Fisherman-for-a-Day: HiveRooms’ Community-Driven Initiative Sets Sail in Cebu

Growing as a travel marketplace, HiveRooms launched a new community collaboration, their flagship program “Fisherman-for-a-Day,” at R.O.X. Store, 2nd Floor, New Wing, Ayala Center Cebu - Cebu Business Park. The soft launch brought together representatives from various players and stakeholders in the tourism industry, LGUs, government agencies, business organizations, the media, and local communities to promote this important cause. It is a new immersive and interactive experience for travelers specifically designed to showcase the culture of the local fishing community. This initiative provides sustainability and culture-based tourism that opens the doors of possibility of bridging the local communities to the tourism industry. 

Mr. Cyrel Cañedo, Regional Sales & Marketing Manager of Primer Group of Companies

R.O.X. and Columbia, outdoor brands, partnered with HiveRooms as the venue host for the event. Mr. Cyrel Cañedo talked about how they have been active in developing nature-based and outdoor tourism, reflecting their outdoor brands, with most of their loyal customers spending their leisure time in nature. 

Fisherman-for-a-Day offers a unique travel experience for the tourists to witness and step into the shoes of a traditional fisherman for a day. Participants will learn the techniques of fishing and feel the moment of fulfillment in catching one on their own. This unique experience will offer the opportunity for the tourists to lay back in life for a while and appreciate the contentment of what nature provides.

At its core, Fisherman-for-a-Day is all about purposeful connections between tourists and the people in the community. This lives with HiveRooms’ mission to promote sustainable and culture-based tourism that brings meaningful life experiences. As the fisherfolk are given new opportunities to earn, they are likewise given an avenue to share how valuable their craft is. A special display of the handmade traditional fishing gear was on display at the event welcoming the guests upon their arrival. 

Fisherman-for-a-Day, developed by HiveRooms, a hospitality solutions provider that partners with multiple hotels and resorts across the Philippines to elevate guests’ experiences through digital tools and tailored marketing support. With HiveRooms expanding its network of accommodation partners, it is dedicated to supporting establishments in modernizing their operation while maintaining a strong foundation in traditional Filipino hospitality.

Municipality of Cordova, Cebu Mayor Cesar "Didoy" Suan

Honorable Mayor Cesar "Didoy" Suan expressed his gratitude and commended HiveRooms for making the right decision in launching the Fisherman-for-a-Day program in Cordova, Cebu. He extended his promise to support the program's development and lauded AFOS-Fish Visayas and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry on their commitment to supporting the Cordova fisherfolk's people organization over the years. Such programs have been firsthand co-implemented by Mayor Suan himself through his office, where he attends the training programs alongside the fisherfolk and even took part in the installation of the fish pens. 

Bernard Sia, VP Business Development of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry

With 'Fisherman-for-a-Day,' we're not just giving people a unique travel experience; we're also creating sustainable jobs, honoring coastal heritage, and turning communities into champions of marine conservation," said Bernard Sia, VP of Business Development of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

CEO and Founder of HiveRooms, Mr. Herbert Dionzon

Mr. Herbert Dionzon, CEO and founder of HiveRooms, presented the 6 economic touchpoints of the “Fisherman-for-a-Day” immersive experience, starting with the Pamainit, a staple early morning light bite pairing a hot chocolate drink called sikwate and puto maya, or glutinous rice, a mangrove tour, traditional fishing, fish feeding, a catch of the day meal, and pasalubong smoked bangus. 

Dr. Gelena N. Asis-Dimpas, Assistant Regional Director of Department of Tourism Region 7

Dr. Gelena N. Asis-Dimpas, ARD for Central Visayas, discussed the Department of Tourism's ability to provide proper training for fisherfolk as community and eco-tourism guides, as well as collaborate with the Cordova LGU tourism office on the training schedule, which will include the Filipino brand of excellence. DOT's mission includes identifying and assisting in the development of grassroots immersive experiential tourism.

Tinapa spring rolls and Tinapa Dip prepared by Chef Quenie of Wooden Nickel highlighted the smoked bangus, which is an additional source of income for the people’s organization. The elevated humble bangus was among the event's standout dishes. 

Fisherman-for-a-Day will soon be available on the HiveRooms travel marketplace, with operations expected to commence in September of this year. Through its digital channels, booking Fisherman-for-a-day will be easy and seamless. This initiative aims to support and empower community-based tourism while also providing travelers with deeper and lasting connections to Cebu’s coastal community and culture.