Type Private Headquarters Pasig, Philippines Parent organization IP E-Game Ventures Inc. | Website www.netopia.ph Founded 1996 | |
Industry Information Technology Communications Services Key people Michael Lacy, President
Raymond Alimurong, Chief Operating Officer Products Shared Access, Internet Cafe | ||
Digital Paradise Incorporated is the operator of the Philippines largest and fastest growing Internet café chain, Netopia Internet Café and other shared access facilities such as Extreme Gaming Grounds. They also operate the Philippines franchise for Highlands Coffee.
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History
The original Netopia Internet Café was founded by 2 computer techies, Axel Kornerup and James Guiab in 1996. It began as a private gaming room where friends could pit their eye–hand coordination skills against each other. When the original Katipunan branch opened its doors to the public in January 1997, long queues formed, and soon a loyal customer base grew. By sheer word of mouth, Netopia effortlessly attracts a new wave of faithful clients.
Eventually, Netopia Computer Technology (as the company was known then) grew and was bought by ePLDT. Now renamed Digital Paradise Incorporated, the company began a long period of expansion that saw the Netopia brand become the largest Internet café in the Philippines and also the first to open branches in other countries in South East Asia.
On June 16, 2006 company president Raymond H. Ricafort stepped down and was replaced by George Tan of ePLDT.
Products and services
Digital Paradise offers what it calls shared access – the company has built an array of products and services around its primary computer rental business to take advantage of the relatively low penetration of personal computers into the Philippine market. As of 2005, the company has opened a new brand, Extreme Gaming Grounds, offering high end gaming and digital entertainment services as well as adding advanced desktop publishing and photo printing to its flagship Netopia Internet Cafe brand.