WITH thousands of applications available for your mobile device, coming up with a decision on what to download and asking yourself if it’s worth adding to your device’s storage can be challenging.
So then, this question: “Why should you download the “Best of Cebu” mobile app?”
First off, here’s a quick background. From its humble, noble beginnings back in 2013, SunStar’s “Best of Cebu” campaign turned from a project into a social phenomenon, trailblazing past the conventions and notions of how community journalism should present itself in the Philippines.
The project’s aim was simple, and in fact, not that groundbreaking to begin with: Recognize the hardworking brands behind the best products or services annually. Whether it’s a homegrown hole-in-the-wall culinary gem or a global corporation that has positively impacted the lives of Cebuanos, “Best of Cebu” is ready to award all the best players in the business.
Every December, for six years now, one “Best of Cebu” issue comes out through the SunStar Weekend magazine. In that issue, one can browse through the hundreds of winners in a handful of categories. Needless to say, the results go through stringent vetting by the “Best of Cebu” committee before publication.
If the idea is “not that groundbreaking,” then why is “Best of Cebu” continually expanding year after year, and consistently affecting the lives of locals—from idealistic entrepreneurs to adventurous consumers—for the better? That is because the entire campaign runs on truth as its fuel. The best is regarded the best regardless of brand, influence or affiliation. And as many know, especially in line with journalism, the truth is plainly hard to beat. The truth resonates with the community.
While the December magazine is the official publication announcing all the winners, the “Best of Cebu” mobile app is your day-to-day guide in navigating through the hundreds of worthy names and establishments.
So you’ve seen the magazines. You’ve tasted the good things all the previous years’ winners had to offer. Now it’s time to experience the Best of Cebu, anytime, anywhere you want it.
After downloading the app and registering as a user, here are some ways to enjoy the app.
1 Welcome to ‘map mode’
Presuming you are connected to the internet, and that your location settings is activated, you will see your location and the several Best of Cebu winners around you in the map. The adventure begins!
2 Explore the ‘locators’
Click a locator near you and discover more about that particular Best of Cebu winner. Move to another city, and explore an entirely new set of locators (winners) in your proximity.
3 Enjoy the ‘panel mode’
Click the icon on the top right portion of your app, and the map turns into a panel of recommendations with a dedicated search bar. Be specific with what you type in as the system is case-sensitive. Watch out for those typos!
4 Keep up to date with notifications
Think exclusive restaurant promos, mall sales or even fun games! The committee just recently held its first #HuntfortheGoldenSeal contest which awarded someone P20,000 for finding a hidden gold seal in Metro Cebu!
5 Use it as a ‘cure’ for indecision
Just like waiting for a Magic 8-Ball to tell you whether you should pursue your dreams or not, you can now just click a locator near you on the map when you’re hungry and indecisive on what you want to eat. At the very least, you’re presented the best options nearby.
The app will be launched tonight during the SunStar and Organique Best of Cebu 2018 Party, presented by AirAsia and Sun, at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. With this as only the beginning, you should definitely stay tuned for more surprises in the near future. S