Millennium Media Entertainment: 2015

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Local Information For Palawan’s Foreign Guests: Check Out Rite One Pharma. Part III-Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa. Updated: 1-20-2015.

I publish and update this post for Guests visiting Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It’s safe to say that I have tired about every available service here, at one time or another.

And.for the record, I am not in anyway compensated by those I recommend on this Blog Posting. It’s my way of trying to give back to a very nice people and a totally safe city, in the Western Philippines. I hope you are able to add Palawan to your future travel plans, if you are not here already.

Most hotels, restaurants and bars on located on the part of Rizal, on the other side of National Highway, toward the Airport. Most of Puerto’s nightlife and restaurants are in this area. You can stroll your way from one establishment to another, checking out the various restaurants and local clubs.

However, let’s be practical. You may require a pharmacy. I can recommend a very unique one, that also sells beer and liquor, in addition to snacks, personal items, and light groceries. I don’t think I know of another pharmacy offering beer and booze, in Puerto.

Rite One Pharma is where you should go, if you are staying in this part of the city. They have about everything you need and even a Patio Area, with tables and chairs for customers, in front on their Pharmacy.

I often see Visitors taking a break in the Patio Area, with a snack and cold beverage,

something other Puerto Pharmacies don’t provide their customers.

This Extra Customer Benefit/Feature is no surprise to me. I know Rite One’s Owners, Vijay and Diane Karnani, who are caring, customer oriented,competent professionals.

Diane has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy, from Santo Tomas University, one of the premier schools in the Philippines. Vijay is a Business Graduate of De La Salle, a very highly regarded university in The Philippines.

I personally enjoy shopping there because Rite One’s staff is very friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and after a few visits, they all knew my first name.

You cannot go wrong with this pharmacy, if you are staying in this part of the City.

Rite One is walking distance to most of the hotels in this area. Also, it is open until midnight. It’s a great pit stop on your way back to Hotel, for whatever you need.

As usual, I encourage all of Puerto’s Guests to email any questions, which you may have.

John Sheehan
Millennium Media Entertainment
http://johntsheehanmme@gmail.com
Blog: http://johnsheehan17.blogspot.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Millennium-Media-Entertainment/74464753836
Skype: John.Sheehan67

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

For Palawan’s Foreign Guests: What to Know about Puerto Princesa. Insider Information. Part II-Rizal Avenue. Near Puerto Princesa International Airport. Just Updated: 1-14-2015.

I publish and update this post for Guests visiting Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It’s safe to say that I have tired about every available service here, at one time or another.

My goal to help Puerto’s Guests find great services and retailers in Puerto. I have noticed that many of of Foreign Guests sometimes have trouble finding what they want or need. Helpfully. this will help. I will continue updating this post.

Rizal Avenue (Close to the Airport and Golf Course)

Most hotels, restaurants and bars on located on the part of Rizal, on the other side of National Highway, toward the Airport. Most of Puerto’s nightlife is also on Rizal. You can stroll your way from one establishment to another, checking out the various restaurants and local clubs.

However, let’s be practical. You may require a pharmacy. I found a very unique one, that also sells beer and liquor, in addition to snacks, toiletry items, and light groceries? I don’t think I know of another pharmacy offering beer and booze, in Puerto. And, is is open until Midnight.

I often see Visitors taking a break in the Patio Area, with a snack and cold beverage,

something other Puerto Pharmacies don’t provide their customers.

This Extra Customer Benefit/Feature is no surprise to me. I know Rite One’s Owners, Vijay and Diane Karnani, who are caring, customer oriented, competent professionals.

I personally enjoy shopping there because Rite One’s staff is very friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and after a few visits, they all knew my first name.

You cannot go wrong with this pharmacy, if you are staying in this part of the City.

Rite One is walking distance to most of the hotels in this area. Also, it is open until midnight. It’s a great pit stop on your way back to Hotel, for whatever you need.

Great Fruit Stand with Excellent Filipino Pastries.

Comeback is where you want to go for right off the farm, fresh Palawan fruit. It also has a wonderful selection of Filipino Pastries.

Comeback has a great location, not far from the Provincial Capitol, as you are heading down Rizal toward National Highway. It’s is in front of a travel company called 3 Colors Ticketing.

You really can’t miss it. The owners’ are Danny and Lita, who are wonderful people.

Their prices are very reasonable and the quality very high.

I notice Danny and Lita checking the produce daily, to make sure it’s up to their standards.

Everything is Palawan Farm Fresh.

(I shamelessly horned in the picture here)

Their pasty selection is extensive and to die for!

You can also get fresh green coconuts, for ₱25 or a little more than 50 Cents USD, which they will prepare for you. Pretty good deal, HUH?

And, after you drinking your fresh coconut, then you can eat its very nutritious meat. Natural spoon included.

Did you know that coconut products are very good for you? Here, we use coconut vinegar, which is loaded with vitamins.

Coconut oil also has more health benefits than Olive Oil.

I recommended you add Comeback to your daily routine while in Puerto for a snack or even breakfast.

Follow Up Is The Meaning Of Life! Palawan Heath Resorts, Travel/Tourism and More!

Last night I posted on FB, that I’ve a friend interested in developing a Weight loss/Wellness/Rejuvenation Resort on Palawan.

The interest in being the hosting resort is surprising, in just 12 hours. I am sure my investor would be interested in a partner arrangement with an existing beach or farm resort. Makes sense.

The Post below on LinkedIn and FB generated questions, which I will answer.

Want to Become and Remain a Market Leader in the Palawan Tourism Business? Follow These Three Steps. http://johnsheehan17.blogspot.com/2015/01/want-to-become-and-remain-market-leader.html

Q: How do I know if my Guests (Clients) were happy?

A: Simplest thing to do is have comment cards for them

Q: How do I know the staff is behaving and doing their job?

A: Comment Card will work, but it that is after the fact. So, find a way to randomly spot check your business. Give them something to consider while they are in the house:

Remember the guy who ran off FIVE Foreigners at a local pension? I ran into one of them on the street. He was very sore.

You have to wonder how many others like this visitor are out there? They do talk to each other.

Random spot checking insures there garbage is picked up---not attracting flies.

Also you can make sure the basic amenities people look for such as HOT…Not Lukewarm water is available to the guests.

If you are worried about them being loud….put this behind the front desk for them to see.

Q: How do I know if Social Media is working for me?

A: As people while they are staying with your or using your services. Note: This is not like a comment card. You could give clients and guess a little survey. Country of origin, age, and how they heard of your business. Maybe what other SE Countries they visited before.

Expanded: 1-12-15: Profiles of Palawan People Who Make the Difference

http://johnsheehan17.blogspot.com/2014/12/profiles-of-palawan-people-who-make.html

Is doing great! Mr. Humble is turning into a media rock star with US Media Bosses, who like Ed del Rio too. This Blog if for helping people here, but it also a treatment (What we call pitches in US Television and also Films) for a long form print feature or show. Could be a little Television News Series too.

My for the your family speech also got good readership. Wish I could use a slogan like Where the family is First.

But, that would make no sense for a US Media consultant/producer.

Onward and Upward!

Palawan: Where Family Comes First.

It is true that people in Palawan and the Philippines are 110% Family oriented. I have been doing quite of bit of blogging and FB posting promoting Palawan Tourism and how local travel industry people could improve their business, through marketing and operations.

Then I thought of why should anyone listen to me? I then thought one reason is the deep family orientation that people here have. Improving your business’ market share and revenues would build the better financial reward/security, for your families. Your business success directly affects them, their wellbeing and happiness.

In other words, your family is directly affected by your business successes and revenue growth.

Below are posts on Millennium Media Entertainment’s Blog and FB, you may find helpful to growing your revenues and taking great care of your family.

Want to Become and Remain a Market Leader in the Palawan Tourism Business? Follow These Three Steps.
http://johnsheehan17.blogspot.com/2015/01/want-to-become-and-remain-market-leader.html

UPDATE: More Fun In the Philippines--Puerto Princesa, Palawan!
• Come To Puerto Princesa, Palawan
• The Safest Place On Earth To Visit, Live…Whatever.
• Visiting Is More Affordably Fun In The Philippines
http://johnsheehan17.blogspot.com/2014/01/update-more-fun-in-philippines-puerto_2.html

There is good interest in this from guys like CBS and New York Times.
Expanded: 1-12-15: Profiles of Palawan People Who Make the Difference
http://johnsheehan17.blogspot.com/2014/12/profiles-of-palawan-people-who-make.html

Monday, January 12, 2015

Want to Become and Remain a Market Leader in the Palawan Tourism Business? Follow These Three Steps.

Qualifications

I think in Audience Demographics since my professional experience is mostly US Television Content and Marketing.

My job for years has been designing News and Entertainment Programming attractive to American Viewers.

And subsequently, Marketing these shows the American Viewing Public.

US Television Professionals know allot about Advertising/Marketing and Branding. We have to in order to sell advertising airtime to clients and market our own products.

Not many doubt how effective we are in these disciplines.

Step 1-External Marketing

Know your Audiences and what their hot buttons are to elicit desired responses.
Marketing Palawan Tourism to Filipinos and Foreigners are different Advertising activities. What works one group, often does not work on the other.
Advertising/Marketing totally works on Foreigners, but not that much on Filipinos, who are more word of mouth driven.
Foreigners are far more Marketing Driven using Social Media and Search engines, like Google, for information.
Potential Foreign Tourists study countries, before committing to visit. They look at the various attractions and advantages each South East Asia Country offers.
It is important to know that they are very independent with how they make decisions. They decide based on they have read, seen and then what they may have heard.
Recognize they may not know anyone who has been to Palawan or the Philippines. And, most likely don’t care if they don’t.
They shop for accommodations online and this is where your business has to be enticing. You have to sell the Benefits that support your Brand.
Whatever your benefits are, do not make this about price. (Still dating phase) Way too early for that and you will lose them.
Accept that they do some things differently. If you want their business, then Market to them in manner they will respond to. Marketing to Foreigners as you would Pinoys, will not work.
Compose your Marketing Materials in formats they are used to. It’s a mistake to use black fonts on red and green backgrounds, for example. They will leave your information, if they find it hard to read or if the typeface is tiny.

Social Media is very effective and so are Websites. Learn how Key Words will drive Foreigners to your website and FB, when they do a search.
Foreigners are Visually Driven. They require lots of pictures to motivate them.
They need clear (Not bleary) pictures of your business and Palawan’s attractions. If your Pension has a restaurant, show pictures of people using it. An empty restaurant communicates no one likes or uses it.
And, provide clear (not over exposed) pictures of your menu items or meals you have cooked.
Also, take pictures of your guests. Display pictures of your staff and staff interacting. That is part of the virtual tour that they are experiencing.
FB is terrific for the above. You can daily add new pictures and information, which you should. Don’t do what is described here once and then never update the information again.

When using Social Media, expand your data bases, inviting friends of friends to be your friend. There is total grabber, doing this. You are establishing relationships. Don’t be shy about reaching out.
Consider a Branding Slogan or Slug Line that makes a Claim about why your business is special. Foreigners are Advertising/Claim oriented. No, you are not bragging.
Let’s assume most of the above worked on someone in the US, Canada, Japan, the UK or Korea: Make it easy for them to make a reservation.
They are not going to call a Palawan number, but they will use E-mail and Skype. Train the staff to be attentive to inquiries and reservations.

Step 2-Transitional Marketing (Close the deal)

Everything worked and your client or guest is in front of you or your staff. This transaction is not closed yet.
You need to build the relationship. If you are a Pension, show them their room and answer all questions, before signing them in.
This is extremely important for Walk-In potential Clients or Guests.
Explain your benefits and show them what they are if you can.
Once that is done, is when you could talk price, if they already don’t know.
You can then offer to discuss their itinerary, when they have time. Idea is build trust. Close this deal and get them settled, before pitching packages and tours.

One thing I cannot get anyone in Puerto to understand is no Foreigner can get their heads around the high looking Peso numbers. Makes them hesitate.
Foreigners are used to Dollars or Euros, which are smaller numbers.
When you can, quote the exchange rate price and they will be relieved.
(I know this is the Philippines and national pride is involved. However, you will get more money if you make this easier for the Foreigners.)
Train your staff to be outgoing and friendly. It’s contagious.
You guests will respond positively.
As they also will with too matter of fact, which is a turn off to overseas people. Feels stern and is unwelcoming.
Coming at them with El Nido, Underground River, and Honda Bay etc. as they are checking in will feel like a hustle or con to Foreigners. Now, you have established mistrust. And, they may just leave.
I have seen many Foreigners leave, when they encounter what they consider a con or a stern staff with a give me the money attitude.
This is important to Walk-In Business. Talking prices at the top in a matter of the fact way, before benefits, communicate you are a jerk.
I have seen a few do this and if you think one of the staff has an attitude, keep them away from potential guests.
They will leave. Not how they are treated in whatever country they come from.

Step 3-Internal Marketing

Ok, they are now settled in with you, but it isn’t over yet.

Ask them if they need anything, when they reappear. Means you care.
Make sure your staff is clean, neat and friendly.
Hire people who are good with other people.
I have seen loud talking staff, irritate both Manila and Foreign people. It’s frankly bad manners, reflects poorly on your business and builds a lack of trust in your clients or guests, because it shows a lack of respect.
So, does uneaten food left on tables for hours, used glasses or coffee cups and full waste baskets. Same goes for staff sleeping in front of guests.
Make things easy. ALWAYS have hot water for your guests. Small amenities like soap, toothpaste, cigarettes, lighters and soft drinks should be available for guests to purchase. It’s revenue and why make them go to a Sari-Sari Store?
Make sure the Staff is knowledgeable about nearby retail and restaurants. Have menus available for clients or guests.

Assuming the above is taken care of, the environments right to discuss your various tours and packages, if not already done.
Word to the wise: Don’t ignore what they are interested in doing while here, in favor of what you or your staff want them to do. That will irritate your clients and guests.
Helpful Filipino Style advice they will appreciate.
That is something that will impress them and they will remember.

I hope you have found this helpful. My goal is assist business grow tourism in the Province and Puerto Princesa. I have volunteered before to help companies on a *Pro Bono basis.

*professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment