Construction industry projects growth despite economic woes

By Katlene O. Cacho

Thursday, August 11, 2011

DESPITE economic problems in the United States, the construction industry in the Philippines can grow this year, said a top official from the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) Inc.

PCA president Levy Espiritu said in an interview yesterday that the industry hopes to record an 11 percent growth this year with the booming construction activities going on in the country. He projected the industry’s growth to be higher the country’s gross domestic product.

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“The construction industry was a top performing sector last year. We are banking on this performance and we are hoping to grow even higher the industry’s 11 percent growth in the next three years,” Espiritu said at the sidelines of the launching of the 2nd Philconstruct Visayas 2011 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Espiritu said the optimism is based on the continued growth in key sectors such as business process outsourcing (BPO), tourism, and mining, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) remittances and the implementation of Public Private Partnership (PPP) or big?ticket projects by the Aquino administration.

The construction industry grew by 11.6 percent last year and generated about two million jobs, representing 5.3 percent of the total employment in the economy.

According to industry reports, from 2006 to 2010, the share of the construction
industry to the total GDP of the country has been steadily increasing. During the five-year period, construction contributed an average of 5.2 percent to GDP.

“The construction sector is getting so many projects, providing stimulus to other industries. The mining sector is one of those still largely untapped by the industry,” he said.

Espiritu said global demand for construction will continue to increase, buoyed by the sustained growth rate in emerging and developing countries, especially in Asia.

PCA will hold the 2nd Philconstruct Visayas 2011, the exhibition of construction equipment, building materials and interior products, on Sept. 1 to 3 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. The event is co-organized by the Cebu Contractors Association.

Among the highlights of the event are Technoforum Visayas 2011, 1st Regional Authorized Managing Officers Seminar, the Furniture and Furnishing Festival and special showcases such as the Interior Designers Pavilion and the Architectural Pavilion.

Over 100 companies are set to exhibit the latest products, materials, equipment, and machinery that trade buyers can purchase at special prices offered exclusively at the show.

Philconstruct Visayas 2010 was attended by 108 companies. The exhibit generated P53.7 million of on-site sales.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 12, 2011.

Hotel operator pins hope on domestic travel market

By Katlene O. Cacho

Friday, August 12, 2011

A HOTEL management firm, Genesis Hotels and Resorts Corp. (GHRC), is looking at the strong potential of domestic tourism to strengthen the portfolio of all its managed hotel and resort properties.

An official said they are aggressively promoting their properties in Cebu and attracting Cebuano travelers to consider their managed properties as “the place to stay” when on a business trip or vacation.

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“If we can’t get as many tourists abroad to come and experience our properties, then we are looking at domestic tourism,” said GHRC assistant vice-president for marketing, John Tanjangco, in a recent interview.

Tanjangco believes domestic tourism is one of the country’s growth drivers, as airlines flew 14 million travelers last year.

According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), the tourism sector contributed at least six percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

GHRC started operations in 1999. It currently manages eight hotel and resort properties all over the country, including the new Astoria hotel in Baclayon, Bohol that is set to soft-open this year. The new facility will have 170 rooms and is expected to be completed next year.

Other managed properties of GHRC include Astoria Plaza, Astoria Boracay, Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa in Marinduque, Hotel St. Ellis, Hotel Venezia, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Midas Hotel, and One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites. The company is also set to manage two international hotels in Vietnam and China next year.

GHRC is exhibiting all their managed properties at the Ayala Center Cebu in partnership with Asiatravel.com, a hotel and travel reservation service provider.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 13, 2011.

Filinvest earns P1.28B net in first 2 quarters

Friday, August 12, 2011

A BOOST in real estate sales helped Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) achieve P1.28 billion in net income for the first half of 2011, about 28 percent higher year-on-year.

It told the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) that real estate sales rose 36 percent to hit P2.99 billion, which accounted for 71 percent of total revenue.

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Rentals in its Festival Supermall and office buildings like the Northgate Cyberzone in Alabang added P738 million to total revenues, also higher by about 13 percent from last year.

As of June 2011, FLI’s total assets stood at P65.41 billion, some six percent more than the level as of end-2010. So far, this year’s cash dividends have reached P951 million, or 39 percent of FLI’s 2010 net income from regular operations.

“For the past four years, FLI has consistently paid out more than its stated 20 percent dividend policy,” the company disclosed.

A project in Cebu City’s South Road Properties (SRP) is among the company’s expansion projects this year. It is set to begin construction of Il Corso, the lifestyle retail component of Citta de Mare in the SRP.

FLI announced earlier this year that it was more than doubling its capital expenditure budget for 2011 to P12 billion. Capex for the first half of the year alone amounted to P4.1 billion—89 percent more than what it spent on capex in the same period last year—and paid for project development costs, construction of office buildings and land banking.

Demand for its core business of mass housing continues to be strong, FLI told the PSE.

Sales take-up generated in January-June reached P5.71 billion, or 20 percent more than what it generated in the first half of 2010.

FLI targets to launch P13.3 billion worth of residential projects in 2011, three mid-rise buildings in Metro Manila and one in Mindanao. (PR)

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 13, 2011.

Coops to hold congress in Cebu on Oct. 20-22

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

THE Victo National Cooperative Federation and Development Center announced yesterday that the First Central Visayas Cooperative Congress will be held in Waterfront Hotel-Cebu City on Oct. 20 to 22.

Victo said the event will be attended by leaders from various successful cooperatives in the country. The congress is spearheaded by the Central Visayas Co-op Solidarity Council (CVCSC), which is composed of coop federations and unions in Region 7.

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Victo and the Cebu News Workers Multi-Purpose Co-operative (Newscoop), the only media co-operative in the country, are co-chairs in the publicity and promotion of the coming Congress.

Victo chief executive officer Mercedes Castillo said the Cooperative Congress is part of the kick-off events of the International Year for Cooperatives 2012 (IYC 2012), as declared by the United Nations (UN).

Social development

Castillo said the UN declared 2012 the year for coops to recognize the cooperative business model as an effective vehicle for social development worldwide.

Castillo said various cooperatives in the world have already recorded achievements of the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Victo, together with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and through the National Committee, will launch “IYC 2012” in Manila on Oct. 1. IYC 2012 will be launched again during the First Visayas Cooperative Congress.

The IYC 2012 theme for the Philippines is “Transformative Co-operatives Advancing the People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace for Sustainable Development.”

During the October congress, various cooperatives will exhibit their products and services and present their best practices that contributed to their success and members’ benefits.

Victo currently has 223 cooperatives under it in the entire country. Of the 223, four, including Cebu CFI Community Cooperative, are billionaires and about half have assets of P100 million and above.

“The total aggregate assets of all the co-operatives under Victo is about P17 billion with over a million individual members,” said Castillo. (PR)

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 18, 2011.

PH will ‘shine through’ crisis

By Mia A. Aznar

Monday, August 22, 2011

DESPITE “strong” signs of a double dip recession looming for the United States and declining global markets as a result of the US ratings downgrade, an investment officer is confident the Philippines will “shine through.”

Sunlife Financial’s chief investment officer Michael Manuel told participants of the CEO and Entrepreneur’s Forum last Friday that the country has a strong foundation, with enough dollars to pay for its dollar debts.

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While he described the economies of the US and Europe as “muddling through,” he said Asian markets are, in contrast, growing at a fast rate.

The only effects he foresees the US downgrade will have on the Philippines is “from a confidence perspective.” Still, he said the country has a strong foundation.

He noted that while huge drops were felt in foreign markets, the Philippines experienced small dips.

Recovery

Manuel acknowledged that there will be ups and downs, but believes the downs will be short while the recoveries will be quick.

He noted that when the markets in the US dropped five percent, the Philippines only dropped 1.4 percent.

“The Philippines is shining through in a very ugly global market,” Manuel said, adding that the only other market doing as well as the Philippines is Indonesia. He pointed out that the Philippines has gotten three ratings upgrades from since 2010 while Indonesia has been upgraded nine times in the last two years.

He cited the strong OFW remittances, which hit $1.7 billion last June, when many thought it would drop due to the slow economic performance of global markets.

As for international reserves of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Manuel said it has reached $70 billion.

“The market is flooded with pesos,” he said, pointing out that there are P2 trillion in special deposits accounts and P5 trillion to P7 trillion in deposits.

Of these figures, Manuel said banks have only lent out 60 percent. “There is so much cash in the banking sector.”

This situation, he said, makes it different from the Asian financial crisis in 1997.

When the global financial crisis hit in 2008, most global economies went down but the Philippines was not as badly hit. Many expected remittances to go down 10 percent but instead, rose to 15 percent.

“Today, there is so much money, we can rely on our internal capacity to support our economic growth,” Manuel said.

He said the peso could even be stronger than its current rate, if not for the BSP buying dollars.

Buying dollars

He said that if the BSP was not buying dollars, the exchange rate could be at least P40 to the dollar. He explained the BSP is trying to help exporters and families of OFWs adjust by buying dollars to put value to their incomes.

He doubts though if the BSP can keep buying dollars to save these sectors. For now, he says it will all depend on the government’s economic policy.

As for the US, Manuel said the possibility of their economy going into a double dip recession is big.

He noted that while they tried to devalue the dollar to gain a trade advantage over China, US exports only account for nine percent of their economy. Manuel said they cannot rely on exports alone to grow their economy.

Manuel said 20 percent is dependent on the US Government while 70 percent is from the private sector.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 23, 2011.

ICT group reminds senators on DICT bill

By Katlene O. Cacho

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

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THE National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), one of the staunchest supporters for the establishment of a Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), said yesterday that they are awaiting four senators to sign the committee report on the DICT bill.

The group reported that the bill got overwhelming support from various groups that understand the economic benefits of the ICT sector, the country’s sunrise industry and one of its economic drivers.

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NICP chair Jocelle Sigue said the DICT bill was included in the 41 priority bills of Congress.

“We will be sending ‘courtship letters’ to Sens. Chiz Escudero, Miriam Defensor Santiago, Joker Arroyo and Koko Pimentel,” Sigue said.

Crucial

Sigue said the establishment of a permanent body for the ICT/BPO industry is crucial to the industry.

The organization said the Philippines is one of the few Asian countries without a DICT like Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Timor Leste.

The group also said the establishment of a central ICT agency will further promote ICT in the country as a tool to create jobs, improve government services and empower Filipinos.

“ICT education, especially in the countryside, has helped a lot of small and medium enterprises, the sector which we considered an economic driver of the country. With this, we need to take a look at strengthening further our ICT industry,” Sigue added.

Once the bill is passed, DICT will assume the communications-related functions of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and will absorb the Commission on Information and Communications Technology under the Office of the President, the DOTC’s National Computer Center, Telecommunications Office and Communications Planning Service Division.

The new agency will also set directions for the ICT industry and name a point person who will be responsible for its development. The government sees the sector as vehicle to generate $23 billion revenues and create 1.5 million jobs by 2016.

Island Group to start taxi service

By Mia A. Aznar

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

FROM souvenir items, island-hopping tours and boutique hotels, the Islands Group is preparing to roll out another side of the brand that hopes to fill gaps in local tourism–transportation.

Islands Group president Jay Aldeguer, who spoke at the National High Level Forum on Innovation and the Creative Industries Ecosystem, said that before the year ends, he plans to launch Islands taxi, complete with the bright orange color that the brand has become famous for.

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Aldeguer said the taxi is part of a five-year plan that they are planning to roll out one at a time. Aldeguer narrated that though he is not an artist or a designer, he still played a role in the creative industry with his business, which he started by selling vibrant colored souvenir shirts.

He noted that while most of the products he introduced are already established, he said they stand out by introducing “new twists” to existing items. For their souvenir items, Aldeguer said they brightened up their products by introducing new designs.

Jazzed up

In offering island-hopping tours with Islands Banca Cruises, Aldeguer explained that they just jazzed up the basic outrigger boats by providing a deck, uniformed crew, iPod dock and Wifi access.

Their latest offering is the Islands Stay Hotels, which Aldeguer said has also surpassed expectations.

He revealed that they hit an 85 percent occupancy rate in their dry-run stages. Their Mactan branch saw a consistent 100 percent occupancy rate for three months, except for one day in July, where they had 95 percent.

The performance of the hotels, he said, affirmed that their strategic advantage was in proper branding, careful design, execution and marketing strategy.

He added that they have a 50 percent walk-in rate, which he believes is unprecedented in the hotel industry.

Aldeguer also noted that they get similar responses from customers–that they are approachable, accessible and the feel of the hotel is like a coffee shop.

He also stressed the need for simplifying their product, by removing fine prints in all their marketing materials and categorizing their rooms using shirt sizes instead of the regular terms like deluxe and standard.

Aldeguer said that his staff go through tour guide training, which he hopes will reinforce the Islands brand and make tourists know they can rely on anyone wearing an orange shirt that they can get reliable directions as well.

Intellectual property

Because his brand has become popular, Aldeguer admitted that he learned to value intellectual property early, with many others copying his concept as soon as he took off.

However, he said it is a long process and that aside from their logo, trademarks and look, they are studying what other categories they can apply for IP rights.

“There are threats from everywhere. They can come from your artists, your competitors, your business partner...this should not deter you from your goal,” he told a student who asked if he did not feel threatened if his staff members would one day stop working for him and start their own ventures.

He admitted that he saw duplications of his concept “instantaneously” after he succeeded with Islands souvenirs, but said the potential is “limitless” if things are done properly.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 25, 2011.

Cebu Pacific ‘largest airline’ in PH

Thursday, August 25, 2011

CEBU Pacific is the largest airline in terms of seat capacity operating to, from and within the Philippines, according to a Center for Asia Pacific Aviation (Capa) article released last Aug. 21.

Capa named the top 10 carriers in the Philippines by capacity, or seats per week based on August 22-28 Capa and Innovata data.

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Cebu Pacific offers 258,120 seats, with its fleet of brand-new eight ATR 72-500, 10 Airbus A319 and 15 Airbus A320 aircraft.

Meanwhile, CAPA reported the following seat capacity offered by other airlines: Philippine Airlines (220,302), Airphil Express (103,102), Zest Air (77,232), Cathay Pacific Airways (29,170), Asiana Airlines (17,624), Korean Air Lines (12,996), Singapore Airlines (12,600), SEAir (11,436), and Delta Air Lines (10,478).

“Cebu Pacific is now the largest airline operating to, from and within the Philippines, based on not only the number of domestic and international passengers flown, but also total domestic and international seat capacity,” said Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog. (PR)

Affirm core values, advises CEO

By Mia A. Aznar

Friday, August 26, 2011

DESPITE changes in the economic environment, a company’s core values will sustain it through tough times, a chief executive officer said.

Sun Life Financial pre-sident and CEO Rizalina Mantaring said the core values of their company have remained unchanged through the years and serve as a guide for them when faced with difficult decisions.

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Mantaring, who was guest speaker at the CEO and Entrepreneur’s Forum in partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, cited integrity, engagement, custo­­mer focus, excellence and value as among Sun Life Financial’s core values.

“We have had too many transitions but we have never lost a step.”

She explained that living by their core values is one of their best practices and helps them make crucial decisions.

As an example, she pointed out a case wherein claimants raised doubts about the planholder’s suicide. Mantaring said that even if the case was later officially ruled a suicide and was backed by findings of a forensic pathologist, the company still paid the claim. “We made a judgment call because our policy is, when in doubt, we pay.”

Mantaring also noted that they appreciate angry clients who bother to air complaints, saying many of their policy changes are due to complaints.

Noting the difficulty of provincial clients in paying their premiums, Mantaring said they tied up with major banks and allowed online payment schemes. Staff members are always trained to “go beyond the obvious.”

In striving for excellence, Mantaring said paying attention to details is important for companies.

“Make sure your systems work, the details in your website are accurate and that your people know what they are doing.”

To have a solid foundation, Mantaring said a company should have in place a succession plan and an action plan to make the person ready for the job when the time comes.

Mantaring also pointed out that a company should value their human resources by making sure they are paid benefits due them, spending for their training and improving company systems so they can perform better.

She also said everyone in the company should practice continuous learning and have a mindset to continue to improve.

Most importantly, Man­­taring stressed the need to follow rules.

Although their company is 116 years old, they still feel big, strong and vibrant, she said, acknowledging 2010 as their best year in terms of performance.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 27, 2011.

Swiss firm bullish about tourism

By Katlene O. Cacho

Friday, August 26, 2011

MOVENPICK Resort and Spa Cebu hopes to hit 70 percent occupancy rate toward the end of the year since it assumed management of the former Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa last April.

Movenpick director of business development in the Philippines Helmut Gaisberger yesterday said the hotel’s optimism springs from its extensive marketing efforts, as well as the major renovations Movenpick will undergo until the early part of 2012.

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Gaisberger admitted that since they took over the hotel’s management, the first three months were a challenge. “The hotel’s occupancy rate dropped to as low as 12 percent. But we were able to recover after the first three months since the transition,”
Gaisberger said.

Movenpick, as of this month, enjoys an 85 percent occupancy rate.

“The market’s feedback was really encouraging. In fact, the hotel is now known for its delicious food,” he added.

Movenpick Resort and Spa Cebu is managed by the Swiss-based Movenpick Hotels and Resorts, a Swiss hotel chain that has been in the business for 35 years.

To strengthen further its position in the hotel and resort industry, the firm recently embarked on a P120-million investment for the hotel renovation and upgrade, to offer foreign and local tourists the “resort feel” accommodation and service.

Yesterday, the hotel introduced to the members of the media the newest façade colors that would replace the hotel’s vibrant pink.

Gaisberger said they have consulted French architectural expert and colorist Solveig Tonning about the hotel’s new colors. He said the hotel’s pink will be replaced by earth colors.

“Each tower will have different colors that would give one an impression of a Mediterranean village,” he said. The repainting of the entire hotel is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Expansion

Apart from the repainting, Gaisberger added the hotel has also started upgrading the 245 rooms. It will also improve the food and service of their restaurant, which is expected to give 24-hour service to its hotel guests.

The hotel will likewise expand the capacity of their conference rooms. Its ballroom currently accommodates 400 people. “For now, we are looking at areas in the hotel where we can convert to become back-up rooms for conferences that can accommodate some 30 to 40 people,” Gaisberger said.

Movenpick’s major markets are Koreans, Japanese and the locals. But the hotel will also tap other potential markets such as Australia, Russia and Europe, among others.

Movenpick’s operation in Cebu is its first in the Philippines. The hotel chain is currently in negotiations with some hotel owners located in key destinations in the country like Makati and Palawan.

“With the booming tourism industry in the Philippines, we are looking at managing two to three hotels in the country in the next three years,” Gaisberger said.

Brighter prospects in the hotels and restaurants sub-sectors were among the reasons for an increase in business confidence in the third quarter this year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said yesterday.

The overall confidence index rose to 34.1 percent from 31.8 percent in the second quarter. It was the first quarter-on-quarter improvement since the last quarter of 2010, the central bank said.

Confidence about the fourth quarter surged in all sectors, but the services sector was most optimistic, followed by the construction sector. (With Isolde D. Amante)

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 27, 2011.

2011 poor year: economist

By Mia A. Aznar

Sunday, August 28, 2011

COMPARED with last year, an economist said 2011 is a “poor year” for consumer sales.

Dr. Bernardo Villegas, a professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific and a visiting professor from IESE Business School in Barcelona, said the Philippines will have difficulty duplicating the past year’s performance and urged businessmen who will start their strategic planning for 2012 not to use 2010 standards for their budgeting plans.

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He said 2010 was a different year, with politicians spending millions for the elections and the cash going to the consumers.

This year, politicians have stopped spending. The government is also “tightening its belt” to reduce its level of deficit.

And while the US economy has suffered in recent years, he said exports grew 30 percent when there was a temporary improvement in their gross domestic product by seven percent in 2010.

Exports

Villegas, however, said the US is no longer doing well and another important market, Japan, is also slowing down, which means exports are suffering.

Despite these bleak conditions, Villegas said the good news for the Philippines is that it will grow with a number of investments in power plants, mining companies and other big ticket items like airports and mass transport systems.

While the government’s public-private partnerships were delayed, Villegas said it was only because the government was making sure these projects are not tainted with corruption.

“This time, they really did their homework. PPP will not just be PowerPoint presentations. These will be really big projects,” Villegas told participants of a 2012 economic prospects forum.

When these projects start, Villegas said these will account for the country’s sustainable source of growth, aside from consumption.

Villegas added that with these investments on the way, the country can expect more infrastucture, hotels for more touriste and office buildings for business and knowledge process outsourcing companies.

He said there should be no fears of creating a real estate bubble in Cebu, as long as developers are building for a rising middle class.

Bubble

Villegas said that as long as builders are constructing units for the segment between P800,000 to P2.5 million, which are still not charged with value added tax, they should be safe. The segment he worries about is those condominium units that range from P15 million to P30 million, saying he feels they have overbuilt units of this type in Metro Manila.

He said the cheaper priced units are being used by buyers.

“A bubble is created if you are speculating,” he said.

But for Cebu, Villegas said it will continue to boom in real estate, tourism, and business and knowledge process outsourcing, saying these three are among sunrise industries.

For the export sector, he has a more grim outlook.

“Be ready to shift to real estate,” he said, pointing out that the country’s major markets abroad are experiencing a double dip recession or very slow growth.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 29, 2011.

RDC looks for P464M result

By Elias O. Baquero

Monday, August 29, 2011

BETWEEN 2003 and 2011, two projects worth a total of P464 million were reportedly pursued in Central Visayas. But a Regional Development Council (RDC) committee wants to know where these are.

“The problem now is where to locate these projects and how come the RDC-IDC didn’t know about them. Who implemented them? Who are the intended beneficiaries?” asked Emmanuel Rabacal, chairman of the RDC-Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC).

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In a recent meeting, the committee asked its secretariat to trace the two projects. While these are on the list, committee members don’t know where these are.

The projects referred to by the IDC are a P205-million rehabilitation and expansion of water systems and a P259-million construction of a 2.5-megawatt mini-hydroelectric power plant.

In the RDC-IDC list, these projects are only identified as the Rural Power Project funded by the World Bank with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), a government bank, as its conduit facility.

“There are no specific areas where the projects are implemented. Our records on the status of major infrastructure projects in Central Visayas as of June 30, 2011 only indicates that these projects were implemented region-wide and the implementation period is between 2003 and 2011,” Rabacal said.

He said the list should indicate whether these projects are in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental or Siquijor, so the people may know and be able to monitor them.

Under the Investment Coordinating Council’s procedures, no projects shall be approved and implemented in all regions without the recommendation of the RDC, Rabacal said.

The list indicates these projects will be completed this year, he added. So where are they?

The Department of Energy (DOE), which has the mandate to develop power sources in the county like mini-hydro plants, also did know about the supposed project.

Engineer Rey Maleza of DOE 7 said it did not pass through their agency.

“We at DOE have no knowledge about the projects, but because these are financed by World Bank, maybe these are irrigation projects with power components, which are implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA)”, Maleza said.

Maleza added that the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), which serves as the RDC secretariat, may verify with their central office about these projects.

As IDC chairman, Rabacal has instructed the secretariat headed by Aina Hubahib to write to DBP to clarify what these projects are and how the funds were channeled from World Bank to DBP.

Rabacal said those who implemented these projects should submit to the IDC copies of the records for documentation.

The IDC meeting was attended by Assistant Regional Director Juby Cordon of the Department of Public Works and Highways, General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, private sector representatives for Cebu Fr. Mar Alingasa and Engineer Jose Mari Bigornia, private sector representative for Negros Oriental Gregorio Uymatiao Jr., and representatives from the Department of Education and Department of Interior and Local Government, among other government agencies.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 29, 2011.

WHY INVEST IN THE PHILIPPINES?

The biggest privately owned Real Estate company in the Philippines is offering GOOD discount on corporate bulk unit buyers for Corporate investors. Invest in a Residential and Office building, can sell/rent it later.

1) Real Estate price in the Philippines is relatively lower than it's neighboring countries, like Malaysia, Singapore and Hongkong;

2) The exchange rate of peso compared to other foreign currencies is also a big factor in considering the property investment in the Philippines;

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3) Bank Interest Rates are lower compared to other countries in case of bank loans for turnover amount;

4) The Philippine law allows ownership of foreign nationals for condominium projects;

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Misconceptions of the Philippine Condominium Hotel Industry

For several years, the Philippine condominium hotel industry has been a viable marketplace for vacation home buyers and property developers. Unfortunately, there are still some misconceptions about the industry that have led the ill-informed to see the condo-hotel business strategy as problematic.

In an effort to clear misconceptions about the industry, Lancaster Hotels, Land & Properties Inc a leading full-service condo hotel management organization with Condotels in Manila and Cebu, explains the five top misconceptions of condo hotels.

1. Condominium Hotels are a flawed business model

Condominium hotels have been and continue to be a stable business concept when implemented correctly. A balance between the goals of the developer and unit owners has to be achieved for the project to succeed. Condotel projects can run into problems when one side gets too greedy or the location does not make sense from the standpoint of it being a viable second home, business or vacation destination. The downfall of a property typically occurs when developer promises are not delivered and/or when purchasers have their own misconceptions about what they are actually buying.

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2. Condominium Hotels are an investment opportunity to make a quick profit or at least pay for themselves

While condo-hotels are able to achieve rental revenue to offset certain ownership expenses, they are meant to serve as a second/vacation home first and foremost. This means those interested in purchasing a condotel unit should be in the market for lifestyle enhancement properties, not solely for potential profits. The income acquired from the rental program should primarily be used to offset the overhead costs when the unit is not in use by the owner.

3. All Condominium Hotel units must be enrolled in the developers rental program

Condominium hotels vary across the board; however every property’s on-site rental programs are optional. Owners can choose whether or not to have their unit in the program to be rented as a hotel room while not in use. It is however, to the advantage of the owner to use the on-site rental program to maximize potential rental revenue as well as to take advantage of the numerous other services that often times are offered.

4. Condominium Hotels will work at any location that works for a straight hotel

Not all successful hotels would make for a successful condominium hotel. Since condominium hotels should primarily be viewed as a second home opportunity they primarily work best at locations that would be desirable and will be periodically used by the owner as a vacation or leisure destination.

5. Owners can only use their units on certain days of the year

In many condominium hotel rental programs this restriction does exist but it is always unjustified. Most condo hotel operators are concerned that the condo hotel unit owner will occupy their unit during all or most peak occupancy periods thus taking away potential revenues and management fees. This restriction however is unnecessary since most condo hotel unit owners are also interested in capitalizing on rental revenues during "high season" periods and will reserve their stays accordingly.

For more information please feel free to call +639173236123.

What do the Rich and Famous Know that You Don't?

By Valerie Dawson, Certified Hypnotherapist

Creator of Hypnotic Visualization Guided Audios

By now you've tried it all. And I mean ALL.

• You've read all the books.
• You've listened to talks.
  
• You've done your affirmations.
  
• You've written down your goals.
  
• You've tried to "think positive."
  
• You've visualized your goals.

You've tried it all, and quite frankly, you're wondering if all this positive thinking stuff is a bunch of baloney.

It seems like you've tried it all, yet you are still unhappy with at least one area of your life. You wish there was an easier way to reach your goals, to have more success, prosperity, love, health, time, freedom, and fun.

You wonder, "Does it all really work?"

But yet, there is a part of you that believes that there must be a hidden secret that you haven't quite discovered yet. Perhaps there is a hidden key that will finally allow you to unlock your inner potential...

You think, maybe if you just search a bit longer, you'll finally discover the secret to create the life that you really want. You've been searching and searching... because you haven't given up on yourself. You hope that you'll find the secret key one day.

The fact is that you've always had this power inside you - you just didn't know how to use it! Nobody has ever taught you the easy way of how to tap into your own power.

The super wealthy use it. The top athletes use it. Movie stars use it. In fact all peak performers use it!

That power is called visualization. I know, I know, you've tried to visualize before, and it didn't go very well did it? Let me guess...

• Your mind wandered off
  
• You fell asleep
  
• You forgot to keep doing it
  
• You had trouble making mental pictures in your mind

You tried a few times and you gave up...

That is, it was just too difficult to do it all by yourself – especially when you're just learning and practicing. But the Olympic medalists, highest paid athletes, movie stars and billionaires are successful because they found an easier way to do it.

What Do The Rich And Famous Know That You Don't?

They hired coaches, hypnotists and psychologists to guide them.

That’s right. Tiger Woods, Ellen Degeneres, Charlie Sheen, Drew Barrymore, Matt Damon, and Billy Joel all paid someone else to guide them. These famous people and thousands of others, all hired professionals to help them tap into the power of their minds!

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They didn't sit there all by themselves and "just visualize." That's too hard. Plus, it's often ineffective, just as you know from first hand experience. Instead, these famous athletes and movie stars paid a professional to help them to visualize more clearly. And it worked! You see how they have achieved their goals and are super-successful!

But most of us can't afford to spend thousands of dollars to hire someone. Plus, how do you find someone who is really qualified?

The truth is that if you can get really good at visualizing your dreams, you can rapidly accelerate making those dreams come true. Visualizing your goals as if they are already complete helps your brain to:

• 1. Activate your subconscious creative power, causing your brain to generate all kinds of wonderful creative ideas which will help you to move closer to making your dreams a reality.
  
  
• 2. Activate your power of attraction. Like a magnet, you will attract into your life the resources, circumstances, and connections to people needed to accomplish what you desire.
  
  
• 3. Fire up your motivation. You'll be persistent and continue to take positive steps to quickly achieve your goals.

Happy People Live Longer

By Amy Chaves, Ph.D. / Source: Natural News

Happy people have an advantage over unhappy ones -- they may be healthier and may live longer.

An extensive review of literature using seven types of evidence indicates that high subjective well-being (SWB), such as life satisfaction, optimism, and positive emotions, causes better health and longevity. The review, published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being (2011), examined 160 studies which showed compelling evidence that positive feelings predict health and longevity.

The findings of the review, based from seven types of evidence, are summarized below:

Longitudinal studies. These studies, which have large sample sizes and have followed participants for a decade or more, revealed that SWB was related to lower mortality rate in both healthy and diseased populations. Positive moods such as joy and happiness, life satisfaction, hopefulness, optimism, and a sense of humor were associated with reduced risk of mortality and predicted longevity.

Physiology and health. Moods and emotions are associated with biological markers such as blood pressure, cortisol, and inflammation. Studies found that pessimists have higher blood pressure levels. Anger and hostility were related not only to the development of cardiovascular disease, but also to disease progression and inflammation. Stress predicted lower levels of immune response; whereas, positive affect strengthened immunity. Positive affect was associated with greater social connectedness, perceived social support, and greater probability of performing healthy behaviors.

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Experimental manipulations of emotions. In experimental studies, positive and negative moods are induced which are then measured. Research showed that participants exposed to positive mood induction had quicker cardiovascular recovery after a stressful task than subjects who were exposed to neutral and negative mood inductions. Studies also revealed that couples who were generally higher in hostility had slower wound healing than low hostile couples, as well as more tumor necrosis and a poorer immune response.

Animal studies. Animals are used in experimental research to obtain information about how certain positive and negative situations affect their health and longevity. Studies revealed that socially-stressed monkeys developed more extensive atherosclerosis than unstressed ones. Stress, threatening human behavior, and isolation suppressed the immune system of monkeys, chickens, and pigs. Pigs that learned a mastery task to obtain rewards, giving them some control over their environment, later showed quicker wound healing and carcass quality.

Quasi-experimental studies in natural settings. Studies in quasi-experimental studies suggest that events and disasters are associated with cardiovascular and immune changes. Disasters, bereavement, and observing exciting sports events can trigger cardiac deaths in vulnerable individuals. Further, people with work overload and worry showed higher cortisol response at awakening and on weekdays but not on weekends.

Interventions that influence SWB. Researchers found that transcendental meditation and progressive relaxation reduced blood pressure over a 3-month follow-up period, compared to a control group. People who wrote about intensely positive experiences had fewer health center visits for illness during the following 3 months, compared to people who wrote about a control topic. Patients who suffered from myocardial infarction, who received Type-A counseling (for Type A behavior) in addition to traditional cardiac counseling, were less likely to die within 5 years.

SW's impact on quality of life and pain. Studies showed that positive emotions were related to lower pain and greater tolerance for pain. Patients suffering from fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis reported less pain with positive mood induction while women reported less pain to heat stimuli when looking at photos of their partner.

In sum, these converging studies form a compelling proof that SWB, such as happiness, causally influences health and longevity.

The World's Strangest Methods of Fortune Telling

Source: Neatorama

Want to know the future? You don't need crystal ball or a time machine. Just examine your moles or your fingernails or your cats. Really.

Ailuromancy or felidomancy. Simply observe the way your cat moves or jumps to determine the future – especially weather. A black cat crossing your path being a bad omen is an old piece of ailuromancy. Did your cat lick her ears three times? Company must be on the way. Right ear? It's a gentleman caller. Left ear? Expect a lady.

Rumpology. This is just what is sounds like – divination via the derriere. But take this one with a grain of salt – the only major backer of this method is Jackie Stallone, Sly's mom and, by most accounts, a rather questionable "psychic." Jackie says Rumpology works a lot like palm reading: the cracks, crevices, birth marks and dimples can reveal a lot about a person. According to one rumpologist, an apple-shaped butt "indicates someone who is charismatic, dynamic, very confident and often creative. A person who enjoys life."

Uromancy. I bet if you think about the root word you can figure this one out. Yep… it's fortune-telling based on your urine. Sure, your urine can definitely tell you a few things about your health – how well hydrated you are, for example. But uromancy is the interpretation of the bubbles in urine to reveal future events. If the bubbles are big and spaced far apart, expect good things. If they are small and close together, something terrible (death of a loved one or a serious illness) may be just around the corner.

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Cromniomancy. Good news for gardeners – you can use your onions to see if you should prepare for bad news. One method is going to require that you build an altar, though: in the past, people separated from their loved ones could write their names on onions (one name per veggie) and then lay them on the altar to sprout. The faster the onion sprouted, the better health and happiness the person whose name was on the onion was experiencing. Woe to the person whose onion didn't sprout. You can also use cromniomancy to answer yes or no inquiries: plant two onions, one with each answer on it. The one that sprouts first is the answer to your question.

Sternomancy. This sounds like a cheap pick up line to be used at a bar, but Sternomancy is actually future-prediction by looking at someone's chest. Back in yesteryear, the study was limited to markings and bumps on the chest, kind of similar to phrenology (the study of head shape and bumps to determine personality). But these days, men's and women's magazines have taken it upon themselves to twist sternomancy into personality prediction based on the size and shape of a woman's breasts. Sternomancy doesn't just apply to humans – the old tradition of breaking the wishbone at Thanksgiving is an old form of the practice.

Onychomancy. Believe it or not, your fingernails are very powerful. Fingernail clippings were once used in spells, healing rituals and superstitions. In fact, many of the superstitions are still floating around out there – Japanese girls are told that biting their fingernails will result in a difficult childbirth later on down the line. The white spots on your fingernails are supposed to be a sign of good fortune – a spot on thumb specifically means that a gift is about to be bestowed upon you. Greedy people are said to have crooked fingernails, and the half-moon shape ("lunula") at the base of the nail indicates your lifeline – the bigger the lunula, the longer your life will last. Ever bend your nail back? Bad news: not only did it probably make you use a few choice words, it also means there's a difficult time ahead of you and it could last for a couple of months.

Oomancy. Making an omelet? Give this a try first: separate the egg white, then drop into boiling water and see what shape the whites take. It's kind of like reading tea leaves. Before you dismiss the idea, consider this: one of the girls involved in the Salem Witch Trial was playing this seemingly harmless game with her friends when she saw her egg whites take the shape of a coffin. Not long after, 24 deaths rocked the community.

Moleosophy. And you thought those little bumps were just birthmarks. Nope, according to some, moles can indicate exactly what the future holds for you if you know how to read them just right. Actually, it doesn't take too much imagination to figure out moleosophy – most of it is fairly straightforward. Mole on or near your bellybutton? You want kids. Mole on your butt? You're lazy and not very ambitious. A mark on your back means you're rather unreliable. Some aren't quite as obvious, however – moles on the ears are considered lucky, a mole on the elbow indicates a love of travel and adventure, and a mole on your fingers means you're dishonest.

Margaritomancy. I briefly thought this was something along the lines of reading tea leaves, but having something to do with margaritas. And I was totally prepared to go out and test the theory, purely in the name of research. But "margarita" is actually Latin for "pearl," so Margaritomancy is actually the study of pearls to predict the future. Darn. Many years ago, a pearl would be thrown into a pot sitting in a fire and its reaction to the heat would determine a person's guilt or innocence. If the pearl just sat there, the person was innocent. Any movement indicated guilt.

How to Eliminate Poverty Consciousness and Manifest True Abundance

By Jafree Oswald and Margot Zaher
Source: The Manifesting Super Gold Pack

Have you ever wondered how poverty consciousness is created and what you can do to step out of it?

Sometimes it happens that we become overly entangled in the material world and get wrapped up in feeling that we always need more money. This idea of lacking money sends toxic stress chemicals to the brain causing the body to fight or flee for its life.

Anytime we repetitively feel that there is not enough of "this or that", it forms a chemical rut of impoverished thinking in our body-mind which depletes our energy, manifesting vibration, and financial outlook on life. Every time this lacking feeling is regurgitated it creates mini "poverty attacks" in the inner world, which eventually manifest into physically lacking finances on the outer world.

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The good news is that this entrapped cyclical experience is only here to give you an experience of what you don’t want, so that you are inspired to one day become clearer on what you really DO want! The enlightening secret is that this pattern is easily shifted by simply refocusing your awareness OFF of neediness and ON to feelings of gratitude and appreciation.

"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world." ~Buddha

When you put your attention on feelings of acceptance and gratitude for what you do have, you start sending positive expansive feeling based chemicals directly into your brain which are felt throughout your body.

The more frequently these “appreciation chemicals” are produced, the happier you become and the higher your manifesting vibration grows. This vibrational inner shift causes you to physically attract that higher paying job, a huge contract, that wealthy client who loves you, or a sizeable check from that special person in the outer world.

Even though your financial situation may be struggling, impoverished, or absolutely bleak for years, it really does not matter. You can instantly shift into the experience of feeling more abundant and start manifesting abundance! Simply refocus your attention for 24 hours on deep feelings of appreciation and gratitude. Choose to focus on ANYTHING that you can authentically feel deep gratitude for. We live in an abundant conscious Universe. With patience, you will soon begin to see these physical manifestations of abundance come your way.

“Look within, see The Divine Self. Only then there will be an end of the world and its miseries.” ~Ramana Maharshi

There is an ancient golden secret to breaking out of the prison of poverty consciousness forever that we'd like to share with you. This secret is to ONLY measure your financial abundance based on the quality and quantity of ABUNDANT FEELINGS you are having.

Meaning that your outer wealth is never going to be 100% trustworthy measurement of how abundant you really are. Anything and everything in the outer world will be taken away from you one day. Abundance based on resources from the outer world is illusory, and is a form of impermanent abundance.

The true permanent state of richness only comes from being connected to the divinity within. Appreciating what is here now or the goodies that are coming your way is the fastest path to getting there. Yes, there are many multi-millionaires in this world who aren’t very appreciative, still don’t FEEL rich and are continuously striving to become wealthy. Even though they have plenty of dough, they are still letting themselves remain entrapped in the realm of poverty consciousness.

Consistent gratitude is the easy track to ending poverty internally and externally. When your abundance is measured by how deeply you FEEL abundant and how often you visit this feeling, then your experience of being rich is truly unstoppable. This is the most direct path to financially magnetizing massive abundance to you in the outer world.

“You are not inferior Beings in need of enlightenment…you are not misguided children trying to find your way home. You are powerful Leading-Edge creators riding the most significant wave of expansion that has ever occurred.” ~Abraham-Hicks

Now that you know this secret, be curious about the beliefs you are repetitively having about your current financial situation. We all have hidden beliefs that are running the show behind the scenes. If somehow you have a deeper belief that you must work harder in order to be truly successful, then that is exactly what you will create.

Go deeper inside. Explore what is beneath those old paradigms that make you struggle more, work harder (and not smarter) to achieve unnecessary stress and make you feel less successful and abundant. There is a much more expansive, empowering belief system available. You can begin to form these new beliefs today by living as if you have already arrived at this abundant life that you love.

So start relaxing while you're at work, appreciating that electric bill that gives you light. Go and have that special experience that you've always wanted, and really enjoy this amazing body and creative mind that have been freely given to you! As you consistently appreciate this divine manifesting vehicle that you are living in, you'll notice how each day of your life unfolds itself in the most magical and abundant ways.

Have an Amazingly Appreciative Abundant Week!!
Jafree & Margot

Rhapsody Residences creates lifestyle spaces for residents

(The Philippine Star) Updated August 06, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (0)

Rhapsody Residences, DMCI Homes’ latest project in Muntinlupa City, offers an upgraded lifestyle that is in harmony with the living requirements of today’s young professionals and growing families.
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MANILA, Philippines - A happy home is often defined by memories made with the family — bonding sessions with the kids or intimate conversations with your significant other, all of which are definitely worth remembering.

Recognizing the importance of these moments, premier triple-A builder-developer DMCI Homes has come up a new development that offers lifestyle spaces to fit such happy memories.

Aptly called Rhapsody Residences, this new address south of Manila promises to promote fun and quality bonding time with the family in a resort-like environment — featuring amenities that one normally can only find by going to crowded tourist destinations or traveling far from home.

With more than one hectare of amenities, well-landscaped surroundings, and public areas filled with lush greens and water features for a more relaxing ambience, Rhapsody Residences offers a rare haven for laid-back and active families who wish to take a break from crowded cityscape.

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Here, there will simply be lots of lifestyle spaces that promote time for togetherness: cabanas, pocket gardens and parks, children’s playground as well as single-loaded corridors and garden atriums that can be found inside the buildings. These features are meant to inspire a holiday feel for the whole development, as they mimic a vacation lifestyle that offers homeowners the opportunity to enjoy a fresh and bright environment. At its pedestrian entrance, a grand teahouse would readily greet residents, thus providing them with another area for bonding.

DMCI Homes is building Rhapsody Residences as an attractive community that adheres to the core Asian value of family togetherness.

Living in Rhapsody is truly a complete experience as it offers ideas on what to indulge in. The kiddie pool is sure to be a hit among the younger residents, while the mature crowd will enjoy the lounge pool. The more active residents can find their needs fulfilled by the lap pool and the jogging paths, while a pool deck with themed cabanas offers extra space for social gatherings.

On the other hand, the clubhouse, which is designed with trellis for a contemporary Asian look, will also house the tastefully designed lounge and bar area. Its function rooms offer spaces for bigger social events and family gatherings. The fitness gym is a place where family members can stay fit together, while the game and entertainment rooms offer suitable spots for leisure activities. A water station, laundry station, and convenience store will also be situated here. The clubhouse is also Wi-Fi ready, presenting another corner for people to enjoy technology together.

Rhapsody Residences is located in barangay Buli in Muntinlupa, and is composed of eight five-storey buildings and one 10-storyy building. This project is set apart from other residential communities in the area as it presents low-density, mid-rise residential buildings that are situated within an environment that pays homage to nature despite the enclave’s primarily urban setting.

Buildings are defined by central atriums and single-loaded corridors, assuring that natural light and air are utilized to full advantage, and saving on energy and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. More than the feel of the place, however, the home spaces being offered at Rhapsody Residences are perfect for a growing family’s various needs. The two-bedroom unit offerings are considered to be one of the largest on the market, ranging from 54 to 77 sqm.

Homes will also have their own mailboxes with keys located in a centralized mail area. Parking slots for the units will include a wheel stopper, one set per slot. There will be back-up power for common areas, with automatic fire sprinkler and fire suppression systems in hallways. Security won’t be a problem with the project’s perimeter fence, 24/7 roving security and CCTV cameras in selected areas.

Completing the offer of worry-free living, the Property Management Office (PMO) provides services that add convenience for future residents. Aside from moving-in assistance, the PMO will also provide year-long services such as a systematic garbage disposal scheme, cab-calling services, community events organizer, general maintenance of common areas, roving security personnel for common areas, utilities application and payment assistance, realty tax payment assistance, and a leasing program for those who are buying a unit for investment.

Rhapsody Residences is now constructing its first building, Carillon, which will be turned over in December of 2012. To know more about the project, call +639173236123 | +639228236123.

The project is conveniently located near major lifestyle hubs such as malls and restaurant strips like SM Sucat, Metropolis Mall, Festival Supermall, SM Muntinlupa, and Alabang Town Center. Educational institutions like Manresa, San Beda College, South Ridge, Woodrose and De la Salle Zobel as well as health institutions like Asian Hospital are easily within reach. Its proximity to the airport and major highways also make traveling to the city a breeze.

When in Manila, do as the Italians do

(The Philippine Star) Updated August 06, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (0)

Lush life: Rich fabrics and textures distinguish the furnishings by Versace Home for Milano Residences by Century Properties.
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MANILA, Philippines - In the world of high luxury, the tangible is just as valuable as the intangible. Fancy, upscale homes, flashy sports cars, couture fashion and cutting-edge technology are no mere excesses — they are daily testaments of a person’s taste, style and class, tantamount to a life well-lived.

At Milano Residences, the Philippines’ first internationally-branded designer and luxury condo, residents can bask in high luxury, with exquisite design and supreme quality seen in its amenity spaces interior designed by Versace Home.

“When people own a unit at Milano, they’re not just moving into a condo unit. They’re moving into a lifestyle,” said Robbie Antonio, Century Properties managing director and project head of Milano Residences. “This is the first luxury condo in the country that will truly epitomize designer living at its foremost sense and the everyday experience of residents in the building, the amenities, and in their units will be extraordinary.”

Extraordinary, indeed. Versace Home’s elegant and timeless aesthetic is the Milano’s visual centerpiece: from its double-height grand lobby with polyurethane bubble sofas designed by Versace exclusively for the condo, sunburst coffee tables made of crystal and steel, and the iconic Medusa head porcelain accents all the way to the swimming pool, customized with Italian marble stone tiling and engraved with Versace’s signature Greek fret.

“When people own a unit at Milano, they’re not just moving into a condo unit. They’re moving into a lifestyle,” says Robbie Antonio, Century Properties managing director and project head of Milano Residences.

The spa, fitness center, business center, library, juice bar, and other amenities likewise showcase Versace Home’s focus on impeccable detailing, using custom-made and high-quality fabrics, tiles and other fine materials.

Residents at the Milano may opt to have their private penthouses, townhouses, one to three-bedroom spaces, or Loggia units interior-designed and accessorized with the Italian label’s home furniture, tapestry, plates, silverware and décor. Samples of these exquisite interior inspirations may be seen in the project’s showroom at the Pacific Star Building in Makati that was unveiled early this year.

The three-bedroom suite’s dining area, for instance, is adorned with a chrome finished dining table engraved with Versace’s Greek key on its four legs and black leather-upholstered dining chairs with white and black lacquered finishes.

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In his speech at the showroom unveiling, Versace Group CEO Gian Giacomo Ferraris said, “Our specific contribution as Versace Home will be the design of each single residence, proposing interiors for various different living solutions and the planning of the communal zones, such as the lobby, library and fitness areas. As a result, the Milano Residences will be the place for experiencing the exclusive; rich in glamour, luxury and Italian style as offered by Versace, in the contest of an extremely contemporary and dynamic city like Manila.”

For more information about MILANO Projects, please feel FREE to contact us at +639173236123 | +639228236123. Viewing is by appointment only.