Kapeng Arabo, Now in the Middle East

Whether you are in the country or in the Middle East, now you have easy access to this exciting book. Kapeng Arabo is the first Filipino, Tagalog written book widely circulated in the Gulf Cooperating Countries (GCC).

Initially launched in the Philippines via the National Bookstore, the book is now on display on all Jarir Bookstore branches across GCC. This includes Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The book is full of thought-provoking anecdotes of living abroad that will somehow relive or disturb the Filipino in each of us.

Ideal gift to your loved ones too, especially those working abroad. Make them realize the more important things in life.

Please spread the good news!

(http://www.kapengarabo.com/)

KAPENG ARABO, Official Press Release

Why do you think after staying for a while, most OFWs in Saudi Arabia turn arrogant, conceited and extravagant? Why do they choose US, Canada or Australia rather than come back in the Philippines? Why do they speak of "barok" English considering their maximum exposure to multicultural environment? Why some enter into illicit love affairs? And why others turn gay?

Manny Garcia, Editor and Publisher of SAWALI, an e-newsletter dedicated to the promotion of productivity of OFWs and Pinoys abroad, wittingly explores the answers to these questions and more in his book KAPENG ARABO, a collection of stories and day-to-day issues of Pinoys working in Saudi Arabia as he relattes them to his own experiences within the first three years of his life in that arid region. Written in the native language combined with Pinoy modern quips and expressions, the book explores the intricacies of being alone in a strange culture, and how it affects the personalities of common kababayan battling nostaligia in a foreign land.

Garcia, four subjects away from completing his Bachelor of Laws degree in the Philippines, found himself in a common proverbial conflict between providing for the family and achieving his dream. Suddenly realizing that there is no sense in achieving his dream without attending first to the needs of his family, he decided to come and work in Jeddah. There, he was sorrounded by similarly new and young OFWs ("Second Generation") as well as old-timers who have their own funny, sometimes sad, and at other times, in-dept, stories to tell.

In a nutshell, KAPENG ARABO is a narration of how living in Saudi Arabia has changed his own perception about his fellow kababayan and his country. In the heart-warming conclusion of the book, he said "...Nais ko ring isiping naging matalinhaga ang buhay ko sa Saudi. Dahil dito, kaya kong bigyan ng palaisipan ang kung anu-anong bagay. Ngayon, gamit ng aking malikot na imahinasyon, nakagagawa ako ng mga pagkukumpara at pangkahulugan, mula sa kalapating pumu-poopoo sa tapat ng aking bintana hanggang sa hardinerong pilit na bumubuhay ng halaman sa gitna ng ilang na disyerto." Proving that indeed the desert has its peculiar way of opening one's awareness and changing the way one thinks.

KAPENG ARABO starts with the author's questioning the concept of the word "katinuan." He claims the term is relative, saying "kung anumang gusto nating ipakahulugan sa salitang katinuan, siguro nga kanya-kanya na lang tayo," yet he is quick on stating that "...marami tayong paraan at sari-sari ang ating idea para matupad ang ating mga mithiin. Pero kung makuha natin sila na intact at kilala pa rin natin ang ating sariling pagkatao, yon! Iyon siguro ang maituturing na matino."

KAPENG ARABO is a mix of social satires (Pinoy's beholden concept of wealth, more often equated to material and commercial), funny story (how come one loses hair in Saudi), and a narration of the cold political reality (why Pinoys turn their back on the country). The stories are old and ordinary yet presented with warm, fuzzy heart, and sometimes with a twisted, black and rotten hate.

Written primarily to Second Generation OFWs and Pinoys abroad, even those considering working in the oil-rich desert will find important insights in the book. KAPENG ARABO is a narration of yet another fresh and true voice that will affect, disturb, enrage, or laugh at the Filipino in you.

ISBN No. 978-971-94140-0-1

To place orders, contact:
MANGO Publishing
2413 Taal Street, Sta. Ana, Manila
Telefax: +632 526 1057/ +63 917 496 3645/+63 927 264 0107
e-mail: mango_publishing@yahoo.com

To arrange book signing, contact The Author:
Mobile: +966 54254 3584
e-mail: ask_manny@yahoo.com

SAWALI Volume 3 Issue 1

For free PDF copy, e-mail us at sawalinews@yahoo.com.ph

Making business sense out of GenNext portrait

A new generation has come of age, shaped by unprecedented revolution in technology and dramatic events both home and abroad. They are the Generation Next, the cohort of young adults who have grown up with personal computers, cell phones and the internet, and are now taking their world where the only constant is rapid change.

Meet Generation Next: They use technology and the internet to connect with people in a new and distinctive way. The “look at me” generation, using Friendster, Facebook, MySpace, & Multiply as platforms for these individuals to post personal profile complete with photos, descriptions of interests and hobbies. Surely, SunMicrosystems is placing its faith in Filipinos who will be the next in line to develop similar concept (PDI Jun 2007).

Though most of their parents are not pleased by what these young adults do, about half of GenNexters have either gotten a tattoo, dyed their hair with untraditional colors, or have body piercing in a place other than their ear lobes. This event makes them viable market for businesses related to body arts and expression.

GenNexters are also more tolerant about traditional social issues such as women’s rights, discrimination and same sex marriage. It will be no wonder if exclusive clubs, businesses catering to special class or minority groups will become a thing in the succeeding years.

But beyond social issues, this generation is less critical about the government regulations. We may already be seeing the pieces of evidence of this survey as witnessed during consecutive staging of failed people power. They prefer to voice out their opinion the ‘on-line way’ refusing to leave the convenience of their homes.

Their heroes are close and familiar. It is either a family member, a teacher, a community leader or a mentor. Roughly they show admiration to a political leader. They show more respect to an entertainer or a sportsman.

GenNexters are comfortable with globalization and new ways of doing work. They favor automation, outsourcing of jobs and migration to other countries.

Asked about their life goals, most GenNexters in their age group say their generation’s top goals are ‘fortune and fame’.

Filipino GenNexters are unanimous in saying that it is mortal sin to become employee in the country. If one wants to step into the career ladder, he has to do it outside of the country. The only way to achieve the goal of becoming rich in the Philippines is to build one’s own business. (S)

Book writing: a way to rekindle the human spirit

I know. I am guilty. For the longest time, I have been constantly pressed by colleagues and relatives (whom I feel comprise mostly of my subscribers’ list) to release the next issue. And I had to admit, this time has been unusually long.

But this edition of SAWALI had to give way to one of the most important part of me, being a writer as well as being an OFW.

Though living in Saudi Arabia for nearly 4 years now, I still find myself adjusting to this strange culture. Yet with all the gruesome, tear-jerking and hair losing (almost) years, I feel I have enough experiences that I can put them in a book. And I did.

Yes! ladies and gentlemen, I have written a book.

It is titled Kapeng Arabo , a collection of stories and day-to-day issues of Pinoys working in Saudi Arabia. Though not all experiences I have narrated are mine, I related them to my own chronological journey to give them structure.

While in the middle of everything, I learned about the scant industry of self-publishing in the Philippines. This multi-million area is still unexplored, since, according to Lirio Sandoval, president of Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), ‘there are still too few readers compared to our population, or that the readers don’t have the capacity to buy.’

But with new publication and genres laden the shelves of bookstores in the country every now and then, many authors and publishers do so for self-satisfaction. A healthy sign of another sector about to unfold.

Others look at book writing simply as impractical. Though it is certainly not for everyone, I am, nevertheless, convinced that it is perhaps one of the higher forms of productivity - and much more.

It enlightens you by making you look deep in your heart and realize how you stand on certain issues. It empowers you by drawing out fears, compassion and understanding as you relive events. It immortalizes you, as the great wisdom of Confucius says.

I am one with those who celebrate digital media as a new and better way to contribute and take part in the so-called “culture” conversation. But the promise of this radiant has not (so far) replaced the great comfort and ineffable pleasure when you sit down with a book and turn its pages. There is no way to compare the feeling of re-assurance that the information books have will always be available and ready to be picked up. Short of saying that “books are here to stay.”

Albert Schweitzer says that in everyone’s life at some time, our inner fire goes out. And that fire is then burst into flame by encounter with another human being. This is one way of ‘rekindling the human spirit’.

And I’d like to think that book writing is all about rekindling that inner fire. By knowing others’ stories, by print or otherwise, we reintroduce color in a world of gray; by letting them know of ours, we reintegrate values in our society replete with principles; and, by putting our heart and mind in every page we write, we replace absence with presence. (S)

Making a niche in the market thru specialty publishing

Any business venture must gain market’s acceptance of its products and services. An important part of this process is building brand awareness, and the key part of gaining market acceptance is differentiating the product or service so the distinctiveness and value of what is being sold is clear to the customer.

Publishing, like any other product or services, has to come up with distinct image to its clients. A publisher of computer books, for instance, needs to come up with up technology-related titles in its shelf. If the same publisher suddenly breaks out into romance or novels, its customers will be confused, and its integrity will be compromised.

Maintaining focus plays a crucial part. While a new trend comes every now and then, specialty publishers has to think on a longer-term basis. Specialty publishing is all about expertise and authority on particular subjects. On a long term, services of specialty publishers will be sought again and again based on established knowledge or skill on a subject matter. Because,whether they believe it or not, no one can not be all too knowing in all subjects.

Self-publishing: an invitation to commitment to our literature, culture, and nation

While there’s a certain stigma that comes with self-publishing - by personally taking on the task and expense of printing, distributing, and promoting, the author invites suspicion - be it mediocrity; hubris; vanity; unexplained, possibly ill-gotten wealth, or all the above - independent publishers are slowly making a mark in the industry.

At the onset of consistent releases of interesting books and publications, with even more diverse ideas traditional publishers can handle, independent publishing busts some myths in the industry.

That Filipinos don’t read
Antonio Hidalgo of Milflores Publishing, begs to differ. In fact, an international survey (run by PDI) shows Filipinos read more books than the Chinese, Koreans, or Indians. The 2003 SWS survey of reading attitudes and preferences indicate Filipinos read books they think they need or want.

That explosion of IT would render the books obsolete.
This is simply false. Book publishing has been growing steadily both locally and globally.

That Filipinos only read romance
Arnel Gabriel of PSICOM started with a computer magazine. As the internet grew as front of information, PSICOM responded by publishing IT news. When that dwindled, it tested the waters by publishing computer books. Figuring that PSICOM should try other genres, and upon observing the rising fad of texting, they put a series of books on text quotes, ring tones, etc. which were all a hit. National Bookstore awarded PSICOM three plaques of recognition for bestselling spots as a result.

While scouting for other ideas, Gabriel attended one bookfair in Singapore. He came across a booth selling ghost stories. Upon coming back, he met his editors, and soon came up with the first True Philippine Ghost stories series which hit pay dirt. The books sold like hotcakes to everyone’s astonishment. “There was even a time when our purchase order was almost 1,000 books a day,” Gabriel recounted.

Since then, PSICOM has been mapping out unchartered territories such as How to Draw Manga series, and their experimental books based on blogs dubbed as “blooks.”

Surviving the obstacle course
Gone are the days when only the elite can afford to read variety of books. Now, even the masses are exerting efforts to read as much because they believe that reading is vital to their success.
Both Hidalgo and Gabriel are unanimous in coming up with the intersection of life between the masses and the intellectuals.

“Writers have much to offer readers, provided that they address the needs and wants of readers and the obstacle of language barrier,” Hidalgo said.

While literary publishing in the Philippines is modest in figures due to limited market for local literary books compared to market of textbooks, references, or even religious books, and though we have yet to hear success stories or tales with happy endings on the matter of self-publishing in Philippine literature - at least as far as the financial apsect is concerned, yet there has never been a lack of such efforts in the history of Philippine literary publishing.

It appears that there have always been individuals or groups who would not be daunted by the risks and challenges of publishing.

“We advocate cultural development by getting our best minds to talk to the masses, and I guarantee the latter will appreciate it,” Hidalgo suggests.

It is this persistence that is perhaps most interesting and rather astounding about self-publishing. The same persistence that invites to wonder less about the egos of the authors than their conviction and commitment to our literature, culture and nation. (S)

SAWALI E-newsletter Volume 2 Issue 4

For a complete free PDF copy, e-mail at sawalinews.yahoo.com.ph

Strong Peso, weak call

(Note: I could not get the name behind this article. But upon reading, I immediately sensed the need to include this. One of the important issues for OFWs this year is the continuous appreciation of peso against the dollar with non-expected consequences of increased prices of commodities and lack of job or business opportunities in the country.
The article offers insights and directly points to the real culprit to the mess that we are in. Personally, I find it an awakening to the reality that this attitude of non-confidence in our own country and the preference of most Pinoys to work abroad are starting to set their drawbacks against our economy. Once again, we are challenged to do our share in shaping the future of our country. Spend those dollars wisely, be real heroes, create business in the Philippines. - Ed)


There are two pragmatic schools of thought on the strengthening of the peso against the dollar: 1) the dollar has been sliding down steadily in the international market and 2) the Philippine treasury is enjoying a cache of dollar reserves.

The international phenomenon is a domino effect of US’ internal economic policies, and there is not much that we can do about it.

A strong currency should generally indicate a thriving economy. The expected ripple effect should reflect growth in investments, vibrant export trade and generation of new jobs at the very least.

But the imbalance in the equation, tipping the scale heavily in favor of the dollar reserves, results to artificial growth of the economy that leads to overvaluation of the currency.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released its report on global trends in investment flows, saying that the Philippines is not attracting investments, specifically foreign direct investments (FDIs), compared with its neighbors despite its huge potentials.

Many of investment pledges never materialized after Board of Investments (BOI) and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) gave the investors fiscal perks, including tax holidays and duty-free importation of machines, among many others.

Despite the exuberant numbers from both, the country’s figures on capital formation hardly improved in the last several years. Imports, likewise, have not been rising, an indication that business managers and factory owners are not investing in new machines. Nor are they upgrading their office equipment or buying new ones.

That’s the same reason why we have an overvalued peso that is hurting the country’s bread and butter: the exporters and OFWs.

The problem lies with the business sector. Factories and importers are not using much of those dollars due to “political uncertainties.” Thus, the accumulation of those dollars within the borders is causing the peso’s overvaluation. Adding to the equation is OFW’s remittances in increasing amounts.

In fairness, FDI figures, released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, have also been posting encouraging trends.

But it’s likely that those figures simply reflect intercompany transfers that do not translate to the building of factories.

Proof: the job pictures have not been improving despite the tremendous hype about a 7%+ growth rate in the last two quarters. Statistically, a number of Filipinos accepting job offers abroad continues to surge.

Why? It’s because of “lack of investor confidence.” Despite some good economic statistics, investors are holding back.

Many economists advocate a ‘free float’ (letting the international market determine the value of a country’s currency), but such a policy often leads to rapid and radical fluctuations in the currency.

Considering that many business transactions are negotiated with contracts, an unpredictable peso deters investors from coming to us.
After all, who wants to invest in a country when that investment could become worthless overnight?

On one hand, a campaign to boycott the banks with remittances on a certain number of days has its drawbacks and is doomed to fail.

The measure could do more harm to OFWs than serve its noble purpose. Certainly, OFW’s could not hold their dollars for the longest period of time, lest to the suffering of their own families back home.

Logically, a sudden avalanche of dollars going into the Philippine coffers will result to further strengthening of the peso and push the dollar exchange further down.

So while we cannot stop the migration of Filipinos abroad, there are creative and useful ways to mitigate if not totally alter for the better the effect of this dollar accumulation.
All we have to do is believe once again, come up with a well-thought plan, and start realizing that nobody will help our own country but us.(S)

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)

Easy to Start Business in the Philippines

Top entrepreneurs Tito Jose of Brothers Burger, Christopher Tan of Ideal Minds Corporation and Eugenio‘Jean’ Gonzales of MTC Academy are unanimous in concluding that it is relatively easier to start a business in the Philippines compared to other countries.
Tan, hailed from Canada, said that it is less restrictive in Manila. He claims that it is the lack of self-esteem that hinders Pinoys to even try.
Gonzales says Philippines is the “easiest place in the world to start a business.” For a very small capital, anyone could easily try to make it on his own.
Jose started his business with an initial investment of P250,000 only (Almost US$4800). He admited that the business was quite chaotic at first. But now, Brothers Burger boasts of more than 10 branches nationwide requiring a General Manager coming from an international company who improves the business workflow.
Tan of Ideal Minds, however describes how he had an idea for television show. He approached some friends working at the media and convinced them to help him out. He was also able to get a video-editing shop to support his projects on very good terms (edit now, pay one year later). Lacking only a camera, he got one using a credit card. Then, as they say, the rest is history.
Chris says entrepreneurs simply have to be prepared. When he started, he had some partners with him. They left after seeing that they were losing money in the first six months. To him, the financial drain was really expected. Luckily, he persevered.
Now, Ideal Minds is one of the few small media production groups with primetime shows producing side by side with media giants such as ABS-CBN and GMA.
Jean Gonzales of MTC Academy recalls how he started off with only P68,000 by having a small software development firm. Now, he is keen on getting a larger share of the US$23 billion Medical Transcription business.
As insights, Gonzales revealed that there is a Three Billion per year requirement for medical transcriptions. And his company has only touched the tip of the iceberg.
MTC Academy now has 23 locations in the country. (S)

Personal care & beauty products for men

Recent development paint a very endearing portrait of the male healthy and beauty care shopper.
This is a relief to the many discount chains and deep discount drug stores that thought they had only one shopper: women. These women certainly have the shopping savvy, but their male counterparts are quickly gaining ground.
Numbers cannot deny it: look at your local groceries, and you will find a long line of products for men; Gillette & Schick, the industry leader in shaving products spurred sales increase for the past several years; and, Aqua Velva, Brut33 and Old Spice try to catch up in terms of younger male shoppers.
In 2004, the estimated spending on men’s grooming products amounted to $14 billion, and the market researchers predict that it will continue to grow.
But can this development be translated in Philippine setting?
A group of Pinoys working abroad is presently conducting a study looking into this possibility. It contracted the services of equipped individuals based in the country to make the feasibility.
The study looks into different elements that affect the spending behavior of the Filipino male, and most specially trying to find out if the economy is riding with the global trend. And at the early stage of the study, the picture seems rosy.
The business plan is next in line.
But the study admits big risks in terms of marketing the products considering the “macho culture” prevalent among Pinoy males, and of course, the issue of spending capability of Pinoys in the Philippines in general.
A big chunk of capital is needed to really put things rolling. And the group is inviting collaborators and investors. OFWs are most welcome as this is one source of probable great investments.
If you are interested and want to be updated on this study,

E-mail: ask_manny@yahoo.com

Telephone +966 561503985.

Fax: +966 2 6791309 - Attention: Manny Garcia (S)

On the Way to Become A Global Retirement Haven

The Philippine Retirement Industry (PRI) or the PRI, a newly formed non-stock non-profit private counterpart of the Philippine Retirement Agency believes that affordability is one of the key issues that attract retirees to consider retiring in a specific location abroad.
These savings free up much of the retiree’s financial resources for more of life’s pleasures. For them improved quality of life and embarking on “new adventures” is now a viable option.
Declared as the flagship project by the government, the retirement industry is set to get a million retirees per annum by 2015, the care of which will employ four million Filipinos and produce $44 million annual revenues.
While all these are being done, private sectors are busy promoting and selling facilities. One of which is Mango Grove Nature Park Resort which opens its doors to Pinoys abroad who look for possible investments.
Located at the northern part of the Philippines, Mango Grove is a farm venture with resort and lodging facilities.
It provides opportunity for investors to fill out the need for infrastructures by developing Mango Grove as retirees’ village.
But investing in Mango Grove is different from other farm estates, according to its President, Mr. Jean Arandez Paguio, in the sense that it is possible for investors to earn not just from farmlot products but also from vacation house and shares of stock as well.
By April of 2007, PRI will officially announce to the whole world the opening of Philippine doors to all retirees.
Mangro Grove, as an affiliate of PRI, will be one of the retirement destinations in the country. Thus an investment therein is a sure fire asset investment. (S)

Tourism Key to Bring Wealth to Poor Countries - UN Report

New York, September 27, 2006 4:00PM - Marking Word Tourism Day, the United Nations highlighted the major role of the industry plays in combating poverty in developing countries.
“Tourism is now well recognized as one of the key ways to bring wealth experience from the richest to the poorest countries,” UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General Francesco Frangialli said in a message.
The UNWTO, a 150-member special UN agency that acts as a global forum for tourism policy issues and serves as practical source of tourism know-how, released an e-booklet on its website underlining tourism’s multifaceted role in promoting development.
The organization recognizes the role of tourism in establishing contacts, recognizing diversity and practicing tolerance.
It notes that the industry is bigger than cars, agriculture or electronics; that it generates $800 billion a year in international tourist spending – a sum that will more than double by 2020; and that it creates millions of jobs.
In the Philippines, tourism generated US$1,990.81 million revenues in 2005, a 30.7% mark up growth from previous year showing that the industry is a major contributor to the growth of the Philippine economy.
This increase according to Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano is due to the 20.1% growth of visitor’s arrival from 2003.
Time and again, it has been said by people who have been in and around the country, that the Philippines is equipped to take on the challenge.
We have one of the best tourist destinations from paradise-like clubs and beaches to wild-life sanctuaries.
Filipinos are very warm and have diverse cultural orientations. Ability to speak English is also an added advantage.
More importantly, Philippines has more than 8 millions ambassadors spread across the globe ready to promote the country by word of mouth.
All the government has to do is come up with a concrete program to effect all these. (S)