Jap businessmen eye Cebu as main test market in Phl

CEBU, Philippines - A locally-based corporation of Japanese businessmen considers Cebu as their main and test market in the Philippines given the fast-paced economic growth of the province and the high foot traffic of foreign and domestic tourists.

This was manifested as Aqua Marine Ocean Tours opened the second outlet of its subsidiary business venture, the Izakaya Goku Japanese Restaurant.

Aqua Marine Ocean Tours, which is primarily headquartered at Cebu Beach Club, Buyong, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, is a holding company of two other tourism-related businesses namely the OnSite Outward Expedition at Portofino Beach Resort, Barangay Angasil, Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City and AquaNaut Voyage in Manila Ocean Park, Quirino Grandstand, in Luneta, Manila.

Two years ago, the Japanese corporation ventured into its first business in the food industry and opened its first outlet of Izakaya Goku at Banilad Town Center in Cebu City.

Naoki Ono, president of Aqua Marine Ocean Tours, said that they assess the reception of the Cebu market first before the corporation lays out its expansion strategies for the Japanese restaurant.

He added that they identified Cebu as their primary market in the country given its huge potential base in terms of economy, investment, growth and foot traffic particularly for Japanese and Filipinos.

The company, he said, has invested P5 million for the second branch of Izakaya Goku that was officially opened last Thursday.

The 170-square meter outlet situated at Gagfa Building, Sitio Kasambagan, Mabolo, Cebu City can accommodate 70 persons with 15 employees serving them.

Ono cited that the second outlet was strategically located in an area where call center agents and young professionals work for five to six Japanese companies that occupy the same building.

He added that there are also city hotels nearby Izakaya Goku which makes it accessible for foreign and local tourists to dine in the Japanese restaurant.

He noted that the newly-opened outlet was primarily intended for the Filipino market particularly the young working professionals and domestic travellers.

Ono also said that although they are similar with other Japanese restaurants in Cebu that provide truly authentic cuisines, Izakaya Goku commits itself to ensure the affordability of what they offer in the menu without compromising the authenticity of the Japanese dishes.

“We want to make it Japanese and at the same time, Filipinize it. Izakaya Goku will be the center of both nationalities,” he said.

He said that the Goku Tendon which is composed of two large shrimps and a sticky rice bowl is the main attraction of Izakaya Goku and is priced at P449.

Other specialties that are a hit to both the Filipino and Japanese markets include the shrimp tempura, Japanese cuisine starter course, sashimi salmon and ramen.

Ono further revealed that they eyeing to open the third branch of Izakaya Goku anytime this year along with their planned expansion of Aqua Marine Ocean Tours in Bohol. /JMD (FREEMAN)