CEBU CITY, Philippines - A business group is helping develop the health and wellness industry in Cebu through the Beauty, Health and Wellness (BHW) show 2008.Jay Yuvallos of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the overall chairman of the BHW show 2008, said the show, which is on its fourth year, is proof of the potential of the industry. He cited how the attitude of the Cebuanos concerning their health and wellness have evolved. Yuvallos said the Cebuanos’ traits helped them to easily adapt to new trends in health and wellness.
“This year, the trend in health and wellness is unique and holistic,” he said. Yuvallos said the BHW industry achieved this through participation of practically all types of enterprises that promote a healthy lifestyle.
This year the BHW show has a new logo, a new theme and a new feel, a sign that Cebuanos’ lifestyle is continuously evolving each year.
Compared to last year’s show which concentrated on services like massage and spa, this year’s BHW program featured new concepts and products like different forms of exercises and health supplements. Yuvallos said the CCCI organized the event because it sees the huge potential of Cebu as the place for the development of the country’s health and wellness industry. “The best in Manila can also be found here in Cebu,” Yuvallos said. He said that as a trading center, Cebu City has the best of everything.
With its five-star hotels, exporting industry, furniture industry, white-sand beaches, and the spring-like climate in mountains, Yuvallos said Cebu could provide everything that Manila has to offer. Yuvallos said the BHW show held last week exposed participants and partners to Cebuano clients.
“It’s all about awareness,” he said.
Some foreigners and businessmen visited the three-day show at the Ayala Center Cebu.
Exhibitors included health shops, fitness gyms and day spas.
Free massages, consultations and hair makeovers, product services and demos and seminars and fora regarding health and wellness were also held at the BHW show.
Next year, Yuvallos said the BHW show will help make Cebuanos aware of the importance of having the right values and principles to have a healthy lifestyle. He said there are three phases that Cebuanos will undergo with next year's BHW.
Yuvallos said the BHW will impart knowledge on health and wellness to them and teach them how to use it and make it a habit. | 
