MikeLigalig.com

Written By Loy Palapos
Bohol Sunday Post

Everybody has a funny bone, no doubt about it; but being tickle-prone is quite a distance from the ways and means people entertain themselves. Which leads us to the conclusion that having fun is not a monopoly of a sector, a category, or a kind. Nor is it safe to say that fun is for the young, for youth is not always equated with the capability to imbibe lightheartedness.

Fun is for all ages, all sexes, sizes, colors, creeds… anybody can have it, if he attunes himself to it; in the same manner that there are persons who are not receptive to fun. The worst that can happen, is making fun of himself. He who can make fun of himself usually has joi de vivre, and adapts to every situation, even to the extent of bearing the brunt of ridicule. And he comes out the victor.

This was the subject I dealt with Adonis Damilao Torion (ADT), when we talked about life and one's capacity to live. There are those who are so engrossed with making a living that they forget how to live. There are those who hate the world outside their shells, that they don't know how to enjoy life.

As Branch Manager of World Of Fun, an establishment at Island City Mall, Mr. Torion is loaded with first-hand experiences that spice up his existence. When he told me that there are many adults who patronage the game machines of WOF, I was astounded, though not shocked by his revelation. All the time I thought that WOF is only for children, and Bohol is not an exception to this perception. How wrong I was.

Don Torion was born in Asturias, Cebu. His parents transferred to Manila, including the entire family for some reasons, one of them economic. Although he understands and speaks Cebuano, his intonation (and speech patterns) is basically Tagalog. He studied at PMI (Philippine Maritime Institute) in Sta. Cruz, Manila, enticed by the school's "See the world for free." In order not to overburden his parents for his study needs, he worked as a Service Crew of World Of Fun (WOF) in Cubao, Quezon City. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation (BSMT), he prepared himself to embark on a life-long dream of endless travel. But life has its own twists and turns. He was offered a permanent job by the Paco Amusement Corporation (which operates WOF), which he accepted, in lieu of a job-hunting spree that may not be at all fruitful.

He was assigned to Tagaytay WOF, in the same building of Tagaytay Casino; then at SM Megamall where he was promoted Assistant Branch Manger. After six months he was in Santa Rosa, Laguna, near Enchanted Kingdom, then SM City North Eds. In 2004, when WOF opened in Bohol's Island City Mall he pioneered as Branch Manager. He has been here since then, his longest stay in any WOF outlet, and has no intention of seeking for transfer elsewhere. He has fallen in love with Bohol, like anybody else who has sampled the province's warmth and promise of a wholesome life.

LMP: You took up BS in Marine Transportation, how come instead of becoming a seaman, you are managing World Of Fun?
ADT: When I was in college, I was working as a Service Crew at the same time at WOF. That's why the management asked me if I could continue working for them as Head after graduation. Pumayag ako.

LMP: Can you give us an idea what World Of Fun is?
ADT: World Of Fun is an entertainment center. It started as a small game room, around 100 to 200 square meters, at SM North Edsa on November 29, 1987. It was under Paco Amusement Corporation.

LMP: Who were the incorporators?
ADT: The Chairman of the Board was Nemecio Co. Unfortunately, he died last 2005. He was replaced by his son-in-law Kerwin Lo.

LMP: Where was the next branch after North Edsa?
ADT: After North Edsa, we opened a branch in Edsa Central, Caloocan in 1989.

LMP: When did WOF start to have branches outside Metro Manila?
ADT: Early 1990's, nag-expand ang WOF sa Cagayan de Oro City, at Lim Kit Kai, and in 1997 at SM Cebu. The managing company was Visaya Amusement Corp. Our trademark is World Of Fun, but we have four companies: Paco Amusement Corp., KC Wonderland, Visaya Amusement Corp., and Great World Of Fun, which is the biggest branch located in Sta. Lucia.

LMP: How many outlets or branches do you have?
ADT: We already have 50 branches nationwide, Sir.

LMP: How many personnel do you have out of these 50?
ADT: We have approximately 300 to 400 regular and another 300-400 casual employees.

LMP: Is world of fun basically for children?
ADT: Our target market is children and the young adults.

LMP: What facilities are frequented by the customers?
ADT: We have the kiddie rides, battery cars, and redemption machines. Sila ang dinadayo parati ng mga customers.

LMP: What do you mean by redemption machines?
ADT: Mga dispense machines, Sir. These are booths which dispense tickets with corresponding prices.

LMP: How do you compete with other companies with the same product and market?
ADT: We are proud to say, Sir, that based on our marketing annual ratings, we were Number One in the entire country in the year 2005. We have good marketing strategies and customer service. In terms of price, WOF is cheaper and has a better quality of service.

LMP: Do you have future plans of expansion here in Tagbilaran?
ADT: Yes, Sir. Actually, just last December, we passed a letter of intent to put up branches at Alturas Supermarket, Plaza Marcela and Talibon. We're just waiting for the go-signal of S' Mar Uy.

LMP: How many crews are needed for a newly opened branch?
ADT: For a newly opened branch, the management requires 2 service crews, and 1 officer.

LMP: How do you assess the reaction of the people when WOF came to Bohol?
ADT: We are proud to say, Sir, that for the first 3 months, positive ang response from the customer. At first was the expected reluctance. Then the kids showed the way. After that tuloy-tuloy na. Pati na mga adults.

LMP: Are your staff all Boholanos?
ADT: Yes, Sir, they all are. There's an advantage because they already know the atmosphere and the people. All of our staff are epitomes of Boholano warmth and hospitality, a kind of customer service not found anywhere.

LMP: What were the problems you encountered when you came to Bohol?
ADT: At first, I was pessimistic. Pagtungtong ko pa lang sa Tagbilaran port, I immediately said, "Is this a city?" It seemed so quiet. There was not much action. The road was not yet concrete. When I reached the mall, it was isolated; medyo malayo. I asked myself "Paano maeengganyo ang mga tao na pumunta dito?" But later on, iba na 'yong perception ko. Marami palang tao, maraming customers. I learned to love Tagbilaran.

LMP: If offered another job away from Bohol, will you accept it?
ADT: If the price is right and there are added incentives offered by the other companies, siguro lilipat ako. But as much as possible, I want to stay in Bohol.

LMP: What are your projections for WOF in the next couple of years?
ADT: Siguro by that time, we already have 3 or 4 additional branches here in Bohol. Definitely, our prospect is to keep growing. Bohol is fast growing; we want to be a part of this growth.

And grow World Of Fun does. With a clientele that include all ages, how could there be a let-down? A few years from now, WOF would expand to the municipalities. It is a means of educating the young to the modern amenities of the entertainment world. Urbanization starts with the young through the games they play.

Come January 29, Mr. Torion will commence an Advance Management Course at UP-Dilliman with other WOF Branch Heads nationwide, divided into two batches. The first batch, with which he is scheduled, will end the special training on February 2008.

The world today, despite pronouncements of wonder drugs and herbal concoctions that eradicate various diseases and afflictions, still complains about ailments that defy scientific cure. Even technological advancements have not abated stress. There is a need for mankind to relax and unwind. One such outlet to calm the nerves and enjoy life is The World Of Fun at Island City Mall.

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