nd General members Meeting (GMM) and Induction of new members and new members of the Board at the City Sports Center last Wednesday. It was a very well attended affair that was highlighted by the unofficial induction of the new “First Gentleman” Wilson who lovingly played a musical tribute to his wife on the Piano during lunch.

Bernie Liu, PRA Vice President as well as Cebu Board member, gave a sobering yet hopeful inspirational message on how retailers can survive the current unstable economic situation. It caused everyone to sit up and listen and afterwards , bombard Bernie with requests for copies of his speech. For the interests of readers, I will be discussing key points from his speech in a future column.

We also had Pia Azarcon from IBM who discussed with us how IBM provides solutions for retailers big and small. She was able to open a lot of eyes of retailers that IBM solutions are not as expensive as they think. She cited the case of a client who is using servers from IBM in running three Lavandera stores. I know she caused a lot of people to think about it looking how many individuals went to chat with her after the presentation.

If I seem to be doing a lot of congratulations now, I wanted to impart that not everything that we read or see in the news are bad. For a lot of things, having the right perspective and attitude will go a long way to pointing us in the proper direction. Bernie Liu said it best, “Business is a Cycle.” We need to buckle down and work harder but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We need to stay positive and focus on what we can do. I believe in taking things one step at a time, we will soon step into the light at the end of the tunnel.

Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, let’s all get together and share knowledge, stories, experiences, information, all for the sole purpose of getting One Step Up.

For comments, suggestions or stories that you want to share, email me atstirspecialist@gmail.com