“Cebu ‘ta, bai!” CBM 2023 kicks off with Grand Opening Salvo

To formally launch the Cebu Business Months 2023 at SM Seaside City Cebu on July 5 with the theme Cebu ‘ta Bai! Moving forward and Shaping the Future which was hosted by Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry, opened with a stellar performance by the UC Webmasters Team that flipped their competitive cheerleaders high into the air, getting everyone into high spirits for the kickoff event.

Around 200 guests from the Cebu Chamber, stakeholders from various industries, local officials, representatives from government agencies, and media partners were in attendance and eager to hear about what CBM has in store for the next six months.

CCCI president Charles Kenneth Co said in his opening remarks that CBM 2023, themed “Cebu ‘ta, bai” will “embark on an exciting journey of exploration, collaboration, and transformation. CBM 2023 is a testament to our shared dedication and commitment to shaping a better future for Cebu.”

Regional operations manager of SM Seaside City Cebu, Antonio Jayme Del Prado, further welcomed guests and said that SM management is proud to support CBM 2023. This event was in fact the first CBM launch held in an SM mall.

In his special message, Rep. Rama pointed out, “Initiatives like the Cebu Business Month are vital to our further economic growth and development, as the scheduled events and activities allow entrepreneurs to engage in meaningful discourse on latest trends, best practices and ways forward in their respective industries.”

Guests were further surprised and delighted when a “flash mob” of Cebu City Hall officers, CCCI members, and some of the CBM team danced to an AVP with an upbeat jingle by Cebu City to usher in Mayor Michael Rama for his inspirational speech. “Cebu ta Bai…if it’s not now when, if it’s not us who?

Collective aspiration…we must take the lead for this country, and this country can be great if Cebu City will make it happen” says Mayor Mike Rama.

CBM 2023 Overall Chair John Paul Chiongbian, together with the working committee, said CBM 2023 approach “To position Cebu in the global arena in this digital age of technology, start-ups and AI while promoting authentic destinations and stamping our local food culture and elevating creative artists while maintaining a purposeful and conscientious approach in doing business and supporting our MSME’s which is the cornerstone of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry now on its 120th year. The CBM on its 27th year with the theme “Cebu ‘ta Bai” reaffirms the Cebuanos resilience and bayanihan spirit in paving the way to a new and progressive tomorrow for our home, Cebu!”

The team includes Tourism Chairperson Kate Anzani with co-chairpersons Allen Andre Suarez and Boboi Costas; Entrepreneurship headed by Chairperson Gretchen Choa and co-chairperson Niko Basubas; Technology in September headed by Chairman Ryan Tan Yu and co-chairpersons Ryan Raymond Yu and April Ong Vaño and Creative Entertainment in October headed by Chairman Lawrence Po Panganiban and co-chairperson Bryan Yap with pocket events and talks in between. The PR and Promotions Committee is headed by Chairperson Georgia “Jaja” Chiongbian Rama with co-chairperson Danna Bacolod.

CBM 2023 will run events and expos focusing on four sectors: Tourism in July, Entrepreneurship in August, Technology in September, and Creative Entertainment in October This is to shed more light and knowledge to achieve their vision in positioning Cebu in the global arena.

About Cebu Business Months

Organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Cebu Business Month is a year-long celebration that aims “To Inspire, Promote & Grow Cebu Businesses” in its focus areas: Tourism, Technology, Entrepreneurship and Creative Industries. CBM actualizes CCI’s thrust in connecting opportunities, growing businesses, and creating value.

The Cebu Business Month started as Cebu Business Day and later became Cebu Business Week. In 1996, President Fidel V. Ramon signed Presidential Proclamation No. 748 declaring the whole month of June as Cebu Business Month. In 2020, CBM expanded into a year-long celebration.

About the Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) is the largest and a prominent local business membership organization in the Philippines with over 900 member companies from various sectors such as Trade, Industry, Service, ICT and Sectoral Business Associations. CCCI is the voice of Cebu’s business community.

In pursuit of this vision, the Chamber conceives plans and implements programs and services in line with its mission “to strengthen the capabilities of the members through advocacy, linkages and synergy for the competitiveness of Cebu and its people in the global economy”.

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