LIFE has been a roller coaster ride for Ebro Bullicer. He’s had lots of ups and downs but he argues that he has earned a lot of experience out of them as a result. Developing a thyroid condition just a few years back enlightened him to lead a virtuous life in the service of anyone who needed help. He used his background in Information Technology and Management to support his family and his passion for table tennis to open a free clinic for children. He also believes that he shouldn’t be afraid to explore the opportunities that are presented to him. He believes that everyone has their own pace and shouldn’t rush things. Thus, like most Filipinos, he desires to find contentment doing a job he loves.
One day, while talking to friends, an idea lit up. He noticed that most navigational software on the digital market are “one-dimensional”—pick a destination, choose a starting point, go. And Ebro has always looked up to how vloggers catch their viewers through their own kind of entertainment. So, he thought, “Why not combine the best elements of both?”
Ebro cooked up something which he aims to be a first for Cebu: A navigational app presented in the format of a vlog. But it’s easier said than done. As of now, the app is still being developed by a core team that Ebro has formed but he’s also testing the waters through uploading content he shot on Facebook. By keeping his social media page active, he caught the attention of other businesses seeking to tie up. In his videos, certain destinations like hotels, restaurants, landmarks or even events in Cebu are highlighted for the audience, who are walked through, taking different possible routes to the endpoint. Information and facts are given along the way about the destination and its vicinity to give the viewers the “feel” that Cebuanos have of that particular place as Ebro gears his startup toward non-locals and foreigners. When asked why he thinks his startup is different, he says that it really isn’t but it’s an alternative to many navigational apps available right now.
“I want to give people an efficient alternative to browsing and reading five to 10-minute blogs on the internet. Watching a traditional vlog would probably take as long. This way, we compress a lot of information in a two- to three-minute video for people who want that kind of stuff.”
Ebro also expressed that when he first started, he didn’t know a thing about videography but with the help of his friends and by tapping a few acquaintances, coupled with perseverance, he now believes his startup will soon gain traction. He’s been thankful for all the good and bad experiences because he believes that they all led to where he is now.
Ebro’s startup, Be Located, is on Facebook but an app with even more features is expected to be released soon.