Converge Strengthens Community Footprint with New Customer Hubs in Bohol, Palawan

Boosts connectivity and customer support in key island markets 

IN PHOTO (From left): Converge OIC and Head of Consumer Business Group JP Aguilar, J Fiber Internet Services Corp. CEO Jonathan Uy, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, Bohol 1st District Rep. John Gesneel Yap and Converge AVP and Regional General Manager for Visayas and Mindanao Demetrio Montes

Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is accelerating the nationwide expansion of its customer service footprint with the opening of new business centers in Bohol and Palawan. This initiative further reinforces its commitment to deepen engagement in local communities and improve customer access to digital services. 

Upgraded Hub to Serve Over 100,000 in Bohol

In partnership with managed services provider J Fiber Internet Services, Converge has inaugurated its upgraded business center at Lite Port Center in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. This enhanced customer hub is expected to serve over 100,000 residents in the city and nearby towns, as well as the province’s growing business sector.

“The new, bigger, and better business center in Tagbilaran reflects Converge’s continued momentum,” said John Paul Aguilar, SVP and Officer-in-Charge of the Consumer Business Group. “Guided by our founders’ vision to leave no one behind, we are strengthening our local presence to better understand customer needs and ensure reliable connectivity reaches every home.”

The launch event was attended by J Fiber CEO Jonathan Uy, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, and Bohol First District Rep. John Gesnel Yap.

J Fiber CEO Jonathan Uy expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We want to connect the whole of Bohol with Converge because this province has so much beauty to show the world. We are going to wire the entire province, as reliable connectivity is essential to support and grow industries such as BPO and tourism. In turn, this can help open more opportunities for Boholanos. And for us at J Fiber, we will strive to give the level of customer service that Boholanos deserve. This is just the start.”

Expanding Reach in Northern Palawan

Converge has also strengthened its presence in Palawan with a newly opened business center in the municipality of Roxas, located along Sandoval Avenue. 

Converge has recently launched a customer service hub in Roxas, Palawan through its managed service provider Optimus Fiber Solutions Inc. IN PHOTO (from left): Converge AVP & Head of National SME Edgard Allan Susano, Optimus Fiber Solutions Inc. CEO Eladio Quizon, Municipality of Roxas Mayor Pedy B. Sabando, Converge SVP and Head of Enablement Bryan Christopher King Kay, and Converge Regional Commercial Manager Arlan Rea

Through managed services provider Optimus Fiber Solutions Inc., the company is expanding its reach in northern Palawan, a region known for its tourism potential and home to approximately 70,000 residents.

Pedy B. Sabando, Municipal Mayor of Roxas, welcomed the initiative, citing the importance of enhanced digital infrastructure in strengthening the municipality’s economic and service capabilities.

Strengthening Customer Access Nationwide

Converge business centers serve as critical customer touchpoints, providing essential services such as bill payments, technical support, plan upgrades, and new service applications. These hubs also support prospective subscribers through consultations and onboarding.

These latest openings build on the company’s aggressive nationwide rollout strategy, which saw at least 17 new business centers launched in 2025 alone. This expansion particularly targets emerging and high-growth areas where on-ground support is essential. 

Converge business centers are vital touchpoints for customer services, offering subscribers different transactions, including bills payment, technical issues reporting, plan upgrades, and repair requests, among others. 

Sustained Industry Leadership

Converge continues to lead the Philippine broadband market, retaining its position as the country’s fastest and best internet provider for the second half of 2025, based on independent analysis by Ookla. The company ranked highest across key metrics, including speed, reliability, and video experience.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) also recognized Converge as the country’s leading broadband provider, citing its superior average speeds, low latency, and consistent network performance as of December 2025.

Avara Nature & Yacht Club promises the easy life of the seaside

Bask under the glorious Palawan sun with the first of its kind Avara Nature & Yacht Club

Experience serene, luxurious seaside living in Taytay, Palawan

A glimpse of a seaside living redefined through Avara.

Imagine this: The sound of waves crashing on the shore and the sunlight peeking through the window wake you up on a lazy Saturday morning. You slowly open your eyes, afraid that you’re just in the middle of a dream. But you’re not. You stand up as you feel the gentle sea breeze touch your face. You go out of the porch and look at the horizon. You take your time to enjoy the beauty of the blue skies and the deep sea. The yacht will be waiting for you whenever you’re ready, anyway. That’s the promise of Avara Nature & Yacht Club—the easy life of the seaside.

Airdance group and Filipina harpist Avonlea Paraiso wow the Avara guests with their performances.

Established by the Seaside Premier Development Corporation, Avara is the first of its kind nature and yacht club located at Calauag Bay in Taytay, which was Palawan’s first capital.

The Avara Balanghai designed and created by Master Sculptor Rey Paz Contreras.

The plan for the exclusive resort was formally unveiled at the Grand Hyatt Manila led by its President and CEO Ms. Veronica C. Young.

“After many months of sailing and voyaging aboard bangkas and riding waves, we found the perfect island in Taytay, Palawan to be the home of our pioneering project. It is with a great pleasure to present to you tonight, Avara Nature and Yacht Club - the first of its kind in the Philippines, bridging the middle class to the lifestyle of the rich and famous. As Seaside Premier Development Corporation’s flagship project, we aim to redefine seaside living, where nature meets luxury,” she said in her opening remarks.

Coastal living redefined 

Avara, which means Sunshine Island, is an eco-luxurious resort that use solar panels as a source of renewable energy, utilize a recycled water treatment system, maximize a hydroponic garden, and take advantage of other eco-materials available.

Its accommodation is inspired by the Maldivian architecture. Members can choose to stay in a one-bedroom Water Villa with jacuzzi, two-bedroom Water Villa with private infinity pool, or one- or two-bedroom Beach Casitas.

Aside from the villas and casitas, Avara members will also have an exclusive access to a two-bedroom yacht with crew for an overnight stay or for cruising around the island and nearby areas. Avara’s yacht features two cabins and a family room in the lower deck; a living room, a kitchen and dining area, and a plunge pool in the main deck; and an open dining space and a sun deck in the fly bridge.

The Avara Island has nothing but the best facilities for its members. Guests will first experience the Avara service upon their arrival at the dock or the harbor. But the ultra-luxurious resort also has a helipad for those who will be coming in by air. VIPs also have the option to skip the reception and go straight to their accommodation.

There will also be a boardwalk open for development to entrepreneurial Avara member. Meaning, Avara members can also be concessionaires to open their own business—it could be a coffee shop, a grocery store, a bakery, a souvenir stop, and similar ventures. As support to the member-concessionaires, Avara will ensure that the business will be the island’s lone supplier for the specific product.

The island can also accommodate as many as 100 guests at their main dining area and at the grill restaurant. But guests will have more dining options since Avara includes a poolside bar, a seaside bar and lounge, picnic areas, and private dining venues.

Avara is fully equipped with a gym, a water sports center, a tennis court, and a golf course to those who want to keep up with their fitness routine.

The island also has a playroom and nursery, spa and massage cabanas, a bonfire area, a clinic with an in-house doctor and nurse, and a gaming area for the enjoyment of the Avara members.

At any given time, Avara will host up to 300 members to ensure quality service.

As a promised paradise for those who love the beach, Avara offers a myriad of water action such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, jet-skiing, banana boat riding, stand-up paddle boarding, wind surfing, scuba diving, island hopping, and fishing in coordination with neighbor islands. The resort also provides options for on land activities like trekking, biking, and vegetable picking.

There are also a lot of activities that Avara members can enjoy outside its vicinity. After all, Taytay, Palawan boasts of picturesque sites like the Canique Waterfalls, the Lake Manguao, the Irrawaddy Dolphins in Malampaya Sound, the Fuerza de Santa Isabel, and the Church of Santa Monica. Taytay is also hope to a paradise-like hidden valley that gives tourists a bird’s eye view of the pristine, idyllic coastal areas of the municipality.

Board of advisors 

The executives and board of advisors behind the Avara Nature & Yacht Club.

To ensure nothing but the best of services and facilities at Avara, Seaside Premier Development Corporation tapped some of the industry’s most respected personalities for the resort.

Its board of advisors include the following:

● National Coast Watch Center Executive Director Rear Admiral Joel S. Garcia for Coastal and Marine Management

● Philippine Army’s 7CMO Battalion Commanding Officer Col. Eugene Osias for Security Affairs

● Cebu Port Authority Commissioner for the Shipping Sector Ms. Regina Barleta for Port Management and Shipping

● Incoming Manila Board of Realtors, Inc. President Ma. Teresa R. Bigornia for Marketing

● Motivational speaker John Anthony Calub for Sales

● The Manor’s Le Chef Executive Chef William “Billy” King for Culinary Arts

“We thank these distinguished personalities for believing in our idea. We can’t wait to show you the beauty of Avara,” Ms. Young said.

Avara Nature & Yacht Club will formally open its shores in the summer of 2020. 

About Avara Nature & Yacht Club

Avara Nature and Yacht Club redefines seaside lifestyle by combining beach living and seafaring. It is the first harbor-front town in Palawan as launched by the Seaside Premier Development Corporation. It offers access to a world-class resort with customized yachts.

Visit the Avara website (http://avaraisland.com/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/avaraisland), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/avaraisland/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/avaraisland/) to learn more.

About Seaside Premier Development Corporation

Luxury seaside community developer Seaside Premier Development Corporation was established in 2018. It kickstarted its year by launching its flagship project, the Avara Nature & Yacht Club in Taytay, Palawan. It plans to develop harbor-front townships in the different seaside areas in the Philippines to bring the best beaches and coastal living to every Filipino’s doorstep.