To avoid APEC eclipse MBM 2015 spreads out events through October

CEBU, Philippines – Mandaue chamber officials announced on Saturday the events of this year's Mandaue Business Month will go beyond August because of Cebu's hosting of some Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meetings.

Marlene Bedia, executive director at the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the chamber does not want events for MBM to be overshadowed by the Apec conferences which will also start in August through October.

So MBM events are staggered from August until October.

Businessman Donato Busa, MCCI new elected president, said MBM 2015 is highlighting the game changers -- people and companies considered as visionaries in their own ways -- as the chamber celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Busa is the proprietor of DMC Busa Printers.

One of the biggest events is the MCCI Business Summit on August 14 at Oakridge Business Park, which will have speakers such as: Francis Kong, president of Success Options Publishing Company; Ho Sun Yee, who is into management consulting; Dr. Donald Patrick Lim, chief digital officer of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.; and motivational speaker Chinkee Tan. There are other invited speakers who are yet to confirm.

On August 7 at City Times Square, the so-called "I am Mandaue Shop" will also be put up to showcase Mandaue's food and material products to attract more visitors.

A bigger version of that Shop will be showcased through the Expo Mandaue on October 8-11 in SM City Cebu.

MBM officials have hoped to attract Apec delegates to the expo as during that time, Apec meetings will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel which is near the expo's venue.

On September 18, MCCI will also organize the Mandaue Industrial Tour which is aimed at introducing the booming sectors in the city such as its growing commercial and entertainment centers and even cultural sites as well.

Furthermore, an investment forum is also slated on September 17.

The three-month long celebration ends on October 23 with the 50th year Gala Night which will recognize Mandaue businesses that have existed through the years and have contributed much in terms of employment, taxes and expansion in the city

Among other events include the Chamber Night on September 4, property management seminar on September 25, corporate governance orientation on August 22, seminar on applying laws on business HR on August 1 and Mandaue City charter day celebration on August 30.

Jeruel Roa, the chamber's immediate past president, believes the business group which has over 200 member companies has grown dynamically through the years because of the participation of various stakeholders from top to bottom.

Busa noted that one of the goals of the chamber this year is to increase its membership base.

He added they had already asked the city mayor and legislators to pass an ordinance requiring companies doing business in Mandaue "to unite" with the chamber so they'll become as one in solving problems that affect the business community.

He added he has yet to get a feedback on his suggestion.