Cebu Bakery World 2026 aims to help bakers beat rising industry costs

 Cebu Bakery World 2026 aims to help bakers beat rising industry costs

CEBU CITY — As the scent of fresh bread filled the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, the opening of Bakery World 2026 on Wednesday, September 10, brought together more than just flour, sugar, and celebrity chefs.

Beneath the flurry of live cooking demonstrations and cake competitions, the premier three-day Visayas bakery and foodservice expo tackled a pressing reality facing food entrepreneurs today--surviving in an era of soaring ingredient costs.

Organized by the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), the biennial event, running from September 10 to 12, has returned to give regional bakers, café owners, and home-based startups direct access to tools, international suppliers, and cost-saving techniques without needing to travel to the capital.

"Measure Everything", the survival guide for modern bakeries.  With butter, sugar, and flour prices on a steady upward trajectory, industry veterans at the expo warned that passing every price increase on to consumers is a recipe for losing loyal regulars. Instead, speakers urged operators to optimize their margins through strict systems, localized ingredients, and smarter sourcing.

"To maintain profitability amidst rising prices, you need strict measurement and systems," shared Chef Buddy Trinidad, President of the Pastry Alliance of the Philippines and founder of Park Avenue Desserts, during an opening day talk. "Find your magic number for portion control... It prevents waste and keeps costing consistent per gram."

Trinidad urged owners to utilize modern Point of Sale (POS) systems to track exact ingredient usage and recipe costs, noting that high overall sales numbers can hide thin or non-existent profit margins.

He also cautioned young bakery owners against blindly copying international trends that don't fit local tastes, pointing to regional innovations like Ube Cheese Pandesal as proof that local ingredients can create global hits.

His advice for owners squeezed by capital costs? Collaborate. "Small bakeries can share expensive equipment like dough sheeters. Test the market first before making a big investment," he suggested.

Smarter sourcing and product innovations can greatly help bakers bridge the gap between premium quality and manageable margins, food service distributors showcased practical product alternatives, Trinidad said.

Global Pacific Distribution highlighted Bravo Butterich, a professional butter equivalent positioned between standard margarine and high-cost European butter. Tested by Trinidad in his classic croissant and traditional butter cake recipes, the alternative allows high-volume bakeries to maintain taste, aroma, and crumb quality without prohibitive expenses.

Similarly, Chef Joseph Leong, Technical Chef for Malaysian chocolate brand Beryl's Gourmet, emphasized the necessity of cost control and brand identity in a crowded marketplace.

"In a crowded market, a clear identity—whether through flavor, presentation, or the experience you create for customers—is essential," Leong noted.

Bringing business growth outside Manila is the goal of Bakery World 2026. First launched in 2018, Bakery World has established Cebu as a vital hub for culinary growth in the central and southern Philippines.

By bringing over 70 exhibitors, B2B ingredient suppliers, and machine manufacturers directly to Cebu, MCCI aims to level the playing field for Visayas and Mindanao entrepreneurs.

"In the past, bakery exhibitions were always held in Manila," said Kelly Ko, MCCI past president and Bakery World Committee Chair. "By holding Bakery World in Cebu, MCCI can help bakers not only in Cebu, but also those based in other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. We believe that the demand for baked goods will continue to grow as consumers look for healthier alternatives and new products."

MCCI Past President and Bakery World founder Stanley Go echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the event's ongoing focus on grassroots business development. "The goal was to help home-based bakers grow their businesses," Go said. "With Bakery World, we can bring in ways to help these small bakers... access ingredients and equipment they can use to increase productivity, improve product quality, and create new innovations."

Cebu Bakery World 2026 is a packed three-day showcase alongside business insights. The expo features star-studded masterclasses, headlined by Celebrity Chef Boy Logro, Chef Alvin Ong, and members of the Pastry Guild, alongside bread art and wedding cake decoration competitions.

MCCI President Barbara Gothong Tan highlighted the collaborative effort driving the event, noting that initiatives like Bakery World reinforce the chamber's mission of "creating a stronger and more connected business community capable of responding collectively to emerging economic challenges."

Bakery World 2026 runs through September 12 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.

DSWD’s project Katha selects 2 enterprises in Central Visayas for national market push

 CEBU CITY — A rattan weavers’ group in northern Cebu and a camote chip maker in Bohol are getting a shot at bigger markets after being chosen as Central Visayas’ flagship products under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Project Katha.

The initiative, run by DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), aims to take “good” community products and turn them into brands that can compete on supermarket shelves and online marketplaces.

The Project Katha validation team toured the two enterprises endorsed by DSWD-SLP Field Office 7--the Sandayong Local Weavers Association in Sogod, Cebu, and Rochel Datoy of Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

In Sogod, the team watched members of the Sandayong Local Weavers Association bend, strip, and weave locally sourced rattan into chairs, tables, and décor.

For years, the group has relied on SLP for training and starter capital. Now, it wants to scale up. "Sa paglabay sa mga tuig, padayon kaming gigiyahan ug gisuportahan sa SLP. Mapasalamaton kami nga nakita sa programa ang potensyal sa among mga produkto ug gihatagan kami og mga oportunidad aron mapauswag ug mapalambo pa kini.” (Over the years, SLP has continued to guide and support us. We are grateful the program saw the potential in our products and gave us opportunities to improve them.) said association president Neolito Densing.

In Bohol, the team sampled batches of camote chips and camote delight from Rochel Datoy. Her small food business has already made waves — she placed 2nd in the 2025 National Gawad Sulong Awards and has joined regional trade fairs.

"Dili pa ko katuo sa mga panghitabo, gikan sa recognition last year ug karon sa project Katha. Mapasalamaton kaayo sa padayon nga suporta ug pag giya sa SLP," Datoy said. (I’m still amazed. From last year’s recognition to Project Katha now, I’m very grateful for SLP’s continued support.)

Project Katha doesn’t stop at praising craftsmanship. The next step is to send product samples to four partner universities where experts will help improve packaging, design, and market positioning.

"Maganda na ang kanilang mga produkto. Ngunit para sa Project Katha, hindi nagtatapos sa pagiging ‘maganda’ ang layunin nito. Nais nitong maging mas kompetitibo, mas mabenta sa merkado, at mas handa para sa mas malawak at mas malaking merkado," said Alieen Dizon, Project Development Officer III.

DSWD-7 regional director Shalaine Marie Lucero said, the program is shifting focus from livelihood grants to product development. "There are a lot of products here that need to be developed," she noted. “It’s not just about making the product better. It’s about how we present, position, and introduce it to consumers.”

Launched under Mandaue Business Month initiatives, Project Katha is DSWD’s answer to a common problem that many SLP enterprises make quality goods, but struggle with branding and market access.

By pairing community producers with universities and market experts, DSWD hopes to turn local creativity into sustainable businesses — one rattan chair and one pack of camote chips at a time. (Photos: DSWD-7)

Dyson brings biggest trade to upgrade sale of the year to SM City Cebu

CEBU CITY-- Got an old, clunky vacuum gathering dust, or an outdated hairdryer that has seen better days? Starting tomorrow, that old equipment—working or completely broken, any brand—could be your golden ticket to upgrading your home for a fraction of the cost.

Dyson is officially rolling out its biggest Trade to Upgrade Sale of the Year at the SM City Cebu North Wing Atrium, running for three days only from September 11 to 13, 2026.  The event promises deep price cuts across Dyson's flagship home and hair care tech, featuring trade-in discounts, limited-stock freebies, and exclusive multi-device bundles.

Among the standout deals are the Dyson Cool™ AM07 Tower Fan, now available for just ₱14,750 from ₱29,500, and the Dyson V8 Slim™ Vacuum, reduced to ₱14,450 from ₱28,900.

Dyson's popular hair care technology is also part of the event. The Dyson Airwrap i.d.™ Ceramic Patina, a best-selling styling tool, will be available for ₱22,140 from ₱36,900, while the Dyson Airstrait™ Straightener will be offered for ₱20,340 from ₱33,900 upon Trade-in.

Beyond the discounted machines, shoppers can also take advantage of exclusive bundle offers designed to give customers even more value.

The Dyson WashG1™ Wet Floor Cleaner comes with a FREE Dyson V8 Slim™ Vacuum for only ₱45,900, offering a complete cleaning solution for tackling everyday wet and dry messes.

Meanwhile, customers can take home two Dyson AM07 Tower Fans for only ₱29,500 through a special Buy 1, Get 1 offer.

The event will also feature free gifts with selected purchases, but with limited stocks available only. Customers are encouraged to visit early to make the most of the offers before stocks run out.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your cleaning routine, refresh your hair styling tools, or keep your home cool and comfortable, the Dyson Trade to Upgrade event offers an opportunity to experience Dyson technology at significantly reduced prices.

With high trade-in discounts, exclusive bundles, free gifts, and limited-stock offers, Dyson's three-day event at SM City Cebu is set to be one of the biggest opportunities for Cebu shoppers to upgrade to Dyson. (Photos: Dyson)

 

 

MCIA soars again with back-to-back global customer experience awards

LAPU-LAPU CITY — Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) Airports, has once again solidified its standing as one of Asia-Pacific’s premier air hubs, securing top honors for customer experience from Airports Council International (ACI).

The Philippines' busiest gateway outside Manila earned dual recognition at the recent ACI Airport Experience Summit 2026 held in Istanbul, Türkiye:

Best Airport in Asia-Pacific (5–15 Million Passengers Category): Marking its second consecutive win in the ACI Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Customer Experience Awards, grounded in passenger evaluations across 50+ airport touchpoints worldwide.

Level 3 Airport Customer Experience Accreditation: Upgraded from Level 2, MCIA becomes the first and only airport in the Philippines to reach Level 3, recognizing its advanced strategy in engaging passengers, staff, and service professionals to enhance the overall travel experience.

"These recognitions affirm our commitment to making every journey through MCIA a positive and meaningful experience. Our investments and improvements at the airport are ultimately about creating better experiences for the public, strengthening connectivity, and helping Cebu and the Philippines capture more opportunities in tourism, trade, and investment,” said Rafael  Aboitiz, AIC Vice President and Head of Airports.

Since assuming management in 2024, AIC Airports has heavily invested in MCIA’s infrastructure, service systems, and digital technology. AIC Airports Chief Executive Officer Athanasios Titonis noted that MCIA’s passenger-first standard will serve as the benchmark as AIC expands operations to Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan International Airport.

Present to receive the accolade in Istanbul were MCIA General Manager Ricia Vinelli Montejo and Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority GM & CEO Julius Neri, Jr.

The double distinction underscores the impact of public-private synergy in elevating Philippine infrastructure onto the global stage while driving economic growth across the Visayas and Mindanao. (Photo: MCIA)

Cebu secures historic hosting bid for MICECON 2027

Cebu secures historic hosting bid for MICECON 2027

CEBU CITY — Thirteen years after last hosting the country's premier event industry gathering, Cebu is gearing up to welcome the Philippine Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) Conference back to its shores in 2027.

The official announcement was made on September 8, during the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2026 hosted dinner at the Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Manila, signaling Cebu's comeback as a leading hub for regional business tourism and event innovation.

The winning bid was the culmination of months of intensive preparation and cross-sector collaboration under a unified "One Cebu" campaign. Spearheaded by the Cebu MICE Alliance, the bid brought together key regional stakeholders, including the Department of Tourism Central Visayas (DOT-7), the Hotel Resort & Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc. (HRRACI), the Cebu Alliance of Tour Operation Specialists Inc. (CATOS), local business chambers, and the leadership of the Cebu Provincial Government alongside the tri-cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu.

Josef Chiongbian, Vice President for External Affairs of the Cebu MICE Alliance and General Manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the effort.

“Months of rigorous preparation went into building this proposal, but our greatest strength was bringing our local leaders together. Engaging the Cebu Provincial Government and the Mayors of our tri-cities to unite under one single Cebu bid proves how Cebuanos collaborate and step up to position Cebu as a global powerhouse. This win belongs to the entire community,” Chiongbian said.

As the Philippine MICE industry continues to expand, MICECON 2027 is slated to draw international buyers, event planners, trade delegates, and global tourism leaders. Beyond showcasing the region’s expanding modern infrastructure, convention centers, and hotel capacity, the event aims to highlight Cebu’s cultural heritage and sustainable, regenerative event practices.

Cleofe Albiso, President of the Cebu MICE Alliance, noted that returning the conference to the province marks a significant milestone for the local tourism economy.

"Bringing MICECON back to Cebu after more than a decade is both a milestone and a strong validation of our industry's enduring strength and growth," Albiso stated.

This hosting duty allows the alliance to demonstrate how Cebu harmoniously combines top-tier business infrastructure with deep-rooted cultural experiences and regenerative, forward-thinking event practices, she added.

The arrival of MICECON 2027 is expected to drive substantial economic activity across Cebu’s hospitality, transport, food and beverage, and retail sectors, further bolstering the region's position as a competitive venue for major international conventions in Asia.

Further details regarding event programming, venue selections, and registration timelines will be announced in upcoming official briefings. (Photos: MICE Alliance)

Chiz pushes broader, uniform definition of indigency

CEBU CITY -- When is a teacher "poor"? When is a small business owner "indigent"? For Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the answer shouldn’t just be about how much you earn every month. It should also be about what life throws at you.

In his weekend podcast “Chiz Wiz! Usapang May Laman,” the veteran lawmaker called for a broader, uniform definition of indigency, one that recognizes that a family can be financially stable one day, and broke the next because of cancer treatment or a P500,000 legal bill.

Right now, Escudero said, the government treats "indigency" as a single box and that box usually means "4Ps beneficiary." But the rules are messy. Barangays issue certificates of indigency under the Local Government Code. The Public Attorney’s Office uses PSA poverty lines. DSWD uses its own targeting system for 4Ps.

The result: families who don’t qualify on paper are turned away, even when they clearly can’t pay. “Ano ba talaga ibig sabihin ng indigency? Meaning 4Ps ka ba?” Escudero asked.  “Ang problema kasi sa batas natin iisa lang ibig sabihin ng indigency. Pero para sa akin iba’t iba ang level ng indigency.”

Escudero wants government to recognize that poverty has different faces. A family with a child undergoing leukemia? They could be classified as “cancer-indigent.”  A couple filing for nullity of marriage facing P200,000 to P500,000 in legal fees? “Litigation-indigent.”

“Pag may nagkasakit sa pamilya mo, tulad ng cancer, cancer-indigent ‘yung pamilya mo,” he said. “Kamukha rin nito magpa-file ka ng nullity of marriage, hindi naman ganon kadaling pulutin ‘yung P200,000 to P500,000 na panggastos diyan, di ba? So, litigation-indigent siya.”

Even teachers and other professionals who earn above minimum wage, he noted, can fall into these categories when hit with extraordinary expenses.

His guest on the podcast, litigation lawyer Maggie Garduque, said it’s doable. The Constitution’s equal protection clause, she explained, allows government to create different classifications as long as they address real needs.

For Escudero, the goal is simple: make legal aid, medical assistance, and other government services reach the people who actually need them, not just those who fit an outdated income cutoff.

“Indigency, therefore, should also be defined by circumstance, and not just income,” he said.

Homegrown hotel group diversifies with co-living as tourism shifts

CEBU CITY — Twelve years after opening its first hotel on reclaimed land in North Reclamation, Cebu-based Bayfront Hotel Group is doubling down on the island — even as travel patterns change and competition intensifies.

The company marked its 12th anniversary on September 7 with three operating brands and plans underway for a fourth property. Executives say the strategy is simple: diversify demand, protect occupancy, and invest when Cebu’s fundamentals make sense.

“Reading the market has always been our play.  The hotel business is about understanding where demand is coming from. There are periods when corporate, leisure, or group segments perform better than others, so we have to remain responsive and position accordingly,” said Charlton Cokaliong, Founder & Managing Director & spokesperson of Bayfront Hotel Cebu.

From One Hotel to Three Concepts

Bayfront opened its flagship in North Reclamation on September 7, 2014. Seven years later, it launched Bayfront Hotel Cebu – Capitol Site on September 7, 2021, tapping government and business traffic near the Capitol. 

Its newest bet is different. Bayfront CoLive+, which opened October 3, 2025, targets longer stays — students, young professionals, and project-based workers who need more than a nightly room but less than a condo lease.

That move reflects a broader shift in Cebu’s accommodation market. While tourism remains a driver, business travel, domestic trips, family visits, and group movements now fill just as many rooms.

“We see different opportunities within the accommodation business,” Cokaliong said. “We are looking at what people need and where we can provide something that makes business sense.”

The economics of an empty room

for Bayfront, the math of hospitality is unforgiving.   “You are investing in a property that has to generate income every day.  You cannot sell yesterday’s empty room tomorrow. That is why understanding demand and maintaining occupancy are very important to the business,” Cokaliong noted. 

To manage that, Bayfront built a deliberately broad customer base instead of relying on one segment. Corporate accounts provide weekday base load.  Domestic tourists and families drive weekends and holidays. Groups smooth out low periods. CoLive+ adds monthly recurring revenue. 

That mix has helped the group keep occupancy stable despite volatility in international arrivals and airline capacity in recent years.

Bullish on Cebu’s Long Game

Despite headwinds in tourism, Bayfront is planning its next hotel. Details are still under wraps, but the company says site selection and concept will follow the same discipline: follow the demand, not the hype.

“We remain positive about Cebu,” Cokaliong said. “There will always be cycles in business. Our approach is to stay disciplined, understand the market and invest when we see the right opportunity.”

Industry analysts note Cebu continues to benefit from multiple demand drivers: a growing BPO and corporate sector, MICE activity, medical tourism, and its role as a gateway to other Visayas and Mindanao destinations. That mix gives local operators more resilience than single-market resort destinations.

As Bayfront enters its 13th year, the group’s anniversary message is less about celebration and more about conviction.

“Understand the market, protect the fundamentals of the business and continue investing in Cebu,” Cokaliong said.

For a homegrown brand that started on North Reclamation, that means building not just hotels, but options — for every kind of traveler, and for every day the rooms need to be sold. (Photos: Bayfront Hotel Group)