Marco Polo Davao Champions Indigenous Fashion

As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, Marco Polo Davao staged Badu by Alfonso Fashion and Trunk Show at Café Marco. Led by Marco Polo Davao general manager Dottie Würgler-Cronin and director of sales and marketing Pearl Peralta-Maclang, the top-notch five-star hotel in the crown jewel of Mindanao has been advocating for the unique craftsmanship of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Mindanao, which the event showcased. Guests were treated to a modern ethnic ensemble by Davao Fashion and Design Council Foundation, Inc. honorary member and the Davao’s fashion czar, Alfonso “Boy” Guinoo. The cross-cultural collection was also displayed for sale at the foyer of the second level of the hotel, and the trunk show included pieces by award-winning jeweler Mila Imson.

Winning Big With Wilcon

Katrina Santos, Lifestyle Asia editor-in-chief Anna Sobrepeña, broadcast journalist and Wilcon brand ambassador Mike Enriquez, Abigail Magpayo, Rosemarie Ong, Sari Yap and Wilcon investor relations officer Jean Alger

Leading home improvement and construction supply retailer Wilcon recently brought back Win-a-Ride, a well-received promo that gave Wilcon’s most loyal customers and clients a chance to win six brand-new Toyota Fortuners. Under the leadership of Wilcon founder and chairman emeritus William Belo, president and CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincochan and SEVP-COO Rosemarie Ong, Wilcon has become the hardware juggernaut that it is now, with more than 40 stores all over the Philippines and counting. This continuous growth was made even more evident during a sit-down interview with Rosemarie Ong, who has been one of the driving forces behind Wilcon’s unrelenting success. The lovely executive spoke about the company’s decision to bring back Win-a-Ride and what else is in store for the company.

PHILIPPINE STAR: What inspired you to bring back this promo?

ROSEMARIE ONG: Win-A-Ride promo has been one of our most well-received and successful sales promotions in recent memory. And we believe that-it-is-the perfect time for us to bring back this one of a kind promo experience to our valued customers. We want this promotion to signify how thankful we are for all the support we continuously receive every day from our valued loyal shoppers. We became the country’s leading home improvement and construction supply retailer because of their never-ending trust and support.

What is the difference of this promo from your first Wilcon Win-a-Ride promo back in 2013?

We are giving bigger chances of driving home a brand-new car to all our beloved shoppers. Back in 2013, when we first introduced Wilcon Win-a-Ride, only two cars were given away. But this year, as we aim to bring a bigger and more rewarding shopping experience to our customers, six brand-new cars are at stake for our shoppers wherever they are in the country.

After this promo, what is next for Wilcon?

Aside from seeking out more opportunities to provide our customers with the best quality of service, we will also continue in fulfilling our target of having a total of 67 stores by 2021. Last April, we opened a new branch in Tacloban and just recently, we opened our latest branch in Silang, Cavite. We are glad to share that we are opening eight more stores this year starting with Naga, then another branch in Iloilo, Zamboanga, Lipa in Batangas, Tayabas in Quezon province, and our second branch in Davao, General Santos and Puerto Princesa. Through this expansion we can reach more customers and provide the home and construction supply needs of the growing market. We assure you that we will always make the best of our effort to maintain our status in the industry and continuously add more quality products.

The author Johnny Litton at the Wilcon Win-a-Ride media launch

What sets Wilcon apart from other home improvement stores in the country? 

I think what sets us apart, aside from the quality of service we give our customers, is the brands we offer. Wilcon has introduced a number of exclusive and house brands to the Filipino market that conform to international quality standards. Moreover, we also assure that ecological home products will be made available in every store. We also pioneer the large-format depot hardware stores in the country and are considered a well-trusted brand by a lot of industry professionals, home enthusiasts and homeowners. Wilcon also maintains uniformity for the interior of a depot store which provides familiarity to our valued clients while it improves the efficiency of our operations. Likewise, we have launched last year the Living, Kitchen and Bath Showroom which includes houseware, home interior, kitchen products, bedroom essentials, outdoor living items, office furniture and kids furniture.

Truly, Wilcon is on a roll and will be hard to stop! Wilcon Win-a-Ride is Back! Promo will run until June 30. For mechanics, visit http://wilcon.com.ph/upload/winarideisbackpromo/.