Biodiversity in tourism
Once in a while, I'll surface from a self-imposed sabbatical to write about matters that matter. One of them is the Negros Trade Fair (NTF), a non-profit program of the Association of Negros Producers (ANP).
The annual NTF aims to provide the small and medium enterprises of Negros Island Region an affordable venue to showcase their individual ingenuity and a platform for possible export trade. It is also the Philippines' longest- running provincial trade fair held in Metro Manila.
First held in 1985 at the defunct Quad Carpark in the former Makati Commercial Center, the exhibition's theme this year is “Biodiversity in Tourism” with the tag line “One Sweet Spot!”. Highlighting the five-day event is a presentation on the rich biodiversity of Negros flora, fauna, ecosystems and knowledge. The fair organizers led by Joey Gaston intend to focus on crafts that show how Negrenses care for the environment.
This time, ANP will also partner with the Slow Food Negros Island Convivium to offer NTF visitors the flavors of the socalled slow food movement founded in Italy but with a Negrense taste. Promoted as an alternative to fastfood, it strives to preserve traditional and regional cuisine by encouraging the farming of plants, seeds and livestock characteristic of the local ecosystem.
Negrense chefs such as JP Anglo, Fernando Aracama, Tom Bascon, Tony Boy Escalante, Gaita Fores, Manny Torrejon and Richard Ynayan may come around to make the NTF a merry feast. After all, Negrense cuisine has captivated the palates of Filipinos with its distinctive flair emanating from unusual combinations owing to unique agricultural produce from Negros, the “Sweet Spot of the Philippines.”
Now on its 31st year, the NTF will run from Sept. 14 to 18 at the central activity area of Glorietta Mall in Ayala Center, Makati City. The trade fair features the best of Negros products and services from ANP members and other Negrense manufacturers, ranging from food and fashion to furniture and tourism.
There will be special performances from winners of Victorias City's Kadalag- an Dance Festival, as well as the 10th Tipon Negrosallians reunion of Manila-based La Salle Bacolod alumni. Social enterprises likewise get a chance to present their output in order to support their advocacies. For inquiries, e-mail ntfsecretariat@anpphilippines.com.
INNOVATION THAT EXCITES
Speaking of advocacies, health care seems to be the preferred mode of corporate social responsibility these days, especially with conglomerates and state-run enterprises donating funds for drug rehabilitation centers.
On the part of Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI), it donated 35 Urvan cargo vehicles to the Department of Health (DoH) through its Mantrade dealership in Makati City. The Nissan Urvan NV350 units were modified into ambulances and have been turned over to the DoH together with the Department of Budget and Management. They are slated for distribution to various local governments in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
NPI is a relatively new player in the Philippine automotive industry, having been founded in 2013 as a joint venture formed by Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., Japan's second largest car maker, and its Filipino partners Universal Motors Corp. and Yulon Philippines Investment Co. Ltd.
Since it started operations in 2014 as the sole national sales company of Nissan in the country, NPI has become one of the fastest growing automotive firms in the Philippines. In fiscal year 2015, it registered a 62% growth versus the previous year and spearheaded an aggressive expansion of its dealership network, which has to date reached a total of 39 dealers in key cities nationwide.
Recently, NPI's parent firm announced its acquisition of a 34% stake in another Japanese automaker, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (MMC), and taking de facto control of MMC with a $2.2-billion investment. The deal was reminiscent of Nissan's strategic partnership with Renault of France since 1999.
This effectively bailed out the smaller, scandal-hit Mitsubishi and would create an automotive powerhouse in the Philippines once their local subsidiaries finalize their joint plans. Globally, the Nissan-RenaultMitsubishi alliance will result in the world's fourth largest automotive group.
Meanwhile, NPI is committed to delivering “innovation that excites” to the Philippine market through the introduction of new and exciting vehicles, innovative customer programs, and excellent customer service. For further information, visit www. nissan.ph.