Editorial: Some thoughts this Christmas

Christmas is coming. While this should be a cause for excitement and anticipation of good family times, there’s something less pleasurable on our minds at this time of year.

Today more than ever, we feel, and sometimes get sick at the thought, that the holiday season gets even more expensive.

And for most of us Pinoys abroad whose money is already tight in the light of appreciation (but with less purchasing power) of peso, we worry about how our finances will cope.

For all of its pomp and occasion, Christmas can come at a heavy price to bear. Due to immense marketing and advertising during the season, the true meaning of Christmas is often lost.

I am not to talk about the true meaning of Christmas. We all have different reasons and outlook of the holiday season. But what is undeniable is that people nowadays equate the holidays as a time of gift giving and receiving.

While this is not a bad thing, it is this materialistic point of view which usually leaves us painstakingly trying to make both ends meet, month after month, year after year.

But rather than be won over by commercial frenzies of the event or sulk at loneliness of being away from home this season, arming oneself with financial literacy will probably give us different perspectives on how we shall control our finances.

For the last two weeks I buried myself reading the book “Why We Want You To Be Rich”. It is a collaboration of two best-selling authors in the field of Financial Management, multi-billionaire Donald Trump and author of Rich Dad Poor Dad book series Robert Kiyosaki. It summarizes their fears about the seemingly brewing collapse of the middle class of America. Accordingly, the key to be free from this debilitating situation lies in financial education which is lacking in the present system.

I see our country, being predominantly patterned after American systems, to be heading in the same direction. Our thinking that the government should provide for us has already started to fireback leaving us inept and incapable to stand on our own.

In succeeding months, it is my wild guess that Filipino dailies, e-zines, and blogs will start featuring stories of how money is never really a problem.

Ms. Habito in her Oct 27 Inquirer column has already started with “pump-priming” efforts of the government. It is a scheme of unleashing cash to stimulate economic activity in the hope of building and promoting more trades and investment.

Furthermore, business sections do not fail to report on the staggering amount of OFW remittances.

We’ve got lots of money, so to speak.

It is our own fear and inaction to conduct business in the country that is the real culprit behind the collapse of our economy (see page 1). Our inability to look beyond our purses in putting our hard-earned money for good use, and loss of confidence in the system are the principal factors that slowly kill our dreams to ensure the future of our nation.
This Christmas, let us all light up our trees and wish for a more watchful eyes that we may rather see opportunity than resources. Let us wish for courage that we find freedom to pursue our dream; self-respect that we may realize that we deserve even better; and love that makes life more meaningful.
Merry Christmas!

Jatropha: Viable Source of Biofuel

Its seeds contain oil that can be blended with coventional gasoline or diesel to make ‘biodiesel’, an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. In its pure state, the oil can be used for cooking, lighting or generating electricity. And the range of by-products includes ‘glycerin’ - used in cosmetics - and ‘seed cake’, which is re-processed and used as an organic fertilizer. Moreover, its waste can be turned into charcoal briquettes.



Jatropha, locally known as tuba-tuba, is considered to be the “green gold”, a cash crop that can boost rural incomes in poor countries while helping adress issues ranging from climate change to soil erosion..


As per study, Jatropha trees can produce seeds for more than 30 years. Each tree produces between five to fiteen kilograms of seeds, three times a year.
Nowadays the most talked about development in the biodiesel industry is the breakthrough on jatropha curcas as potential source of biodiesel.


Jatropha biodiesel was produced for the first time in the United Kingdom by D1 Oils using its D1 20 refinery.

The biodiesel produced from the process meets the European EN14214 and the American ASTM D6571 standards.

Moreover, analysis of jatropha crude oil shows that is is comparable to bunker fuel.
Because of these breakthroughs, D1 Oils, a UK biodiesel producer, continues its worldwide research-production expanding interest in the Philippines.

Biogreen Energy, a Malaysian firm, is preparing to sign an agreement with Philippine National Oil Company - Alternative Fuels Corp (PNOC-AFC) on the establishment of jatropha nursery and plantation in two different locations in the country.

While details are still on the process, discussion would include the land, seeding supply, crude oil processing for both local and export consumption, and biodiesel pricing.

Under the MOU, Biogreen should be able to produce about 30 million seedlings within two years in each of the two locations that would be agreed upon by the two parties. This should be enought to supply for PNOC-AFC’s planned 700,000 hectares jatropha plantation all over the country.

In a study entitled Biodiesel 2020: A Global Market Survey, it states that “the global market for biodiesel is poised for explosive growth in the next ten years.”

Currently, Europe represents 90% of global biodiesel consumption and production, but the US is now ramping up production at a faster rate. Brazil, however is expected to surpass US and European production by the year 2015.”

The International Energy Agency (IEA) in its 5-year outlook report, estimates that the world biofuel production will nearly double in 2011 to 1.2 million barrerls per day from the 2005 level of 650,000 barrels.

The report also said that Brazil, the US and European Union will account for the biggest share of biofuel production increases; and, that Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand are looking at Europe and the US as potential biofuel export markets.

With the ever increasing interest in biodiesel fuels, we may one day get used to the idea that fuel for our vehicles was harvested from our local plantations, instead of using imported oil from fossil fuel producing countries.(S)

Sawali Volume II Issue 2 June 2007

For free suscription, e-mail sawalinews@yahoo.com.ph

Personal Care Products for Men - - Big Business Potential

The global consumption of personal care and beauty products, from period 1990-2004 is on the rise at a constant rate. Experts and analysts attribute this fact to modern men who realize, simultaneous with fitness consciousness, the need to look good on their outward appearance, and that includes the skin, hair and nails.

The Industry

Indeed, the new concept of good grooming is taking itself on a higher level.

The rugged John Wayne days when men scrubbed their faces with deodorant soap and viewed gray hair and wrinkles as a badge of honor are slowly fading.

In 2005 international market analyst Euromonitor placed US men’s toiletries market such as hair color, skin moisturizer, and tooth whitener at USD3.6 billion.

Men’s Health Magazine reported a 1996 study of DYG Inc, a global trend research firm, saying 20% of American men get manicures and pedicures, 18% use skin treatments such as masks or mud packs, and 10% enjoy professional facials.

Psychology Today in its November 1996 issue reported a poll by Roper Starch Worldwide showing 6% of men actually use traditionally female products as bronzers and foundation to create the illusion of a youthful appearance.

And each year the number is even getting bigger.

Background

In the Philippines, an independent research team, the Marketing Research Exponent, was commissioned to conduct a study to provide vital information that affirms this trend in the local setting.

The research is particularly interested in the opinions of male consumers to identify wide range of product mix and services sold in common outlets and stores.

The research team used descriptive-survey approach utilizing survey questionnaire as the main instrument in gathering data.

It conducted informal interview and solicited other vital information that provided insights on the profile of Filipino male consumers.

Vanity, thy name is Man?

In an electronic survey conducted by the group, stunning figures are manifested affirming the ripeness of the Philippine market for these products.

99% of the respondents revealed that they (Filipino men) use shampoo, hair conditioners, hot oil products, facial cleansing creams, toners, facial moisturizers, body lotion, specialized soaps and other health products. In fact, 84% of them said they use such products as part of their daily routine while 9% and 7% use them only on social events and only as needed, respectively.

Significantly, 60% of these men directly purchase products for themselves which shows a healthy attitude towards the so-called "male vanity". 26%, however, said they requested others to purchase them for their own use. This figure manifests the persistent cultural macho image in the Philippines. But the study says that campaign and education will eventually solve this problem.

The study also shows the profile of the buying market: 54% are single male, while 44% are married. Meanwhile, 57% belongs to 18-30 years age bracket, 19% to 31-40 years old. Another 19% belongs to 41-50 years age, and the remaining 5% are 51 years old and above.

Discussion

In coming up with business that directly affects the male market, Euromonitor’s advice should be the guiding principle. "Men don’t know what they want until you give it to them. But the good thing is they are responding positively to any attempts to build relationship."

In the same manner, men’s brewing interest for personal grooming requires bold actions. Steps must be done in order to have a share of the experience of its strong sales growth.

This development spells good news to entrepreneurs who eye the beauty & toiletries sector. This is a segment that’s totally evolving before our eyes.

Amidst ‘Pretty Boy’ Mindset

In the Philippines, since the launch of new men’s grooming product ranges "led by Beiersdorf AGs Nivea brand", a previously uncharted territory of male lifestyle and vanity has been tapped making men major consumers since 2004.

But while it is undeniable that they are on the bloom, there is a corresponding downside to it all. And it is the lack of Filipino entrepreneurs’ interest to take a piece of the pie.

While we see multinational and known brands on the upswing in their respective charts even in our own territory, local counterparts are still adamant in their decisions to serve the needs of this market.

This is despite the fact among Asian men, Filipinos rank first in their openness in their embrace of good grooming habits and positive attitudes towards vanity.

The pretty boy mindset, as coined by Carole Sarthou, Managing Director of Synovate in the Philippines, among Filpinos is so strong and signals a powerful gist to some pretty good opportunities for marketers.

With 84% outranking other Asian counterparts, Filipinos’ regard to looks as so important and permeating in all their activities, make them the most suitable for these products.

It is hoped by Marketing Research Exponent that by discovering these facts and presenting them, people with entrepreneural inclination will open their mind to a host of possibilities, and will pave the way for the discovery of fortune in Philippine male vanity. (S)

Vacation takes another meaning

After a year of work abroad and prolonged homesickness, it is a must for one to hold back, come home, and loosen up for a while.

With all the demands of work becoming too competitive and the thought of re-integrating back at the home country after the touted period, vacation takes another meaning for all balikbayans and OFWs.

I just took mine last April, and what an exhilarating relief to see and be with families and old friends! Spending quality time together, while building dreams has never been so much fun and inspiring.

I still don’t understand people who keep on deferring their vacations, converting the-once-a-year chance to cash instead.

Labor laws around the world are unanimous in giving this little generosity to all employees. Employers know that giving their workers time for themselves as short as 30 days in a year is actually good for the business. It promotes productivity and boosts morale.

On the part of the employees, it keeps them healthy & stress-free, and maintains their sanity to say the least.

If one is really bent on hitting a mark in the Philippine business, then it is a necessity to come home every so often.

Listening or watching developments about the economy over the news channels will always be subsidiary to the first-hand information one gets from actually stepping on Philippine soil.

One needs to have a feel of the country’s environment to be able to tell what business he intends to build in the future.

Vacation then should be done as often as possible simultaneous with the idea of taking a break from work and the intent of conducting personal survey of the country’s business landscape.

Otherwise, come home and visit if only to help propel the ever promising tourism of the country.
Besides, basking in the sun and sand remains the best on that side of the earth.

There, a paradise still awaits.

Building themed resorts is the key for industry growth

Blessed with good climate and abundant natural resources, resorts in the Philippines are never lacking. In fact, in most key places in the country, we can find one offering its own unique solace and comfort.

But looking around the country, we may come to an observation that there are a lot of rooms for more, at least geographically.

So the question is with all these resorts vying attention of the general public, can there be potential for resort industry to grow even bigger in terms of profitability?
The answer is yes, but the projected business has to focus more on specific target market, thus themed resorts.

A spa resort is an example of a specific target market. People who frequent the place has one definite thought in mind, that is to relax and have good treatment.

There are a lot of other themes a probable resort entrepreneur can target as market.

The thought of nude beach sizzles one to pack his bag and hit the road. Way back in the 70’s we heard of then bold star Alona Alegre swimming nude in certain beach in Quezon Province. For a time, that resort became a hub of society’s liberal minds baring their brazen bods as a form of self-expression.

Of course, it has a short-lived span having been closed to public on the ground of immorality. But hey, that was in the 70’s.

Another good investment to focus is on senior citizens. A population that has unique needs and requires special facilities. Now that they are in full-bloom and with relatively good retirement benefits, this is one good probable theme.

We also have to lay our eyes on the gay population as well. This is a very special group because of their dedication to break barriers in terms of culture. Moreover, they have the purchasing power. And their interests vary from fashion to sports.

Ultimately the key for a resort to succeed lies in its ability to address the needs of specific target market. Creativity should always be employed in coming up with theme resort.

And of course, interest will play a great deal in managing one. (S)

Making Money Online

The promise of earning money without ever having to leave your home or the thought of receiving extra dollars while doing your present job sounds too good to be true. But the sound reverberates throughout the net, and it’s getting loud.

Blogging-for-dollars phenomenon is only in its infancy, but blog ad spending is already amassing quite a figure in number of dollars. As forecasted by industry experts, web advertising will grow by 50 percent to $23.6 billion in 2010, and it is certain that more and more ad dollars will land on blogs.

The monetization of blogging can trace its roots to late 2002, when Google created a revolutionary system that allowed anyone with a website to run ads. The technology, called AdSense, matched ads with a site’s content. Each time a visitor clicked on a linked ad, the site’s owner got paid (a model now referred to as ‘cost-per-click’ advertising).

A blog, for the information of the newbies, is a website where entries are written in chronological order and displayed in reverse chronological order (Wikkipedia).

An abrupt of the words Web log, a blog provides commentary or news on a particular subject and at times, functions as personal online diaries.

A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs.

Because of its popularity, advertisers saw the potential of blogs to bring message across target market. This in turn gives way for bloggers (people who maintain blogs) to profit with no need for big sales forces that magazines, newspapers, and other traditional media employ.
While it is true that blogging requires no financial capital outlay, it is never an easy job. Creativity plays a big part since the site has to employ gimmicks to ensure traffic. So the only (perhaps) thing a-blogger-would-be may spend is time. In fact, a lot it. A blogger invests hours writing or coming up with interesting stuffs to ensure the success of that business.

But this is only natural. After all there is no known business without having to invest, at least one thing. (S)