My Cebu, DOT, Smart Communications Launch Data Tagging and Guidebooks for Cebu Tourism Boost

MyCebu.Ph, in partnership with the Department of Tourism and Smart Communications, introduced three projects last December 20, 2011, at Café Elysa, Parian, Cebu City.

During her opening remarks, Atty. Maria Jane Paredes, Smart Communication’s senior manager for Public Affairs-VisMin, stressed that the partnership aims to provide everyone, especially tourists, easy access on information on the culture, history, and attractions of the province.

Data Tagging with QR Codes

A new technological process called data tagging was then presented to the press through a short heritage walk within Parian. Mrs. Marlen Limpag, one of the founders of MyCebu.Ph, demonstrated how QR codes attached on key landmarks such as the Heritage of Cebu Monument, Jesuit House of 1730, and Colon Obelisk can immediately connect smart phone and tablet users to a link that provides more data about them. To make the experience more dynamic, users may view not only text but also videos and photos. Landmark visitors can also share the link in their preferred social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as check in via Foursquare.

To properly view the webpage, the user simply needs to connect through WIFI or 3G and install a QR code reader.

The organizers plan, though, to expand data tagging to also include nature parks and other attractions all over the province, like Bugasok Falls in Argao and Moalboal’s beaches.

2 Guidebooks for Cebu
Besides data tagging, MyCebu.Ph also shared 2 new guidebooks that showcase Cebu in its finest.

A Guide to Sinulog 2012—which was first launched last December 19, 2011—provides in-depth information about Cebu’s most-awaited festival as well as a host of tips on what to do, where to go, and other activities everyone can look forward to during the festivity. The guide is absolutely for free and available for download in two versions: .epub and .mobi for Kindle users.

Its corresponding QR code that directs visitors to the main download page will also be displayed in public places such as shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Another Cebu guide is on the way and will be launched in early January 2012, in time for Sinulog. It will be available in Amazon for a nominal fee but will also be free to download in MyCebu.Ph’s website.

Sinulog is Cebu’s biggest festival, attracting droves of local and foreign tourists every year. Last 2011, more than 120,000 visitors came to watch the grand parade and participate in a long list of activities. To know what’s in store in Sinulog 2012, visit Sinulog Foundation.