Good News Thread 9 [Archive]

the glimpser

January 28th, 2012, 03:26 AM

Pang buena mano..:)

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/7296/dopplerradar.jpg
RADAR DOME. Weathermen familiarize themselves with the Doppler radar’s antenna under the guidance of Japanese technicians. FERNAN GIANAN/INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON

Doppler radars using new tech ready by March
By: Fernan Gianan
Inquirer Southern Luzon 3:05 am
Saturday, January 28th, 2012

VIRAC, Catanduanes—The first of three Doppler radars being built in the Philippines using new Japanese technology is set to operate in March, supposedly the first such facility in the world to use solid state technology.

The Solid-State Meteorological Radar System (SSMRS) technology, developed by Japan Radio Co. (JRC), will make for a more accurate system of warning against potential calamities, Assistant Science Secretary Robert Dizon said.

Dizon came here last week to inspect the facility in the town of Buenavista.

The new S-band system uses integrated chips to transmit sound waves as far as 480 kilometers away to determine wind velocity, rainfall intensity and speed, volume of rainfall and area coverage. This would make it possible for the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) to issue forecasts with a high degree of accuracy, depending on the interpretation of the radar images, Mark Lazaro of JRC said.

“This pioneer radar system has a lower power consumption and will last for as long as 15 years,” he said. In comparision, the existing Doppler technology uses US-made coaxial magnetrons costing P3 million each which would have to be replaced every three or four years.

It also has an all-digital instrumentation so anybody who knows computers will be able to operate it, with the entire system relatively easy to maintain, Lazaro stressed.

The new radar system technology, he added, would be ultimately brought to other countries by the Japanese government through its grants-in-aid program.

Common solid state devices include transistors, microprocessor chips, integrated circuit (IC), light-emitting diode (LED) and DRAM (dynamic random access memory) hard drives used in netbooks and similar computers.

The facility, built for P560 million by Shimizu Construction and FF Cruz Construction, will complement two other SSMRS Doppler radar systems being completed by the same Japanese-Filipino consortium in Guiuan, Samar province, and Aparri, Cagayan province, according to Dizon.

The facilities are funded by a loan package from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Lazaro said he expected weathermen from other parts of the world to take a look at the Buenavista facility, which is expected to help Pagasa give more accurate weather forecasts.
http://technology.inquirer.net/7903/doppler-radars-using-new-tech-ready-by-march

Carlosaur

January 28th, 2012, 08:19 AM

:cheers:Pang buena mano..:)

http://technology.inquirer.net/7903/doppler-radars-using-new-tech-ready-by-march

KnightOfTheFlag

January 28th, 2012, 10:23 AM

PPUR officially confirmed as one of New7Wonders of Nature
Home Updated January 28, 2012 04:13 PM 2 comments to this post

MANILA, Philippines – Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) is now confirmed as one of the New7Wonders of Nature, said founder-president of New7Wonders Bernard Weber.

Weber congratulated the Filipinos for supporting the PPUR being its national finalist in the global campaign.

“Fans of PPUR all over the world responded to his call for action by voting in record numbers and today's confirmation is the well-earned reward for this extraordinary display of enthusiasm," he added.

For his part, Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn expressed elation in the inclusion of PPUR in the New7Wonders list.

“This confirmation is wonderful news for Puerto Princesa, and a great example of how now it’s more fun to be in the Philippines," said Mayor Hagedorn.

"World-wide exposure of our natural beauty on this level is critical both for tourism and for our image nationally and internationally," he added.

PPUR is located some 50km north of the city of Puerto Princesa. It consists of a limestone karst mountain landscape, several large chambers containing significant formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and an 8.2 km. navigable underground river that winds through a cave before flowing directly into the West Philippine Sea.

In alphabetical order, the provisional New7Wonders of Nature announced on 11 November 2011 are: Amazon, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo, Puerto Princesa Underground River and Table Mountain.

Following Jeju Island, PPUR is the second to be confirmed on a preliminary basis, as New7Wonders has now completed the telephone voting validation in the Philippines.

The remaining five provisional New7Wonders of Nature are currently undergoing the three steps of the verification process, namely the national voting validation, the global voting calculation confirmation by an independent audit firm, and the preparation and implementation of the Official Inauguration ceremonies

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=772133

WOOOHOOOOOO!!! GO PALAWAN GO PHILIPPINES!!!:banana::banana::banana::banana:

Fraulein

January 28th, 2012, 12:04 PM

^^It's really more fun in the Philippines! :)

InfinitiFX45

January 28th, 2012, 08:34 PM

ECCP supports P-Noy's fight vs corruption :banana: :cheers:

by Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star) | Sunday | January 29, 2012 | 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) continues to support government initiatives to curb corruption in the country.

ECCP president Hubert d’Aboville said fair competition and a level playing field for investors should be prime concerns for the Philippine economy to grow.

“We have to recognize the intimate, causal relationship between the restoration of decency and integrity in government, and the stability, consistency and predictability that such a condition imbues our economic life,” d’Aboville said.

“We cannot achieve poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth without resolving lingering problems of corruption and poor governance; and without strengthening and achieving a certain level of autonomy in the operation of key legal, regulatory and administrative institutions,” he added.

Read More: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=772162

InfinitiFX45

January 28th, 2012, 09:22 PM

It’s now official: Puerto Princesa river is one of New7Wonders of Nature :banana: :cheers: :banana: :cheers: :banana: :cheers:

INQUIRER.net | 4:51 pm | Saturday, January 28th, 2012 47share736 670

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/files/2012/01/puerto-princesa-underground-river.jpg
Photo courtesy of the New7Wonders of Nature

MANILA, Philippines—The Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) is now officially one of the New7Wonders of Nature, the founder of global campaign announced on Saturday.

Bernard Weber, founder-president of New7Wonders, congratulated the Filipinos as the 8.2-kilometer Palawan river joined the Amazon rainforest, Vietnam’s Halong Bay and Argentina’s Iguazu Falls as among the world’s new seven wonders of nature.

“When your very own President Aquino came out in support of the PPUR campaign, I knew that this country was taking the New7Wonders of Nature seriously,” said Weber. “Fans of PPUR all over the world responded to his call for action by voting in record numbers and today’s confirmation is the well-earned reward for this extraordinary display of enthusiasm.”

Read More: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/24327/it%e2%80%99s-now-official-puerto-princesa-river-is-one-of-new7wonders-of-nature

InfinitiFX45

January 28th, 2012, 09:29 PM

Remittances: How Filipinos abroad keep the Philippines’s economy alive :banana: :cheers: :banana: :cheers: :banana: :cheers:

by Cai U. Ordinario | BusinessMirror.com.ph |Saturday | 28 January 2012 | 18:44PM

LET us imagine the Philippines without its overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and assume there are no temporary and permanent migrants and millions of Filipino families do not receive any remittance from abroad.

This would mean that the 5 million to 10 million Filipinos who currently make up our OFWs (temporary, permanent and illegal migrants) are included in the country’s labor force, sharing in the roller-coaster ride of queuing in job fairs, crowding the Metro Rail Transit every morning, and joining the country’s largest-growing industry, the business-process outsourcing sector.

Their sheer number would undoubtedly expand to unimaginable proportions in the coming years—especially with more than a million newbies joining the labor force yearly. With the current severe lack of employment opportunities, Secretary General Romulo A. Virola of the National Statistical Coordination Board said there would be a high possibility that the informal sector would take up the slack, creating a thriving and robust informal economy.

Read More: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/22545-remittances-how-filipinos-abroad-keep-the-philippiness-economy-alive

arcabe

January 29th, 2012, 04:15 AM

CAAP on track to meet ICAO standards

THE Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) team that conducted a five-day review of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) said the agency is on the right track in complying with the safety requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (Icao).
However, it added that there remain some fundamentals that still need to be addressed before the final audit by the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA). IASA is a branch of the FAA that grades the aviation compliance of some 190 member-countries of the International Civil Aviation Organization (Icao).

“The Caap is on the right track. It has a good management team that should be allowed to continue and be given proper support by the government because they know how to get to regaining Category 1,” FAA team leader Jacques Astre said.

http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/22543-caap-on-track-to-meet-icao-standards

juniordiscovery

January 29th, 2012, 06:37 AM

rain34

January 29th, 2012, 09:48 AM

Diesel prices get biggest rollback

By: Amy R. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
4:12 am | Sunday, January 29th, 2012

MANILA, Philippines—Local oil companies have slashed the prices of petroleum products effective today (Sunday) due to the softening of global oil prices in the last two weeks and the strengthening of the peso against the US dollar.

Petron Corp., Eastern Petroleum, Seaoil Philippines and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. cut prices of diesel by 90 centavos per liter, kerosene by 70 centavos a liter, and of gasoline products by 15 centavos a liter.

Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/41971/diesel-prices-get-biggest-rollback

leofriends

January 29th, 2012, 11:23 AM

^^ buti padito walang bad news.. :lol:

InfinitiFX45

January 30th, 2012, 06:33 AM

Tourist arrivals in PH hit record 3.9m in 2011 :banana: :cheers:

by Roderick T. dela Cruz | Manila Standard Today | Monday | January 30, 2012

International visitor arrivals in the Philippines hit a new record high of 3.917 million in 2011, although the figure remains one of the lowest in Southeast Asia.

While the Tourism Department has not released the final tourist count for 2011, President Benigno Aquino III cited in a speech before foreign investors that last year’s number represented a growth of 11.2 percent from 3.52 million arrivals in 2010.

The 2011 figure also surpassed the government’s target visitor arrivals of 3.7 million for the year.

The Tourism Department aims to attract as many as 10 million visitors to the Philippines annually beginning 2016, or at the end of Aquino’s term in Malacañang. The agency set a target of 4.2 million tourists this year.

Countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia have been drawing over 10 million visitors each year.

Read More: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=//2012/january/30/business3.isx&d=/2012/january/30

InfinitiFX45

January 31st, 2012, 01:42 AM

Barclays sees PH growing by 4.2% in 2012 :)

ABS-CBNnews.com | Monday | 01/30/2012 | 5:24 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Barclays forecasts Philippine growth at 4.2% this year, on the back of an expected increase in government spending and continued private consumption.

"Our base case remains that the BSP will cut interest rates 25bp, to 4 percent, in the second quarter to support growth against a backdrop of manageable inflation," said Barclays economist Prakriti Sofat in a report.

The international bank sees private consumption to be supported by remittances, which is forecast to grow by 8% to $22 billion this year.

The economy's growth will be helped by the likely jump in government spending.

Read More: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/01/30/12/barclays-sees-ph-growing-42-2012

InfinitiFX45

January 31st, 2012, 02:08 AM

Global Outsourcing Outlook In 2012 :)

by WILMA T. MIRANDA | Manila Bulletin | Tuesday | January 31, 2012 | 8:00am

MANILA, Philippines — January is an exciting month and being the 1st month of the year, people ponder what would likely be the business scenario for the year. I always look forward on what the experts and research groups may forecast for this year particularly in the outsourcing industry.

In the article I wrote at the beginning of 2011 -January 27, 2011 to be exact in this same paper – I mentioned that 2011 will usher in growth in new set of industries such as healthcare and financial services. And rightly so, the year 2011 results show the popularity of the banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI) business process outsourcing and BFSI applications outsourcing (AO). In fact for 2012, Everest Research Group forecasts growth of about 15% in BFSI globally depending on global economy and majority of this will be driven by the capital markets BPO which is seen to account for the 20% growth. This growth will most likely be led by emerging economies in Asia Pacific and Latin America. Just as in 2011, BFSI will continue to dominate the market with North America being the dominant buyer in terms of geography – Europe and Asia Pacific following behind with growth seen to be faster than the industry average.

The other areas of the market predictions of Everest Group include Finance and Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) and HR Outsourcing (HRO) to mention a few and the paper also include a forecast of the whole Global Outsourcing. I will focus more on FAO and HRO since these are the more popular ones in our country today.

Read More: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/349802/global-outsourcing-outlook-in-2012

amigo32

January 31st, 2012, 02:08 AM

not enough

mikael21

January 31st, 2012, 02:08 AM

mikael21

January 31st, 2012, 02:14 AM

Agri Dept., World Bank brings rural devt program to Visayas

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the World Bank started work on replicating the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) in the Visayas, said Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala.

“Together with the World Bank team, we have begun preparatory work for the replication of MRDP in Central Philippines. Several features of MRDP are being analyzed by the feasibility study preparation team,” said Alcala.

At the World Bank’s 7th review mission on Monday, Alcala asked the lender for additional funding as the program enters its second phase, the Adaptable Program Loan Phase 2 (APL2).

Alcala said the funds will be used specifically to further enhance farm productivity and provide easy access to markets under the program’s rural infrastructure component.

APL2 also aims to fund agriculture development, natural resources management, and investment for governance reform and program administration.

Read more here... (http://ph.news.yahoo.com/agri-dept-world-bank-brings-rural-devt-program-161606703.html;_ylt=At81BpkiYe.uWLl52kAQV9_mV8d_;_ylu=X3oDMTQwaTZzZjVmBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBQaGlsaXBwaW5lc1NGBHBrZwM5MWFmODA4Ny1jOWE3LTNiYWQtYmVmZS03ZDNiM2ExOGM2NzkEcG9zAzYEc2VjA3RvcF9zdG9yeQR2ZXIDYjY2NzRiMTAtNGI1ZC0xMWUxLWJkZWQtMDllYmMxNTVlZWIw;_ylg=X3oDMTF2M3NpaDUyBGludGwDcGgEbGFuZwNlbi1waARwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANwaGlsaXBwaW5lcwRwdANzZWN0aW9ucwR0ZXN0Aw--;_ylv=3)

ipur

January 31st, 2012, 02:55 AM

^^
happy to hear this one, this only proves that we have majestic landmarks where can be proud of. Go Philippines! :cheers1::cheers1::cheers1:

^^
puro positive side ang makikita dito existing man o sa future tense pa. :banana:

you can also follow more Good News by clicking LIKE on the below facebook page link

Good News. Philippines (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Good-News-Philippines/217491441675514?sk=wall)

ipur

January 31st, 2012, 10:06 AM

P900-Million Road Network To Boost Northern Samar Economic Development
By RESTITUTO A. CAYUBIT
January 31, 2012, 4:16pm

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Philippines — Northern Samar Governor Paul Daza is optimistic that once completed, the P900-million road network now being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 8 will boost economic development in and bring progress to Northern Samar.

Daza told local media that said five-span road network will inter-connect Northern Samar’s hinterlands and will facilitate better transportation from such areas to the province’s urban centers.

more... (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/349871/p900million-road-network-to-boost-northern-samar-economic-development)

sun-tex

January 31st, 2012, 04:02 PM

all of them are benefeting catarman town and former barangay of catarman lope de vega town

where is the laoang bridge which is the very most important part of unifying the northern samar road network?

congressman ong (from laoang n.samar) of 2nd district is an enemy of gov. Paul daza(catarman but no house in the province of northern samar) are making this province a good war zone

InfinitiFX45

February 1st, 2012, 02:58 AM

Canon to build laser-printer factory in Philippines :banana: :cheers:

by Agence France-Presse | GMA News | Tuesday | January 31, 2012 | 8:55pm

TOKYO — Japanese high-tech giant Canon said Tuesday it would build a laser-printer factory in the Philippines in anticipation of strong growth in global demand.

Construction of the facility in Batangas would start in April next year with the plant scheduled to begin production a year later, Canon said in a statement.

"The expected increase in future demand for competitively priced laser printers has created a pressing need for Canon to secure necessary production capacity while making it possible for the company to respond in a flexible manner," it said.

The factory is expected to employ about 5,000 people by 2014, the company said, adding that the printer business was a central pillar of the firm alongside its other office products and cameras.

Canon said it chose the Philippines due to its ready labor supply and the fact that many workers were able to speak English.

The company Monday posted a solid full-year result despite the difficult global economic environment. Canon has two existing Philippines-based subsidiaries.

Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/246381/economy/business/canon-to-build-laser-printer-factory-in-philippines

InfinitiFX45

February 1st, 2012, 03:09 AM

JP Morgan bullish on Philippine stocks :banana: :cheers:

‘Overweight’ recommendation on Southeast Asia

by Doris C. Dumlao | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Wednesday | February 1st, 2012 | 12:02 am

Global bank JP Morgan Chase is upbeat on equities in the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia, citing the region’s emergence as a more attractive investment destination now relative to China, which usually cornered the lion’s share of investment flows.

Arian Mowat, JP Morgan emerging market and Asian equity strategist, said in a briefing Tuesday that the institution had an “overweight” recommendation on the stock market in the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia this year while its view was “neutral” on the region’s largest economies—China and India.

In terms of specific sectors in the Philippines, JP Morgan favors banks and conglomerates that are seen to benefit from higher infrastructure spending in the country.

Read More: http://business.inquirer.net/42439/jp-morgan-bullish-on-philippine-stocks

InfinitiFX45

February 1st, 2012, 03:15 AM

BPOs unfazed by pending US bill vs job outsourcing :)

by: Nina Calleja | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Tuesday | January 31st, 2012 | 1:23 am

MANILA, Philippines — Business process outsourcing (BPO) firms in the country remain unfazed by the recent call of US President Barack Obama to stop the outsourcing of American jobs to other countries like the Philippines.

The Business Processing Association of the Philippines even projected to generate an additional 3.3 million jobs by the end of 2016 and to attain leadership in four areas touted to be “fast-growing services” like healthcare information management, finance and accounting, human resources and creative process.

“Based on our experience, we believe outsourcing actually makes US businesses competitive. It, in fact, allows them to increase the employment in their areas of core competence,” BPAP chairman Alfredo Ayala told reporters Monday at a press conference organized by BPAP and the Department of Science and Technology (DoST).

Read More: http://business.inquirer.net/42313/bpos-unfazed-by-pending-us-bill-vs-job-outsourcing

InfinitiFX45

February 1st, 2012, 04:06 AM

Japanese Clothing Retailer Enters RP :banana: :cheers:

Manila Bulletin | Tuesday | January 31, 2012 | 11:34pm

MANILA, Philippines — Uniqlo, Japan’s number one clothing retail chain, is investing $2.49 million for the establishment of three stores initially with the first store slated to open in June this year at the Mall of Asia.

Geraldine Sia, general manager of the Fast Retailing Philippines, the joint venture company of Uniqlo Japan and SM Retail Inc., said at the signing of certificate of registration with the Board of Investments for their retailing venture there will be three Uniqlo stores to open this year.

The first store will open in June in MoA, the location of the two others have yet to be announced. The BoI said that each store has a required minimum investment of $830,000 Category B under the Retail Trade Law.

Trade and Industry undersecretary Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. said that Uniqlo is the 13th foreign retailer that registered under the Retail Trade Law in a span of ten years or an average of one foreign retailer annually.

Cristobal, however, said that there is an initiative in Congress to review the 10-year law if it is still relevant with the times.

Uniqlo is the second foreign apparel that the SM Group has brought into the country, the first being Forever 21. Eisuke Sawada of Uniqlo and Cristobal signed the certificate of registration.

On February 9, the group will formally announce its entry in the country. Naoki Otoma, Group Executive Vice President, Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. and Managing Director, UNIQLO Asia & Japan, will grace the event. The opening of the Philippine branch followed the opening of Uniqlo in Thailand. Uniqlo will open more stores in 13 countries worldwide. (BCM)

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/349937/japanese-clothing-retailer-enters-rp

InfinitiFX45

February 1st, 2012, 04:13 AM

JP Morgan sees foreign funds flocking to PH :banana: :cheers:

by Roderick T. dela Cruz | Manila Standard Today | Wednesday | February 1, 2012

Global funds will continue to flow into the Philippines this year, given the manageable inflation environment and low interest rate, according to a US bank.

“The Philippines would be doing well this year. I expect international investors to put more money in this market,” said Arian Mowat, the chief emerging market and Asian equity strategist of JP Morgan Chase & Co.

The Philippines is one of the few countries where JP Morgan is bullish in terms of growth prospects and the performance of its financial markets.

Mowat said the bank had an overweight position in the Philippines, which it shares with Indonesia, Thailand, Chile and Russia.

Read More: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=/2012/february/1/business2.isx&d=2012/february/1

InfinitiFX45

February 1st, 2012, 04:18 AM

IT-BPO industry seeks lead in four more areas :)

by Raadee S. Sausa | Manila Times | Tuesday | January 31, 2012

THE Philippine Information Technology-Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) industry is aiming to become one of the world leaders in four more fast growing services that are being outsourced.

In a statement, the Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ICTO) and the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) identified the four service as Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing; Finance and Accounting Outsourcing; Human Resources (HR) Outsourcing; and Creative Process Outsourcing. BPAP also wants to solidify the country’s lead in the call center business in the coming years.

The Philippines recently overtook India as the call center capital of the world, and the IT-BPO industry in 2011 contributed approximately $11 billion in export revenues, about 640,000 direct jobs and approximately 1.5 million indirect jobs.

Read More: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business/top-business-news/16139-it-bpo-industry-seeks-lead-in-four-more-areas

InfinitiFX45

February 1st, 2012, 05:19 AM

PH as automaking hub of Asean pushed :)

by Jonathan L. Mayuga | ABS-CBN News | Wednesday | 02/01/2012 | 11:44 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines has the potential of becoming the next automotive manufacturing hub in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), according to the Philippine Automotive Competitiveness Council Inc. (PACCI).

And it proposed that the country’s automotive manufacturing industry be transformed from merely assembling completely knocked down (CKD) units for the local market to the outright manufacture of vehicles for the local and export markets.

Vicente Mills Jr., president of the Philippine Automotive Federation and the Asean Automotive Federation told reporters during a briefing highlighting the 3rd Philippine Automotive Manufacturing Summit on Tuesday, said the transformation was “imperative” to address the alarming decline in the share of locally manufactured vehicles in the domestic market, and allow the industry to participate meaningfully in the planned Asean common market. Mills presented the 2012-20 Motor Vehicle Development Program (MVDP), the road map for the automotive manufacturing industry.

PACCI said that vehicle demand is projected to reach 300,000 units by 2015; the country’s current capacity is 250,000 units.

Read More: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/01/12/ph-automaking-hub-asean-pushed

InfinitiFX45

February 1st, 2012, 05:24 AM

PHL gears up to be a prime destination for foreign retirees :)

by M. de Leon | BusinessMirror | Monday | 30 January 2012 | 20:55

NURSING schools in the country will now include an elderly care module in their curriculum in preparation for the Philippines as a prime haven for retirees.

The inclusion of a “care for the elderly module” in the nursing curriculum was proposed by the Foreign Chamber of Commerce.

Elizabeth Roxas, president of the Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing (ADPCN), said the module will be pilot tested through a one-year program at the Baliuag University.

Read More: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/22596-phl-gears-up-to-be-a-prime-destination-for-foreign-retirees

InfinitiFX45

February 1st, 2012, 05:33 AM

Planned social-sharing web site aims to lure tourists to PHL :)

by Lenie Lectura | BusinessMirror | Sunday | 29 January 2012 | 20:29

The Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (Immap) has unveiled plans to launch a “social-sharing web site” in a bid to lure in more tourists in the country.

Immap Vice President Paul John Peña said the site will feature, among others, the most visited places in the country and feedback from tourists and locals.

“As an organization, we believe that digital marketing has a very strategic role in bringing tourism in the Philippines. It starts with a search on the Internet. Once these foreign guests decide on where to go they will probably tweet or post that on their Facebook account that they will be going to the Philippines. What we want is to engage people talk about or share about positive content for the Philippines though a social-sharing site,” said Peña.

Read More: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/22562-planned-social-sharing-web-site-aims-to-lure-tourists-to-phl

dc88

February 1st, 2012, 06:26 AM

Canon to build laser-printer factory in Philippines (http://news.yahoo.com/canon-build-laser-printer-factory-philippines-161830877.html;_ylt=Ar8rD5EwNdbJfCR4IZpTm3fyWed_;_ylu=X3oDMTRvaWl1N2k0BGNjb2RlA2dtcHRvcDEwMDBwb29sd2lraXVwcmVzdARtaXQDTmV3cyBmb3IgeW91BHBrZwM0N2JhMjMzNS1hNzczLTM1YzYtYjQzYS02MjU3ZDExYmIwYjYEcG9zAzYEc2VjA25ld3NfZm9yX3lvdQR2ZXIDMmY2MGJlMGMtNGM0MS0xMWUxLWJlZGYtYWQ0NjJlZDg0Y2Fk;_ylg=X3oDMTM3Z2ttYmZuBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDM2I0OTdkNzItODNkMy0zOTc1LWFmNmEtMjI3Y2YxZTQyNzMxBHBzdGNhdANzY2llbmNlfGJpb3RlYwRwdANzdG9yeXBhZ2UEdGVzdAM-;_ylv=3)
Japanese high-tech giant Canon said Tuesday it would build a laser-printer factory in the Philippines in anticipation of strong growth in global demand.

Construction of the facility in Batangas would start in April next year with the plant scheduled to begin production a year later, Canon said in a statement.

"The expected increase in future demand for competitively priced laser printers has created a pressing need for Canon to secure necessary production capacity while making it possible for the company to respond in a flexible manner," it said.

The factory is expected to employ about 5,000 people by 2014, the company said, adding that the printer business was a central pillar of the firm alongside its other office products and cameras.

Canon said it chose the Philippines due to its ready labour supply and the fact that many workers were able to speak English.

The company Monday posted a solid full-year result despite the difficult global economic environment. Canon has two existing Philippines-based subsidiaries.

dc88

February 1st, 2012, 06:29 AM

^thanks to japan its really helping its neighbors economy, is there any electronics company that build parts here in the philippines and export?

ipur

February 1st, 2012, 07:25 AM

^thanks to japan its really helping its neighbors economy, is there any electronics company that build parts here in the philippines and export?

^^ you mean PCBA assembly? or maybe IC's? very broad kasi ang tanong mo :)

ipur

February 1st, 2012, 09:52 AM

PEZA Jan. Investments Jump 28%
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT
January 31, 2012, 11:33pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) started the year with P7.236 billion worth of investments in the first month of the year, reflecting 28.45 percent higher than the P5 billion in January 2011.

PEZA director Lilia B. De Lima said this as the agency is aggressively promoting investments this year with 12 percent growth target over 2011 figure.

Already, PEZA has approved the registration of two global printer manufacturers locating into the country. Canon is investing P20 billion in the country for the establishment of a high-technology printer with photo capability for the exports market generating over 6,000 jobs for Filipinos once they start commercial operation in the Calabarzon area.

The other printer investor is Brother International Corp. These two companies were the largest investors approved by PEZA Board in December last year.

more... (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/349934/peza-jan-investments-jump-28)

InfinitiFX45

February 1st, 2012, 03:10 PM

wino

February 1st, 2012, 04:13 PM

^^ :lol:

quadruple posting.. look at the other threads :lol:

just kidding!

Fraulein

February 2nd, 2012, 03:38 PM

Good News! :cheers:

=================

Fitch gives PHL banks ‘stable’ rating
Thursday, 02 February 2012 22:02 Jun Vallecera / Reporter

Banks in the Philippines, China, Hong Kong, India and 10 other Asia-Pacific countries were seen to have a stable outlook by the global credit watcher Fitch Ratings.

The judgment means the lenders are believed to have increased ability to absorb loan losses as the global economy slows.

Additionally, the banks in the countries cited should not have trouble raising funds to finance their lending operations as their capacity to do so is considered strong.

http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/22788-fitch-gives-phl-banks-stable-rating-

d7beast

February 2nd, 2012, 04:14 PM

wino

February 2nd, 2012, 04:44 PM

^^ aalis na nga ang assembly plant ng Mazda sa Pinas eh.. wehehehe

InfinitiFX45

February 2nd, 2012, 06:55 PM

Investors see 'hidden gems' in Philippines :banana: :cheers:

by Coco Alcuaz | ABS-CBN News | Thursday | 02/02/2012 | 5:26 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Bank of America-Merrill Lynch says investors are bullish on the Philippines because many stocks here have little or no exposure to the weak economies of Europe and the U.S.

The bank helped organize an ongoing 3-day roadshow in Hong Kong for 30 Philippine companies to meet potential investors.

"A lot of the underlying companies don't have as much of a correlation or connection with what's happening in Europe and the U.S.," Clemente Antonio Puno IV, global corporate and investment banking director at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch (Singapore), said in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel.

"That's true for a lot of ASEAN markets as well but i think in the philippines there are a lot of hidden gems."

Read More: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/02/12/investors-see-hidden-gems-philippines

InfinitiFX45

February 2nd, 2012, 07:07 PM

Brazil miner to put up transshipment hub in PH :banana: :cheers:

Move follows China ban on giant vessels at its ports

Philippine Daily Inquirer | Friday | February 3rd, 2012 | 12:39 am

http://business.inquirer.net/files/2012/02/vale.jpg
Vale Brasil anchored in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil PHOTO FROM VALE.COM

SHANGHAI/SINGAPORE— Vale is readying an alternative iron ore distribution base in the Philippines as China has barred the world’s largest dry bulk ships from its ports, halting the Brazilian miner’s plan to send its giant vessels to its top market.

China’s transport ministry said on Tuesday its decision not to allow giant ships was in part a result of the severe downturn in the shipping industry that has hurt several leading domestic companies, as well as maritime safety issues.

Ships exceeding approved capacities were previously assessed on a case-by-case basis, but the ministry said in a statement on its website that giant dry bulk vessels and oil tankers were prohibited with immediate effect.

Vale is counting on a fleet of 35 giant ships called Valemaxes, each at 400,000 deadweight tons, to slash shipping costs to China to help it better compete with Australian rivals BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto.

Read More: http://business.inquirer.net/42835/brazil-miner-to-put-up-transshipment-hub-in-ph

d7beast

February 3rd, 2012, 12:44 AM

^^ you mean PCBA assembly? or maybe IC's? very broad kasi ang tanong mo :)

mukhang lahat ng klaseng electronics assembly meron ang pinas,..

mikael21

February 3rd, 2012, 01:38 AM

you can also follow more Good News by clicking LIKE on the below facebook page link

Good News. Philippines (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Good-News-Philippines/217491441675514?sk=wall)

^^
thanks for the info, already followed them for updates. :cheers:-:cheers: (http://www.dmcileasing.com/apartments-for-rent-manila.php)

kimxclusive

February 3rd, 2012, 02:46 AM

GSIS in talks to set up $750M infrastructure fund
Pension fund eyes launch by mid-2012

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is in talks with multilateral institutions on a planned infrastructure fund of up to $750 million, which would serve as a vehicle for investing in infrastructure projects.

Robert G. Vergara, GSIS president and general manager, said in a briefing Thursday that the pension fund also posted a net income of P57.5 billion in 2011, or an increase of 25 percent from P46 billion the previous year.

Regarding the planned infrastructure fund, Vergara said the GSIS was exploring possibilities of a tie-up with two multilaterals, although others may follow in signifying their interest.

“GSIS is committed to go ahead (and) we are looking at a launch by mid-year,” he said.

http://business.inquirer.net/42827/gsis-in-talks-to-set-up-750m-infrastructure-fund

InfinitiFX45

February 3rd, 2012, 07:08 AM

Toyota's Food Unit Relocating Here :banana: :cheers:

by BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT | Manila Bulletin | Thursday | February 2, 2012 | 11:23pm

MANILA, Philippines — Toyota Tsusho Foods Corp. (TTFC), an affiliate of Toyota Group of Japan, is relocating here its seafood and marine products manufacturing operation from China after encountering problems with its Chinese suppliers.

TTFC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC) of Japan. It is the trading company of Toyota Motor Group of Companies and Toyota Motors Corp. is the majority stockholder.

For its local venture, TTFC has partnered with HJR International Corp. of Cebu to put up a 50-50 joint venture called Mandaue Cebu Marine Products Corp. (MCMPC). HJR has been TTFC’s supplier of frozen shrimp.

Based on its application for registration with the Board of Investments (BoI), TTFC has decided to gradually transfer some of its business operation in China to the Philippines because it has been encountering problems with its Chinese supplier on labor, escalating fees and food safety issues.

Read More: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/350162/toyotas-food-unit-relocating-here

amigo32

February 3rd, 2012, 07:10 AM

I guess my PC is not in good working condition. I could read similar articles here:D

dc88

February 3rd, 2012, 04:10 PM

Las Vegas Mayor declares Feb 3 Filipino Veterans Fairness Day
To enjoin Las Vegas residents to recognize Filipino World War II veterans’ service to the United States, city Mayor Carolyn Goodman had declared February 3 as Filipino Veterans Fairness Day.

In a proclamation signed on January 24th, Goodman “asks all citizens to honor the denied Filipino World War II veterans and the organizations working to have them recognized for their service to America.”

She noted that there are over 100,000 Filipino-Americans who have contributed to the growth of Las Vegas which is also the home of six “World War II denied Filipino Veterans.”

Goodman’s proclamation is intended to show support for House Resolution 210 (HR 210) or the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011 currently pending in Congress.

Goodman commended Las Vegas organizations that have shown support to these veterans who were denied compensation.

These include the Filipino-American Veterans of Nevada-(FAVN), National Federation of Filipino American Associations-Nevada, Filipino-Americans in Power, the Asian American Group, the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater NV, OCA-LasVegas, and Bamboo Bridges.

The proclamation will be presented at a public rally on February 3 where a group of Filipino World War II veterans will gather to ask support for HR 210. This bill recognizes certain military services performed before July 1, 1946, for purposes of eligibility for veterans’ benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans have been requesting the US government to accept records from Filipinos who have authenticated proof from the Philippine government of their US military service.

Some 24,000 Filipino veterans’ claims were turned down because their names were not on a roster used by the US government to determine who served in World War II.

While the Filipino WWII veterans had proof of US military service from the Philippine government, their names were not included in the National Records Center list also known as the Missouri List.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/24899/las-vegas-mayor-declares-feb-3-filipino-veterans-fairness-day

dc88

February 3rd, 2012, 05:10 PM

Boracay hailed as Asia’s # 1 beach, World’s 2nd best :banana:
Boracay island in Aklan province is the second best beach destination in the world and the No. 1 in Asia for the second year in a row, according to travel website TripAdvisor.

“At only 4.5 miles long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike. But don’t let its small size fool you — you’ll have several excellent beaches to choose from,” TripAdvisor said in its website.

“Yapak beach is known for beautiful white shells; White beach has picture-perfect sunsets; and Balinghai beach is a secluded spot, perfect for honeymooners. As long as you visit during dry season, you’ll agree this is one of the best beach destinations in the world,” it added.

The tiny island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos remains the world’s best beach destination according to TripAdvisor’s list, which is based on travelers’ reviews and ratings.

Palm/Eagle beach in Aruba island ranked third, followed by Negril in Jamaica, Tulum in Mexico, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman island, Punta Cana in Dominican Republic, Cape May in New Jersey, and Santa Teresa in Costa Rica.

Baguio, known as the summer capital of the Philippines, meanwhile, ranked 22nd in TripAdvisor’s list of best destinations in Asia this year.

“Baguio, perched high in the Cordillera Central Mountains, is a great place to escape the heat of the Philippine lowlands. Camp John Hay, originally built as a recreation area for US soldiers, now is a full-fledged resort complete with a world-class golf course. Definitely stop at the city market, where you can buy almost anything (just be prepared to haggle),” the travel website said.

Topping the list of best destinations in Asia is Hong Kong and globally, Cape Town in South Africa.

Meanwhile, two hotels and a resort in the country were also cited in TripAdvisor’s Hotel Awards this year.

Dave’s Straw Hat Inn in Boracay and Padre Burgos Castle Resort in Southern Leyte were named top hotels for service in Asia. They ranked 14th and 18th, respectively.

Alegre Beach Resort in Cebu, on the other hand, rounded out the list of top 25 all-inclusive resorts in the region.
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/2012/02/01/boracay-hailed-as-asias-1-beach-worlds-2nd-best/

InfinitiFX45

February 3rd, 2012, 06:38 PM

Manabat Sanagustin & Co. Sees Hiked Japanese Investments In RP :banana: :cheers:

by Manila Bulletin | Friday | February 3, 2012 | 11:33pm

MANILA, Philippines — Manabat Sanagustin & Co. (MS&Co.), one of the leading auditing and advisory firms in the country and an independent member firm of KPMG International Cooperative, believes the Philippines can expect a strong flow of Japanese investments this year as the country continues to emerge as an ideal investment hub and a potential relocation site of Japanese companies.

According to Endo Yoshiaki, Principal of Japanese Practice at MS&Co., more Japanese firms realize the advantages that the country has over its neighbors and that the country can help mitigate the risks of concentrating operations in China and Thailand.

Endo points out the Philippines’ strategic location, high literacy rate, stability of cost of labor, abundance of manpower and the hardworking nature of the Filipino workers as among the qualities that attract Japanese entrepreneurs to invest in the country.

“The country boasts of highly skilled workers and experienced professionals that very much suit the needs of Japanese companies,” added Endo, who has been helping Japanese companies in their operations in the country for almost 10 years. “Aside from being an English-speaking nation, the country is an ideal logistics hub because of its location, the center of every Asian country.”

Read More: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/350264/manabat-sanagustin-co-sees-hiked-japanese-investments-in-rp

InfinitiFX45

February 3rd, 2012, 07:14 PM

Foreign firms eyeing bigger tract of lands :banana: :cheers:

by Julito G. Rada | Manila Standard Today | Saturday | February 4, 2012

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority said a number of foreign manufacturing companies are looking for bigger areas of land for their operations this year, indicating the magnitude of investments they want to bring into the country.

“This year, they want to reserve 80, 100, to 200 hectares. By this, we see that the caliber of investors this year are really big,” Peza director-general Lilia de Lima said. She said in a program over PTV-4 that manufacturing companies in previous years reserved between two and five hectares.

De Lima said most of the potential investors are in the electronics sector.

“I always told them that this government is transparent and with strong campaign against corruption,” she said. She said firms choose locations where they could avoid unnecessary operational costs.

She cited the expansion of Japan’s Murata in Laguna, one of the biggest investments in the Philippines last year. “Murata came in with P3-billion investments and they looked for 22 hectares,” she said.

De Lima said she expects the Japanese to be the leading investors this year just like in 2011.

Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=/2012/february/4/business3.isx&d=2012/february/4

wino

February 3rd, 2012, 08:46 PM

that is one good news.

now I wonder.. how much more free land is there that is under PEZA?
Looks like PEZA will need to expand land in the near future.

d7beast

February 4th, 2012, 04:54 AM

RonnieR

February 6th, 2012, 04:12 AM

i think clark and subic has very big potential in terms of infra and land area availability for these investors,..i really hope we can offer a very good position for the third plant of the planned 2BUS$ SUNPOWER factory in the philippines, they need a hundred hectares for there own solar power plant,..

US$ 2B investment? Was there a formal announcement or is it a "biz buzz" in the business world?

Las Vegas Mayor declares Feb 3 Filipino Veterans Fairness Day
To enjoin Las Vegas residents to recognize Filipino World War II veterans’ service to the United States, city Mayor Carolyn Goodman had declared February 3 as Filipino Veterans Fairness Day.

In a proclamation signed on January 24th, Goodman “asks all citizens to honor the denied Filipino World War II veterans and the organizations working to have them recognized for their service to America.”

She noted that there are over 100,000 Filipino-Americans who have contributed to the growth of Las Vegas which is also the home of six “World War II denied Filipino Veterans.”

Goodman’s proclamation is intended to show support for House Resolution 210 (HR 210) or the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011 currently pending in Congress.

Goodman commended Las Vegas organizations that have shown support to these veterans who were denied compensation.

These include the Filipino-American Veterans of Nevada-(FAVN), National Federation of Filipino American Associations-Nevada, Filipino-Americans in Power, the Asian American Group, the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater NV, OCA-LasVegas, and Bamboo Bridges.

The proclamation will be presented at a public rally on February 3 where a group of Filipino World War II veterans will gather to ask support for HR 210. This bill recognizes certain military services performed before July 1, 1946, for purposes of eligibility for veterans’ benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans have been requesting the US government to accept records from Filipinos who have authenticated proof from the Philippine government of their US military service.

Some 24,000 Filipino veterans’ claims were turned down because their names were not on a roster used by the US government to determine who served in World War II.

While the Filipino WWII veterans had proof of US military service from the Philippine government, their names were not included in the National Records Center list also known as the Missouri List.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/24899/las-vegas-mayor-declares-feb-3-filipino-veterans-fairness-day

Glad to know this....:cheers:

RonnieR

February 6th, 2012, 04:14 AM

PH makes history against rotavirus:cheers:
By: Charles E. Buban
Philippine Daily Inquirer
6:45 pm | Friday, February 3rd, 2012

A couple of weeks ago, the Philippines made history as the first country in Southeast Asia to include rotavirus vaccine in its national immunization program.

Now this may not be the sort of headline-grabbing news that Filipinos usually expect but according to the stakeholders that made this possible, such inclusion would result in the dramatic decrease in the incidence of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis that kills at least 3,500 infants and young children in the country each year.

Rotavirus is the most common cause of potentially fatal severe diarrhea among children worldwide. Here in the Philippines, a study showed that the most affected would be those infants between 3 and 5 months old. The same study showed that due to rotavirus infection, 77 percent of Filipino toddlers will require intravenous therapy and longer hospital stay before reaching their 23rd month.

With the announcement, the Philippines becomes the latest in a select list—30 countries so far—which made a stand against rotavirus and the potentially deadly diarrhea that it causes.

http://business.inquirer.net/42931/ph-makes-history-against-rotavirus

d7beast

February 6th, 2012, 02:24 PM

[QUOTE=RonnieR;88272199]US$ 2B investment? Was there a formal announcement or is it a "biz buzz" in the business world?

Here's the news ron although last year pa ito, it's a busty 2 BILLION US$ potential investment, we have the best position in terms of tech know-how, dunno of government's plans in cornering this huge investments for the semicon industry, in fact this may be their third factory in the country, it projects to employ 15K pinoys, and will position the country into the map of a PV center,..

Gov't Courts $2-billion SunPower Investment For Solar Cell Facility
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT
July 19, 2011, 2:14am
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is vying to capture over $2 billion worth of investments in solar cell fabrication by world giant SunPower Manufacturing Ltd. (SPML), its fourth in the region and third for the country if it bags this new project.

Board of Investments Managing Head Cristino L. Panlilio told reporters that government agencies including the Department of Energy and the Philippine Export Processing Zone are working with them to ensure the country would bag the huge investment.

The new solar factory is expected to support approximately 300 MW of solar energy initially for the exports market and create 15,000 employment opportunities.

“They are prospecting this new solar plant with estimated investments of $2 billion, so we are working on coming out with a proposal that would attract them to locate here,” Panlililio said.

http://mb.com.ph/node/327389/govt-court

d7beast

February 6th, 2012, 05:16 PM

Meanwhile,..

AirAsia finally cleared for take-off in Clark
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated February 07, 2012 12:00 AM Comments (0)

MANILA, Philippines - It’s now all systems go for AirAsia Philippines, a company partly owned by businessman Antonio O. Cojuangco and port operator Michael Romero, whose maiden commercial flight could not push through earlier due to the absence of a critical government permit.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), after much delay, granted AirAsia Philippines its airline operating certificate (AOC) that would allow it to fly commercially out of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark, Pampanga.

AirAsia Philippines is 60-percent owned by Cojuangco, Romero and former broadcast journalist Marianne Hontiveros in equal shares, while the rest is owned by Malaysia-based AirAsia Bhd. led by Tony Fernandes. AirAsia Bhd is one of the world’s most successful budget carrier.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=774997&publicationSubCategoryId=66

This would give our local carriers serious competition and choices for the travelling public so fares will expect to be fair for every Juans, right CEB (0% on time arrival)???

InfinitiFX45

February 7th, 2012, 05:48 PM

Belle Corp eyes $1B leisure project - govt official :banana: :cheers:

by Rosemarie Francisco and Jason Szep | Reuters | ABS-CBN News | 02/07/2012| 8:15 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Property and leisure group Belle Corp. has told the Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation it wants to acquire a 10-hectare property within a casino-entertainment complex rising in Manila, the head of the state gaming firm said.

Development of the property would require at least $1 billion and would increase Belle's investment in the complex, PAGCOR chairman and chief executive officer Cristino Naguiat said on Tuesday.

"We have a letter from the Belle group requesting us for them to get that property," Naguiat told Reuters in an interview. "We told them to put more details into that letter on what they plan to do, and what they intend to do with the property."

Naguiat said his office received the letter from Belle, controlled by the country's richest man Henry Sy, a few weeks ago.

Belle had previously bagged a deal to develop an integrated entertainment resort complex called Belle Grande Manila Bay, which features a 30,000-square metre casino, within the over 100-hectare Entertainment City set to rise in Manila starting late this year.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/07/12/belle-corp-eyes-1b-leisure-project-govt-official

InfinitiFX45

February 7th, 2012, 06:08 PM

Forex reserves hit record $77.04 B in Jan :banana: :cheers:

by Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star | Wednesday | February 08, 2012 | 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s foreign exchange reserves surged 21.3 percent in January due to strong inflows from the dollar bond issuance of the government as well as the revaluation of the gold holdings and robust earnings from overseas investments of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. announced yesterday that the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) reached a record high of $77.043 billion in January or $13.5 billion higher than the $63.54 billion booked in the same month last year.

The new figure eclipsed the previous all-time high of $76.206 billion recorded in November last year.

“The build-up in the reserves was due mainly to foreign exchange inflows coming from the foreign currency deposits by the National Government of proceeds from its dollar-denominated 25-year global bond issuance,” Tetangco said.

Read More: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=775282

InfinitiFX45

February 7th, 2012, 06:13 PM

European BPOs to expand in Phl :banana: :cheers:

by Czeriza Valencia | The Philippine Star | Wednesday | February 08, 2012 | 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - European firms engaged in business process oursourcing (BPO) are expected to expand their operations in the Philippines this year as the sector continues to be strong in the country, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Guy Ledoux said.

“This (BPO sector) is a way for European companies to increase their competitivenes...so European companies in the BPO sector will also expand their operations in 2012,” he said.

The BPO sector, considered as a sunshine industry in the Philippines, is forecast to grow 20 percent in 2012. By 2011, the Philippines has overtaken India as the the top BPO destination in the world. More than 500,000 Filipinos are currently employed in BPO firms.

Read More: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=775312&publicationSubCategoryId=66

InfinitiFX45

February 10th, 2012, 07:14 AM

British experts say PHL BPO industry outlook very positive :banana: :cheers:

by LBG | GMA News | Friday | February 10, 2012 | 8:31am

British experts have a "very positive" outlook of the Philippines' business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

The DFA said British-Philippines Outsourcing Council (BPOC) Board Members Ian McGowan and Richard Patterson disclosed this to Philippine Ambassador Enrique Manalo early this month.

"(They said) that while most BPO clients served from the Philippines were American, there has been a 'noticeable increase in interest' from British, Australian and Asian firms wanting 'extraordinarily high skill sets and competitive pricing," the DFA said.

Read More: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/247507/economy/business/british-experts-say-phl-bpo-industry-outlook-very-positive?ref=subsection_item

InfinitiFX45

February 10th, 2012, 07:39 AM

Koreans Have Fun In Philippines :banana: :cheers:

by JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA | Manila Bulletin | Thursday | February 9, 2012 | 7:09pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DoT) announced Thursday that the number of tourist arrivals in the country has reached 3.917 million in 2011, surpassing the government’s target of 3.7 million.

Officials said that the figure is about 11.28 percent higher than the 3.520 million posted in 2010.

“When the industry exceeds expectations as it had done last year, we feel very encouraged. And with the overwhelming response to our new brand campaign ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ launched last month, we know that we have broken ground on crowdsourcing. The people’s campaign will help bring more numbers,” said Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr.

Jimenez added: “As infrastructure challenges and policy bottlenecks are successfully worked on, marketing the Philippines as a tourist destination and investment haven will be greatly facilitated under the leadership of President Aquino. Optimistically by 2016, the country would have sufficient capacity to host 10 million visitors.”

Helped by gains in all regional markets, the country capped 2011 with 394,567 tourists arriving in December, strongest among all months last year. November proved to be the biggest gainer, improving 19.80 percent from the same month in 2010 with 337,021 visitors.

Ten out of the twelve months last year saw figures north of 300,000. The 2011 figure also includes returning overseas Filipinos, who numbered 207,152.

Korea remains to be the strongest single market for tourism with 925,204 arrivals for a 23.62 percent share of all visitor volume.

Other East Asia regional markets are also increasingly thriving like: Japan (375,496 visitors, 9.59 percent share), China (243,137, 6.21 percent) and Taiwan (181,738, 4.64 percent) ranked 3rd, 4th and 5th among all individual markets respectively, while Hong Kong’s 112,106 visitors were good for 9th place.

Visitors from the US, the Philippines’ second-largest tourist market, totaled 624,527 for 15.94 percent of all tourist traffic. Australia and Canada experienced double-digit growth to 170,736 and 117,423 arrivals, 6th and 9th most among all countries

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/350845/koreans-have-fun-in-philippines

CarltonHill

February 10th, 2012, 07:58 AM

^^ wow! that was close to a million korean visitors last year.... ;)

the glimpser

February 10th, 2012, 03:01 PM

Philippines emerging major player in medical tourism industry—study

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines may have found its next sunrise industry in the medical tourism field.

A study titled “Philippine Medical Tourism Compendium 2011: Facts, Figures & Strategies” estimated that the country earned a total of $1.30 billion from health care and wellness services in the period of 2006 to 2010. The study also projected that the Philippines has the potential to earn as much as $1 billion in additional annual revenue by 2018 or earlier if it would invest thoroughly on healthcare infrastructures, more open and liberal travel arrangements for medical tourists and lay down an extensive international marketing promotions campaign.

The study, conducted by healthcare business intelligence firm Healthcore, indicated that the earnings were from overseas foreign tourists and balikbayans who visited during the period of the study.

The research noted that the Philippines has a high potential to grab a larger market share in the global medical tourism industry based on the following criteria: High level of quality in healthcare; Competitive cost of healthcare services; Large supply of competent healthcare professionals; English communication skill, and culture of compassion and service; and Geographical proximity to countries that have expensive medical services such as Guam and Micronesia, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

The study noted that top tertiary hospitals in the Philippines have state-of-the-art medical and hospital facilities and were staffed with highly qualified medical consultants, doctors, nurses and other personnel. It added that at least eight hospitals and clinics were now accredited by various international accreditation agencies.

International research firm Deloitte, the research added, has identified the Philippines as one of the emerging players in the multi-billion dollar industry, which currently is dominated in Asia by Singapore, India, Malaysia and Thailand.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/24797/philippines-emerging-major-player-in-medical-tourism-industry%E2%80%94study

d7beast

February 11th, 2012, 06:18 AM

I hope this is also more emphasized and applicable to the trade and the economy as much as the defense aspect for both US and pinas, they can even convince their business to move out from china for asean, india or pinas for the matter,..

PH ignored in US foreign policy - US lawmakers

by Rodney Jaleco, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
Posted at 02/08/2012 12:42 PM | Updated as of 02/08/2012 4:57 PM

WASHINGTON DC – US lawmakers told top Pentagon and State Department officials that America will not find a better friend than the Philippines, and wanted to know how they were paying that back.

California Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Sub-Committee, convened the first-ever hearing devoted to looking at the state of the US-Philippine alliance.

“For those of us in the house, there is no blunting the fact that there is a feeling the Philippines has been ignored in US foreign policy for the last few years," said Royce.

Assistant State Secretary Kurt Campbell assured the panel the two allies are on the verge of a "renaissance" in their relationship.

Royce revealed a congressional vote later this week to transfer the US Coast Guard Dallas to the Philippine Navy, sister ship of the Hamilton-class Philippine Navy flagship Gregorio del Pilar that finished her 1st mission in the Spratly islands this week, that drew instant support from Congressman Dana Rorabacher.

“Stopping Chinese aggression in the South China Sea will be a victory for all people who want peace," Rorabacher said.

Royce also expressed support for the Save Act, a bill that opens the duty-free exchange of US textiles and Philippine-made garments.

The Save Act will generate about a billion dollars for the Philippines and thousands of new jobs for both the US and Philippines.

Royce said he will summon the US Trade Representative and Treasury officials for his next hearing on the Philippines.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/02...iance-convened

Linguine

February 11th, 2012, 10:28 AM

^^...:okay:...

manila2020

February 13th, 2012, 12:27 AM

More Philippine news to start the week right!! Good morning!!

Philippines Tops As Investment Site|JETRO Competitiveness Survey In Asia
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351185/philippines-tops-as-investment-site

New Manila Tower to be Designed by Philippe Starck
http://www.hauteliving.com/2012/02/new-manila-tower-to-be-designed-by-philippe-starck/

Metro Cebu: Asia’s next retail hub
http://www.malaya.com.ph/02092012/property1.html

PH crucial to Uniqlo’s aim to be world No. 1
http://www.malaya.com.ph/02102012/busi5.html

PH ready to export more sugar to US
http://www.malaya.com.ph/02102012/busi6.html

Rehab set for rice terraces
http://www.malaya.com.ph/02102012/busi8.html

Gov’t keeps ‘very good’ score (Wag magalit. post lang)
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=Gov%E2%80%99t-keeps-%E2%80%98very-good%E2%80%99-score&id=46632

Bourse expects 2012 fund raising to double
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=Bourse-expects-2012-fund-raising-to-double&id=46628

Four developers air interest in Ortigas property
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&title=Four-developers-air-interest-in-Ortigas-property&id=46617

North Harbor consortium to spend P2 billion this year
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&title=North-Harbor-consortium-to-spend-P2-billion-this-year&id=46615

Starbucks expansion seen beyond Metro Manila sites
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&title=Starbucks-expansion-seen-beyond-Metro-Manila-sites&id=46613

Aquino: PHL to achieve MDGs in 4 years
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/23195-aquino-phl-to-achieve-mdgs-in-4-years

Freedom of information, finally (fingers crossed)
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/opinion/23186-freedom-of-information-finally-fingers-crossed

Manila eyes SoKor for PHL avocados
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/component/content/article/53-agri-commodities/23161-manila-eyes-sokor-for-phl-avocados

PNOC-EC to explore more gas, and oil fields
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/23167-pnoc-ec-to-explore-more-gas-and-oil-fields

Thein Sein calls on Filipino businessmen to invest in Burma
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/23166-thein-sein-calls-on-filipino-businessmen-to-invest-in-burma

DTI forms world marketing, intelligence teams
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/22766-dti-forms-world-marketing-intelligence-teams-

Why Starbucks chose to expand in Philippines
http://www.rappler.com/business/1413-why-starbucks-chose-to-expand-in-philippines

PH Wins Davis Cup Tie
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351160/ph-wins-davis-cup-tie

More Progressive Philippines Will Be Given 'Investment Grade' Rating
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351202/more-progressive-philippines-will-be-given-investment-grade-rating

Philippine Resorts Win Big At The Asean Green Hotel Awards
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351106/philippine-resorts-win-big-at-the-asean-green-hotel-awards

US backs Phl food sector
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=776900

ASEAN coffee traders set Manila meet
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=776930

Mead Johnson marks 50 years in Phl
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=776933

Porcelanosa now in Phl
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=776944

Pinoy energy tech to Chile
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=776950&publicationSubCategoryId=66

China H-Shares, Thai, Philippine Stocks Preferred
http://www.bloomberg.com/video/85838282/

Philippine Peso Gains for 5th Week on Growth Outlook; Bonds Rise
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-10/philippine-peso-set-for-fifth-weekly-gain-on-growth-outlook.html

Philippine Peso Favored Over Rupiah, RBS Says
http://www.bloomberg.com/video/85297956/

joshualegaspi32

February 13th, 2012, 01:22 AM

wow, thanks Manila2020! Great news indeed to perk up my otherwise gloomy monday!

amigo32

February 13th, 2012, 02:03 AM

Grace Lee sees herself marrying P-Noy
By VERA Files | The Inbox – 2 hours 1 minute ago

Email
Print

By Ellen Tordesillas,VERA Files

The altar.

That's where Grace Lee says her relationship with President Benigno Aquino III is headed.

In her morning show "Good Times in the Morning" last Wednesday, the Korean-born radio and TV personality was asked by her New York-based co-anchor Mo Twister how long their relationship would last.

She replied, "The full length."

Needled further on where she expected their dates would lead to, Lee answered, "The altar." She added, "I'm praying for this."

Aquino celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, Feb.8, the same day Lee said they were destined for the altar.

The romance between the 29-year-old Lee and the 52-year-old Aquino has been met with skepticism by many who have become used to the President's short-lived romances. Among those linked to him in his almost two-year presidency are Valenzuela councilor Shalani Soledad, who recently married Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, stylist Liz Uy and stockbroker Len Lopez.http://ph.news.yahoo.com/blogs/the-inbox/grace-lee-sees-herself-marrying-p-noy-225820510.html

amigo32

February 13th, 2012, 02:04 AM

yan ang mga news na masarap basahin, showbiz:lol:^^

manila2020

February 13th, 2012, 02:08 AM

^^^^ HAHAHAHAHAHA. natawa ako!! di sya nakakastress!!

yan ang mga news na masarap basahin, showbiz:lol:^^

Ady001

February 13th, 2012, 03:36 AM

^^ Sana naman pag ganun na PLEASE MAGTRABAHO NA SIYA!

El_Toro

February 13th, 2012, 04:04 AM

anu kaya mas matimbang kay Pnoy ngayon yun impeachment trial or si grace lee...hahhaha

Ady001

February 13th, 2012, 05:02 AM

^^ Impeach na lang niya si Grace Lee and ligawan si Corona :D

Bosnyboy

February 13th, 2012, 08:25 AM

amigo32

February 13th, 2012, 01:18 PM

ewan ko bakit pumayag ang krung krung ng ganun:D
gawin syang front:D
meron nga kayang love namagitan sa kanila?:D

sa bagay power and fame, at isang santo pa:lol:
di baleng walang buhok at pretty fez:lol:

xxxriainxxx

February 13th, 2012, 02:00 PM

manila2020

February 13th, 2012, 03:21 PM

We have as many GOOD NEWS as bad news! Sabi nga nila, count your blessings! =)

Here's another fresh round of great news!

Phl seafaring makes IMO's 'white list'
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=65&articleid=711750

Comelec to get new home in Pasay
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=63&articleId=777011

At last, a Theater Actors Guild!
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/34749/at-last-a-theater-actors-guild

Filipino behind Harper’s Bazaar blows into town—and tells his story
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/33235/filipino-behind-harper%E2%80%99s-bazaar-blows-into-town%E2%80%94and-tells-his-story

Bedtime stories become Palawan tale at Cannes
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view/20110517-337092/Bedtime-stories-become-Palawan-tale-at-Cannes

PCGG Reports Rising Baseco Revenue
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/350938/pcgg-report

Filipinos Shine In Math Olympiad
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351049/filipinos-shine-in-math-olympiad

Criminality Decreases By 20% — Bartolome
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351051/criminality-decreases-by-20-bartolome

Saudi Investing $1.2B
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/350948/saudi-investing-12b

US$3.3M For 23 Conservation Projects
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351156/us33m-for-23-conservation-projects

Mind Museum
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351048/mind-museum

Razon group wants to lease more reclaimed land in Manila Bay area
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/companies/23206-razon-group-wants-to-lease-more-reclaimed-land-in-manila-bay-area

PSE sees fundraising doubling to $4.7B in 2012
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/13/12/pse-sees-2012-fundraising-doubling-47b

Ady001

February 14th, 2012, 03:30 AM

^^ question lang boss, are you the person behind "Good News Pilipinas?"

Juan Pilgrim

February 14th, 2012, 04:09 AM

^^Isn't that Asia Business Report anchor and BBC Newsday co-anchor, Rico Hizon?

:horse:

manila2020

February 14th, 2012, 04:45 AM

Fresh round of GOOD NEWS in the Philippines today!!

You take care of bad news, I'll take care of the good ones.

MPTC allocates P2.3 Bfor NLEX, SCTEX projects
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66A&articleId=777201

Toyota opens BGC dealership
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=777210

Digital maps to aid officials in development planning
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Digital-maps-to-aid-officials-in-development-planning&id=46679

Modern rice processing site to be completed this year
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Modern-rice-processing-site-to-be-completed-this-year&id=46678

Tourism road projects eyed for Western Visayas
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Tourism-road-projects-eyed-for-Western-Visayas&id=46682

Gov’t in talks with Takenaka for more work at NAIA-3
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&title=Gov%E2%80%99t-in-talks-with-Takenaka-for-more-work-at-NAIA-3&id=46671

SDA funds keep rising
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Finance&title=SDA-funds-keep-rising&id=46662

CebuPac LCC of the Year; Gokongwei, LCC COO of the Year
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/23237-cebupac-lcc-of-the-year-gokongwei-lcc-coo-of-the-year-

Most Filipinos ‘very happy’ with their love life, says poll (Happy Valentine's day!)
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/34847/most-filipinos-very-happy-with-their-love-life-says-poll

Equities may lift PSEi to 5,300 level in 2012
http://business.inquirer.net/44297/equities-may-lift-psei-to-5300-level-in-2012

IMO Secretary General Pledges Full Support To RP Maritime Development
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351273/imo-secretary-general-pledges-full-support-to-rp-maritime-development

Tune Hotel opens in Angeles
http://business.inquirer.net/44383/tune-hotel-opens-in-angeles

Investors shrug off Corona trial, buy PSBank bond
http://www.rappler.com/business/1481-investors-shrug-off-corona-trial,-buy-psbank-bond

Ady001

February 14th, 2012, 06:01 AM

^^Isn't that Asia Business Report anchor and BBC Newsday co-anchor, Rico Hizon?

:horse:

Baka kapatid niya si Hizon... :lol:

ipur

February 14th, 2012, 10:41 AM

Hollywood TV series to be shot in Phl
By Perseus Echeminada The Philippine Star Updated February 14, 2012 12:00

MANILA, Philippines - A Hollywood television series will be shot in the Philippines after the spy thriller “The Bourne Legacy” finishes filming in the country by Feb. 25, the film’s local producers said over the weekend.

Jun Juban of the Philippine Film Studios told The STAR during a weekly news forum that negotiations are ongoing for a four-month location shooting for the series.

“We are formalizing with our counterpart the shooting of the television series, which will again showcase tourist destinations in the country,” he said.

Juban declined to give details of the new series as not to pre-empt the official announcement.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=65&articleId=777251

Juan Pilgrim

February 14th, 2012, 02:47 PM

^^NCIS of CBS Network?

:horse:

Fraulein

February 14th, 2012, 06:35 PM

Survivor USA

filcan

February 14th, 2012, 06:36 PM

^^That's what i'm thinking too.

Bosnyboy

February 15th, 2012, 05:37 AM

But survivor USA has been confirmed months ago. Anyway i hope this is a new series.

InfinitiFX45

February 15th, 2012, 07:44 AM

Spanish dairy group investing $30M in PH :banana: :cheers:

by Czeriza Valencia | The Philippine Star | Wednesday | 02/15/2012 | 1:06 PM

MANILA, Philippines -Spanish yogurt maker Leche Pascual is seriously studying the construction of a $30-million manufacturing facility in one of the country’s special economic zones in the first quarter of 2014, Trade Undersecretary for investment promotion Cristino Panlilio said yesterday.

Panlilio met yesterday with the executives of the dairy firm, including its president Tomas Pascual Gomez-Cuetara and director Michael de Jose Belzunce.

For now, Leche Pascual has partnered with Asia Brewery for the distribution this year of non-refrigerated canned yogurt in supermarkets. Panlilio said the products would be competitively-priced between P20 to P25.

Read More: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/14/12/spanish-dairy-group-investing-30m-ph

manila2020

February 16th, 2012, 03:24 AM

Good morning!! Tagal ng Friday!

OFWs remitted P864B, up by 7.2% in 2011
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/23347-ofws-remitted-p864b-up-by-72-in-2011-

4 new utility helicopters now in PHL
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/nation/23327-4-new-utility-helicopters-now-in-phl

Globe launches $700-M program
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/23339-globe-launches-700-m-program

Flexi-working practices increase PHL companies’ productivity and revenues, Regus study shows
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/23319-flexi-working-practices-increase-phl-companies-productivity-and-revenues-regus-study-shows

Ayala Land allocates P37 billion for 2012 capital spending program
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/companies/23314-ayala-land-allocates-p37-billion-for-2012-capital-spending-program

Country incurred lesser foreign loans in ’11: Bangko Sentral
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Country-incurred-lesser-foreign-loans-in-%E2%80%9911:-Bangko-Sentral&id=46813

Envoy: EU crisis won’t affect PHL
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/23300-envoy-eu-crisis-wont-affect-phl

Customs scanners more powerful than those used in US
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/23342-customs-scanners-more-powerful-than-those-used-in-us

Sin-tax reform will help boost national economy–Palace
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/23343-sin-tax-reform-will-help-boost-national-economypalace

Film industry gets needed boost from indie productions: NSCB
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Film-industry-gets-needed-boost-from-indie-productions:-NSCB&id=46750

Ortigas to spend P3B for new condo
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&title=Ortigas-to-spend-P3B-for-new-condo&id=46819

Eton Properties to turn over 2,000 housing units this year
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&title=Eton-Properties-to-turn-over-2,000-housing-units-this-year&id=46761

Kalibo Airport Gets P150-M Facelift
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351469/kalibo-airport-gets-p150m-facelift

Filipina named head of UN statistical agency
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=777816&publicationSubCategoryId=200

International cruise ship to dock in Subic
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=777798

PLDT, Smart on final stretch of P67.1-billion network upgrade
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=777972

Economy seen growing by 10 percent in ten years (Masyado bold ang forecast! Pero post ko na rin.)
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business/top-business-news/17252-economy-seen-growing-by-10-percent-in-ten-years

Road Board targets more ‘green’ streetlamps, footbridges in 2012
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business/top-business-news/17167-road-board-targets-more-green-streetlamps-footbridges-in-2012

Philippines can be global leader in healthcare BPO
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business/top-business-news/17264-philippines-can-be-global-leader-in-healthcare-bpo

Bourne to have fun
http://business.inquirer.net/44591/bourne-to-have-fun

UP develops new test kit that diagnoses dengue faster, cheaper
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/146427/up-develops-new-test-kit-that-diagnoses-dengue-faster-cheaper

Finance chief sees further peso gains vs US dollar
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/15/12/finance-chief-sees-further-peso-gains-vs-us-dollar

d7beast

February 16th, 2012, 02:38 PM

With only one place of Mindanao having a size of one of the banana plantations of Dole, a copper and gold deposits worth roughly 150Billion US$ (my estimate based on today's market price), ito dapat and unahin ng gobyerno na maayus agad, kaso karamihang Filipino ay ignorante sa importancya ng Mindanao sa buong bansa,..

Tampakan mining could steer Philippine economy
By Jun Pasaylo Home Updated February 16, 2012 11:47 AM 1 comment to this post
MANILA, Philippines -- The Sagittarius Mining Inc. believed that its copper-gold project in Tampakan in South Cotabato would be a possible game changer in the country's dwindling economy.

In a meeting hosted by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines today, SMI noted that the Tampakan project could contribute an average of one percent in the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually within its 20-year mine life.

With its 15 million tonnes of copper and 17.9 million ounces of gold deposits, the mining undertaking is considered as one of the largest in the world.

At the event at Marriot Hotel at Resort World Manila, SMI said the project could be an economic driver in the Philippines that could entice more foreign investors in the country.

It also assured to operate to the highest international standard of responsible mining

The SMI noted that the pending USD5.9 billion investment could be a key indicated for potential international investor to come in.

If the project is approved, the mine is likely be the largest in the country, and probably one of the largest in the world. the mine site covers approximately 10,000 hectares in the boundaries of Tampakan and Kiblawan in South Cotabato.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=778173

InfinitiFX45

February 16th, 2012, 11:18 PM

OFW remittances up 7.2% to new record $20.12B in 2011 :banana: :cheers:

by VS | GMA News | Wednesday | February 15, 2012 | 3:56pm

Remittances by overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) reached a new record $20.117 billion last year, up $1.254 billion from $18.763 billion in 2010, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas officer-in-charge Juan de Zuñiga noted in a statement Wednesday.

Money transfers from Filipinos abroad accounted for about 9 percent of gross domestic product, and were a significant contributor to economic growth by stimulating domestic consumption, De Zuñiga said.

Sea-based workers transferred 14 percent more money to the Philippines, and land-based sent 5 percent more to their relatives in the country, according to central bank records.

Still, land-based workers accounted for 78.4 percent of the total remittances.

“Remittances remained resilient throughout the year amid the political turmoil in some parts of the MENA states, the slowdown in global economic growth and intensified financial strains brought about by the Euro area sovereign debt crisis,” De Zuñiga said.

Read More: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/248122/economy/moneyandbanking/ofw-remittances-up-7-2-to-new-record-20-12b-in-2011?ref=subsection_item

InfinitiFX45

February 16th, 2012, 11:36 PM

2011 OFW remittances exceed govt projection :banana: :cheers:

by Lailany P. Gomez | Manila Times | Thursday | February 16, 2012

Remittances from overseas Filipinos for full year 2011 surpassed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) growth projection for the period.

BSP Deputy Governor Juan de Zuniga Jr., BSP officer-in-charge, said that money sent home by Filipinos working abroad grew by 7.2 percent to $20.1 billion in 2011 compared to $18.763 billion for the whole of 2010. The central bank projected a 7-percent expansion in remittances in 2011.

The BSP attributed the growth in remittances to the higher fund transfers from both sea- and land-based workers, which rose by 14 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively.

The remittances of land-based workers accounted for about three-fourths or 78.4 percent of total remittances.

In December alone, remittances inched up by 6.2 percent to $1.8 billion, registering the highest monthly level.

“Cash transfers from overseas Filipinos which were estimated to be around 9 percent of the gross domestic product [GDP] continued to be a major contributor in stimulating domestic demand,” de Zuniga said.

Read More: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business/top-business-news/17251-2011-ofw-remittances-exceed-govt-projection

InfinitiFX45

February 17th, 2012, 12:09 AM

Economy seen growing by 10 percent in ten years :)

by Mayvelin U. Caraballo | Manila times | Thursday | February 16, 2012

The Philippine economy can possibly grow by 7 percent to 10 percent in the next 10 years, a leading economist said in a forum on Wednesday.

In his speech during the Asia CEO Forum held at the The Peninisula Manila Hotel in Makati City, Dr. Bernardo Villegas said that the Philippine economy is reaching its tipping point because of over 25 years of slow and painful reforms.

According to Villegas, economic reforms were started during the administration of the late President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, the mother of incumbent President Benigno Aquino 3rd.

He said that it was during the time of Mrs. Aquino that various reforms in the Philippine banking system were initiated.

In addressing the problems on energy, he added that former President Fidel Ramos started the privatization of the energy sector.

“[Now] there is so much interest in the energy sector in the Philippines,” Villegas said.

Read More: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business/top-business-news/17252-economy-seen-growing-by-10-percent-in-ten-years

InfinitiFX45

February 17th, 2012, 12:41 AM

US think-tank sees Phl inflation easing :)

by Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star | Friday | February 17, 2012 | 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - New York-based think tank Global Source Partners sees Philippine inflation easing further this year and next year, giving monetary authorities enough space to cut interest rates to boost the economy.

In a report, former Finance undersecretary Romeo Bernardo and economist Margarita Gonzales said inflation would ease to 3.6 percent this year before climbing to about 4.5 percent next year.

“Inflation numbers will likely remain within target going forward, averaging about 3.6 percent in 2012 and 4.5 percent in 2013 in our estimate,” Bernardo and Gonzales said.

Read More: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=778241

ipur

February 17th, 2012, 04:21 AM

Five Minutes To Win The World
By RONALD S. LIM
February 17, 2012, 4:05am

http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/Untitled-1_1095.jpg
WUNDERKID — Lance Katigbak enters the filmmaking scene with a splash after winning the People's Choice award at the Manhattan International Film Festival.

MANILA, Philippines — There's only so much you can do with or within five minutes.

You can go for a walk. Have a cup of coffee. Maybe even go for a round of “Temple Run”.

But Lance Katigbak has done so much more with his five minutes than most of us ever will.

The 18-year-old Broadcast Communications student from the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD) recently won the Audience Choice Award at the Manhattan International Film Festival on the strength of his five-minute short film, “Fine Dining”.

“Fine Dining” bested 14 other entries from around the world, including short films from the United Kingdom, India, Belgium, and the United States.

And to think that “Fine Dining” is only his first film!

“I made a couple of informal short films before, but this is my first serious one. It was my final project for a summer course I took,” Lance shares in an email interview with the Students and Campuses Bulletin shortly after his win.

THE SUMMER THAT CHANGED HIS LIFE

That summer course that he took certainly changed the course of his life.

While already interested in film at an early age, Lance says it was participating in a summer filmmaking workshop conducted by Assumption College professor Jill Ramos that convinced him that this was something he wanted to do.

“I always enjoyed the video projects we were asked to make in high school, but it was really a summer digital film making workshop I took that really got me into it. I just enjoyed it so much that I wanted to continue doing it,” he shares.

It was over the course of this workshop that the seeds for “Fine Dining” would first be planted. Participants were required to come up with a film as part of the workshop’s activities, and it was during a dinner at a restaurant that Katigbak would think of what to submit.

“We were eating at a fancy restaurant and I was looking at the table setting. An idea came upon me – what if I recreated the setting using everyday, household items that you’d see in a poor man’s house? I brought it up with my mom and we were able to develop a story line eventually,” Lance recalls.

That storyline would be of a man preparing a full course meal for a special guest using inexpensive and practical household items. It would take a whole day to shoot the film, and would have remained just a workshop requirement if it were not for a friend who suggested he enter the film in the Manhattan International Film Festival.

“A friend of mine with the World Youth Alliance, the organization hosting the festival, told me about it, and when I looked it up, it felt like it was calling out to me because the festival’s theme was human dignity which was exactly what ‘Fine Dining’ was about,” Lance says.

more... (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351650/five-minutes-to-win-the-world)

leofriends

February 17th, 2012, 04:26 AM

whoey.. sarap naman tumambay dito.. sana ito na lng tread sa SSC.. :lol:

ipur

February 17th, 2012, 04:42 AM

Puerto Princesa holds tourism summit
Thursday, 16 February 2012 20:26
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AFTER topping the New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN) contest, the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) has become the hottest tourism draw in the country.

By being the second to be officially recognized as among the N7WN, PPUR cemented its status as one the best in the competition that pitted natural wonders all over the globe.

Since PPUR secured its position in the N7WN contest, the number of visitors shot up from 170,000 annually to more than 500,000.

Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn said the number of visitors may reach a million, that’s why this early, the entire city is preparing contingent plans to cope with the influx of incoming visitors.

“Puerto Princesa City has become a booming tourist destination, we are now faced with a greater challenge to elevate the level of standards, improve our front line services, strengthen public and private partnerships and provide a code of ethics for the entire tourism industry,” Hagedorn said.

“Hence, the first Tourism Summit 2012 envisions to achieve our goal to be a model city, not only in conservation and preservation of the environment but as a haven for tourism investments,” Hagedorn added.

The main purpose of the summit is to enable the key players of the tourism industry of Puerto Princesa to meet the challenges of the country’s growing tourist destinations.

“As envisioned by our leaders, we shall experience the Golden Era of Tourism. The challenge we face now would require dedication and commitment to synergize public and private partnerships, strengthen and elevate professionalism to a new high and adopt a code of ethics for the tourism industry,” said Becky Labit, Puerto Princesa assistant city administrator and tourism officer.

The city invited Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia as guest speaker, to share Cebu’s tourism experience and success. In her speech, “Tourism—the Cebu experience” delivered on February 11, Garcia underscored the importance of cultural heritage, preservation and sustainability of the environment, in-depth research on historical sites, and improved tourism standard as the hottest draw for tourists in Cebu.

The governor also noted the significance of the “right packaging and marketing strategy” as the main secret of Cebu’s tourism success.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/nation/23377-puerto-princesa-holds-tourism-summit-

leofriends

February 17th, 2012, 04:43 AM

Philweb net income up 45% last year

http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/02/philweb-net-income-up-45-last-year/

Mandaue City eyes P8B coastal development for Global City

http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/02/mandaue-city-eyes-p8b-coastal-development-for-global-city/

ipur

February 17th, 2012, 04:44 AM

Subic’s 2011 tax collection hit record P7.16B
Thursday, 16 February 2012 20:05 Henry Empeño / Correspondent
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SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said on Thursday that cash collections from customs duties and income taxes generated in this free port last year together produced a total of P7.16 billion, an all-time record for the Subic Bay Freeport since its establishment in 1992.

According to SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, the 2011 cash collection figure represented an increase of 7.2 percent, or P480.16 million, over the P6.68 billion combined collections gathered by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here in 2010.

The rising collection trend, said Garcia, indicated “continuing growth and sustainability” in terms of the revenue generation performance of the Subic Bay Freeport, which is touted to be one of the major economic growth engines in Luzon.

“There’s a slight, but nevertheless, constant growth in the past few years, and we’re happy with that,” Garcia said.

He said in the last four years, taxes and customs duties collected in Subic continued their uptrend, rising from a total of P5.28 billion in 2008 to P5.6 billion in 2009, P6.68 billion in 2010, and finally P7.16 billion last year.

“We’re aiming for even better figures this year,” Garcia said.

According to figures released by the SBMA, remittances by the Subic BOC reached a total P6.05 billion last year, representing an increase of 21.7 percent, or P1.08 billion, over the bureau’s P4.97-billion cash collection in 2010. This is despite the fact that the BOC office here missed its P7.44-billion collection target by 18.66 percent.

Most of the customs collections here come from fees charged on ship calls, transshipment operations, and the importation of various products, including oil, motor vehicles and other general merchandise.

BOC data also showed that as early as October 2011, the bureau had already surpassed the 2010 year-end record of P4.97 billion when its collections reached P5.05 billion.

The bureau further cemented its excellent performance by posting collections that exceeded P600 million for five months.

This started in April when it collected P623.02 million, then in June with P661.48 million, September with P687.91 million, October with P603.14 million, and December with P618.59 million.

Aside from cash collections, the Subic BOC also reported noncash collections of P669.57 million that were generated from government-to-government transactions.

The BIR district in Subic said that its cash collections in 2011 amounted to P1.11 billion. This meant a 35.13-percent decrease from its 2010 collection record of P1.71 billion.

Despite this decrease, the Subic revenue district said it recorded a P392.29-million increase, or 54.9 percent, over its 2011 goal of P714.6-million.

For its part, the BIR posted cash collections exceeding P100 million in three months last year.

This was in April with its P169.96 million collection, August with P113.7 million, and November with P102.22 million.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/23370-subics-2011-tax-collection-hit-record-p716b-

InfinitiFX45

February 17th, 2012, 06:48 AM

The Best Countries for Long-Term Growth :banana: :cheers:

Economic Growth Through 2050

By Ansuya Harjani | CNBC | Wednesday | 15 Feb 2012

Worries over the European debt crisis, a slow recovery in the U.S. and fears over a "hard landing" for China’s economy have left global investors searching for new markets for their money. For long-term investors that means identifying economies that have strong growth prospects driven by advantages such as demographics, natural resources or geography.

The following is a list of the 10 countries with the best prospects for long-term growth. It's based on a report from HSBC titled "The World in 2050," which forecasts what the economic landscape will look like over the next 40 years. Some of the economies are already known as economic powerhouses, while others may come as a surprise.

The ranking includes some of the world's fastest-growing economies as well as those that will have the largest gross domestic product in absolute size by 2050. Excluded are economies that are projected to be less than $400 billion in GDP by 2050. The 2010 and projected 2050 GDP numbers are from the HSBC report and are based on constant U.S. dollar exchange rate in 2000. We calculated the annual average growth rates over the 40-year period based on figures in the report.

Click ahead to find out which countries offer investors the best growth prospects in the next few decades.

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/CNBC/Sections/News_And_Analysis/_News/_SLIDESHOWS/_ASIA_SLIDESHOWS/FastestGrowingEconomies_2012/Philippines.jpg

1. Philippines
Projected annual growth: 7%
2010: $112 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $1.688 trillion

The Philippines has one of the fastest-growing populations in Asia. The population is set to jump by almost 70 percent over the next 40 years, and HSBC believes the combination of its powerful demographics and strong fundamentals will drive the economy to become the world’s 16th largest by 2050. That would mark a jump of 27 places from its current ranking of 43.

The country is one of the world’s largest exporters of labor, with over 9 million Filipinos working abroad, according to the latest data from the Commission of Filipinos Overseas. In 2010, almost $19 billion was sent back to the Philippines as remittances from Filipinos working abroad.

More recently, the country’s fast-developing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry has helped keep some of the workforce from leaving the country. Already 350,000 Filipinos are estimated to work in call centers, compared with 330,000 Indians, according to the Contact Center Association of the Philippines. The industry is projected to provide more than 1 million jobs within two years.

The economy’s focus on the services sector and domestic consumption, as well as a lower exposure to global financial markets, helped it to escape a recession following the 2008 global financial crisis.

* Based on 2000 U.S. dollars

2. Ukraine
Projected annual growth: 6%
2010 GDP: $45 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $462 billion

3. Peru
Projected annual growth: 5.5%
2010 GDP: $85 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $735 billion

4. India
Projected annual growth: 5.5%
2010 GDP: $960 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $8.165 trillion

5. Bangladesh
Projected annual growth: 5.5%
2010 GDP: $78 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $673 billion

6. Malaysia
Projected annual growth: 5.3 percent
2010 GDP: $146 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $1.16 trillion

7. Vietnam
Projected annual growth: 5.2%
2010 GDP: $59 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $451 billion

8. Egypt
Projected annual growth: 5.1%
2010 GDP: $160 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $1.165 trillion

9. China
Projected annual growth: 5.1%
2010 GDP: $3.511 trillion*
2050 projected GDP: $25.334 trillion

10. Algeria
Projected annual growth: 5%
2010 GDP: $76 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $538 billion

Source: http://www.cnbc.com/id/46322877?slide=11

ipur

February 17th, 2012, 07:56 AM

The Best Countries for Long-Term Growth :banana: :cheers:

Economic Growth Through 2050

By Ansuya Harjani | CNBC | Wednesday | 15 Feb 2012

Worries over the European debt crisis, a slow recovery in the U.S. and fears over a "hard landing" for China’s economy have left global investors searching for new markets for their money. For long-term investors that means identifying economies that have strong growth prospects driven by advantages such as demographics, natural resources or geography.

The following is a list of the 10 countries with the best prospects for long-term growth. It's based on a report from HSBC titled "The World in 2050," which forecasts what the economic landscape will look like over the next 40 years. Some of the economies are already known as economic powerhouses, while others may come as a surprise.

The ranking includes some of the world's fastest-growing economies as well as those that will have the largest gross domestic product in absolute size by 2050. Excluded are economies that are projected to be less than $400 billion in GDP by 2050. The 2010 and projected 2050 GDP numbers are from the HSBC report and are based on constant U.S. dollar exchange rate in 2000. We calculated the annual average growth rates over the 40-year period based on figures in the report.

Click ahead to find out which countries offer investors the best growth prospects in the next few decades.

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/CNBC/Sections/News_And_Analysis/_News/_SLIDESHOWS/_ASIA_SLIDESHOWS/FastestGrowingEconomies_2012/Philippines.jpg

1. Philippines
Projected annual growth: 7%
2010: $112 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $1.688 trillion

The Philippines has one of the fastest-growing populations in Asia. The population is set to jump by almost 70 percent over the next 40 years, and HSBC believes the combination of its powerful demographics and strong fundamentals will drive the economy to become the world’s 16th largest by 2050. That would mark a jump of 27 places from its current ranking of 43.

The country is one of the world’s largest exporters of labor, with over 9 million Filipinos working abroad, according to the latest data from the Commission of Filipinos Overseas. In 2010, almost $19 billion was sent back to the Philippines as remittances from Filipinos working abroad.

More recently, the country’s fast-developing business process outsourcing (BPO) industry has helped keep some of the workforce from leaving the country. Already 350,000 Filipinos are estimated to work in call centers, compared with 330,000 Indians, according to the Contact Center Association of the Philippines. The industry is projected to provide more than 1 million jobs within two years.

The economy’s focus on the services sector and domestic consumption, as well as a lower exposure to global financial markets, helped it to escape a recession following the 2008 global financial crisis.

* Based on 2000 U.S. dollars

2. Ukraine
Projected annual growth: 6%
2010 GDP: $45 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $462 billion

3. Peru
Projected annual growth: 5.5%
2010 GDP: $85 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $735 billion

4. India
Projected annual growth: 5.5%
2010 GDP: $960 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $8.165 trillion

5. Bangladesh
Projected annual growth: 5.5%
2010 GDP: $78 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $673 billion

6. Malaysia
Projected annual growth: 5.3 percent
2010 GDP: $146 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $1.16 trillion

7. Vietnam
Projected annual growth: 5.2%
2010 GDP: $59 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $451 billion

8. Egypt
Projected annual growth: 5.1%
2010 GDP: $160 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $1.165 trillion

9. China
Projected annual growth: 5.1%
2010 GDP: $3.511 trillion*
2050 projected GDP: $25.334 trillion

10. Algeria
Projected annual growth: 5%
2010 GDP: $76 billion*
2050 projected GDP: $538 billion

Source: http://www.cnbc.com/id/46322877?slide=11

WOW... This is really a BIG GOOD NEWS!!!:banana::banana::banana:

KnightOfTheFlag

February 17th, 2012, 05:40 PM

BATANES IS OUR BANNER TODAY!!.......ANG GANDA!!....GO GO GO!! VOTE VOTE VOTE!!...CONGRATS BATANES!! MABUHAY!!:applause::applause::applause::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse::horse:

d7beast

February 17th, 2012, 06:01 PM

aba nagbunga din pala yung pag pupursige ni Abad ano??? tama ba??? anyway, let's talk about our nice places minus the bad leaders,..

hakz2007

February 18th, 2012, 06:07 AM

^^Just click the Batanes banner and vote :okay:

xxxriainxxx

February 18th, 2012, 07:40 AM

aba nagbunga din pala yung pag pupursige ni Abad ano??? tama ba??? anyway, let's talk about our nice places minus the bad leaders,..

Batanes is Batanes regardless of the politicians. ;)

d7beast

February 18th, 2012, 01:08 PM

Kahit na gas lang okay na,..our country is so blessed, if not oil and gas deposits, it's copper and gold, or abundance in RE sources our country really need to invest in how to retrieve commercially these resources instead of letting foreigners recover it for us on a very lop-sided sharing scheme,..

Preparatory works start for Cagayan Valley oil prospect
By Neil Jerome C. Morales (The Philippine Star) Updated February 18, 2012 12:00 AM Comments (0)

MANILA, Philippines - Preparatory works for a $5-million oil exploration project in Cagayan Valley is already under way, an official of the Department of Energy (DOE) said.

Stakeholders of Service Contract (SC) 52 are already conducting a flow test as part of the drilling works at the Nassiping-2 well, DOE Assistant Secretary Ramon Allan V. Oca said.

“They have reached the target depth and they are expected to start the flow test,” he said.

The exploratory drilling began on Feb. 8 and reached a depth target of 3,014.4 meters on Feb. 11.

The SC 52 consortium is composed of Australia’s Frontier Gasfields Pty. Ltd. which has a 30 percent stake, Frontier Oil Corp. (50 percent) and E.F. Durkee & Associates (20 percent).

The group expects a well flow test for the Nassiping-2 this weekend. The test will aid the firms in determining the well design and equipment needed to develop the oil and gas reserves in the area.

SC 52 covers 96,000 hectares in Piat-San Jose in northern Cagayan Valley. The Nassiping-2 is an existing well containing a previously discovered but untested gas discovery. It was drilled in 1984 and penetrated a substantial, gas-bearing limestone section but was not flow-tested.

“The well test duration will be dependent upon results,” Frontier Gasfields said.

Frontier Gasfields and locally listed Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. earlier signed a farm-in option agreement for SC 52 wherein Trans-Asia has the option to acquire 10 percent of the block upon payment of an agreed amount.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx...bCategoryId=66

KnightOfTheFlag

February 18th, 2012, 03:15 PM

manila2020

February 18th, 2012, 10:18 PM

Good morning Pilipinas!!

Start your Sunday with good news! At the end of each week, we are still thankful for all the blessings in our nation! Have a great day everyone!

Ayala Land to spend P10B for land acquisitions
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/17/12/ayala-land-spend-p10b-land-acquisitions

Local stocks rally to new all-time high
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/17/12/local-stocks-rally-new-all-time-high

Removal from piracy watchlist sought
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=Removal-from-piracy-watchlist-sought&id=46976

Shares hit fresh high, peso gains on US data and Greece bailout hopes
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=Shares-hit-fresh-high,-peso-gains-on-US-data-and-Greece-bailout-hopes&id=46977

Peso leads Asian currencies advance
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/banking-a-finance/23303-peso-leads-asian-currencies-advance

US think-tank sees PH inflation easing
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/17/12/us-think-tank-sees-ph-inflation-easing

January 'hot money' at $586M
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/16/12/january-hot-money-586m

January investment pledges up 14.6%: BoI
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=January-investment-pledges-up-14.6%:-BoI&id=46967

Infrastructure, e-tricycle projects up for NEDA Board okay
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Infrastructure,-e-tricycle-projects-up-for-NEDA-Board-okay&id=46909

Priority tourism ventures listed for C. Visayas
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Priority-tourism-ventures-listed-for-C.-Visayas&id=46908

System to craft local hotel occupancy data
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=System-to-craft-local-hotel-occupancy-data&id=46907

Customs officer dismissed for dishonesty
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Customs-officer-dismissed-for-dishonesty&id=46959

Improvement of monitoring, warning systems among Phivolcs priories in 2012
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Improvement-of-monitoring,-warning-systems-among-Phivolcs-priories-in-2012&id=46960

Stocks hit all-time high again
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=StockMarket&title=Stocks-hit-all-time-high-again&id=46973

Chevrolet opens biggest PH dealership in Cebu
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/17/12/chevrolet-opens-biggest-ph-dealership-cebu

AFP modernization done in two years
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=778928&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Phl plans to open 2 consulates in Mexico
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=778949&publicationSubCategoryId=63

New 'sin tax' law to lift Phl credit rating - Barclays
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=778871

Gold Fields set to buy 60% stake in Lepanto proj
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=778872

DBS sees export rebound for Phl
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=778874

DOF scores victory vs erring BIR, BOC officials
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=778878

Filinvest giving malls P7-B facelift
http://business.inquirer.net/45239/filinvest-giving-malls-p7-b-facelift

Sun Life reports strong growth of business in Philippines
http://business.inquirer.net/45015/sun-life-reports-strong-growth-of-business-in-philippines

Travel firms call for reforms
http://business.inquirer.net/45235/travel-firms-call-for-reforms

70% off on PAL tickets at Travel Expo
http://business.inquirer.net/44814/70-off-on-pal-tickets-at-travel-expo

Gov't speeds up review of mining policy
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=778242&publicationSubCategoryId=66

Preparatory works start for Cagayan Valley oil prospect
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=778566&publicationSubCategoryId=66

Brillante Mendoza’s ‘Captive’, other contenders at Berlin film festival
http://entertainment.inquirer.net/30757/brillante-mendoza%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98captive%E2%80%99-other-contenders-at-berlin-film-festival

Trans-Asia profit surges to P408M
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=778569&publicationSubCategoryId=66

EU Firms Eyeing Technology Transfer
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351826/eu-firms-eyeing-technology-transfer

Airphil Express Expands Clark Hub
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351758/airphil-express-expands-clark-hub

Cebu Pacific Halves International Fares
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351667/cebu-pacific-halves-international-fares

Aiming For Number One Globally
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351567/aiming-for-number-one-globally

P20M up for Batad rice terraces rehab
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/17463-p20m-up-for-batad-rice-terraces-rehab

Japan grant helps PH digital mapping
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/technology/17010-japan-grant-helps-ph-digital-mapping

Philippines, Mexico Sign Bilateral Accords
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351793/philippines-mexico-sign-bilateral-accords

'Maharlika Filipino Moderno' named best new restaurant in US
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/248570/pinoyabroad/maharlika-filipino-moderno-named-best-new-restaurant-in-us

Secretary Paderanga to Japanese investors: Time to invest in PPP projects
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/248436/economy/business/secretary-paderanga-to-japanese-investors-time-to-invest-in-ppp-projects

PHL for first time to try to close illegal mines
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/248459/economy/agricultureandmining/phl-for-first-time-to-try-to-close-illegal-mines

Indie films save PHL movie industry from piracy, decline
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/248563/economy/business/indie-films-save-phl-movie-industry-from-piracy-decline

Philippine mall chain cashes in on China expansion
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/248453/economy/business/philippine-mall-chain-cashes-in-on-china-expansion

Emerging-Market Stocks Rise to 6-Month High on Signs U.S. Economy Growing
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-17/emerging-market-stocks-rise-to-one-week-high-on-u-s-data-greece-optimism.html

Philippine Peso Strengthens After Inflow Report; Bonds Advance
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-17/philippine-peso-strengthens-after-inflow-report-bonds-advance.html

Art In The Park: The promise of an art community
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/248090/lifestyle/culture/art-in-the-park-the-promise-of-an-art-community

Lion Air reopens Manila-Vigan flights
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/24850/lion-air-reopens-manila-vigan-flights

PH fortifies position in booming MRO market
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/24792/ph-fortifies-position-in-booming-mro-market

leofriends

February 19th, 2012, 12:30 AM

^^ nice!! thanks!!!

d7beast

February 19th, 2012, 02:59 AM

Dapat bantayan to from all kinds of insurgents whoever they are!!

,..At sa lahat ng mga bandido sa gobyerno!!!

xyriellewest

February 20th, 2012, 04:06 AM

Projected 8 billion mobile devices by 2016 to exceed world population

MANILA, Philippines - In 2016 there will be more mobile devices in use than the actual number of people on earth.

This is according to the Cisco Visual Networking Index (VNI) Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast for 2011 to 2016 which sees over eight billion mobile Internet-connected devices and additional two billion “machine-to-machine” (M2M) connections becoming available when the world’s population reaches 7.3 billion based on United Nations projection.

An offshoot of this would be a sharp surge in worldwide mobile data traffic reaching 10.8 exabytes per month – or an annual run rate of 130 exabytes – and eclipsing global fixed data traffic by three times, according to the study.

An exabyte is a unit of information or computer storage equal to one quintillionbyte. In a more quantifiable term, Cisco offered 130 exabytes to be the equivalent of 33 billion DVDs, 4.3 quadrillion MP3 files (music/audio) and 813 quadrillion short message service (SMS) text messages.

The mobile data traffic increase during the forecast period represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 78 percent and the incremental amount of traffic being added to the mobile Internet between 2015 and 2016 alone is approximately three times the estimated size of the entire mobile Internet in 2012, the study showed.

Demand for mobile cloud services will also grow by 28-fold during the forecast period as more consumers require on-demand or streamed content versus downloaded content.

Continue reading here... (http://ph.news.yahoo.com/projected-8-billion-mobile-devices-2016-exceed-world-160835585.html;_ylt=AnwG.5nCjhfiNIJd8rk96PfmV8d_;_ylu=X3oDMTQwNnJqdTJiBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBQaGlsaXBwaW5lc1NGBHBrZwNmN2UwYmM5NS1jOGM1LTM4MmItOTM2NS03YmIzZmVmZTI2OTIEcG9zAzEEc2VjA3RvcF9zdG9yeQR2ZXIDZmExMGQ5NjAtNWIxMy0xMWUxLWJlZmYtMGY1ZDFlNDJkNzM4;_ylg=X3oDMTF2M3NpaDUyBGludGwDcGgEbGFuZwNlbi1waARwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANwaGlsaXBwaW5lcwRwdANzZWN0aW9ucwR0ZXN0Aw--;_ylv=3)

manila2020

February 20th, 2012, 09:01 AM

Enjoy Monday's QUICK READS everyone!

Think tank backs BSP policy changes
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=Think-tank-backs-BSP-policy-changes&id=47024
RESERVE REQUIREMENT (RR) changes implemented by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) are a “step in the right direction,” a think tank said, countering a debt watcher’s claim that it would weaken the credit standing of local banks.

‘Green’ ranking notes gains by the Philippines
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=%E2%80%98Green%E2%80%99-ranking-notes-gains-by-the-Philippines&id=47022
THE PHILIPPINES has been rated a “strong performer” in terms of environmental performance, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said, placing 42nd in a biennial ranking of 132 countries.

Bulk of road maintenance fund released
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Bulk-of-road-maintenance-fund-released&id=47018
BULK OF this year’s budget for road maintenance has been released to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Budget department said at the weekend.

Stocks breach 4,900-mark
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=StockMarket&title=Stocks-breach-4,900-mark&id=47029
STOCKS ROSE after morning trading on Monday, breaching the 4,900 resistance and hitting a new all-time high.

Peso strengthens further
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Finance&title=Peso-strengthens-further&id=47027
The peso began the week on even stronger footing.

Puregold eyes S&R retail chain
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&title=Puregold-eyes-S&R-retail-chain&id=47028
SUPERMARKET OPERATOR Puregold Price Club, Inc. is considering a merger with retail chain S&R Membership Shopping, a disclosure to the local bourse on Monday showed.

Pepsi Phils. starts P500-M CDO facility expansion
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/companies/23441-pepsi-phils-starts-p500-m-cdo-facility-expansion
PEPSI-COLA Products Philippines Inc, (PPCPI) has implemented a P500-million expansion project for its bottling plant in Cagayan de Oro (CDO) to firm up and significantly boost its market share in the southern Philippines.

PAL plans to start flights to Bali in March
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/companies/23443-pal-plans-to-start-flights-to-bali-in-march
FLAG carrier Airlines (PAL) expects to start servicing direct flights to Bali, Indonesia, its first new destination for the year.

Clark International Airport gets P1-billion Landbank loan for upgrade
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=779250
With the name of former President Diosdado Macapagal now relegated only to the passenger terminal, the rechristened Clark International Airport (CIA) here will get a P1 billion loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) for upgrading works.

Bacavalley lines up $430-million renewable energy projects
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=779246
Bacavalley Energy Inc., a local firm that wants to be the largest renewable energy company in the country, will engage in several projects worth more than $430 million starting this year.

Stocks seen to keep rising
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=779240
Local stocks are expected to sustain their upward momentum this week amid rising confidence that Greece’s complex bailout plan could be decided soon.

Export figures seen to improve this year
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=779238
The country’s export performance is likely to improve this year despite weak global demand as the industry seeks alternative markets for Philippine-made products, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. said over the weekend.

DOF's RIPS sues Porsche-driving BOC 'messenger'
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=779461
The Department of Finance (DOF) has filed charges against customs clerk Paulino Elevado, who was accused of shooting at and attacking two teenagers after a traffic altercation along the South Luzon Expressway last month.

LGUs told to install rainwater collectors
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=779459
Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo called on all chief executives, especially those in low-lying areas, to construct rainwater collectors in their respective development action plans.

Enactment of revenue bills pressed
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Enactment-of-revenue-bills-pressed&id=47019
THE DEPARTMENT of Finance has reiterated its plans for two priority revenue measures this year.

All Eyes On The ASEAN
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351943/all-eyes-on-the-asean
While Filipinos generally cluck their tongues and shake their heads about the economy, employment, and growth prospects in general, foreign investors continue to set their sights on our country.

Aquino Gov't Sets P5-Trillion Investments Target In 6 Years
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351925/aquino-govt-sets-p5trillion-investments-target-in-6-years
The Aquino administration has set P5.15 trillion investments target within its six-year (2011-2016) term with the government’s 13 investment promotion agencies (IPAs) enhancing their marketing programs to attract more foreign capital into the country.

North Harbor Gets P570-M Facelift
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351927/north-harbor-gets-p570m-facelift
Manila North Harbor Port Inc. (MNHPI), a joint venture of businessman Reghis Romero II’s Harbour Centre Port Terminal Inc. and Petron Corp., is investing P570 million for the modernization of north harbor, the first concession agreement for domestic trade entered into by the Philippine Port Authority (PPA).

Scottish Firm To Launch 2nd-Generation Tidal Power Technology Here
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351938/scottish-firm-to-launch-2ndgeneration-tidal-power-technology-here
Scotland-based firm Nautricity will be introducing in the Philippines its second generation technology which will harness tidal resource for the generation of electricity.

Reorganization Of BoI, PEZA Pushed
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351924/reorganization-of-boi-peza-pushed
The Department of Finance (DoF) said yesterday that it wants to rationalize the government’s two incentive granting bodies to eradicate their “built in conflict.”

NEDA Sees Robust Manufacturing Growth
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351926/neda-sees-robust-manufacturing-growth
Socio-economic Planning Sec. Cayetano W. Paderama Jr. is expecting a significant growth for the manufacturing, food and electronic sectors in the second half of 2012 as election spending starts providing an impetus up to the 2013 elections.

Japan happy with JPEPA implementation, says envoy
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/26335/japan-happy-with-jpepa-implementation-says-envoy
Japan is very pleased with the economic fruits of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), which has made “significant strides” since it came into force in 2008, according to the Japanese Embassy in Pasay City.

Naia hikes income, begins rehab
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/26269/naia-hikes-income-begins-rehab
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) has yet to be dropped from the list of the world’s worst airports.
But that has not stopped officials of the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa), the Department of Transportation and Communications-attached agency that operates Naia’s four terminals, from grinning ear to ear these days.

Seafoods firm considering 2 more offshore acquisitions
http://business.inquirer.net/45401/seafoods-firm-considering-2-more-offshore-acquisitions
Fish processing firm Alliance Select Foods International is studying two new potential offshore acquisitions, one in North America and another in South Pacific, in line with its bid to become a key regional seafoods producer.

DFA brings mobile e-passport processing to Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Catanduanes
http://technology.inquirer.net/8463/dfa-brings-mobile-e-passport-processing-to-ifugao-ilocos-norte-catanduanes/
After Batanes, the country’s northernmost province, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has dispatched its mobile e-passport processing, or consular outreach teams to Ifugao in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Norte and Catanduanes in the Bicol region.

watcher09

February 20th, 2012, 11:42 AM

Thanks. I enjoyed reading. :)

leofriends

February 20th, 2012, 01:06 PM

^^ thanks.. i apreciate your posts... keep it up...

manila2020

February 20th, 2012, 01:32 PM

Thanks. I enjoyed reading. :)

^^ thanks.. i apreciate your posts... keep it up...

Thank you guys!! Keeping the good vibes around! =)

manila2020

February 20th, 2012, 02:05 PM

A balanced view of the Philippines, presenting the good, the bad, and the opportunities that are ahead.

Philippines tries new tack: healthy man of Asia
By Rosemarie Francisco and Jason Szep
MANILA | Mon Feb 20, 2012 6:39am EST

(Reuters) - It is getting busy in Cristino Naguiat's spacious 5th-floor office overlooking Manila Bay.

The chairman of gambling regulator Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corp is fielding calls and booking appointments to meet possible investors in a sprawling gambling and entertainment project his government hopes will rival Las Vegas in five years.

Among them: Casino billionaire Francis Lui of Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd and executives from Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd, controlled by Australian billionaire James Packer and the son of Macau gambling mogul Stanley Ho.

"There is growing interest. The fact that in just two weeks I have had two visitors from big companies in Macau says something about it," said Naguiat, a veteran of the gaming industry.

READ MORE: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/20/us-philippines-idUSTRE81J0I820120220

InfinitiFX45

February 20th, 2012, 04:43 PM

After lean 2011, bright economic forecast and rosy signs for '12 :banana: :cheers:

by Earl Victor Rosero/LBG/HS | GMA News | Sunday | February 19, 2012 | 12:23pm

Economic planners of the Aquino administration are sticking to their merchandise exports forecast of 10 percent this year, despite their failure to meet their 2011 projection, National Economic and Development Authority Director-General Cayetano Paderanga Jr. said Sunday in a statement.

The NEDA chief did not give specifics on what the Aquino administration will do in the short term to attain the $62.3 billion goal – an uphill climb from $47.9 billion last year. He reiterated an oft-repeated remark about “diversification strategies... to minimize the country's vulnerability to adverse shocks, both external and domestic.”

http://www8.gmanews.tv/webpics/v3/2012/02/Screenshot%20at%202012-02-19%2023_42_43.png
Historical data on Philippine exports show 2009 and 2011 as decline years. From the dip in 2009, the exports sector recovered in 2010. Economic planners are hoping for a similarly strong performance in 2012.

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal painted this weekend a rosy picture of early 2012. "Investors appear to be responding positively" to Aquino's anti-corruption campaign, according to the newspaper's correspondent James Hookway, highlighting in particular the charges brought against ex-President Gloria Arroyo and the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

The Journal reported that the Philippines in January sold $1.5 billion in US-denominated bonds "at a yield comparable with those of European countries such as Spain and Italy."

"International financial markets are reassessing the Philippines' place in the global pecking order as concerns over Europe's financial health increase," Hookway wrote.

Recovery from 2011

That is welcome news after the doldrums of 2011. The National Statistics Office (NSO) said last Feb. 10 that goods exports fell “20.7 percent to US$3.3 billion in December 2011 compared to the previous year, with full-year earnings for 2011 contracting by 6.9 percent.”

NEDA chief Paderanga said the export sector is still expected to earn $62.3 billion this year but there could be “significant downside risks to projections, associated with the weak global demand resulting from slower growth in advanced economies and other major markets such as the Peoples Republic of China and ASEAN..."

He chose to take a medium-term view that stresses “trade logistics, business and policy environment, labor productivity, the link between exporters and micro, small and medium enterprises, research and development, and technology in order to move up the value chain and enhance the competitiveness of the export sector."

Paderanga said contract manufacturers of electronics exports “could continue to experience weak growth in 2012.” This sub-sector is responsible for more than 50 percent of merchandise goods shipped out to the rest of the world. The value of outbound electronics shipments plunged nearly 24 percent to $23.72 billion in 2011.

"Industry reports noted that contract manufacturing business, which is composed of electronic manufacturing services and original development manufacturing, is anticipated to decline slightly worldwide in 2012. It was also reported that total contract manufacturing revenue will decline by approximately one percent (or US$3 billion) from US$360 billion in 2011," said Paderanga.

Exporters see growth areas

Philippine Export Confederation (Philexport) president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. points to non-electronics exports and the markets of Japan, China and the United States as the “good news” sectors.

Ortiz-Luis stressed in a recent message to his Philexport colleagues that “our non-electronics products are now performing” as evidence by the “minimal” decline in total exports compared to the plunge in electronics exports.

He specifically noted the growth in earnings of exporters of automotive electronics, fruits and vegetables, furniture, basketwork, and garments.

As to markets, Ortiz-Luis said, “Japan gave indications of recovery” followed by the United States and China.

Japan, China, Thailand and Taiwan were the Philippines' top export markets that took in more merchandise shipments from Filipino producers in 2011. Presented are the export growth rates in 2011.

http://www8.gmanews.tv/webpics/v3/2012/02/2011exportsgrowthmarkets.jpg
Historical data on Philippine exports show 2009 and 2011 as decline years. From the dip in 2009, the exports sector recovered in 2010. Economic planners are hoping for a similarly strong performance in 2012.

Data of the NSO support the Philexport president’s observations. Among the highest growth rates in agro-based product exports in 2011 were:
• Coconut oil - $1.78 billion
• Centrifugal and refined sugar - $354.3 million
• Fruits and vegetables - $978.5 million
• Shrimps and prawns - $367.58 million

Other sectors also chipped in last year to make up for the decline in electronics exports:
• Garments - $1.89 billion
• Wood manufactures - $1.68 billion
• Chemicals - $1.89 billion
• Processed food and beverages - $1.03 billion
• Copper metal - $1.13 billion
• Gold - $214.39 million

Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and China were among the country's top 10 markets and all four posted significant increases in export growth rates while other markets in the top 10 recorded declines.

Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/248600/economy/business/after-lean-2011-bright-economic-forecast-and-rosy-signs-for-12?ref=section_banner_full

InfinitiFX45

February 20th, 2012, 04:51 PM

Philippine stocks soar to all-time high for second day in a row :banana: :cheers: :banana: :cheers: :banana: :cheers:

by VICTOR D. SOLLORANO | GMA News | Monday | February 20, 2012 | 5:12pm

Philippine stocks soared to all-time high levels for the second successive trading day Monday, buoyed by positive sentiment over first quarter earnings and a new €230-billion bailout package for Greece.

The main PSE index rose by 63.13 or 1.29 percent to finish at an all-time high 4,943.84, the second trading day in a row since Friday that the PSEi touched all-time high territory.

More than 13.352 billion shares valued at P10.576 billion changed hands during Monday’s morning and afternoon sessions.

Advancers led decliners 105 to 63, while 41 issues closed unchanged.

The bailout package for Greece and the positive sentiment among investors toward first quarter earnings of Philippine companies are giving the market a boost, said Freya Natividad, head of research at F. Yap Securities Inc.

Markets across Asia got an added boost from China’s move over the weekend to lower the reserve requirement ratio.

“Asian shares rose Monday, driven by a Chinese move at the weekend to loosen lending and hopes that debt-ridden Greece's bailout will at last be finalized,” according to a report by Agence France-Presse.

“The across-the-board rises came after China's central bank said Saturday it would cut commercial banks' reserve requirement ratio by 0.50 percentage points to ease restrictions on lending and boost its slowing economic growth,” the report added.

However, Natividad said the Philippines was the first to enforce a new round of monetary easing when the Bangko Sentral on Jan. 19 lowered the policy rates by 25 basis points and reduced the reserve requirement ratio to 18 percent from 21 percent starting April 6, 2012.

The move created additional liquidity that is already factored in by the market, F. Yap’s Natividad noted.

Investors were also watching a Eurozone finance ministers meeting due in Brussels later Monday to try to close a new €230-billion ($300 billion) bailout package for Greece and avert a chaotic default, according to Agence France-Presse.

After several false starts during weeks of difficult negotiations, the ministers will seek to approve terms on an exchange of bonds held by private investors, the launch of which is penciled in for Wednesday, the French news agency noted.

The move is designed to write off €100 billion of Greek sovereign debt, and would see eurozone governments inject another €130 billion in sweeteners for Greek banks, guarantees covering the weeks-long legal bond-swap window and eventual cash loans to the government in Athens, it added.

"Greece headline risks remain, but today's Eurogroup meeting should clear uncertainty about the implementation of the second bailout package," Agence France-Presse reported, citing a note from Credit Agricole.

“If the momentum is sustained” by Tuesday, the market will try to break the 5,000 resistance area, Natividad noted.

What may break the momentum is the President’s Day, a Federal holiday in the United States, with some institutional fund managers going on leave, Natividad added.

President’s Day, which used to fall on American President George Washington’s birthday on Feb. 22, is celebrated every third Monday of February. — With Agence France-Presse/GMA News

Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/248722/economy/finance/philippine-stocks-soar-to-all-time-high-for-second-day-in-a-row

InfinitiFX45

February 20th, 2012, 05:09 PM

PH As Emerging Healthcare Force :banana: :cheers:

Number Don't Lie

by ANDREW JAMES MASIGAN | Manila Bulletin | Monday | February 20, 2012 | 1:44am

MANILA, Philippines — Exciting things are afoot in the medical industry. In the heart of Quezon City will evolve a medical belt like no other in Asia. An integrated chain of medical institutions, each specializing in a specific field of discipline. From general medicine to cardiology, from Nephrology, Pediatrics and Pulmonology.

The vision that started some 30 years ago will now come to fruition, thanks to the headstrong determination of DOH Secretary Enrique Ona and his chief coordinating officer, Dr. Nestor F. Venida. The initial phase of the plan is to integrate the Philippine Heart Center, National Kidney Institute, Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine Children’s Hospital and the East Avenue Medical Center. These institutions put together make the Philippines a regional force to be reckoned with in as far as depth and extent of medical services are concerned. No other country in the region offers medical facilities of this scale in one connected belt.

Subsequently, the plan is to fold in the Philippine Hematology Center, the National Brain and Nerve Institute (the first medical institution to be built under the PPP scheme) and the National Orthopedic Hospital. The latter is to be relocated from its current site to Quezon City’s medical belt as well. All these will make the Philippines even more competitive on a global scale.

When completed, the medical belt is said to be branded “The Philippine Center for Specialized Healthcare.” The fact that the DOH even talks about branding alludes to its direction to “sell” it as a hub for medical tourism.

Read More: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351944/ph-as-emerging-healthcare-force

InfinitiFX45

February 20th, 2012, 05:41 PM

Remittances From Sailors Top $4B :banana: :cheers: :banana: :cheers: :banana: :cheers:

Manila Bulletin | Monday | February 20, 2012 | 3:40pm

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino sailors aboard foreign merchant ships sent home via bank wire a record $4.340 billion in 2011, an increase of $534 million or 14 percent versus the $3.806 billion they remitted in 2010, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said.

Remittances from seafarers advanced nearly three times faster compared to the cash inflows from land-based migrant Filipino workers in 2011, according to TUCP president and former Sen. Ernesto Herrera.

“The remittance growth was due to increased deployment, coupled with the dollar’s decline,” said Herrera, former chairman of the Senate committee on labor, employment and human resources development.

Herrera said the US currency’s depreciation meant that every dollar sent home by sailors produced fewer pesos.

“Sailors had to send more dollars to their families here just to provide them the same amount of pesos they were receiving the prior year for living expenses,” he pointed out.

Based on Bangko Sentral ng Piliinas (BSP) data, the peso averaged 43.31 to a dollar in 2011 compared to 45.11 in 2010. Thus, every dollar yielded 4.15 percent less pesos last year. The peso closed Friday at 42.61 to a dollar.

TUCP has been pushing for the foreign deployment of sailors, nurses and other surplus skilled workers.

“The advantage of skilled staff is that they enjoy superior conditions of employment. Because their skills cannot be easily replaced, they tend to be treated well by employers, unlike domestic helpers,” Herrera said

The Philippines has been the world’s chief supplier of sailors since 1987. Some 375,000 Filipinos comprise one-fourth of the estimated 1.5 million merchant mariners worldwide.

The top 10 sources of remittances from Filipino sailors in 2011 were:
United States ($2.437 billion)
Norway ($294.076 million)
United Kingdom ($285.754 million)
Japan ($268.414 million)
Germany ($211.916 million)
Greece ($192.527 million)
Singapore ($175.312 million)
Hong Kong ($72.341 million)
Cyprus ($53.294 million)
Netherlands ($44.889 million).

The $534-million jump in remittances from sailors accounted for 40 percent of the cumulative increase in cash transfers from all Filipino workers abroad, based both on land and sea, last year.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351968/remittances-from-sailors-top-4b

InfinitiFX45

February 20th, 2012, 11:04 PM

ASIA CREDIT CLOSE-China reserve ratio cut boosts Hong Kong deals :banana: :cheers:

by Jonathan Rogers | Reuters | Monday | Feb 20, 2012 | 4:20am EST

SINGAPORE, February 20 (IFR) - Asian credit markets are closing out the session in solid shape, with the recent avalanche of Hong Kong deals between 5bp-12bp tighter on the back of the weekend cut in bank reserve requirements from the PBOC, and investment grade and China property around 3bp-5bp tighter and a point higher respectively.

Eyes remain on the approval of the Greek austerity package and a deal with private debt holders which is likely to come in at a 70% haircut. The room for eurozone shocks remains and players are eyeing today's positive Asian price action with extreme caution.

Although fund flows slowed their pace in the week to February 15, foreign investors bought USD768m of EM bonds over the period, still a strong number but weaker than the record USD1.9bn of flow reported the week before according to data from HSBC.

The flows are pushing down yields in Asian government bond markets amid fears that a hot money bubble is developing in govvie bond markets in Indonesia, Korea and China.The iTraxx series 16 closed out 3bp tighter at 161bp bid, while single name liquid CDS is between 2bp to 4bp tighter.

Leading the way were the Philippines and Indonesia, with 4bp tightening at 155bp and 160bp respectively. China pulled in 3bp to 119bp while Hutch and Thailand were 2bp tighter each at 137bp and 154bp.

Read More: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/20/markets-asia-debt-idUSL4E8DK29A20120220

sun-tex

February 21st, 2012, 02:38 PM

Puregold and S & R merger????

ipur

February 21st, 2012, 02:54 PM

InfinitiFX45

February 21st, 2012, 05:24 PM

Bullish investors boost Philippine stocks to new high :banana: :cheers: :banana: :cheers: :banana: :cheers:

Bourse just shy of critical 5,000-level

by Doris C. Dumlao | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Tuesday | February 21st, 2012 12:37 am

http://business.inquirer.net/files/2012/02/pse.jpg
AFP photo

The local stock index on Monday surged closer to 5,000 as regional sentiment turned bullish over hope for a second bailout package for Greece as well as fresh monetary easing in China.

The main-share Philippine Stock Exchange index closed by 63.13 points, or about 1.3 percent, to close at a new record high of 4,943.84. A new intra-day peak at 4,966.94 was also reached during trading.

“The market’s rally close to the critical 5,000 level can be seen as a vote of confidence by investors on the positive direction of the global economy. Likewise, investors are anticipating improved earnings results from our listed companies in the coming weeks, coupled with rosy expectations of another banner year in 2012,” PSE president Hans Sicat said in a statement.

Read More: http://business.inquirer.net/45521/bullish-investors-boost-philippine-stocks-to-new-high

alheaine

February 21st, 2012, 05:38 PM

PH enters IMF creditor list, lends to EU countries
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 02/21/2012 7:49 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Gone are the days when the Philippines could only borrow from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

With record foreign exchange reserves, the country became a creditor in the IMF system in 2010, lending to troubled nations in Europe, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported Tuesday.

As of end-2011, the country infused $251.1 million in the IMF's Financial Transactions Plan (FTP), a mechanism by which foreign exchange from members with strong external position are lent to borrowing members.

More than half of the amount made available by the Philippines went to European countries such as Ireland, Portugal and Greece, in an effort to adderss the financial crisis impacting the euro zone, the BSP said.

more... (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/21/12/ph-enters-imf-creditor-list-lends-eu-countries)
^^
this is very good.. :applause: :banana::banana:

hingpit1984

February 22nd, 2012, 12:04 AM

diz

February 22nd, 2012, 12:13 AM

Do you even have to ask? I mean really..

xyriellewest

February 22nd, 2012, 01:50 AM

ipur

February 22nd, 2012, 04:22 AM

Big Foreign Companies Submit Bid Proposals For Oil/Gas Blocks
By MYRNA M. VELASCO
February 22, 2012, 8:00am

MANILA, Philippines — In the roster of companies which submitted pre-qualification proposals for the 15 oil and gas service areas being offered by the Philippine government, foreign investors have dominated the prospective “big-ticket newcomers” in the country’s upstream petroleum sector.

In a chance interview, Energy Undersecretary Jay Layug disclosed that around 20 companies lodged pre-qualification proposals for the oil and gas blocks slated for auction from March to July this year. “They have not specified the areas they are interested in yet … they are still evaluating data,” he said.

The energy official refused giving the names of the interested parties, but he hinted that “there are big companies which are not players in the industry yet.”

However, in a document separately gathered from highly placed industry sources, it was shown that a number of them are European and American investors – including Italian firm Eni S.p.A; French firms GDF Suez and Total E&P, and American firm CalEnergy which is reportedly looking at investment opportunities via an Asia-Pacific subsidiary.

more... (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/352121/big-foreign-companies-submit-bid-proposals-for-oilgas-blocks)

ipur

February 22nd, 2012, 04:23 AM

Electronics Investments At Record $2.48B
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT
February 22, 2012, 8:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Electronics investments in 2011 hit record level of $2.477 billion driven by the 178 companies that registered their new and expansion projects in the country with direct jobs generation of 35,358, the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry of the Philippines Inc. (SEIPI).

SEIPI president Ernie Santiago said in a report to SEIPI members that the 2011 investments hit only $570 million during the first 10 months of 2011 but the bulk of $1.877 billion registered during the last two months of the year.

“Given this, total electronics investments for 2011 amounts to $2.477 billion – the highest that was recorded in our industry’s history and the 8th times we have hit an investments figure of over $1 billion in one given year,” Santiago said in the report.

more... (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/352120/electronics-investments-at-record-248b)

Ady001

February 22nd, 2012, 08:22 AM

^^ ayokong mag dilang anghel pero para atang may symphony orchestra nang nangyayari sa pinas:

1 - Creditor Status
2 - Quiet but laudable moves by DepED to up the ante on education
3 - steady stream of companies hiring here
4 - Bullish stock market...

As my sig says...

mikael21

February 22nd, 2012, 11:11 AM

Philippines aiming to boost Manila airport

The Philippine government said Tuesday it was aiming to boost passenger capacity at its congested Manila airport next year with the long-awaited completion of a controversial terminal.

Upgrading Ninoy Aquino International Airport's Terminal 3 will allow it to handle its maximum design capacity of 13 million passengers a year, four years after its opening, the government said.

The terminal needs a new baggage handling system, a flight information display and 21 other systems identified in a safety audit, Assistant Transportation Secretary Joel Lacsamana said.

"This would allow us to operate the terminal at 100 percent capacity by the end of the year. Right now we are stuck at 48 percent," he told AFP.
The government is expecting to get Japanese firm Takenaka, which was originally hired to build the terminal but never completed it because of a complicated legal dispute, to finish the project, according to Lacsamana.

Manila airport's three terminals have a nominal maximum capacity of 28 million passengers.

But they in fact already handled 27.38 million passengers last year even without Terminal 3 running at full capacity, according to the airport's official data.

Read more here... (http://ph.news.yahoo.com/philippines-aiming-boost-manila-airport-204115981.html;_ylt=Ai.hhfUpIQ6s3Bdae0mj3Z7iV8d_;_ylu=X3oDMTQ2b2c5a3E5BG1pdANQSCBUb3AgU3RvcnkgTGlzdHMgQ29rZQRwa2cDNjhmYWMyYmYtNjNjNC0zNTZhLWJiMWYtODQ2OTAxMzEwYWZjBHBvcwM0BHNlYwN0b3Bfc3RvcnlfY29rZQR2ZXIDOTQwYjdjNTAtNWNjYy0xMWUxLWIzZTMtOTM3YTliYjJlOGNm;_ylg=X3oDMTFvODFoMGdmBGludGwDcGgEbGFuZwNlbi1waARwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3)

anakngpasig

February 22nd, 2012, 12:38 PM

Puregold and S & R merger????

that rumor/news may be driving PGOLD's stock price kanina. It surged almost 7% today :D :banana:

d7beast

February 22nd, 2012, 03:29 PM

leofriends

February 22nd, 2012, 03:49 PM

Gov’t to spend P500M for key ports upgrade

Posted by admin on Feb 22, 2012 in Business News | 0 comments

MANILA, Feb. 22 (PNA) — The Aquino administration is spending about P500 million to construct and upgrade existing berthing...

http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/02/govt-to-spend-p500m-for-key-ports-upgrade/

PHL posts US$ 864-M BOP surplus

Posted by admin on Feb 22, 2012 in Business News | 0 comments

By Joann Santiago MANILA, Feb. 22 (PNA) -– The Philippines posted a balance of payments (BOP) surplus amounting to US$ 864 million in...

http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/02/phl-posts-us-864-m-bop-surplus/

Government partially awards T-bills after rates went up

Posted by admin on Feb 22, 2012 in Business News | 0 comments

MANILA, Feb. 22 (PNA) -– The government made partial awards on all the tenors of its Treasury bills (T-bills) after rate of the debt...

http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/02/government-partially-awards-t-bills-after-rates-went-up/

PNB Trust Business grows 82%

Posted by admin on Feb 22, 2012 in Business News | 0 comments

MANILA, Feb 22 (PNA) — The Philippine National Bank said its Trust assets nearly doubled in 2011, likely among, if not the highest...

http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/02/pnb-trust-business-grows-82/

Sales of imported cars up 37%

Posted by admin on Feb 21, 2012 in Business News | 0 comments

MANILA, Feb. 21 (PNA) — Sales of imported vehicles reached 2,526 units in January this year, up 37 percent from 1,839 units sold in...

http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/02/sales-of-imported-cars-up-37/

Minola’s January sales jump 33%

Posted by admin on Feb 21, 2012 in Business News | 0 comments

MANILA, Feb. 21 (PNA) — Market leader Minola Cooking Oil posted a 33-percent sales increase in 2011, boosted by its heightened...

todjikid

February 22nd, 2012, 09:36 PM

malaking tulong na rin na hindi corrupt ang presidente natin. pero mas malaking tulong kung hindi na corrupt, magaling pa.

wino

February 22nd, 2012, 09:50 PM

what??!!

and I thought, T3 is only using less than half of it's capacity.. But it seems it is almost running at it's 100% capacity..

We desperately need more airports and terminals in the capital. Or divert some of the volume elsewhere..

Manila airport's three terminals have a nominal maximum capacity of 28 million passengers.

But they in fact already handled 27.38 million passengers last year even without Terminal 3 running at full capacity, according to the airport's official data.

lemony_snicket

February 22nd, 2012, 11:20 PM

Good morning, everyone! I am quite new here in Skyscrapercity, and I enjoy the positivity of this thread :)

Here are my contributions:

PPP schools project attracts 15 firms (http://business.inquirer.net/45905/ppp-schools-project-attracts-15-firms)

Philippines to push exports to China (http://business.inquirer.net/45409/philippines-to-push-exports-to-china)

Inflation to fall within 3-5% target - BSP (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=780145)

Gov't plans to build 30,000 new classrooms in 2012 (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=780124&publicationSubCategoryId=200)

Creditor status signals better financial standing in Philippines (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=780111&publicationSubCategoryId=200)

Ban on Pinoy 'au pairs' in Europe lifted (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=780104&publicationSubCategoryId=200)

MatudNilaBaby

February 23rd, 2012, 12:42 AM

mikael21

February 23rd, 2012, 01:25 AM

^^
I would agree with you, they must not only focus on Metropolitan area in Luzon since other major parts of the country needs school infrastructure :ohno:

Flipmarc

February 23rd, 2012, 01:25 AM

That's messed up. It should all be devided. I would like to hear their reason for this plan. It seems very bias.

mikael21

February 23rd, 2012, 01:28 AM

malaking tulong na rin na hindi corrupt ang presidente natin. pero mas malaking tulong kung hindi na corrupt, magaling pa.

+2 for double positive thought :D hope he could stand on his promises to people and prove himself not a corrupt person.

leofriends

February 23rd, 2012, 01:46 AM

^^ lets see on 2012.. hindi pa nmn huli ang lahat para magpakitang gilas ang ating gobyerno.. :D tiwala lng.. :lol:

mikael21

February 23rd, 2012, 01:53 AM

MapleStory online game expands to PHL

MapleStory, the 2D side-scrolling multiplayer online role-playing game that has gained a large following in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Malaysia, is now with a localized version dubbed MapleSEA.

Asiasoft Online said MapleStory is the answer to requests from Filipino gamers about the availability of MapleSEA in the Philippines.

"We are very delighted and excited to expand into the Philippines with the launch of MapleSEA. It gives us great honour and pleasure to be able to bring the MapleSEA experience in its entirety to the fans in the country, that will include more great content, exciting features and interesting activities across the region for all our gamers." said Sherman Tan, Chairman of Asiasoft Online.

He added Asiasoft looks forward to bringing more titles for the Philippine gaming community "and continue to engage our gamers through fun and entertainment."

With the server aptly named Artemis, the Goddess of Wildness, Filipino Maplers can now embark on their Maple journey and experience the world of MapleSEA for themselves, Asiasoft said.

MapleSEA in the Philippines will feature its latest content JUMP, a content update where the three job classes - Warrior, Bowman and Magician, user interface and party quests will be revamped.

Also, new maps and monsters will be introduced to enhance the gaming experience in MapleStory, Asiasoft said.

Read more here... (http://ph.news.yahoo.com/maplestory-online-game-expands-phl-115608931.html;_ylt=AintsVMOOjT5aYUjmWGfhzPmV8d_;_ylu=X3oDMTQxbGs0bWlhBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBQaGlsaXBwaW5lc1NGBHBrZwM0NDZlYzQ2OS0zYzVjLTMzNDgtOGQ0MS01NjA4MzhmZmI0MjIEcG9zAzEwBHNlYwN0b3Bfc3RvcnkEdmVyAzM0YjFjOWYwLTVkNGMtMTFlMS1iZmZmLTBiYWZiZTY2YmUyMQ--;_ylg=X3oDMTF2M3NpaDUyBGludGwDcGgEbGFuZwNlbi1waARwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANwaGlsaXBwaW5lcwRwdANzZWN0aW9ucwR0ZXN0Aw--;_ylv=3)

urban Iegend

February 23rd, 2012, 03:38 AM

kelan pa naging gaming thread ito?

xyriellewest

February 23rd, 2012, 05:13 AM

^^ lets see on 2012.. hindi pa nmn huli ang lahat para magpakitang gilas ang ating gobyerno.. :D tiwala lng.. :lol:

^^
sane nga makita natin sa realidad ang kaukulang aksyon ng ating gobyerno ng sa gayon masabi naman ng taong bayan na tama ang napili nilang namamahala :)

kelan pa naging gaming thread ito?

^^
baka nasobrahan yung spread niya ng news :) at pati dito napunta na

leofriends

February 23rd, 2012, 01:42 PM

^^ good news nmn ung gaming.. extra tax din daw yun.. :lol:

Parchie

February 23rd, 2012, 06:14 PM

Tax, yes.
Then my siggy says it all.

lemony_snicket

February 24th, 2012, 05:57 PM

CEB Leases 4 Airbus Aircraft

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) signed operating lease agreements with CIT Aerospace, a unit of America’s CIT Group Inc. (CIT), on four new Airbus A330-300 aircraft for its long-haul flights starting next year.

The airline will start long-haul flights to Australia, India, the Middle East and parts of Europe and the US in the 3rd quarter of 2013.

CIT Aerospace owns or finances a fleet of 300 commercial aircraft and caters to clients ranging from operators of commercial and business aircraft to manufacturers and suppliers in the aerospace and defense industries as well as financial institutions.

more . . . (http://mb.com.ph/articles/352319/ceb-leases-4-airbus-aircraft)

s_w_stars

February 26th, 2012, 04:26 AM

malaking tulong na rin na hindi corrupt ang presidente natin. pero mas malaking tulong kung hindi na corrupt, magaling pa.

Just leave it at the "magaling pa." You are talking of politics, and Philippine politics at that. So far since Marcos time has any President not been accused of corruption? It is the results that will elevate a politician, otherwise they are just run of the mill pols. Let us not be naive, it is the system. Politics has become a dirty word around the world.

InfinitiFX45

February 27th, 2012, 03:13 AM

Nomura hikes Phl growth forecast :cheers: :banana:

by Lawrence Agcaoili | The Philippine Star | Monday | Updated February 27, 2012 | 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Nomura Securities Co. of Japan raised the economic growth outlook of the Philippines this year and next year on the back of higher government spending and higher investment arising from the take off of the public private partnership (PPP) program of the Aquino administration.

In a report, Nomura economist Euben Paracuelles said the gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines has been raised to 4.6 percent instead of 4.2 percent this year and to six percent instead of 5.6 percent next year.

“Given the positive developments in the expenditure program and better prospects for execution, we upgrade our 2012 GDP growth forecast to 4.6 percent from 4.3 percent... We also raise our 2013 growth forecast to 6 percent from 5.6 percent,” he stressed.

The Philippines, according to Paracuelles, is one of only two countries in Asia aside from Thailand that is expected to experience a faster growth this year than last year amid the global external shocks.

Read More: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=781405&publicationSubCategoryId=66

InfinitiFX45

February 27th, 2012, 06:31 AM

Philippine economy seen heading toward high-growth path :cheers: :banana:

CLSA study sees start of private investment cycle

by Doris C. Dumlao | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Monday | February 27th, 2012 | 3:03 am

The Philippines is undergoing a renaissance that looks all set to bring the economy to a higher trend growth and power stocks to new heights, according to regional investment house CLSA Asia-Pacific.

In a research titled “The Eagle Flies Again” dated February 20, the CLSA report written by analyst Mitzi de Dios said that like the rare endangered Philippine eagle, a private sector investment cycle was a rare sighting in the country. But now, it said the country was on the cusp of another investment cycle for the first time in 15 years driven by political stability, rising business confidence, low interest rates, robust balance sheet and the country’s long-term demographic potentials.

“The Philippines soars like an eagle, again,” the research said, adding, however, that this time around, there was hope that this nascent recovery would not be as endangered as that rare eagle.

After years of false starts and missed opportunity, there was a real sense of optimism building in the business community, the research said, suggesting the time was right for the Philippines to shed the stigma of being the “sick man of Asia.” Beyond the huge remittances from overseas Filipinos, CLSA said the country could now count on other major growth drivers.

Read More: http://business.inquirer.net/46553/philippine-economy-seen-heading-toward-high-growth-path

InfinitiFX45

February 27th, 2012, 06:50 AM

Chinese firm relocating to Cebu for fish exports :cheers: :banana:

by Julito G. Rada | Manila Standard Today | Monday | February 27, 2012

An agro-industry investment project from China amounting to P86.25 million will relocate in Mandaue, Cebu, according to the Trade Department.

Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Adrian Cristobal Jr. said the project is expected to further boost the Philippines’ agribusiness industry.

“Agribusiness is a key sector under the Investments Priorities Plan that will generate income and jobs in the rural areas. We are actively engaging China as a high-growth emerging market both for exports and investments,” Cristobal said.

The project will involve production of frozen fish fillets for exports, according to BoI data. It will have a capacity of 2,250,000 kilograms for export annually and is expected to generate 256 jobs once commercial operations start in May this year.

The project also involves acquisition and installation of equipment such as tunnel freezers, cold storage, air conditioning, generators, vacuum-packaging machines, and waste water facility.

Read More: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness_mstd.htm?f=//2012/february/27/business7.isx&n=business&d=/2012/february/27

InfinitiFX45

February 27th, 2012, 06:57 AM

Moody’s sees credit upgrade for Philippines :cheers: :banana:

by Katrina Mennen A. Valdez | Manila Times | Saturday | February 25, 2012

Moody’s Investors Service said that the country is now eligible for another credit rating upgrade following the Aquino administration’s pronouncement that the Philippines is “underrated.”

Based on Bloomberg report on Friday, Thomas Byrne, a senior vice president of Moody’s, said in an interview with reporters in Tokyo that the Philippines could be eligible for an upgrade in its credit rating.

In a meeting early this week in London with Fitch Ratings and Moody’s, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima has said that the government provided both rating agencies with an update on the country’s economic developments, saying that the Philippines is still underrated.

“I met with them [Fitch and Moody’s] to continue our dialogue on the strength and resiliency of the Philippine economy, as well as to discuss our view that the Philippines continues to be underrated,” he said in an earlier statement.

Read More: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business/top-business-news/17901-moodys-sees-credit-upgrade-for-philippines

InfinitiFX45

February 27th, 2012, 07:05 AM

PH companies to hire more workers in Q2 :cheers: :banana:

by LAILANY P. GOMEZ | Manila Times | Monday | February 27, 2012

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said that the employment outlook in the second quarter remained high on the back of sustained confidence in the economy.

In a survey of the country’s publicly listed companies, the BSP said that the employment outlook index reached 24 percent, which matched the same level registered during the third quarter of 2010.

The BSP said that the favorable sentiment was supported by higher number of firms with expansion plans in the coming quarters.

Read More: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business/top-business-news/18030-ph-companies-to-hire-more-workers-in-q2

xxxriainxxx

February 28th, 2012, 02:29 PM

^^ Great news. :)

pinas4real

February 28th, 2012, 04:42 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/02/24/12/filipino-vodka-makes-it-oscar-gift-bags

Filipino vodka makes it to Oscar gift bags

LOS ANGELES, California - Oscar nominees and winners get a lot of perks.

Win or lose, all nominees receive gift bags with goodies worth $75,000. But even those who are not nominated get to partake in the Oscar-fever loot through celebrity gifting suites, or invitation-only events held at top hotels exclusively for stars and powerful Hollywood players.

"It's a beautiful day in Southern California. I'm getting free stuff, it doesn't get any better. It's a great place to be right now," said Hollywood actor Lorenzo Lamas.

And this year, aside from jewelry, clothing, beauty products and electronics, celebrities also got to sample VuQo, a Filipino-made coconut vodka. It is a play on the Filipino word for coconut, which is "buko."

Stars like Ken Davitian of "Borat" and "The Artist" was excited to try the Filipino drink.

"We're probably the most popular booth here. They're surprised at how smooth it is. They love the hint of coconut taste. A bunch of celebrities have mentioned Boracay. I'm really proud that they know Boracay. And they say, 'Oh, this is what I want to be drinking when I'm on the beach in Boracay,'" said Giselle Arroyo of VuQo, referring to tourist favorite Boracay island.

Ady001

February 29th, 2012, 04:27 AM

^^ The Status Quo that is VuQo (sige, sige gamitin nyo tong advertising slogan nyo, sige :D :D :D)

InfinitiFX45

February 29th, 2012, 06:56 AM

More Japanese firms plan to invest in PH :cheers: :banana: :banana: :banana:

by Cai U. Ordinario | BusinessMirror | Wednesday | Posted at 02/29/2012 7:45 AM | Updated as of 02/29/2012 11:48 AM

MANILA, Philippines - More Japanese firms are taking a second look at the Philippines as an investment destination, according to a reputable Japanese think tank.

In a presentation in a recent forum jointly hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), the Nomura Research Institute (NRI) said Japanese firms now regard the Philippines and Indonesia as the investment destinations of choice in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

Data that NRI collected showed that the approval rating of the Philippines as an investment destination of Japanese companies almost doubled to 31.9 percent in 2011 from only 17.1 percent in 2010.

“Now, [the] choice in Asean is either Indonesia or the Philippines. The Philippines is vested with availability in developed landsites, abundant labor force, efficient Peza [Philippine Economic Zone Authority], and legalized investment incentives,” NRI said in a presentation.

Read More: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/28/12/more-japanese-firms-plan-invest-ph

leofriends

March 1st, 2012, 02:17 AM

Philippines to defy China and expand oil search

AFP NewsAFP News – 8 hours ago

The Philippines said Wednesday it would push ahead with plans to expand oil and gas exploration in waters also claimed by China, as it brushed off a fresh Chinese warning.

The comments came amid a fresh spike in tensions in the decades-old dispute over the potentially resource-rich South China Sea, where the Philippines and China, as well as Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan, have overlapping claims.

Philippine Energy Undersecretary James Layug said it was preparing to issue exploration licences for 15 blocs, three of which were in the South China Sea.

However Layug insisted China had no legal claim to the three contentious blocs, as they were well within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile economic exclusion zone recognised under international law.

"In our view, (these) areas are not disputed areas... that they are our territory has been accepted by all our neighbours, except China," Layug told reporters.

He said the three licences were for areas between 72 and 80 nautical miles from the western Philippine island of Palawan, and 575 nautical miles from the nearest major Chinese landmass.

Layug said 36 companies, including major foreign oil companies such as Total, Esso and Mitra, had submitted applications by Wednesday's deadline to bid for the 15 licenses.

The other 12 licenses on offer are in Philippine territory not claimed by China.

At this stage of the process, companies are only required to submit a general application to explore for any of the 15 blocs. They have to nominate which specific bloc they want to explore by the end of July.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei hit out on Tuesday in Beijing at the Philippine exploration plans.

"Any country or company that engages in oil and gas activities in waters under Chinese jurisdiction without the Chinese government's approval does so illegally," he said.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario reacted to Hong's comments on Wednesday by reasserting his country's rights to the areas, as determined by the UN's Convention on the Law of the Sea.

"It is our stated position that our activities are well within our sovereignty under UNCLOS," del Rosario said.

The Philippines has issued only one previous exploration licence for a bloc in waters also claimed by China -- in an area called Reed Bank about 80 nautical miles from Palawan.

Tensions between the two countries spiked last year after the Philippines said Chinese patrol boats harassed a British vessel doing survey work in that area, disrupting its work.

The reported harassment in Reed Bank was one of many increasingly aggressive actions the Philippines accused China of taking last year to assert its claims over the disputed waters.

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/philippines-defy-china-expand-oil-search-170931783.html

InfinitiFX45

March 1st, 2012, 07:51 AM

Singapore's Fullerton eyes Philpost bldg :cheers: :banana: :banana: :banana:

by Mary Ann Ll. Reyes and Evelyn Z. Macairan | The Philippine Star | Thursday | Updated March 01, 2012 | 12:00 AM

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/3373/philpostbus1.jpg

MANILA, Philippines - The group behind the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore is reportedly in talks with the Philippine government for the transformation of the Manila Central Post Office into a first-class hotel.

Gemma Cruz Araneta, vice president of the city of Manila’s Historical and Heritage Commission, said the group is currently engaged in negotiations with the government represents the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore. (See Babe Romualdez column, B-3)

In 1997, Sino Land (Hongkong) Co. Ltd., a sister company of Far East Organization, acquired the Fullerton Building from the Urban Redevelopment Authority, spending close to $300 million in converting it into a hotel and building the two-story commercial complex One Fullerton. The hotel was officially opened on Jan. 1, 2001.

The Singapore hotel was also originally a general post office building, also known as the Fullerton Building, before its redevelopment into a luxury five-star hotel located at the Central Business District near the mouth of the Singapore River.

The historic Fullerton Building was named in honor of Robert Fullerton, Singapore’s governor from 1826 to 1829, and was used as a post office and even a hospital during the Second World War.

Philpost postmaster general Josie Dela Cruz yesterday announced that there are plans to convert the historic Philpost building in a bid to boost the tourism in the area that would cover Intramuros, Philpost, and Metropolitan Theater;

Dela Cruz said that the Aquino administration is studying the possibility of transforming the five-floors of the Philpost central office into a posh hotel in a bid to boost tourism in the country.

At the center of these grand plans is the 86-year-old neoclassical architecture designed Philpost building. The office building would reportedly serve as the core or catalyst of transformation.

“There is an order that came from the Executive Secretary (Paquito Ochoa Jr.) that created a committee headed by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima to study the possibility of converting this area, wherein the center is our office, into a tourism development project,” Dela Cruz said.

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/2715/fullertonhotelbus1b400.jpg
Fullerton Hotel

She said that if the project pushes through, the Philpost building would not be demolished since the investors would be interested to conserve the building. “It is a heritage building...The attraction here is its history. It would be in their (investors) interest to protect and preserve it.”

Apart from Purisima, the other members of the committee would come from the city government of Manila and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

The committee has six months to submit their recommendations.

The planned tourism development does not only affect the Philpost but nearby historical landmarks as well such as Intramuros and the art-deco building Manila Metropolitan Theater. There is also the possibility that the change would positively spill over to the Binondo area and Escolta.

Coincidentally, the architect for both the Manila Metropolitan Theater and the Philpost was Juan Arellano.

Dela Cruz admitted that she is supportive of the project to convert the historical landmark building into hotel for practical reasons. “The building is too big for us and the maintenance cost (is too much) so it is no longer economical for us.”

The Philpost, a government-run corporation, has been losing money for many years because it could not compete with the private couriers and advance communication such as emails sent through computers and cellular phone textmessaging.

Despite their best efforts, “our situation now still deteriorating and we have difficulty rehabilitating,” she added.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=782488

InfinitiFX45

March 1st, 2012, 05:04 PM

Pinay mall magnate on Forbes list of Asia's most powerful businesswomen :cheers: :banana: :banana: :banana:

by CARMELA G. LAPEÑA | GMA News | Thuesday | March 1, 2012 | 4:14pm

http://www8.gmanews.tv/webpics/v3/2012/03/120_forbes%20asia%20thumb.jpg

http://images.forbes.com/media/lists/13/2012/teresita-sy-coson.jpg

A lone Filipina made it to Forbes's inaugural list of Asia's Power Business Women, which honors noteworthy pathbreakers, many of whom have overcome significant barriers to become successful.

Among the honorees whose work ranges from Bollywood to banking is Teresita Sy-Coson, vice chairman of one of the biggest family-owned conglomerates in the Philippines, SM Investment Corp., with interests that include the nation’s most profitable and largest group of department stores and its number one bank, BDO Unibank.

Forbes also released "15 to Watch," which features businesswomen who are not on the inaugural list, but are strong candidates for the future. Forbes says its editors were struck by the number of up-and-comers who are "fast-tracking their careers by defying convention, disrupting traditional business models, and creating entirely new markets for growth."

The 43-year-old Summit Media president Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng was included on the list of women who are likely to be seen in future power rankings.

Both women are daughters of Filipino-Chinese taipans now in leadership positions in their fathers' empires. Gokongwei-Cheng’s Summit Media holds the Philippine franchise to the men’s magazine FHM — which early this week was embroiled in a “racist” cover controversy.

According to Forbes, the 61-year-old Sy-Coson sees herself as a manager who maintains the core rather than leads the group. This is despite being seen as heir apparent to her father, Chinese-Filipino Henry Sy, who has 42 SM malls in the Philippines.

Read More: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/250006/economy/business/pinay-mall-magnate-on-forbes-list-of-asia-s-most-powerful-businesswomen?ref=subsection_banner

InfinitiFX45

March 1st, 2012, 05:11 PM

Philippines sits on $840B of mine—US :cheers: :banana: :banana: :banana:

by Jerry E. Esplanada | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Thursday | March 1st, 2012 | 3:57 am

With untapped mineral wealth worth more than $840 billion, the Philippines is “one of the world’s most highly mineralized countries,” according to a US Department of State report on the Philippine economy.

Despite its rich gold, copper and chromate deposits, however, “the Philippine mining industry is just a fraction of what it was in the 1970s and 1980s when the country ranked among the 10 leading gold and copper producers worldwide,” the Washington-based agency said.

“Low metal prices, high production costs and lack of investment in infrastructure contributed to the industry’s overall decline,” the State Department said in the report, which the US Embassy in Manila has posted on its website.

Read More: http://business.inquirer.net/47013/philippines-sits-on-840-b-of-mine%e2%80%94us

epik ll ian

March 1st, 2012, 06:12 PM

^^ How to take advantage of this enormous source of wealth ...

Lilyr

March 1st, 2012, 08:06 PM

^^ How to take advantage of this enormous source of wealth ...

Hehe. Watch the leftists come out and say, 'This is why the US is exploiting our country':)

leofriends

March 2nd, 2012, 02:40 AM

Market touches 5,000-pt level for first time :banana::banana::banana:

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Stock Exchange index breached the 5,000-point level in mid-morning trade yesterday, buoyed by expectations of a rate cut by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas but eventually succumbed to profit-taking.

The PSEi climbed 40.96 points or 0.83 percent to 4,938.61 after touching a new high of 5,011.09 as investors gobbled up shares of Bank of the Philippine Islands, Metrobank, Alliance Global Group Inc., Universal Robina Corp., and Megaworld.

A total of 5.93 billion shares worth P8.12 billion changed hands yesterday. Gainers outpaced losers 93 to 70 while 45 were unchanged.

All sub-sectors were in the green except the property and mining and oil counters.

The central bank has slashed its interest rates by 25 basis points to a record low of four percent from 4.25 percent.

BPI rose 4.95 percent to finish at P70 while Metrobank gained 3.7 percent to P84 each share.

“While admittedly, local stocks valuation are high, relative to its peers in the region, particularly the ASEAN 6, the levels are still below those reached when the bull rampaged before the global crisis. Furthermore, at roughly 17xPE, it is a couple of points above the historical level of 15-16x. This leaves us to believe that there is still an upside to prices moving forward,” said Jun Calaycay of Accord Capital Equities.

“The successful breach of the 5,000-line, although failing to sustain, may invite erstwhile fence-sitters to take another look at equities, espcially with the earnings round approaching. Over-all stocks are still the best bet relative to returns from, in and by alternative instruments,” Calaycay added.

“The underlying fundamentals are very strong, there is massive liquidity in the financial system, lower inflation and expectation of a rate cut that may happen this afternoon,” said Ismael Cruz, president of brokerage firm IGC Securities.

Earlier, the central bank said it has room to keep monetary policy accommodative, but it would weigh the impact of higher oil prices and Europe’s nagging debt problems on inflation and domestic growth.

Meanwhile, Asian stock markets edged lower Thursday as buying fervor cooled following a string of strong gains.

After a higher opening, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index faded 0.3 percent to 9,690.03. The benchmark closed at 9,723.24 on Wednesday, its highest level since Aug. 2.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.7 percent to 4,268.90 after falling metals prices caused materials shares to slump. Benchmarks in India and Indonesia also fell. Markets in South Korea were closed for a public holiday.

Mainland China shares Chinese held on to gains after Chinese manufacturing improved for the third month in a row in a sign of renewed strength in the global economy, but Hong Kong endured a sell-off.

The Hang Seng, which hit a seven-month high Wednesday, fell 0.5 percent to 21,569.71 as property shares faced a pounding after the Shanghai government announced that — contrary to earlier reports — property restrictions would not be eased on purchases of second homes.

“What you are seeing is that the market is overbought, and the market has advanced beyond its fundamentals, so there needs to be a correction, a consolidation, to digest all the gains since last October,” said Francis Lun, managing director of Lyncean Holdings in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong-listed Evergrande Real Estate Group Ltd. plunged 5.7 percent and China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd. tumbled 4.7 percent. China Resources Land Ltd. lost 4.5 percent.

China’s state-affiliated Federation of Logistics and Purchasing said its purchasing managers index, or PMI, rose 0.5 points to 51.0 in February, the third straight month of steady improvement and its strongest reading since June 2011. – With AP

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=782753

leofriends

March 2nd, 2012, 02:42 AM

Mineral production up 9% to P122.15B in 2011:banana::banana::banana:

By Marianne V. Go (The Philippine Star) Updated March 02, 2012 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine metallic mineral production value posted a nine percent growth last year to P122.15 billion, increasing P10.18 billion from the P111.97 billion metallic mineral production in 2010.

The increase in value was attributed to higher nickel, silver, copper, chromite, zinc and iron ore output since gold output declined in 2011 due to a noticeable decline in gold sales by small-scale miners to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

According to Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje, the increase in metallic mineral production value in 2011 was due to favorable metal prices in the world market.

The average world metal prices of gold, silver, copper and nickel went up in 2011 compared to 2010, with silver posting the highest increase at 74.97 percent from $20.13 per ounce to $35.22/oz.

Gold prices also went up 28.5 percent from $1,222.02/oz to $1,570.25/oz.

Copper prices also posted a gain of 58 percent from $3.40 per pound to $4/lb.

Nickel prices went up by 5.8 percent from $9/82/lb to $10.39/lb. higher nickel prices and output resulted in a 74 percent increase in the value of direct shipping ore nickel in 2011 to P24.463 billion at a volume of 20,104,142 dry metric tons compared to the 2010 DSO nickel production value of just $14.080 billion and a production volume of just 13,763,734 DMT.

Nickel concentrate production in 2011 increased 16 percent to 38,798 DMT with a higher value of P11.197 billion compared to 2010’s production of 33,539 DMT with a value of P9.795 billion.

Silver production output increased 11 percent to 45,530 kilograms with a value of P2.755 billion compared to 2010’s production volume of 41,004 kg. with a value of just P1.19 billion.............

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=782754

leofriends

March 2nd, 2012, 02:49 AM

ANDAMING GOOD NEWS.. :D DI NA KASYA EHHH.. :D

38 firms keen on PHL oil and gas blocks

http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/03/38-firms-keen-on-phl-oil-and-gas-blocks/

LandBank to open 20 new branches to expand nationwide network

http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/03/landbank-to-open-20-new-branches-to-expand-nationwide-network/

Philex Mining nets P537M in 2011‏

http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/03/philex-nets-p537m-in-2011%e2%80%8f/

HSBC sees 25 bps cut in BSP rate this week

http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/03/hsbc-sees-25-bps-cut-in-bsp-rate-this-week/

DOE starts reloading ‘Pantawid Pasada’‏

http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/03/doe-starts-reloading-pantawid-pasada%e2%80%8f/

DTI official sees Nueva Ecija economy to further flourish

http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/03/dti-official-sees-nueva-ecija-economy-to-further-flourish/

InfinitiFX45

March 2nd, 2012, 02:24 PM

Japanese Company Mulls Plant Here :cheers: :banana:

To Manufacture E-Motorcycles And E-Cars

by BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT | Manila Bulletin | Friday | March 2, 2012 | 2:47am

MANILA, Philippines — Terra Motors Corp. of Japan has expressed keen interest to establish an electric motorcycle assembly plant in the country drawn by the strong local demand for motorcycles, which hit over 800,000 units last year. The Japanese firm also said they may invest in the assembly of electric cars later on.

Officials of Terra Motors have already met with officials of the Board of Investments to relay their plans. There were no details though in terms of investments for the planned e-motorcycle facility, the plant location and timeframe for the supposed project.

What the Japanese motorcycle said instead was that their e-motorcycles would be priced competitively with that of the traditional motorcycles. Terra Motors e-motorcycles would be sold at P50,000 per 50 c.c. motorcycle unit, which is competitive with the prices of traditional fuel engine combustion motorcycles.

Terra Motors has expressed preference for the Philippines because of the huge domestic market. They are also looking at the possibility of exporting e-motorcycles to other ASEAN countries to take advantage of the zero duty trading regime in the region.

The Japanese firm has also plans to later embark into the assembly of e-cars depending on the progress of the e-motorcycle project.

Terra Motors was founded in April 2010 with paid-in capital of 213 million yen. It also raised 170 million yen in March last year from Mizuho Capital and other investors.

Terra Motors was originally created for the purpose of manufacturing and selling two wheels electric vehicles comprising of electric-bike and electric senior car or electric wheelchairs. With four products in its catalog, Terra Motors has also introduced an upgrade to one of its existing models with the BISMO Press.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/353016/japanese-company-mulls-plant-here

wino

March 2nd, 2012, 03:09 PM

first time I've heard of Terra motors..

but nonetheless, very interesting product. Electric Motorcycles? NICE!!

tigidig14

March 2nd, 2012, 06:29 PM

Singapore's Fullerton eyes Philpost bldg :cheers: :banana: :banana: :banana:

by Mary Ann Ll. Reyes and Evelyn Z. Macairan | The Philippine Star | Thursday | Updated March 01, 2012 | 12:00 AM

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/3373/philpostbus1.jpg

MANILA, Philippines - The group behind the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore is reportedly in talks with the Philippine government for the transformation of the Manila Central Post Office into a first-class hotel.

Gemma Cruz Araneta, vice president of the city of Manila’s Historical and Heritage Commission, said the group is currently engaged in negotiations with the government represents the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore. (See Babe Romualdez column, B-3)

In 1997, Sino Land (Hongkong) Co. Ltd., a sister company of Far East Organization, acquired the Fullerton Building from the Urban Redevelopment Authority, spending close to $300 million in converting it into a hotel and building the two-story commercial complex One Fullerton. The hotel was officially opened on Jan. 1, 2001.

The Singapore hotel was also originally a general post office building, also known as the Fullerton Building, before its redevelopment into a luxury five-star hotel located at the Central Business District near the mouth of the Singapore River.

The historic Fullerton Building was named in honor of Robert Fullerton, Singapore’s governor from 1826 to 1829, and was used as a post office and even a hospital during the Second World War.

Philpost postmaster general Josie Dela Cruz yesterday announced that there are plans to convert the historic Philpost building in a bid to boost the tourism in the area that would cover Intramuros, Philpost, and Metropolitan Theater;

Dela Cruz said that the Aquino administration is studying the possibility of transforming the five-floors of the Philpost central office into a posh hotel in a bid to boost tourism in the country.

At the center of these grand plans is the 86-year-old neoclassical architecture designed Philpost building. The office building would reportedly serve as the core or catalyst of transformation.

“There is an order that came from the Executive Secretary (Paquito Ochoa Jr.) that created a committee headed by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima to study the possibility of converting this area, wherein the center is our office, into a tourism development project,” Dela Cruz said.

She said that if the project pushes through, the Philpost building would not be demolished since the investors would be interested to conserve the building. “It is a heritage building...The attraction here is its history. It would be in their (investors) interest to protect and preserve it.”

Apart from Purisima, the other members of the committee would come from the city government of Manila and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

The committee has six months to submit their recommendations.

The planned tourism development does not only affect the Philpost but nearby historical landmarks as well such as Intramuros and the art-deco building Manila Metropolitan Theater. There is also the possibility that the change would positively spill over to the Binondo area and Escolta.

Coincidentally, the architect for both the Manila Metropolitan Theater and the Philpost was Juan Arellano.

Dela Cruz admitted that she is supportive of the project to convert the historical landmark building into hotel for practical reasons. “The building is too big for us and the maintenance cost (is too much) so it is no longer economical for us.”

The Philpost, a government-run corporation, has been losing money for many years because it could not compete with the private couriers and advance communication such as emails sent through computers and cellular phone textmessaging.

Despite their best efforts, “our situation now still deteriorating and we have difficulty rehabilitating,” she added.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=782488

ang daming indigent ang natutulog sa paligid nito
i didnt 'no that this building is about to be demolished, ganda pa naman...wonderboy, where are you? come to the rescue :lol:
im wondering what's the govn plan to the manila metropolitan theater. its dilapidated, saka sayang yung building saka yung pwesto sana gawing part of public university para makatulong pa

wino

March 2nd, 2012, 06:32 PM

^^ what do you mean by "building is about to be abolished" ????

tigidig14

March 2nd, 2012, 06:43 PM

demolished pala, not abolished. my fault :D
i stand corrected, thanks po!

filcan

March 2nd, 2012, 06:51 PM

^^It's not going to be demolished.

wino

March 2nd, 2012, 07:21 PM

yeah... di po siya maddemolished.. convert lang into a Hotel.

InfinitiFX45

March 3rd, 2012, 01:59 PM

Philippines to shine in global community soon, says finance guru Suze Orman :cheers: :banana:

by Doris C. Dumlao | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Tuesday | February 28th, 2012 | 2:26 am

http://business-cdn.inquirer.net/files/2012/02/suze-orman-2-300x199.jpg
SUZE ORMAN: Build on cash and you could never collapse. Photo by Arnold Almacen

MANILA, Philippines—Visiting personal finance guru Suze Orman sees the Philippines soon shining in the global community as an investment hub and having more of its households emancipated out of their dependence on overseas remittances.

Orman, who was once described by USA Today as a “one-woman financial advice powerhouse,” said, however, that Filipino consumers should avoid going the way of the US, which had allowed its economy to grow on credit card and lending to people who could not afford homes and have been grappling with more people “on a highway to poverty.”

“Build this country on cash so that it could never collapse, then you can change your lives,” said Orman, who was raised in an unruly Chicago neighborhood and who used to wait on tables and sleep in her car before transcending poverty as a broker at American investment house Merrill Lynch.

The host of the award-winning Suze Orman Show, which airs every Saturday night on CNBC, is in town to fulfill a promise made for the last five years to her friend Doris Magsaysay-Ho, chairwoman of Asia Society Philippines, to help inspire Filipinos in their quest for financial freedom.

Read More: http://business.inquirer.net/46695/philippines-to-shine-in-global-community-soon-says-finance-guru-suze-orman

InfinitiFX45

March 3rd, 2012, 02:00 PM

Entertainment City seen to exceed Vegas in gaming revenues :cheers: :banana:

by Daxim L. Lucas | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Saturday | March 3rd, 2012 | 1:17 am

The Philippines can easily surpass the world’s gaming capital, Las Vegas, in terms of casino revenues once the Entertainment City project of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. is fully operational, the head of the state-owned agency predicted.

In an Interview with the Inquirer, Pagcor chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat Jr. said exceeding Las Vegas’ revenues would be a goal that could be achieved, given how other gaming centers around Asia managed to do the same.

In particular, the southern Chinese enclave of Macau exceeded Las Vegas gaming revenues in 2007, with the former taking in $6.95 billion that year compared to the latter’s $6.6 billion.

More recently, Singapore — the newest gaming center in the region — was also estimated to have exceeded Las Vegas’ sales in 2011, taking in about $6.4 billion last year, versus the latter’s $6.2 billion.

“If Singapore, which only has two casinos, can overtake Las Vegas — with its main offering to guests and tourists being shopping along Orchard Road — I’m sure our Entertainment City can easily surpass their revenues,” Naguiat said.

The state-owned gaming regulator and casino operator is hoping to be the anchor for the government’s thrust to further develop tourism in the country by offering, among others, more five-star hotel rooms to accommodate the expected influx of foreign visitors.

Naguiat pointed out that, according to studies, foreign tourists were drawn mainly by a destination’s beaches and historical sites, in that order.

“We have everything they are looking for here in the Philippines,” he said, referring to the world-renowned beaches of Boracay as well as the Spanish-era walled city of Intramuros, which is only a few minutes’ drive from the Entertainment City’s site.

“We have Palawan’s underground river, and we have very old Spanish churches,” he added. “In Macau, they have the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is only the facade of the structure.”

Read More: http://business.inquirer.net/47269/entertainment-city-seen-to-exceed-vegas-in-gaming-revenues

d7beast

March 4th, 2012, 03:20 AM

wolfdgreat

March 4th, 2012, 04:06 AM

IMO, these are all talks and how to make it a reality is the bigger challenge and without concrete plans on how to convince the gamers from those established places in changing their attitude towards their perception of our system matters most,..This is my comment for the article and not directed at any forumers (keep it coming Infinity, tq),..

I think its an idea target and it's achivable. Considering that pagcor alone earned more than P30b.
Also, this private investor will not invest $1B without any concrete plan.
IHMO.

d7beast

March 4th, 2012, 08:40 AM

I think its an idea target and it's achivable. Considering that pagcor alone earned more than P30b.
Also, this private investor will not invest $1B without any concrete plan.
IHMO.

That is in the view of the investor, but the government and the agency as a whole will directly appeal to the gamers from these places, the thing that matter most is the perception of the gamers on the existing system will it compete against the established gaming places or not and what differentiates PAGCOR from its competitors? They must show to these investors in words and in action, not just assumptions,..

wolfdgreat

March 4th, 2012, 08:55 AM

That is in the view of the investor, but the government and the agency as a whole will directly appeal to the gamers from these places, the thing that matter most is the perception of the gamers on the existing system will it compete against the established gaming places or not and what differentiates PAGCOR from its competitors? They must show to these investors in words and in action, not just assumptions,..

I don't think the investor will put in their money without a basis and a concrete plan from PAGCOR. This is a joint effort, without the help of each other they cannot succeed.
PAGCOR's view somehow reflects investor's view.
So setting this target is not just for PAGCOR but also for the rest of the investors.

d7beast

March 4th, 2012, 09:15 AM

I don't think the investor will put in their money without a basis and a concrete plan from PAGCOR. This is a joint effort, without the help of each other they cannot succeed.
PAGCOR's view somehow reflects investor's view.
So setting this target is not just for PAGCOR but also for the rest of the investors.

But the one that appeals to these builds are the gamers, and none from Investors and PAGCOR, they should make a difference from these established places,..

wolfdgreat

March 4th, 2012, 09:40 AM

But the one that appeals to these builds are the gamers, and none from Investors and PAGCOR, they should make a difference from these established places,..
Yes, but enticing the gamers and other visitors will not just be on Government alone, or from Investors alone, it is a joint effort.
Making it competitive from those established places is for sure part of the plan.
And publishing targets and providing some information and goals from the project is the start of the plan, which is to make the people curious.
Let see what is their next step...

InfinitiFX45

March 5th, 2012, 02:19 PM

Nomura sees Philippine economy growing by 4.6% this year :cheers: :banana:

by Michelle V. Remo | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Monday, March 5th, 2012 | 12:52 am

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines is seen to grow at a faster rate of 4.6 percent this year on the back of historic low interest rates that are seen to complement the push for higher investments in public infrastructure.

This was according to Japanese financial services conglomerate Nomura, which said in one of its latest commentaries that it was maintaining its view that the Philippines would grow faster than most projections, citing the likely significant impact of the anticipated rise in private-sector investments in public infrastructure and government spending.

The economic growth forecast of Nomura for the Philippines is higher than most forecasts, which settle within the 3- to 4.5-percent range, by analysts and economists from the private sector. It also indicates an acceleration from last year’s actual growth of only 3. 7 percent.

“We maintain that the economy will grow by an above-consensus 4.6 percent in 2012 as investment and government spending support growth,” the Japan-based multinational firm said.

Read More: http://business.inquirer.net/47479/nomura-sees-philippine-economy-growing-by-4-6-this-year

InfinitiFX45

March 5th, 2012, 03:14 PM

US software firm, PHL infotech enabler sets up Asian operations hub in Manila :cheers: :banana:

by RRD/VS | GMA News | Friday | March 2, 2012 | 5:17pm

US-based Concur and Philippine information technology enabler DTSI on Friday said they have established an Asian operations center in the Philippines for the American software company.

“[DTSI] convinced us to engage and to develop a world-class facility in the heart of Metro Manila,” DTSI said in a statement, citing Concur vice president of Services, Adam Joseph.

“[DTSI] successfully gave us an introduction to the Philippines as a country, providing a level of comfort to establish operations here and do so very rapidly,” Dan Milgrom, Concur’s director of Global Audit Services, said in the same statement.

Concur said it has clients in more than 100 countries, including the US, UK, and Australia.

Among the challenges that faces business operation in the Philippines were competition and scarcity of space and resources, Milgrom noted.

According to the Business Processing Association of the Philippines, the country is the third largest IT-BPO (business processing outsource) destination in the world next to India and China.

Concur is a software-as-a-service company providing travel and expense management solutions, while DTSI provides IT solutions to the global market.

Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/250135/economy/business/us-software-firm-phl-infotech-enabler-sets-up-asian-operations-hub-in-manila

InfinitiFX45

March 6th, 2012, 12:31 AM

Japanese firms coming back to Phl :cheers: :banana: :banana: :banana:

by The Philippine Star | Sunday | March 04, 2012 | 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Big ticket investors from Japan have found new interest in putting stakes in the Philippines.

This was disclosed by Kengo Mizuno, executive director of the Manila branch of the Nomura Research Institute of Japan, in a forum on trade and investments held at the Penthouse of the BOI building in Makati recently.

Last year alone, Mizuno said, four newcomers pumped in $314 million in investments while expansion projects by earlier locators have injected another $735 million for total Japanese investments of $1.49 billion.

The newcomers included Brother which set up its $54 million printer factory in Batangas; Canon which invested $220 million also in Batangas; Lion, a healthcare company based in Laguna; and Murata, maker of ceramic condenser that invested $40 million also in Batangas.

The biggest investor was Yokohama, a Japanese tire maker, which expanded its factory at the Clark Freeport. It sank in $625 million in its expansion project. Epson, a familiar manufacturer of printers also expanded its factory in Batangas in the amount of $110 million.

Mizuno said that those final assembly manufacturers will be needing suppliers soon. And he expects more suppliers to locate in the country.

The Nomura executive suggested that Philippine investment promotion officials should target ship builders in Japan to also relocate their facilities in the Philippines, the same way the country has lured in Korean and Singaporean ship builders.

Recent events including the earthquake in Japan and floods in Thailand have combined to make the Philippines one of the most interesting investment havens in the East Asian region again, he pointed out.

He said there are still 19 member companies of the Shipbuilders Association of Japan that are active in ship building there. Only two have relocated to China and the Philippines. He said that manufacturing costs have gone too high in Japan.

“Shipbuilding may trigger investments by steel makers,” he said.

This could happen when shipbuilders in a country have activities that create a critical mass of demand for basic steel products. – PHILEXPORT News and Features

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=783422&publicationSubCategoryId=

epik ll ian

March 6th, 2012, 12:32 AM

InfinitiFX45

March 6th, 2012, 12:37 AM

Increased Japanese investments seen :cheers: :banana: :banana: :banana:

by The Philippine Star | Tuesday | March 06, 2012 | 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Manabat Sanagustin & Co. (MS&Co.), one of the leading auditing and advisory firms in the country and an independent member firm of KPMG International Cooperative, believes the Philippines can expect a strong flow of Japanese investments this year as the country continues to emerge as an ideal investment hub and a potential relocation site of Japanese companies.

According to Endo Yoshiaki, principal of Japanese Practice at MS&Co., more Japanese firms realize the advantages that the country has over its neighbors and that the country can help mitigate the risks of concentrating operations in China and Thailand.

Endo points out the Philippine’s strategic location, high literacy rate, stability of cost of labor, abundance of manpower and the hardworking nature of the Filipino workers as among the qualities that attract Japanese entrepreneurs to invest in the country.

“The country boasts of highly-skilled workers and experienced professionals that very much suit the needs of Japanese companies,” added Endo, who has been helping Japanese companies in their operations in the country for almost 10 years. “Aside from being an English-speaking nation, the country is an ideal logistics hub because of its location, the center of every Asian country.”

Endo said that the country can expect a significant increase in Japanese investments over the coming years as a number of Japanese blue-chip companies have expressed their desire to set up their factories here.

Read More: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=784151

InfinitiFX45

March 6th, 2012, 12:56 AM

'More fun in Phl' set for int'l launch :cheers: :banana:

by Mayen Jaymalin | The Philippine Star | Tuesday | March 06, 2012 | 12:00 AM

http://a.imageshack.us/img515/2225/gen4hires.jpg
File photo shows the Heritage Village in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, a popular destination for local and foreign tourists. The site, one of the best preserved examples of a planned Spanish colonial town, has been placed on the World Heritage List for its cultural significance. VAL RODRIGUEZ

MANILA, Philippines - The new country slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines” debuts on the international stage this week, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said yesterday.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez is leading a 41-member Philippine delegation to the annual International Tourismus Bourse (ITB) where they will present for the first time the new tourism campaign.

“Our participation in ITB this year is quite significant because it’s the first time for us to roll out the ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’ campaign in a global event,” Jimenez said.

The tourism chief said the Philippines will formally present tomorrow the new campaign in a party at the Felix disco club in Berlin, where Filipino talents will entertain invited guests from the travel trade and media.

“We are very confident that the new campaign will create a higher awareness level of the Philippines as an exciting and must-experience destination in Asia as we move towards our goal of 10 million foreign visitors by 2016,” Jimenez added.

Read More: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=784259&publicationSubCategoryId=63

davaob4now

March 6th, 2012, 04:04 AM

'Patrol ng Pilipino' unveils miracles of soon to be Filipino saint
by ABS-CBN Corp. Comm. | March 06, 2012 9:30 AM | Share this article

The Blessed Pedro Calungsod is set to become the second Filipino saint on his canonization in October this year. While this is perceived as a feat for the Philippines, little is known about the young catechist and martyr who remained true to his Catholic faith until his death.

Tomorrow (Mar 6) in “Patrol ng Pilipino,” join Apples Jalandoni as she travels to Cebu City to visit the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Pedro Calungsod and trace the soon-to-be saint’s much-disputed origin and identity, his missionary work and death, and the miracles that qualified him for sainthood.

Former Cebu Archbishop Cardinal Vidal, who lobbied for Calungsod’s beatification, said that the martyr’s approaching canonization serves as an inspiration and a testimony to young people that holiness can be achieved at a young age. Calungsod was killed at 17 while on a missionary work in 1672.

Meanwhile, Niko Baua will heed the latest bar exam topnotchers’ take on the issues that currently taint the law profession, including hazing in fraternities and the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Know the stories behind the news in “Patrol ng Pilipino” tomorrow (Mar 6) in “Patrol ng Pilipino” after “Bandila” on ABS-CBN, or watch it earlier on DZMM TeleRadyo (SkyCable Channel 26), 9:15 p.m.

link (http://www.abs-cbn.com/Feature/Article/10880/-Patrol-ng-Pilipino-unveils-miracles-of-soon-to-be-Filipino-saint.aspx)

xyriellewest

March 6th, 2012, 04:11 AM

watcher09

March 6th, 2012, 01:29 PM

^^
This news definitely sounds great, another historic place in our country is again on the list of renowned world heritage list. :applause:-:applause: (http://www.dmcihomes.com/about-us.php?mission-vision)

Matagal na po 'yan.

InfinitiFX45

March 6th, 2012, 03:32 PM

Trade chief: Manufacturers quit China for Philippines :cheers: :banana:

Associated Press 6:39 pm | Tuesday, March 6th, 2012

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine officials said rising labor costs in China’s southern coast are driving big foreign manufacturers to relocate to the country.

Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said Tuesday there has also been “very strong” interest from Japanese investors who are looking for tracts of land in Philippine export processing zones. They include electronics, ship building and steel companies.

Domingo said investors relocating to the country include foreign garments factories closing in China. He said a big company which left the Philippines has decided to return, while another one is seriously considering coming back.

The country is seeing “the most we’ve ever seen” of investor fact finding missions this year, he said.

Source: http://business.inquirer.net/47733/trade-chief-manufacturers-quit-china-for-philippines

InfinitiFX45

March 6th, 2012, 04:05 PM

PH eyes 6% growth despite China, oil worries :)

Agence France-Presse | Tuesday |Posted at 03/06/2012 7:49 PM | Updated as of 03/06/2012 7:49 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will hit or top its growth target of 5%-6% this year despite rising oil prices and China's forecast of slightly slower economic expansion, officials said Tuesday.

Central bank governor Amando Tetangco and other officials said China's 7.5% gross domestic product (GDP) growth target this year, from 8% last year, was not a cause for concern.

"While the growth projection has been downscaled, they can still beat that target," he told a news conference.

"If that's the case then there won't be any significant impact," he said, adding that some deceleration had been expected.

Read More: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/06/12/ph-eyes-6-growth-despite-china-oil-worries

InfinitiFX45

March 6th, 2012, 04:09 PM

PH to benefit from relocation of Chinese manufacturing :cheers: :banana:

by Cathy Rose A. Garcia | ABS-CBNnews.com | Tuesday |Posted at 03/06/2012 4:34 PM | Updated as of 03/06/2012 4:43 PM

PH urged to revive manufacturing sector

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines should rebuild its manufacturing sector to take advantage of an expected relocation of Chinese manufacturing jobs to other countries in the next 10 years, according to an economist.

Yuwa Hedrick-Wong, global economic adviser for MasterCard Worldwide, said the Philippines is well-positioned to capture these Chinese manufacturing jobs that will be transferred to other countries because of the increasing wages and shrinking labor force.

In his presentation "The Global Economy and Forging Philippines' Economic Future" at the MasterCard Economic Forum, Yuwa said China is becoming too expensive, as manufacturing wages are rising very fast and the labor force is declining.

"They (China) won't be able to produce in 10 years... The Philippines is only 41% (average monthly manufacturing wage) of the coastal provinces of China. The wages average a 21% growth a year," he said.

As of 2010, China has the world's largest manufacturing labor force with 165 million, versus 3.2 million for the Philippines. Yuwa noted if 1% of China's manufacturing jobs are relocated to the Philippines, it would mean 4 million new jobs created.

Read More: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/06/12/ph-benefit-relocation-chinese-manufacturing

InfinitiFX45

March 6th, 2012, 04:15 PM

PH growth to rise on domestic demand: IMF :cheers: :banana:

Reuters | Posted at 03/06/2012 11:26 AM | Updated as of 03/06/2012 11:31 AM

WASHINGTON - The Philippine economy should grow modestly this year on domestic demand, despite the risks to the broader global economy from Europe's sovereign debt crisis, the International Monetary Fund said on Monday.

In its annual review of the Philippine economy, the IMF forecast growth would rise to 4.2% this year, up from 3.7% in 2011.

Growth over the next two years could recover to around 5%, while inflation is likely to remain within the 3% to 5% official target range, it said.

"The challenge now is to navigate through the period of global uncertainty to maintain macroeconomic stability," the IMF said in its yearly economic health-check for the Philippines.

Read More: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/06/12/ph-growth-rise-domestic-demand-imf

leofriends

March 6th, 2012, 04:20 PM

^^ sana tuloy tuloy na to.. moving forward and higher to 2013.. :D

InfinitiFX45

March 6th, 2012, 04:21 PM

Big names in oil exploration flock to Phl :cheers: :banana:

by Neil Jerome C. Morales | The Philippine Star | Tuesday | Updated March 06, 2012 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Local and foreign investors are competing to snag new service contracts for coal and petroleum projects from the Philippines despite a heavy territorial dispute with China.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is already evaluating pre-qualification documents submitted by private and state-run firms prior to the actual bidding that will start this month.

“For petroleum Philippine Energy Contracting Round (PECR), 40 companies submitted pre-qualification documents,” DOE undersecretary Jose M. Layug Jr. announced yesterday.

As of 12 noon of Feb. 29, the DOE said, it received 36 pre-qualification documents that include the company’s profile and bylaws. The deadline was 5 p.m. of that same day.

Read More: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=784140

Fraulein

March 6th, 2012, 06:13 PM

InfinitiFX45

March 7th, 2012, 05:59 AM

2 groups keen on putting up oil refineries in Philippines :cheers: :banana:

by Amy R. Remo | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Wednesday, March 7th, 2012 | 3:00 am

Two foreign investor groups are looking to put up oil refineries, depots and other related infrastructure in the country, which may allow the Philippines to export finished petroleum products to neighboring countries in the long term.

At the sidelines of the Philippine economic briefing on Tuesday, Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras said one of the investor groups had started negotiations with state-run Philippine National Oil Co. for the lease of the area, where it plans to put up the refinery.

One of the refineries may be put up in Luzon. Proponents are still scouting for the site of the other refinery.

Should these two refinery projects push through, they are expected to cater not only to the Philippine market, but also to the Asean market, Almendras said.

“My aspiration was to have a strategic oil reserve for the Philippines and to have more crude oil on storage or onshore so in case of emergency, we can ensure our fuel supply. Because the government cannot put up those strategic oil reserves, I went out to look for people who are interested in these projects and I invited them to go to our country,” he said.

According to Almendras, he was marketing the Philippines as a strategic investment location where investors could put up refinery hubs that could serve the Asean region. The two investor groups were among those that have responded to the invitation of Almendras.

The energy chief, however, declined to identify the companies involved as they have signed strict nondisclosure agreements with the parties.

Source: http://business.inquirer.net/47949/2-groups-keen-on-putting-up-oil-refineries-in-philippines

InfinitiFX45

March 7th, 2012, 06:08 AM

2 foreign oil firms eye new refineries :cheers: :banana:

by Alena Mae S. Flores | Manila Standard Today | Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Two foreign investor groups have expressed interest to put up separate oil refineries in the Philippines, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said Tuesday.

Almendras said the two were in negotiations with state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. for the site that will secure the country’s oil requirements.

He told reporters at the sidelines of an economic briefing that PNOC would not compete with the two prospective investors.

“PNOC is in negotiations [with the investors] for a land deal,” Almendras said, adding they were prepared to invest “billions of dollars.”

The Philippines hosts two refiners in the country — Petron Corp. and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., which are capable of processing 180,000 barrels and 110,000 barrels in Limay, Bataan and Tabangao, Batangas, respectively.

Almendras said the Philippines could be a hub for oil in the Asean market, similar to Singapore, with the construction of the two additional oil refineries.

He said the proposed refinery of the investor groups would serve both the domestic and Asean markets. He said the investors were exploring Luzon and other areas to put up the refinery, with the help of PNOC.

“They are studying that [export of oil to Asean]. The Philippines has a strategic location, that was what exactly I was marketing, our strategic location,” Almendras said.

He said he would have wanted to put up a strategic oil reserve that will provide a buffer during any eventuality but the government could not do so.

Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness_mstd.htm?f=//2012/March/7/business5.isx&n=business&d=/2012/March/7

InfinitiFX45

March 7th, 2012, 06:14 AM

Peza lures P16b from investors :cheers: :banana:

by Julito G. Rada | Manila Standard Today | Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Investment pledges in the country’s economic zones in the first two months of the year grew 47 percent to P16.223 billion from P11.043 billion year-on-year, reflecting the unwavering investors’ confidence in the country.

Data gathered by Manila Standard from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority showed the commitments were made in 90 projects from 63 recorded a year ago.

“Electronics, as usual, lead investments [for the first two months],” Elmer San Pascual, Peza promotions group head, said.

He said exports from the pledges are expected to hit $919.338 million. Employment in the economic zones grew 12 percent to 868,703 as of end-January from 777,882 a year ago.

San Pascual said Japanese investors led the most number of commitments, followed by the Koreans, Americans and other nationalities.

Peza has set an investment target of P323 billion in 2012, up 12 percent from the actual pledges in 2011.

Peza last year registered P288.696 billion worth of investment commitments, up 41 percent over P204.394 billion in 2010.

Peza earlier said big-ticket electronics would continue to expand in the country this year.

One of these big-ticket investments in 2011 was Murata’s $400 million in Laguna. Murata produces most smart phone parts including chip multilayer antennas, ceramic resonators, speakers, shock sensors, micro-blowers and power supplies. The company has production platforms in Tokyo, Osaka and Singapore.

Brother Industries Ltd., a diversified company engaged in printing business based in Nagoya, Japan, meanwhile, is investing $12 million to put up a manufacturing subsidiary in Batangas.

Peza said it would intensify investment missions overseas this year to attract more foreign investors in the country.

Aside from Japan and Korea, the agency is set to conduct missions in Australia, New Zealand, Northern Europe, especially the United Kingdom, Germany and France.

Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness_mstd.htm?f=//2012/March/7/business6.isx&n=business&d=/2012/March/7

manila2020

March 7th, 2012, 06:52 AM

I don't want to do double postings.. but i think we have tons of positive news going on!!

Inflation dips to 2.7% on food price deceleration
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=Inflation-dips-to-2.7%-on-food-price-deceleration&id=47933

Policy tweaks supportive of growth -- IMF
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=Policy-tweaks-supportive-of-growth----IMF&id=47932

Project to upgrade Metro Manila competitiveness, living standards
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Project-to-upgrade-Metro-Manila-competitiveness,-living-standards&id=47893

Global real estate course offered in Manila for 1st time
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/business/03/07/12/global-real-estate-course-offered-manila-1st-time

DTI sees P456B investments this year
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/06/12/dti-sees-p456b-investments-year

Optimistic outlook touted
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=Optimistic-outlook-touted&id=47934

Ayala Corp, JG Summit to invest in PPP program
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/06/12/ayala-corp-jg-summit-invest-ppp-program

Bourse hitting 6,000 ‘not impossible’
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=Bourse-hitting-6,000-%E2%80%98not-impossible%E2%80%99&id=47931

Generation charge cut announced by Meralco
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=Generation-charge-cut-announced-by-Meralco&id=47930

Petroleum refinery, depot investments seen in the pipeline
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&title=Petroleum-refinery,-depot-investments-seen-in-the-pipeline&id=47916

Higher budget to fast-track rural electrification program
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Higher-budget-to-fast-track-rural-electrification-program&id=47891

Economy seen to grow about 4.2% this year
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Economy-seen-to-grow-about-4.2%-this-year&id=47889

River rehabilitation sought
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=River-rehabilitation-sought&id=47832

Local ad spending growth outpaced by regional mean
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&title=Local-ad-spending-growth-outpaced-by-regional-mean&id=47860

4 Pinoys among WEF Young Global Leaders in 2012
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/24183-4-pinoys-among-wef-young-global-leaders-in-2012

DOTC acts to improve road, aviation passenger service
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/24139-dotc-acts-to-improve-road-aviation-passenger-service

Metro Manila Greenprint 2030 devt plan unveiled
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/24173-metro-manila-greenprint-2030-devt-plan-unveiled

Singapore-bound Filipino tourists, travelers jump 24% last year: STB official
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/23925-singapore-bound-filipino-tourists-travelers-jump-24-last-year-stb-official

Alliance Global investing P35B to expand biz
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/companies/24154-alliance-global-investing-p35b-to-expand-biz

Philippine Bonds Advance on Slower Inflation; Peso Declines
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-06/philippine-bonds-rally-on-slower-inflation-peso-little-changed.html

MVP agrees with Roxas on toll projects
http://business.inquirer.net/47907/mvp-agrees-with-roxas-on-toll-projects

Lexus begins an exciting new phase
http://business.inquirer.net/47867/lexus-begins-an-exciting-new-phase

Supercars find new playground
http://business.inquirer.net/47841/supercars-find-new-playground

2011 budget gap hits only P197.8B
http://business.inquirer.net/47679/2011-budget-gap-hits-only-p197-8b

P24B elevated road project achievable, says proponent
http://business.inquirer.net/46855/p24b-elevated-road-project-achievable-says-proponent

Philippines: The market to watch
http://business.inquirer.net/47671/philippines-the-market-to-watch

Phl economy to rise on domestic demand
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=784427

Bringing back the ‘glory days’ of Philippine design
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/37883/bringing-back-the-glory-days-of-philippine-design

Pangilinan invests in program to boost Filipino tech start-ups
http://technology.inquirer.net/8993/pangilinan-invests-in-program-to-boost-filipino-tech-start-ups

Weisz gives Manila kids a new playground
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/353423/weisz-gives-manila-kids-a-new-playground

IMF Lauds Monetary, Fiscal Policies
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/353490/imf-lauds-monetary-fiscal-policies

JGS Building 30 Budget Hotels
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/353493/jgs-building-30-budget-hotels

Boracay's Tourism Prospects Get Boost
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351976/boracays-tourism-prospects-get-boost

Tropical fabrics starting to invade mainstream fashion
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business/top-business-news/18653-tropical-fabrics-starting-to-invade-mainstream-fashion

Construction expo set this month
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business/top-business-news/18664-construction-expo-set-this-month

Philippines now 'a good value proposition' – Tetangco
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/250515/economy/business/philippines-now-a-good-value-proposition-ndash-tetangco

4,000 delegates expected to attend ADB meeting in PHL
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/250051/economy/moneyandbanking/4-000-delegates-expected-to-attend-adb-meeting-in-phl

SingTel to buy US firm to boost mobile ad business in PHL, rest of Asia
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/250540/economy/companies/singtel-to-buy-us-firm-to-boost-mobile-ad-business-in-phl-rest-of-asia

Manila Water adds 550K new water lines, wasted water drops to 11%
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/250512/economy/companies/manila-water-adds-550k-new-water-lines-wasted-water-drops-to-11

BSP: PHL banks' capital adequacy ratios way above the global standard
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/249182/economy/moneyandbanking/bsp-phl-banks-capital-adequacy-ratios-way-above-the-global-standard

Gokongwei: Aviation investments show belief in govt
http://www.rappler.com/business/2147-gokongwei-aviation-investments-show-belief-in-govt

MVP launches incubator plan for PH version of Silicon Valley
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/05/12/mvp-launches-incubator-plan-ph-version-silicon-valley

P500-million security upgrade eyed for NAIA
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/05/12/p500-million-security-upgrade-eyed-naia

Have a great week everyone!!

OtAkAw

March 7th, 2012, 11:13 AM

^^Thank you manila2020! Although I am boggled at how you are able to aggregate so many news articles!

amigo32

March 7th, 2012, 11:15 AM

he is a search engine?:rofl:

leofriends

March 7th, 2012, 01:01 PM

^^ news search engine.. :lol:

OtAkAw

March 7th, 2012, 03:01 PM

^^Perhaps he works in the media.

Fraulein

March 7th, 2012, 06:15 PM

I am very excited on this project! :cheers:

Why Trump picked Manila to have a tower? Watch the entire video to find out. :)

===================

rGInCiRFClk

metrosuburban

March 7th, 2012, 08:40 PM

^^Perhaps he works in the media.

sia na ang Head ng (good) Newsgathering team.:)

leofriends

March 8th, 2012, 12:05 AM

Forex reserves hit record $77.765 billion in February :banana:
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=784863

Economy expected to grow 5.6% this year
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=784867

SMIC profit up 15% to P21.2 billion in 2011
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=784869

MPIC eyes government hospital, regional centers
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=784872

Petron earnings rise 7.6% to P8.5 billion
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=784883

Semirara profit surges 52% to record P6 billion
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=784886

PCEV core net income up 19%
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=784888

Robinsons Land to open 30th mall
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=784889

Mariwasa Siam Ceramics projects 4-5% growth
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=784890

watcher09

March 8th, 2012, 01:51 AM

Leofriends is catching up. Thanks guys. I enjoy reading your posts.

leofriends

March 8th, 2012, 02:58 AM

'Large scale' PH, U.S.military exercises set:banana:

AFP News – 12 hours ago

The Philippines said Wednesday it would hold large-scale military exercises with the United States next month near an area where it is locked in a tense sea territorial row with China.

The manoeuvres, an annual event which this year will involve nearly 7,000 troops, will reinforce the close military ties between the longtime allies, armed forces chief Lieutenant General Jessie Dellosa said.

"The cooperation between the two armed forces manifests the unswerving dedication and commitment of our security forces towards a more stable and secure Asia-Pacific region," Dellosa said in a statement.

About 4,500 US troops will join 2,300 Filipino counterparts in various exercises on the main island of Luzon and in Palawan from April 16 to 27.

Palawan is an island on the Philippines' southwest coast facing the South China Sea.

China and Taiwan claim all of the South China Sea, while the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei have overlapping claims to parts of it.

The territorial dispute over the waters, which are believed to sit atop vast deposits of gas and oil, has for decades been regarded as one of Asia's potential military flashpoints.

Tensions rose last year after the Philippines and Vietnam accused China of becoming increasingly aggressive in staking its claims.

The Philippines alleged last year that Chinese vessels fired on Filipino fishermen and harassed an oil exploration vessel in its waters.

The Philippines responded by calling for stepped-up military ties with the United States, triggering an angry response from China which does not want American involvement in the dispute.

The Philippine military declined to say exactly where in Palawan, or which waters off the island, that next month's military exercises would take place.

"There are different places of engagements (in Palawan)," Major Emmanuel Garcia, spokesman for the Philippine contingent, told AFP, refusing to name specific locations.

China claims waters close to the western edge of Palawan. However waters to the eastern side of Palawan are uncontested by China.

The US embassy in Manila said in a statement the exercises would include computer simulated command post drills, multiple field exercises, as well as medical, engineering, humanitarian and civic activities.

The exercises are called Balikatan, a Filipino word meaning shoulder-to-shoulder.

Twenty participants from other Southeast Asian countries are also expected to take part in the drills, the US embassy statement said.

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/us-philippines-set-joint-military-exercises-085256283.html

manila2020

March 8th, 2012, 04:46 AM

Leofriends is catching up. Thanks guys. I enjoy reading your posts.

sia na ang Head ng (good) Newsgathering team.:)

^^Perhaps he works in the media.

he is a search engine?:rofl:

^^ news search engine.. :lol:

^^Thank you manila2020! Although I am boggled at how you are able to aggregate so many news articles!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

HAHAHAHA. U guys are fun! I am the good news guy! hahaha. You just made my day. thanks for putting a smile on my face! =)

InfinitiFX45

March 8th, 2012, 06:29 AM

PH Up In Economic Freedom Ranking :cheers: :banana:

by Pia Lee-Brago | The Philippine Star | Thursday | Posted at 03/08/2012 7:17 AM | Updated as of 03/08/2012 | 10:15 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines rose eight notches to 107th from last year’s ranking of 115th and garnered an Economic Freedom Score (EFS) of 57.1 this year, an improvement from the country’s previous score of 56.2.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario welcomed yesterday the improvement in the Philippines’ global ranking in the 2012 Index of Economic Freedom (IEF) recently released by the Heritage Foundation.

The 2012 IEF highlights 10 economic freedoms such as property rights, freedom from corruption, fiscal freedom, government spending, business freedom, labor freedom, monetary freedom, trade freedom, investment freedom, and financial freedom.

“This is a clear validation of the policy reforms that the President has put in place to move the country forward and uplift the lives of our people,” Del Rosario said.

“We hope this development will encourage more economic activities in the country, including foreign investments, that would translate to more jobs for our people,” he added.

The Heritage Foundation reported that the Philippine economy “has been on a steady path of economic expansion.”

Read More: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/07/12/ph-economic-freedom-ranking

InfinitiFX45

March 8th, 2012, 06:43 AM

Henry Sy heads list of six Filipinos on Forbes list of world's richest :cheers: :banana:

by Adrian M. Dy/OMG/HS | GMA News | Thursday | March 8, 2012 | 10:46am

In this era of Internet billions, Henry Sy's growing empire shows that there is still much wealth in old-fashioned bricks-and-mortar enterprises.

Of the 1,226 people on Forbes magazine's new annual World's Billionaires rankings, Henry Sy and his family's SM retail empire placed 116, with a net worth of $8 billion.

Forbes.com released on Wednesday, (Thursday, PHL time) their annual list, a collection that includes six Filipinos.

http://www8.gmanews.tv/webpics/v3/2012/03/forbeslist2012.jpg
Source: Forbes.com

Lucio Tan, who owns, among others, Asia Brewery and Philippine Airlines, was the second richest Filipino, coming in at 314, with a $3.5 billion total.

Andrew Tan, whose Alliance Global Group Inc. includes the Megaworld Corporation and the Golden Arches Development Corporation, landed at 601 with $2.1 billion.

The youngest Filipino on the list at age 52, Enrique Razon Jr., was not far behind at 683, with $1.9 billion, thanks to his International Container Terminal Services company.

Rounding out the list are Eduardo Cojuangco at 960 ($1.3 billion) and Roberto Ongpin, 1153rd ($1 billion).

Last June, Forbes Asia also had Sy and Lucio Tan on top of their 'The Philippines' 40 Richest' list, with $7.2 billion and $2.8 billion respectively.

Present on the Philippines' list but not on the latest Forbes rankings were John Gokongwei Jr. ($2.4 billion in June), David Consunji ($1.9 billion in June), and Jaime Zobel de Ayala ($1.7 billion in June).

Forbes has been ranking billionaires for the past 25 years, estimating net worths by valuing "individuals' assets, including stakes in public and private comapnies, real estate, yachts, art and cash" while also accounting for debt.

This year's rankings were based on "a snapshot of wealth on February 14, 2012," incorporating figures and data up to that date.

InfinitiFX45

March 8th, 2012, 07:03 AM

Local Think Tank PIDS Forecasts More Optimistic 5.6% 2012 Growth :cheers: :banana:

by EDU LOPEZ | Manila Bulletin | Thursday | March 8, 2012 | 1:33am

MANILA, Philippines — Local think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) President Dr. Josef Yap sees an improved and better economy in 2012. In his annual forecast of the economy, based on trends and developments in the previous year, Yap expects gross domestic production (GDP) to grow at 5.6 percent.

Although this growth forecast is still below the 7-8 percent growth target contained in the Philippine Development Plan, Yap said that it is nonetheless an auspicious outlook considering the country’s dismal economic performance last year. He also said that, with appropriate policies in place, 2012 could be a transition year toward an era of higher and sustained economic growth. He urged the government to take advantage of this more favorable economic environment to implement required economic, social and political reforms to ensure that growth will equitably benefit the people.

Yap explained that GDP growth will be largely stimulated by the revival of public spending which decelerated and was a major cause of the dip last year.

The implementation of the infrastructure projects of agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC) is expected to be a key growth driver for this year.

At the same time, continued expansion of manufacturing and service sectors will drive growth this year.

Manufacturing grew by 4.7 in 2011 despite export contraction, while service sector grew by a respectable 5 percent in 2011.

In addition, agriculture is also expected to recover from the impact of natural calamities last year and grow by 2.5 percent this year.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/353611/local-think-tank-pids-forecasts-more-optimistic-56-2012-growth

InfinitiFX45

March 8th, 2012, 07:17 AM

4 Million Chinese Jobs May Transfer to PH :cheers: :banana:

by Roderick T. dela Cruz | Manila Standard Today | Thursday | March 8, 2012

The Philippines has once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture millions of manufacturing jobs relocating from China over the next few years, the chief economist of credit card giant MasterCard said Tuesday.

Yuwa Hedrick-Wong, global economic advisor of MasterCard Worldwide, said rising wages in China were likely to force manufacturing companies there to relocate to other countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam and Bangladesh which offer cheaper labor.

“You have once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create 4 million jobs in the Philippines over the next five years,” Wong said in an economic briefing at Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

Former Budget secretary Benjamin Diokno, however, said President Benigno Aquino’s attitude towards China may prevent the exodus of jobs to the Philippines.

“The president is trying to irritate China,” said Diokno, referring to the decision of the government to auction oil exploration areas in the disputed South China Sea, to the disappointment of Chinese officials.

Wong said the Philippines needed to attract more investments if it wanted to become an industrial nation. “The trend of declining manufacturing employment in the Philippines has to be reversed,” he said.

He said this was possible if the Philippines would be more aggressive in attracting manufacturing plants relocating from China amid rising wages in the world’s second-largest economy.

Wong said minimum wages in China’s coastal provinces have risen 21 percent since 2010. Manufacturing wages in the Philippines were estimated to be just 41 percent or less than half of wages in China’s coastal provinces.

He said if the Philippines would capture just 1 percent of manufacturing companies relocating from China over the next five years, this would translate to 4 million new jobs in the Philippine manufacturing sector.

The figure would more than double the existing 3.2 million manufacturing jobs in the country, he said.

Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness_mstd.htm?f=//2012/March/8/business7.isx&n=business&d=/2012/March/8

InfinitiFX45

March 8th, 2012, 07:24 AM

SPi Global Sees BPO Revenues Hitting $25B :cheers: :banana:

by Lailany P. Gomez | Manila Standard Today | Thursday | March 8, 2012

A wholly-owned unit of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. said the local business process outsourcing industry will likely hit the $25-billion revenue mark by 2016.

SPi Global president Maulik Parekh said in a statement the goal was “aggressive but achievable,” adding that his industry had been growing by more than 20 percent annually over the last three years.

“We know one thing, what got us here won’t get us to where we want to be. We need to make significant changes in our strategy to support the growth of this industry,” Parekh said.

He conceded that the Philippines was not the only country with a growing BPO industry, and that this posed a challenge on the demand and the supply side.

Parekh noted that the BPO industry in India, China and the Latin American countries was growing by double digits.

“In fact, India just hit their milestone of $100 billion annually. So if they are growing by 15 percent, they are essentially adding the whole Filipino BPO industry into their mix. We should not feel complacent given the growth here in the Philippines. India continues to be a formidable competitor for us in terms of non-voice operations, and we must continue to invest like other countries in providing services for potential clients,” he said.

Parekh said the industry needed to add 1.1 million skilled, talented employees in order to post $25 billion in revenues in five years.

Spi said the local BPO industry supplied only 580,000 people, or 550,000 people short of the 1.1-million goal.

He said the government must consider a few things to help the industry in terms of incentives, marketing support, pursue good governance and pass the bills that would create the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

SPi added the continued support from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other agencies was vital to the industry.

“If we don’t get our act together, we may miss our goal of $25 billion. That is a huge task ahead of us and we must focus on our efforts there,” Parekh said.

Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness_mstd.htm?f=//2012/March/8/business8.isx&n=business&d=/2012/March/8

leofriends

March 8th, 2012, 03:09 PM

IMF sees positive signs for Philippines amid global gloom

Posted by admin on Mar 8, 2012 in Business News | 0 comments

WASHINGTON, March 8 (PNA/Xinhua) — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday said the overall macroeconomic condition of the Philippines is broadly favorable despite global uncertainties.:banana:

“The outlook for the near term is broadly favorable, but subject to significant external risks,” the Washington-based global lender said in a report released after its consultation with Philippine authorities.

“In this context, the key policy challenge is to safeguard macroeconomic stability while building the foundations for stronger and more inclusive growth over the medium term,” the report noted.

The IMF lauded Philippine economic policies, saying prudent policies have underpinned a strong recovery and supported confidence.

Philippine monetary policy is “appropriately supportive” of economic activity and inflation is “firmly in the middle of the target range,” the IMF said, adding that the fiscal policy is “appropriately focused” on supporting growth in the near term while aiming for consolidation over the medium term.

The lender expressed support for the Philippine central bank’s policy of allowing orderly adjustments of the exchange rate to market pressures.

The IMF expected the Philippine economy to expand by 4.2 percent this year, and 4.7 percent in 2013. (PNA/Xinhua)
FPV/jsd

http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/03/imf-sees-positive-signs-for-philippines-amid-global-gloom/

leofriends

March 8th, 2012, 03:10 PM

watcher2020, tulungan na kita.. :D if you can't put it all.. here is the other..

NEDA sees over 5% GDP in 2012:banana:
http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/03/neda-sees-over-5-gdp-in-2012/

Forex reserves surge to $77.77B:banana:
http://business.inquirer.net/48083/forex-reserves-surge-to-77-77b

PSEi seen to hit 5,500 this year:banana:
http://business.inquirer.net/48075/psei-seen-to-hit-5500-this-year

Manulife reported 44% rise in sales in 2011
http://business.inquirer.net/48217/manulife-reported-44-rise-in-sales-in-2011

Peso jumps up over favorable news on Greece’s debt-swap offer, US jobs
http://business.inquirer.net/48185/peso-jumps-up-over-favorable-news-on-greece%e2%80%99s-debt-swap-offer-us-jobs

Philippines now competing with over 100 countries for BPO investments:banana:
http://business.inquirer.net/48155/philippines-now-competing-with-over-100-countries-for-bpo-investments

6 PH tycoons make it to Forbes list of world’s wealthiest
http://business.inquirer.net/48119/6-ph-tycoons-make-it-to-forbes-list-of-world%e2%80%99s-wealthiest

US-PHL officials consult on issues under Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/03/us-phl-officials-consult-on-issues-under-trade-and-investment-framework-agreement/

PHL tropical fabrics goes mainstream:banana:
http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/03/phl-tropical-fabrics-goes-mainstream/

February ’12 inflation rate slows to 2.7%:banana:
http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/03/february-12-inflation-rate-slows-to-2-7/

Inflation target to be breached once oil price reaches US$ 150-160/barrel -BSP
http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/03/inflation-target-to-be-breached-once-oil-price-reaches-us-150-160barrel-bsp/

watcher09

March 9th, 2012, 01:41 AM

Thanks a lot. I've already read some of them.

Hey! I'm not married to manila2020.

Nabartek

March 9th, 2012, 01:51 AM

I'm not sure if more billionares getting in Forbes is a good thing. I see it more of widening income gap...

Nabartek

March 9th, 2012, 03:01 AM

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=89277704#post89277704

this should be an interesting thread

In the Philippines, women bosses rule

MANILA - NINE out of 10 supervisors at Anxa, a French-owned software development company in Manila, are women. And it is no coincidence.

For Mr Fabrice Boutain, the company's general manager, Filipino women are more motivated, handle responsibility better and are much cooler under pressure than men.

'We have been in the Philippines for five years, and practically all our managers are women,' he said.

Proportion of women in top management

Philippines: 50%
Brazil: 42%
Thailand: 39%
Hong Kong: 35%
Russia: 34%
China: 32%
Botswana: 31%
South Africa: 29%
Taiwan: 29%
New Zealand: 24%
Malaysia: 23%
Poland: 23%
United States: 23%
Armenia: 22%
Australia: 22%
Sweden: 22%
France: 21%
Greece: 21%
Ireland: 21%
Singapore: 21%
Mexico: 20%
Canada: 19%
United Kingdom: 19%
Spain: 17%
Turkey: 17%
Argentina: 16%
India: 14%
Italy: 14%
Netherlands: 13%
Germany: 12%
Luxembourg: 10%
Japan: 7%

SOURCE: GRANT THORNTON

Anxa may be an extreme example, but nowhere else in the world do women occupy as many supervisory and management positions than in this country.

A recent survey by business consultants Grant Thornton International revealed that half the senior management positions in the Philippines were held by women.

This compared with a global average of just under a quarter, including in Singapore.

Philippine government figures give an even stronger indication of the trend. The latest Labour Department data showed that women in executive and supervisory roles not only outnumbered men, but also indicated that the gender gap had been widening steadily over the past five years.

So, why are Filipinas making such big strides in the workplace?

One reason, managers and business organisations said, is that Filipino men mostly do not mind having women bosses.

'Mothers are very dominant figures in Filipino society,' said Ms Dina Salonga, managing director of SQL Wizard, a software company she set up just over a decade ago with four male partners.

'Historically, we have always had strong women in the Philippines. Women are certainly not in the background here, either in the home or in society.'

Mr Dan Roces, chief researcher at the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), agreed.

'Filipino men tend to be closest to their mothers and do not generally have a problem taking orders from women,' he said.

In a recent study for the Philippine Centre of Investigative Journalism, writer Jaileen Jimeno said boys were more pampered at home and did fewer chores than girls. As a result, women were simply better prepared for multi-tasking and other rigours of the workplace.

Labour and Employment Secretary Arturo Brion attributed the rise in the number of women managers largely to education. One in five employed Filipinas had completed college or higher education, compared with only one in 10 employed men, he noted.

It is not only in the workplace that women are making their mark in the Philippines.

Running the country, of course, is President Gloria Arroyo, the second woman president since democracy icon Corazon Aquino replaced Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.

However, the country's legislature is still predominantly male, with women making up only 20 per cent of the House of Representatives.

It was during the 1980s that women started making their presence felt in senior management. And government data showed that between 2004 and last year, the number of women executives and supervisors rose by 97,000 - six times more than for men.

At the end of last year, there were 2.26 million women in these jobs, compared with 1.63 million men.

Not surprisingly, 97 per cent of Filipino respondents to the Grant Thornton survey, which polled 7,200 companies in 32 countries, said women occupied senior positions in their companies.

In East Asia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand came in at more than 80 per cent. Singapore scored 69 per cent, and Japan, which pulled down the regional showing, was last with only 25 per cent.

'It is encouraging to see some of the Asian economies leading the way. North American and European businesses, in particular, continue to disappoint,' said Ms April Mackenzie, Grant Thornton's executive director for public policy.

One factor enabling working mothers in the Philippines to pull long hours in the office is the abundant supply of cheap domestic help to look after the children.

But while women are landing senior jobs, men still get paid more. PMAP's Mr Roces said the median management salary is 100,000 pesos (S$3,351) for men and 75,700 pesos for women, although the gap narrows considerably at higher levels.

In larger companies, he said, career ladders for women aiming for senior management positions tended to be in the human resources and finance departments.

Mrs Nina Lim worked in the finance departments of two foreign airlines before joining the Manila office of American software vendor Oracle, where she has been finance director since 2000.

Now in her late 40s, she said: 'Equal opportunities in the workplace need to be backed by corporate policies, and I have been lucky in that respect.

'But as a woman, you still have to come across as a figure of authority and establish the respect of your male colleagues.'

And women should keep on doing that, observed congressman Lisa Maza of the Gabriela Women's Party, which advocates women's issues.

'There have been considerable gains in equal opportunities over the past 20 years, but women still have to keep on asserting themselves in the workplace,' she said.

'And then there is the enduring attitude that those who got to the top did so by either being rich or being a bitch, or they slept their way there.'

http://www.asiaone.com/Business/Office/Learn/Out%2BOf%2BOffice/Story/A1Story20071019-30966.html

xxxriainxxx

March 9th, 2012, 03:57 AM

^^ New data here:

http://www.gti.org/files/ibr2012%20-%20women%20in%20senior%20management%20master.pdf

Russia 46%
Philippines 39%
Botswana 39%
Thailand 39%

Nabartek

March 9th, 2012, 05:17 AM

^^Thanks.

The world is ironic. Cultures known for its machismo seem to have more women in position than countries not so known for their machismo.

manila2020

March 9th, 2012, 05:57 AM

Truth be told, i collate everything manually.. =)

Here are the "GOOD" news today! Enjoy! =)

The renaissance of Philippine manufacturing
http://business.inquirer.net/48327/the-renaissance-of-philippine-manufacturing

PH trade seen growing by 6.4% yearly
http://business.inquirer.net/48275/ph-trade-seen-growing-by-6-4-yearly

Toyota set to hike output
http://business.inquirer.net/48271/toyota-set-to-hike-output

4 brand new Polish-made combat choppers turned over to PH
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/158523/4-brand-new-polish-made-combat-choppers-turned-over-to-rp

BSP shrugs off China slowdown
http://business.inquirer.net/48255/bsp-shrugs-off-china-slowdown

PEZA investment pledges surge by 47% in first 2 months
http://business.inquirer.net/48259/peza-investment-pledges-surge-by-47-in-first-2-months

Poll says outlook still upbeat
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=Poll-says-outlook-still-upbeat&id=48091

Peso strengthens further
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Finance&title=Peso-strengthens-further&id=48094

Flights to boost tourism
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Flights-to-boost-tourism&id=48054

Debt-growth ratio a 13-year low: DoF
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Debt-growth-ratio-a-13-year-low:-DoF&id=48057

Upbeat outlook on merchandise trade growth
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Upbeat-outlook-on-merchandise-trade-growth&id=47988

Consumer spending to drive economic growth
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Consumer-spending-to-drive-economic-growth&id=47986

PSE eyes Internet-based trading
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/24301-pse-eyes-internet-based-trading

‘Economic freedom rank affirms government reforms’
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/24300-economic-freedom-rank-affirms-government-reforms

Exports seen to hit P2T this year
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/24248-exports-seen-to-hit-p2t-this-year

PHL, Israel explore strengthening of trade, investments cooperation
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/24287-phl-israel-explore-strengthening-of-trade-investments-cooperation

Young Filipino inventors bag gold, bronze in intl invention exhibition
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/science/24019-young-filipino-inventors-bag-gold-bronze-in-intl-invention-exhibition

UP engineering students win in Indonesia competition
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/science/24020-up-engineering-students-win-in-indonesia-competition

SBMA to make Subic top trade, tourism center
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/24270-sbma-to-make-subic-top-trade-tourism-center

Dutch Company Investing P1B Here
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/353710/dutch-company-investing-p1b-here

PEZA Projects 2012 'Banner Year'
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/353709/peza-projects-2012-banner-year

HSBC Interested In PPP Funding
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/353721/hsbc-interested-in-ppp-funding

Dolphin Island Draws More Visitors
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/353738/dolphin-island-draws-more-visitors

UN OKs Manila Declaration Proposal
http://mb.com.ph/node/353741/un-ok

S&P projects higher Phl economic growth
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=66&articleId=785097

BGC-C5 exit flyover opened
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=785069

Senate votes 12-0 to create Dep’t of ICT
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/technology/18512-senate-votes-12-0-to-create-dept-of-ict

Filipino scholar honored by World Economic Forum
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business/business-columnist/18799-filipino-scholar-honored-by-world-economic-forum

BOC cited for X-ray inspection project
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business/top-business-news/18817-boc-cited-for-x-ray-inspection-project

PEZA to revise growth targets as big investors enter Philippines
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/250738/economy/business/peza-to-revise-growth-targets-as-big-investors-enter-philippines

Direct flights from Manila to Mumbai expected to boost tourism
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/250843/pinoyabroad/direct-flights-from-manila-to-mumbai-expected-to-boost-tourism

Philippines to ship 55,590-MT D sugar to seven countries, says SRA
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/250587/economy/agricultureandmining/philippines-to-ship-55-590-mt-d-sugar-to-seven-countries-says-sra

BDO net income skyrockets 19%
http://www.rappler.com/business/2273-bdo-net-income-skyrockets-19

Silicon Valley-like incubator for entrepreneurs launched
http://www.rappler.com/business/2250-silicon-valley-like-incubator-for-entrepreneurs-launched

Century Properties collaborates with MissoniHome
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/08/12/century-properties-collaborates-missonihome

'Top Chef' winner Paul Qui serves Filipino-inspired meal
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/03/08/12/top-chef-winner-paul-qui-serves-filipino-inspired-meal

'Aladdin' musical to have Asian premiere in PH
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/03/08/12/aladdin-musical-have-asian-premiere-ph

Ty's Federal Land, Orix to develop $300M complex in Taguig
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/09/12/tys-federal-land-orix-develop-300m-complex-taguig

Cheers to the freakin weekend!!!