Digital Paradise

Digital Paradise Incorporated

Type	Private
Industry	Information Technology Communications Services
Headquarters	Pasig City, Philippines
Key people	Michael Lacy, President Raymond Alimurong, Chief Operating Officer
Products	Shared Access, Internet Cafe
Website	www.netopia.ph

Digital Paradise Incorporated is the and 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.

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.

Current Brands

• Netopia Internet Café – The largest and fastest growing Internet café chain in the Philippines. In 2006 Netopia was also recognized as the "Most Outstanding Filipino Franchise" at the 2006 Philippine Franchise Awards held by the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry. The brand is also known for their Mobile Internet Cafés, modified truck trailers that can be quickly transported to areas where they can be of most use. There are currently more than 180 Netopia Internet Café branches around the country.
• Extreme Gaming Grounds – The first of its kind in South East Asia, Extreme Gaming Grounds (EGG for short) is an all in one digital entertainment center combining an internet café/game center, home theatre and lounge all into one facility.
• Highlands Coffee – DPI operates Highlands Coffee shops in the Philippines under franchise from Viet Thai International.

Defunct Brands

• Internetan – A budget Internet Café brand.

References

• Digital Paradise