BIZ BUZZ: Wanted: Cebu Pacific pilots

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific has launched a 96-week cadet pilot program to train more commercial pilots in the advent of increasing air travel demand.

The Gokongwei-led airline is conducting the program with Cebu-based Airworks Aviation Academy.

By the end of the program, the qualified applicants will have a commercial pilot license and 200 hours of flight time experience.

“Cadets that successfully complete basic flight training and acquire airline qualifications will have guaranteed employment to join the corps of aviators at Cebu Pacific, flying domestic and international routes,” the carrier said.

All Filipino college graduates, who are proficient in English, Math, and Physics, are qualified to apply. They will undergo pilot aptitude/suitability tests and medical screening. Some 48 to 60 cadet pilots will be taken in per year.

The aspiring pilots will, however, have to shell out P5 million for the entire program, which will take place in Manila and Cebu. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

The Moment Group renews Din Tai Fung franchise

The Moment Group, a leading player in the country’s competitive food and beverage industry, has renewed its franchise to represent the Din Tai Fung brand in the Philippines.

The timing could not be better as The Moment Group is preparing to celebrate the 10th year of Din Tai Fung in the Philippines, coinciding with plans to expand outside Metro Manila.

In a statement, The Moment Group said the renewal was formalized during Din Tai Fung’s annual gathering of overseas partners held in Taipei, Taiwan, attended by Moment founders and managing partners Eliza Antonino and Abba Napa.

“The timing is especially significant as we are gearing up to celebrate Din Tai Fung’s 10th year in the Philippines, which coincides with what will be the brand’s 67th global anniversary,” said Antonino.

With the renewed partnership, The Moment Group gained added motivation to introduce more Filipinos outside the capital to Din Tai Fung, which has become synonymous with quality xiaolongbao and overall excellence in Taiwanese cuisine. —Tina Arceo-Dumlao

Chef Boy Logro, partners to open more restos

Restaurant chain La Parillada, a brainchild of celebrity chef Boy Logro, is set to open 20 more stores in the next three years to the tune of some P200 million.

Filipino conglomerate Netplates Corp. said it hopes to raise the target funds for the expansion from their retained earnings and from third-party investors.

The company on June 1 opened its latest restaurant in Quezon City, its third restaurant branch in Metro Manila.

The new outlet is located on the second floor of the Royale Place Mall, beside the Ever Commonwealth Mall near Commonwealth Avenue.

Netplates Corp. general manager Jeff Agudelo said the opening of the new La Parillada outlet signifies the company’s serious expansion into the food service and franchising sector.

“We are offering the La Parillada brand as a franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs,” he said.

According to the company, the franchise investment is pegged at P3.5 million per outlet. —Alden M. Monzon