I would like to start by congratulating the Sy family as well as the management and staff of SM City Cebu on the grand launch of the Northwing today. There will be a unprecedented gala activity as there will be a classic car fashion show featuring vintage sportscars from the Performance and Classics Enthusiasts (PACE) Car Club of Cebu and the Fashion Council led by luminaries like Philip Rodriguez, Arcy Gayatin, Junjun Escario, and others tonight at the Northwing. The affair is titled Gear and Glam.

I would also like to extend congratulations to the management of the Ayala Center Cebu and Golden Great Value Properties on the upcoming launch of The Terraces and Parkmall respectively. It is an exciting time for the retail industry and the local economy as developments like these will contribute to making Cebu a world class city and a premier tourist destination.

Retail is one of the key drivers of the economy, as it helps shape the needs and wants of the consumers and shoppers. In lieu of this, I would like to take the opportunity to invite, in behalf of the local chapter of the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), all retailers to come and join the organization. “The PRA as a world class organization shall empower and guide members to attain global competitiveness and make the retail industry a significant contributor to, and driving force of Philippine Economic development. PRA is the pulse and voice of the Philippine retail industry” .


The PRA Cebu Chapter will be conducting the second General Members Meeting together with the second induction ceremonies for new members on October 29, 2008 at 12:00 noon at the City Sports Club Sinulog Ballroom I. The event will have Mr. Bernie Liu, CEO of Golden ABC and concurrently, Vice President for Regional Affairs of the PRA as well as board member of the local chapter, as inspirational speaker. The theme for the event will be “Supporting the Cebuano Entrepreneurial Spirit. Building World Class Brand Excellence.” We will also be treated to a product presentation by IBM Retail Solutions, who is the major sponsor together with GraphicStar as the media sponsor.

I would also like to greet and congratulate our incoming Chairman, Jay Aldegeur , who as founding president, was instrumental in the formation of and leading of the first couple of years of the local chapter. I would also like to congratulate Melanie Ng, who will be taking the reins from Jay as the new President of the local chapter.

Jay has contributed a lot to the local retailing scene and has inspired countless others to strive to attain excellence in retail. I should know. I remember not too long ago, that Jay expressed confidence in my efforts to grow my toy store brand, Toys@Work. Through his constant encouragement and support, I was able to expand to other sectors in the retail industry, footwear, women’s fashion and now eyewear. Jay and the support of PRA allowed me to gain the skills, network and confidence to expand and grow.

I would like to extend this invitation to local retailers to join us in the PRA. Be part of the voice and pulse of the Philippine Retail Industry. We can all learn and achieve so much if we unite and do things together.

Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, lets 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 at stirspecialist@gmail.com , or visit http://www.stirspecialist.blogspot.com/ .