MANILA, Philippines - The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) sees the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector in the country growing to a $100-billion a year industry in 10 years if the right investments are made by the next administration.
NEDA Director Dennis Arroyo, in a briefing held at Malacañang yesterday, projected that the country’s BPO industry could take up a fifth of the global industry of $500 billion by 2020 based on the way the sector is growing at this time.
From just a $0.02-billion industry in 2000, BPO has quickly grown to $1.5 billion in 2004, $4.9 billion in 2007 and $7.3 billion last year.
BPO now represents close to five percent of gross domestic product and according to Arroyo, it has multiplier effects in other sectors that contribute to the overall economy.
The Philippines is now second only to India which hosts a $9-billion BPO industry. Arroyo said this could easily be surpassed by the Philippines with its inherent advantages over its Asian neighbor.
He pointed out that the Philippines has an advantage over India in terms of proficiency in the English language as well as the overall talent in various fields such as animation.
Among the issues being faced by India that would work in favor of the Philippines are the tremendous pressure on talent and infrastructure; rising salaries and attrition levels; quality issues in voice services; and infrastructure bottlenecks.
However, India enjoys a slight edge in cost competitiveness over the Philippines.
Arroyo said that the challenge is for the next administration to put up the necessary investments to sustain the growth of the country’s BPO industry.
He said the government should continue to expand its list of next wave cities or investment destinations for BPO and ICT in general.
Congress was also urged to pass the proposed law to create a Department of Information and Communications Technology, which would help ensure the sustained development of the ICT sector.
Arroyo also emphasized the need to expose students to technology at a younger age, particularly at the public schools by setting up more Internet-ready computers.
Source: The Philippine Star
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Dychangco Group opens the Crystal Palace
CEBU, Philippines - The need for modern multi-purpose hall in Cebu pushed the Dychangco Group of Companies (DGC) to invest on building a 950-square-meter facility located at the company’s estate at Nivel Hills.
Primarily intended to serve the growing need for bigger funeral event facility in Cebu, DGC chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Renato Dychangco said that the facility will not only cater to funeral events but for other special events also.
DGC has converted its old warehouse to a modern multi-purpose hall, equipped with state-of-the-art facility, including overnight suite, function rooms, and conducive ambiance.
Called as the “Crystal Palace”, it will serve as the complementary facility to the Cosmo Funeral Homes in Nivel, wherein biggest function room can only accommodate over 300 people.
The “Crystal Palace” on the other hand can accommodate over 500 people in its Convention Hall with function rooms designed to serve the different small-group events and support facilities such as library, kitchenette, among others.
Aside from big funeral events, Crystal Palace also targets non-denominational activities, such as religious conventions, and even corporate retreat and other special events.
The facility, will officially open this coming February 8 to accommodate over 300 delegates for the Annual Philippine Funeral Convention, which will be attended not only by local players and members of the Philippine Mortuary Association (PMA), but also international stakeholders and experts.
The establishment of the facility, will also pave the way for Cebu to hold international funeral and mortuary conventions, such as the upcoming South East Asia Mortuary Convention and the South East Asia Funeral Exposition that will be held in Cebu next year.
According to Dychangco, Cebu has to provide a world-class facility in the funeral service industry, as the Philippines is regarded as one of the countries in Asia that offer advanced and modern services in the funeral event industry.
Recognizing that today’s generation is more of an open-minded people, DGC vice president for marketing and business development Kate Dychangco-Anzani said that facility is designed for versatile use, not only for big and modernized funeral events, but also for other memorable occasions, like weddings, birthdays, among others.
The DGC, which operate the largest funeral home chain in the country, the Cosmo Funeral Homes brand, is actively expanding its business empire to health and wellness through the Leisure Spa facility, restaurant
and catering, event management, sophisticated home furnishing retail, and others.
Source :The Freeman Cebu
Primarily intended to serve the growing need for bigger funeral event facility in Cebu, DGC chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Renato Dychangco said that the facility will not only cater to funeral events but for other special events also.
DGC has converted its old warehouse to a modern multi-purpose hall, equipped with state-of-the-art facility, including overnight suite, function rooms, and conducive ambiance.
Called as the “Crystal Palace”, it will serve as the complementary facility to the Cosmo Funeral Homes in Nivel, wherein biggest function room can only accommodate over 300 people.
The “Crystal Palace” on the other hand can accommodate over 500 people in its Convention Hall with function rooms designed to serve the different small-group events and support facilities such as library, kitchenette, among others.
Aside from big funeral events, Crystal Palace also targets non-denominational activities, such as religious conventions, and even corporate retreat and other special events.
The facility, will officially open this coming February 8 to accommodate over 300 delegates for the Annual Philippine Funeral Convention, which will be attended not only by local players and members of the Philippine Mortuary Association (PMA), but also international stakeholders and experts.
The establishment of the facility, will also pave the way for Cebu to hold international funeral and mortuary conventions, such as the upcoming South East Asia Mortuary Convention and the South East Asia Funeral Exposition that will be held in Cebu next year.
According to Dychangco, Cebu has to provide a world-class facility in the funeral service industry, as the Philippines is regarded as one of the countries in Asia that offer advanced and modern services in the funeral event industry.
Recognizing that today’s generation is more of an open-minded people, DGC vice president for marketing and business development Kate Dychangco-Anzani said that facility is designed for versatile use, not only for big and modernized funeral events, but also for other memorable occasions, like weddings, birthdays, among others.
The DGC, which operate the largest funeral home chain in the country, the Cosmo Funeral Homes brand, is actively expanding its business empire to health and wellness through the Leisure Spa facility, restaurant
Source :The Freeman Cebu
Friday, February 5, 2010
SEC okays FLI's P3-billion retail bond issue
MANILA, Philippines - The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved Filinvest Land Inc.’s registration of an additional P3 billion worth of fixed-rate retail bonds.
FLI, however, has postponed its planned bond issuance since it would be cheaper for the company to finance its projects by drawing on its bank lines and rediscounting part of its P6 billion unrediscounted receivables.
FLI said the company’s “internal cash generation is very strong, reducing the need for such debt funding at this time.”
The planned additional P3 billion bonds had similarly been assigned the highest rating of PRS Aaa by PhilRatings.
Obligations rated PRS Aaa are of the highest quality with minimal credit risk. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
FLI earlier issued P5 billion bonds comprising P500 million due in 2012 and P4.5 billion due in 2014. The first bond series was assigned a rating of PRS Aaa in October 2009.
The rating took into consideration the following key considerations: strong growth of FLI’s real estate and leasing operations; its improving cash generation; conservative debt position; and financial flexibility.
The rating also reflects the following factors which were considered when the PRS Aaa rating was assigned to FLI’s P5-billion bond issue last October 2009: FLI’s diversified portfolio; focus on the mass housing segment which enhances FLI’s resilience; and favorable industry conditions.
Despite having to face a more challenging environment brought about by the global financial crisis and relatively weak GDP growth in the country, FLI’s revenues for the first nine months of 2009 were generally unchanged from the same period for the previous year.
The slight drop in real estate revenues, brought about by the overall decline in high-end property sales experienced industry-wide, was offset by the slight increase in FLI’s rental income. Although expenses were slightly higher, net income managed to register a 4.2 percent increase as a result of the lower corporate tax rate.
The company is expected to post increased growth from 2010 to 2015. Forecast hikes in real estate revenues will come from the strong performance of the affordable, middle-income and high-end segments.
Mid-rise buildings such as One Oasis-Cebu, One Oasis-Davao, One Oasis-Ortigas, Bali Oasis and the company’s first high-rise building, The Linear, will generate bulk of future revenues.
Rental income is also expected to augment FLI’s revenue generation, although at more modest growth levels. The improvement in leasing operation results will come from additional lease area and rental escalations.
FLI is also expected to benefit from the earnings potential of Cyberzone Properties Inc.’s (CPI) business process outsourcing (BPO) buildings through its acquisition of Africa-Israel Properties (Phils) Inc.’s 40 percent stake in CPI.
Source: The Philippine Star
FLI, however, has postponed its planned bond issuance since it would be cheaper for the company to finance its projects by drawing on its bank lines and rediscounting part of its P6 billion unrediscounted receivables.
FLI said the company’s “internal cash generation is very strong, reducing the need for such debt funding at this time.”
The planned additional P3 billion bonds had similarly been assigned the highest rating of PRS Aaa by PhilRatings.
Obligations rated PRS Aaa are of the highest quality with minimal credit risk. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
FLI earlier issued P5 billion bonds comprising P500 million due in 2012 and P4.5 billion due in 2014. The first bond series was assigned a rating of PRS Aaa in October 2009.
The rating took into consideration the following key considerations: strong growth of FLI’s real estate and leasing operations; its improving cash generation; conservative debt position; and financial flexibility.
The rating also reflects the following factors which were considered when the PRS Aaa rating was assigned to FLI’s P5-billion bond issue last October 2009: FLI’s diversified portfolio; focus on the mass housing segment which enhances FLI’s resilience; and favorable industry conditions.
Despite having to face a more challenging environment brought about by the global financial crisis and relatively weak GDP growth in the country, FLI’s revenues for the first nine months of 2009 were generally unchanged from the same period for the previous year.
The slight drop in real estate revenues, brought about by the overall decline in high-end property sales experienced industry-wide, was offset by the slight increase in FLI’s rental income. Although expenses were slightly higher, net income managed to register a 4.2 percent increase as a result of the lower corporate tax rate.
The company is expected to post increased growth from 2010 to 2015. Forecast hikes in real estate revenues will come from the strong performance of the affordable, middle-income and high-end segments.
Mid-rise buildings such as One Oasis-Cebu, One Oasis-Davao, One Oasis-Ortigas, Bali Oasis and the company’s first high-rise building, The Linear, will generate bulk of future revenues.
Rental income is also expected to augment FLI’s revenue generation, although at more modest growth levels. The improvement in leasing operation results will come from additional lease area and rental escalations.
FLI is also expected to benefit from the earnings potential of Cyberzone Properties Inc.’s (CPI) business process outsourcing (BPO) buildings through its acquisition of Africa-Israel Properties (Phils) Inc.’s 40 percent stake in CPI.
Source: The Philippine Star
SM Prime to start Cebu mall in 2012
MANILA, Philippines - SM Prime Holdings Inc., the country’s largest retail chain, will start the construction of its planned shopping mall within the 240-hectare South Road Properties in Cebu in 2012, according to a top company official.
SM Prime chief financial officer Jeffrey Lim said the shopping center will have a gross floor area of 250,000 square meters, making it the biggest retail complex in Visayas and Mindanao. The shopping mall would be a smaller version of the 60-hectare Mall of Asia complex along Roxas Boulevard.
SM Prime has committed to invest at least P20 billion over a 15-year period for a mixed-use development project at SRP which will include a convention center, hotels, high-rise residential condominiums, school and a hospital.
The company has offered to acquire a 28-hectare property within the SRP for P11,000 per square meter or nearly P3 billion. The SRP is a land reclamation project by the Cebu City government.
Aside from SM Prime, Filinvest Land Inc. is also developing 50.6 hectares of the SRP into a mixed-use complex. The project will be developed in four phases over a 20-year period with FLI contributing the development costs as well as the marketing and management services.
SM Prime is spending P12.1 billion this year for the opening of five new malls nationwide and one in China. Slated for opening this year are Calamba, Laguna; Masinag, Antipolo; Tarlac; Novaliches and San Pablo, Laguna which will provide a total of 279,228 square meters in gross floor area.
Three new malls in China – Chonggqing, Suzhou, and Zibo – are targeted for opening between 2010 and 2012. This will add to its three existing malls - SM Xiamen, Jinjiang and Chengdu.
SM Prime expects to have a total of 41 malls by end-2010 with total gross floor area of 4.5 to 4.8 million square meters. Its malls currently have a foot traffic of over 2.5 million per day.
Source: The Philippine Star
SM Prime chief financial officer Jeffrey Lim said the shopping center will have a gross floor area of 250,000 square meters, making it the biggest retail complex in Visayas and Mindanao. The shopping mall would be a smaller version of the 60-hectare Mall of Asia complex along Roxas Boulevard.
SM Prime has committed to invest at least P20 billion over a 15-year period for a mixed-use development project at SRP which will include a convention center, hotels, high-rise residential condominiums, school and a hospital.
The company has offered to acquire a 28-hectare property within the SRP for P11,000 per square meter or nearly P3 billion. The SRP is a land reclamation project by the Cebu City government.
Aside from SM Prime, Filinvest Land Inc. is also developing 50.6 hectares of the SRP into a mixed-use complex. The project will be developed in four phases over a 20-year period with FLI contributing the development costs as well as the marketing and management services.
SM Prime is spending P12.1 billion this year for the opening of five new malls nationwide and one in China. Slated for opening this year are Calamba, Laguna; Masinag, Antipolo; Tarlac; Novaliches and San Pablo, Laguna which will provide a total of 279,228 square meters in gross floor area.
Three new malls in China – Chonggqing, Suzhou, and Zibo – are targeted for opening between 2010 and 2012. This will add to its three existing malls - SM Xiamen, Jinjiang and Chengdu.
SM Prime expects to have a total of 41 malls by end-2010 with total gross floor area of 4.5 to 4.8 million square meters. Its malls currently have a foot traffic of over 2.5 million per day.
Source: The Philippine Star
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Successful polls to boost property, banking sectors - Credit Suisse
MANILA, Philippines -
United Kingdom-based investment bank Credit Suisse sees the property and banking sectors are likely to benefit from the positive outcome of the presidential, national, and local elections scheduled in May.
In its Asian Daily, Credit Suisse research analyst Gilbert Lopez said property and banking companies that are being traded at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) have the most potential upsides to the share price.
“We continue to have a positive political outcome in May 2010 as our base case. Under this scenario, we believe the property and banking sectors would do best and have the most potential upsides to the share price,” Lopez stressed.
He pointed out that the Metrobank Group of taipan George SK Ty as well as property companies such as Ayala Land Inc. and mall giant SM Prime of retail king Henry Sy are expected to perform well.
He said the share price of Metrobank could go up to P59 from the current level of P42 while that of Ayala Land could increase to P14.43 from P10.50 and SM Prime could improve to P12.07 from P9.40.
He added that diversified conglomerate Ayala Corp. and Sy’s SM investments are also expected to perform well this year. The share price of Ayala Corp. is expected to increase to P399.85 from P290 while that of SM Investments would improve to P395.74 from P317.50.
The investment bank stressed the need for the next government to pursue fiscal consolidation after the failure of the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to achieve a balanced budget due to the global economic meltdown.
“A fairly smooth presidential and general elections should help the upcoming government with a better chance of achieving its most pressing problem of fiscal consolidation,” Credit Suisse said.
The Philippines has postponed the achievement of a balanced budget to 2013 after failing to balance the budget in 2008 and this year under the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP).
The country likely posted a record high budget deficit of over P290 billion last year due to the full impact of the global financial meltdown eclipsing the previous record level of P210.7 billion booked in 2002.
“The next government needs to raise tax revenues to gross domestic product, which has been a disappointment over the last two years,” Lopez added.
He explained that the government needs to greatly improve collection efficiency, along with reversing the recent tax breaks that contributed to the disappointing tax revenues.
Source: The Philstar
United Kingdom-based investment bank Credit Suisse sees the property and banking sectors are likely to benefit from the positive outcome of the presidential, national, and local elections scheduled in May.
In its Asian Daily, Credit Suisse research analyst Gilbert Lopez said property and banking companies that are being traded at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) have the most potential upsides to the share price.
“We continue to have a positive political outcome in May 2010 as our base case. Under this scenario, we believe the property and banking sectors would do best and have the most potential upsides to the share price,” Lopez stressed.
He pointed out that the Metrobank Group of taipan George SK Ty as well as property companies such as Ayala Land Inc. and mall giant SM Prime of retail king Henry Sy are expected to perform well.
He said the share price of Metrobank could go up to P59 from the current level of P42 while that of Ayala Land could increase to P14.43 from P10.50 and SM Prime could improve to P12.07 from P9.40.
He added that diversified conglomerate Ayala Corp. and Sy’s SM investments are also expected to perform well this year. The share price of Ayala Corp. is expected to increase to P399.85 from P290 while that of SM Investments would improve to P395.74 from P317.50.
The investment bank stressed the need for the next government to pursue fiscal consolidation after the failure of the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to achieve a balanced budget due to the global economic meltdown.
“A fairly smooth presidential and general elections should help the upcoming government with a better chance of achieving its most pressing problem of fiscal consolidation,” Credit Suisse said.
The Philippines has postponed the achievement of a balanced budget to 2013 after failing to balance the budget in 2008 and this year under the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP).
The country likely posted a record high budget deficit of over P290 billion last year due to the full impact of the global financial meltdown eclipsing the previous record level of P210.7 billion booked in 2002.
“The next government needs to raise tax revenues to gross domestic product, which has been a disappointment over the last two years,” Lopez added.
He explained that the government needs to greatly improve collection efficiency, along with reversing the recent tax breaks that contributed to the disappointing tax revenues.
Source: The Philstar
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
CEMEX-Veco substation adds 10MW to CNP grid
CEBU, Philippines - With the worsening energy problems in the province, the additional supply of 10 Megawatts from the new CEMEX Philippines - Visayan Electric Company substation is a welcome development that would help to alleviate the power interruptions and brownouts in the area.
CEMEX Philippines, one of the biggest producers of cement in the country, together with officials of VECO, Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday had the ceremonial switching of the CEMEX-VECO Interconnection in APO Cement Plant, Tina-an Naga, Cebu.
CEMEX being initially known for its huge cement production which bought APO Cement in 2001, has its own power plant that produces energy for its operations however has decided to share 10 Megawatts of its total power to the whole province to help mitigate power interruptions that has been heavily experienced in the past year.
Just recently, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines also announced a power shortage of 200 MW for the whole Visayas due to the shutdown of the power plant in Managdong, Leyte for a preventive maintenance.
Normandy Chan, Deputy Plant Director of Apo Cement said that their whole diesel fired power plant has the capacity of 66 MW wherein they use 40 MW for its internal operations.
This means excess power of more than 15 MW, which they are happy that they could contribute to the province that has been suffering from the lack of energy.
Chan said that they have started supplying 10 MW to VECO but has reached to 15 and may increase in the future.
Jaime Ruiz de Jaro, president of CEMEX Philippines and Asia said that even though they are largely on the production of top quality building materials, they are always looking for opportunities to help out.
“This is part of CEMEX’s continuing commitment to help sustain progress and development of Cebu,” de Jaro said.
According to recent data produced by the Cebu Energy Development Corporation, as of January 11 this year, Cebu has imported 254 MW from Leyte to give additional supply to the increasing demand of 549 MW wherein the dependable capacity is at 293 MW and should have a reserve of 128MW resulting to a deficit of 113MW for Cebu alone.
Atty. Darwin Mariano, Public Affairs Director of Cemex Philippines Asia explained that CEMEX would now be able to share the 10 MW of power to the Cebu-Negros-Panay Grid through the interconnection that would help VECO lessen their problem on cutting of power when plants bug down or needs to go down for maintenance.
Ethel Natera, the corporate communications officer of VECO said that the 10 MW would definitely be a big help so that they would turn of the power in certain places when needed.
Natera explained that the 10 MW would not be supplied to one particular area or feeder, as they call it, but would be distributed where it is needed. She said that the extra energy could already be a big addition to the supply for the feeders which energy demand depends on the population in the area and the establishments located in the vicinity.
According to Natera, CEMEX would be supplying energy in the morning which is the peak hours for energy demand but in the evening where there is less energy needed, CEMEX would be the one who would be buying from them since it is the peak of their operations.
So far, Natera said that CEMX has bought around 12 MW from them.
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia showed the province’s appreciation for the extra energy provided by CEMEX saying that it is important to “address the urgent need to be addressed in order to sustain the phenomenal growth that Cebu has achieved.”
Garcia acknowledged the huge support of the CEMEX not only for the power supply but as well as in previous projects like road constructions and the building of classrooms in the provinces which was damaged by typhoons in which CEMEX donated bags of cement.
Erramon Aboitiz, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Aboitiz Equity Ventures and Chairman of the Board of VECO said that they see this as a “win-win-win” situation since this not only help them and CEMEX but the general public as well.
Aboitiz said that this is a milestone for them which is a first in the history of VECO where the substation is owned by VECO that directly synchronizes with the generating plant that employs unique switching equipment on its feeders for easy load transfer to and from VECO and APO power plants. It also functions as both a distribution substation and a transmission substation.
Naga Mayor Chiong and Atty. Paterno Acabodello, the representative of first district representative Eduardo Gullas also graced the event as well as other members of the private and public sector.
Source: The Freeman
CEMEX Philippines, one of the biggest producers of cement in the country, together with officials of VECO, Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday had the ceremonial switching of the CEMEX-VECO Interconnection in APO Cement Plant, Tina-an Naga, Cebu.
CEMEX being initially known for its huge cement production which bought APO Cement in 2001, has its own power plant that produces energy for its operations however has decided to share 10 Megawatts of its total power to the whole province to help mitigate power interruptions that has been heavily experienced in the past year.
Just recently, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines also announced a power shortage of 200 MW for the whole Visayas due to the shutdown of the power plant in Managdong, Leyte for a preventive maintenance.
Normandy Chan, Deputy Plant Director of Apo Cement said that their whole diesel fired power plant has the capacity of 66 MW wherein they use 40 MW for its internal operations.
This means excess power of more than 15 MW, which they are happy that they could contribute to the province that has been suffering from the lack of energy.
Chan said that they have started supplying 10 MW to VECO but has reached to 15 and may increase in the future.
Jaime Ruiz de Jaro, president of CEMEX Philippines and Asia said that even though they are largely on the production of top quality building materials, they are always looking for opportunities to help out.
“This is part of CEMEX’s continuing commitment to help sustain progress and development of Cebu,” de Jaro said.
According to recent data produced by the Cebu Energy Development Corporation, as of January 11 this year, Cebu has imported 254 MW from Leyte to give additional supply to the increasing demand of 549 MW wherein the dependable capacity is at 293 MW and should have a reserve of 128MW resulting to a deficit of 113MW for Cebu alone.
Atty. Darwin Mariano, Public Affairs Director of Cemex Philippines Asia explained that CEMEX would now be able to share the 10 MW of power to the Cebu-Negros-Panay Grid through the interconnection that would help VECO lessen their problem on cutting of power when plants bug down or needs to go down for maintenance.
Ethel Natera, the corporate communications officer of VECO said that the 10 MW would definitely be a big help so that they would turn of the power in certain places when needed.
Natera explained that the 10 MW would not be supplied to one particular area or feeder, as they call it, but would be distributed where it is needed. She said that the extra energy could already be a big addition to the supply for the feeders which energy demand depends on the population in the area and the establishments located in the vicinity.
According to Natera, CEMEX would be supplying energy in the morning which is the peak hours for energy demand but in the evening where there is less energy needed, CEMEX would be the one who would be buying from them since it is the peak of their operations.
So far, Natera said that CEMX has bought around 12 MW from them.
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia showed the province’s appreciation for the extra energy provided by CEMEX saying that it is important to “address the urgent need to be addressed in order to sustain the phenomenal growth that Cebu has achieved.”
Garcia acknowledged the huge support of the CEMEX not only for the power supply but as well as in previous projects like road constructions and the building of classrooms in the provinces which was damaged by typhoons in which CEMEX donated bags of cement.
Erramon Aboitiz, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Aboitiz Equity Ventures and Chairman of the Board of VECO said that they see this as a “win-win-win” situation since this not only help them and CEMEX but the general public as well.
Aboitiz said that this is a milestone for them which is a first in the history of VECO where the substation is owned by VECO that directly synchronizes with the generating plant that employs unique switching equipment on its feeders for easy load transfer to and from VECO and APO power plants. It also functions as both a distribution substation and a transmission substation.
Naga Mayor Chiong and Atty. Paterno Acabodello, the representative of first district representative Eduardo Gullas also graced the event as well as other members of the private and public sector.
Source: The Freeman
Lawyers file case against Innodata
CEBU, Philippines - A group of lawyers has filed a case before the National Labor Relations Commission against Innodata Knowledge Services for alleged violation of procedural process by putting around 60 employees under forced leave allegedly without notice.
In an interview with The Freeman, lawyer Giovanni Sususco, one of the complainants in the case, said Innodata allegedly failed to observe the procedural due process of giving employees and the Department of Labor and Employment a 30-day notice prior to the start of the forced leave.
“As far as we know, according to the Labor Code, employees and DOLE must be notified first so we can have enough time to look for another job or at least find other ways to earn,” Sususco said.
He said the company allegedly made the announcement on January 7, the very day they were asked to take a forced leave.
“We are bringing this case to the NLRC to make our case a precedent to other call center or Business Process Outsourcing employees who have been affected by this practice or those threatened to be affected,” he added.
Sususco said they understand that implementing a forced leave is a management’s prerogative, but only if the management can prove that the move is due to economic condition and not defeating or circumventing the rights of the employees.
“But they were not able to prove us that it is for economic condition. Because we know that there are projects available,” he said.
The company, according to Sususco, told them that the legal document review account they were handling can no longer afford to compensate the employees.
“They even asked us to work on other projects not included in our contracts so it is not enough reason to ask us for a forced leave because there are other projects that we can handle,” Sususco said.
The complainants want the company to pay them P50,000 each for nominal damages for not observing the procedural due process in imposing the forced leave; P50,000 for moral damages; P50,000 for exemplary damages; and P25,000 for attorney’s fees.
Source: The Freeman
In an interview with The Freeman, lawyer Giovanni Sususco, one of the complainants in the case, said Innodata allegedly failed to observe the procedural due process of giving employees and the Department of Labor and Employment a 30-day notice prior to the start of the forced leave.
“As far as we know, according to the Labor Code, employees and DOLE must be notified first so we can have enough time to look for another job or at least find other ways to earn,” Sususco said.
He said the company allegedly made the announcement on January 7, the very day they were asked to take a forced leave.
“We are bringing this case to the NLRC to make our case a precedent to other call center or Business Process Outsourcing employees who have been affected by this practice or those threatened to be affected,” he added.
Sususco said they understand that implementing a forced leave is a management’s prerogative, but only if the management can prove that the move is due to economic condition and not defeating or circumventing the rights of the employees.
“But they were not able to prove us that it is for economic condition. Because we know that there are projects available,” he said.
The company, according to Sususco, told them that the legal document review account they were handling can no longer afford to compensate the employees.
“They even asked us to work on other projects not included in our contracts so it is not enough reason to ask us for a forced leave because there are other projects that we can handle,” Sususco said.
The complainants want the company to pay them P50,000 each for nominal damages for not observing the procedural due process in imposing the forced leave; P50,000 for moral damages; P50,000 for exemplary damages; and P25,000 for attorney’s fees.
Source: The Freeman
Monday, February 1, 2010
Another round of power interruptions set to hit the Visayas
CEBU CITY -- A major geothermal power plant in Leyte was shut down on Saturday for preventive maintenance, compounding the generation deficiency caused by the lack of imported power from Luzon and the unavailability or derated capacities of some units in Cebu.
Power utilities in Cebu, Negros and Panay are bracing for a shortage of up to 200 megawatts (MW) during peak hours starting today, as the 120-megawatt Mahanagdong plant undergoes preventive maintenance for 10 days.
Impact
This means another week of rotating power interruptions of up to one hour during peak periods.
"The impact of the supply shortage will be felt starting Monday," said Belinda S. Canlas, National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) corporate communication officer in the Visayas, in an advisory sent by text last Saturday.
"The shortage will be felt Visayas-wide, as this will be equitably distributed among the major islands and cities," Ms. Canlas explained.
The shutdown of the Mahanagdong facility and some plants in Cebu contradicted an assurance made just last December by an NGCP official that no generating plant was to undergo preventive maintenance until next month.
"They were trying to delay the preventive maintenance shutdown but it was no longer possible," Ms. Canlas explained in a telephone interview.
She declined to identify the other power plants that were unavailable or have de-rated capacities, but sources said the 50-MW Cebu Thermal Power Plant 1 run by SPC Power Corp. in Naga is out again.
Bearing the brunt
The shutdown of the Mahanagdong plant on Saturday caused a 97-MW shortage in the Visayas, as reported on the NGCP Web site.
The Visayas region, including Bohol and Leyte, had a peak load of 1071 MW that day, but available capacity reached only 975 MW on that day.
The NGCP’s power outlook yesterday showed a shortage of 82 MW in the Visayas, thin reserves of 73 MW in Mindanao and 1087-MW reserves in Luzon.
Metro Cebu and neighboring towns, which require about 600 MW during peak hours, are expected to bear the brunt of the shortage in the region.
The Visayan Electric Co., Inc. (VECO), which serves over 300,000 power users in Cebu, is usually asked to de-load two-thirds of the deficiency, explained VECO corporate communications manager Ethel T. Natera.
For a 200-MW shortage, Ms. Natera said VECO expects to be asked to drop roughly 65 MW.
So far, she said VECO has been asked to de-load 40-50MW.
No respite
Metro Cebu has had no respite from rotating one-hour power interruptions, the latest of which occurred when the 50-MW power that the Luzon grid sends to augment the supply in the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid was cut off on Jan. 19 as Luzon itself ran out of reserves then.
The Malitbog power plant, which also supplies Luzon and Cebu-Negros-Panay grids, had also been shut down then for maintenance.
VECO, however, is getting help from its customers that de-load from the system during a shortage under the interruptible load program.
As of last week, Ms. Natera said the program has shaved 21.4 MW from VECO’s system and minimized the areas affected by power interruptions during peak hours -- from 10-12 a.m., 1-3 p.m. to 5:30-8 p.m.
"More customers, including the small ones with less than 1-MW requirement, have joined the program. We are prepared to cope with the shortage," she said.
Conservation boost
VECO has also employed demand-side management to lessen the impact of the shortage by distributing 15-watt compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to its customers.
As of the first week of January, Ms. Natera said they have distributed 60,000 CFL bulbs.
The target is to give out 250,000 bulbs.
In Negros, NGCP-Negros head Zosimo Briones said load-shedding will still be expected, although the privatized generating units of the National Power Corp. (Napocor) in Negros will be available.
"The preparation is on the power plant side, [meanwhile] the NGCP facilities are [in place]," he said.
Green Core Geothermal, Inc. now operates the 192.5-megawatt Palinpinon geothermal power plants in Valencia, Negros Oriental.
Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) general manager Sulpicio Lagarde, Jr. said power supply to CENECO, which serves 140,000 consumers, should not be adversely affected as it sources electricity from the Palinpinon plants.
"We are not getting power from Leyte. Right now, all of our power supply are from Palinpinon. So, there will no effect to CENECO. The immediate effect is nil," he said.
Prepared
But he said CENECO will continue to issue its daily possible load shedding schedules during peak hours either because of the de-rated capacity of a Palinpinon geothermal power plant or generation deficiency, as instructed by NGCP.
In Iloilo, the management of Panay Electric Co. (PECo), the sole power distributor in Iloilo City, said it will ask Panay Power Corp. (PPC) to make up for any shortage in the next 10 days.
Randy S. Pastolero, PECo operations manager, said Iloilo City might be affected by the shortage as the city also draws 8-15 MW from the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid.
"We will ask PPC to compensate for the lost capacity from the grid," Mr. Pastolero said.
"If they can’t, we have to rotate outages [sic]."
Power interruptions ranging from 15 minutes to four hours hit Iloilo City on Saturday after PECo replaced rotting electric posts in Molo and Iloilo City proper districts.
Iloilo City, which has a peak demand of 82 MW, draws 75 MW from PPC, a subsidiary of Metrobank Group’s Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC).
Watching
Wilfred L. Billena, general manager of Iloilo Electric Cooperative (Ileco) 1, said they have yet to know the effects of the shutdown of the Leyte geothermal plant on their system.
He said their main source of power is Palinpinon geothermal power plant in Negros and PPC in Iloilo City.
"The effects of the preventive maintenance will depend on the NGCP’s load shedding schedule," Mr. Billena said.
The power supply situation in Cebu, Negros and Panay is expected to ease by the end of February or early March with the expected commissioning of the first 82-MW coal-fired plant that Cebu Energy Development Corp. has completed in Toledo City in Cebu.
Cebu Energy is building two more 82-MW units and plans to build a fourth in anticipation of another round of power shortage by 2013.
Global Business, which partly owns Cebu Energy, is also constructing a 164-MW coal-fired power plant in LaPaz, Iloilo City.
Source: The Businessworld Online
Power utilities in Cebu, Negros and Panay are bracing for a shortage of up to 200 megawatts (MW) during peak hours starting today, as the 120-megawatt Mahanagdong plant undergoes preventive maintenance for 10 days.
Impact
This means another week of rotating power interruptions of up to one hour during peak periods.
"The impact of the supply shortage will be felt starting Monday," said Belinda S. Canlas, National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) corporate communication officer in the Visayas, in an advisory sent by text last Saturday.
"The shortage will be felt Visayas-wide, as this will be equitably distributed among the major islands and cities," Ms. Canlas explained.
The shutdown of the Mahanagdong facility and some plants in Cebu contradicted an assurance made just last December by an NGCP official that no generating plant was to undergo preventive maintenance until next month.
"They were trying to delay the preventive maintenance shutdown but it was no longer possible," Ms. Canlas explained in a telephone interview.
She declined to identify the other power plants that were unavailable or have de-rated capacities, but sources said the 50-MW Cebu Thermal Power Plant 1 run by SPC Power Corp. in Naga is out again.
Bearing the brunt
The shutdown of the Mahanagdong plant on Saturday caused a 97-MW shortage in the Visayas, as reported on the NGCP Web site.
The Visayas region, including Bohol and Leyte, had a peak load of 1071 MW that day, but available capacity reached only 975 MW on that day.
The NGCP’s power outlook yesterday showed a shortage of 82 MW in the Visayas, thin reserves of 73 MW in Mindanao and 1087-MW reserves in Luzon.
Metro Cebu and neighboring towns, which require about 600 MW during peak hours, are expected to bear the brunt of the shortage in the region.
The Visayan Electric Co., Inc. (VECO), which serves over 300,000 power users in Cebu, is usually asked to de-load two-thirds of the deficiency, explained VECO corporate communications manager Ethel T. Natera.
For a 200-MW shortage, Ms. Natera said VECO expects to be asked to drop roughly 65 MW.
So far, she said VECO has been asked to de-load 40-50MW.
No respite
Metro Cebu has had no respite from rotating one-hour power interruptions, the latest of which occurred when the 50-MW power that the Luzon grid sends to augment the supply in the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid was cut off on Jan. 19 as Luzon itself ran out of reserves then.
The Malitbog power plant, which also supplies Luzon and Cebu-Negros-Panay grids, had also been shut down then for maintenance.
VECO, however, is getting help from its customers that de-load from the system during a shortage under the interruptible load program.
As of last week, Ms. Natera said the program has shaved 21.4 MW from VECO’s system and minimized the areas affected by power interruptions during peak hours -- from 10-12 a.m., 1-3 p.m. to 5:30-8 p.m.
"More customers, including the small ones with less than 1-MW requirement, have joined the program. We are prepared to cope with the shortage," she said.
Conservation boost
VECO has also employed demand-side management to lessen the impact of the shortage by distributing 15-watt compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to its customers.
As of the first week of January, Ms. Natera said they have distributed 60,000 CFL bulbs.
The target is to give out 250,000 bulbs.
In Negros, NGCP-Negros head Zosimo Briones said load-shedding will still be expected, although the privatized generating units of the National Power Corp. (Napocor) in Negros will be available.
"The preparation is on the power plant side, [meanwhile] the NGCP facilities are [in place]," he said.
Green Core Geothermal, Inc. now operates the 192.5-megawatt Palinpinon geothermal power plants in Valencia, Negros Oriental.
Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) general manager Sulpicio Lagarde, Jr. said power supply to CENECO, which serves 140,000 consumers, should not be adversely affected as it sources electricity from the Palinpinon plants.
"We are not getting power from Leyte. Right now, all of our power supply are from Palinpinon. So, there will no effect to CENECO. The immediate effect is nil," he said.
Prepared
But he said CENECO will continue to issue its daily possible load shedding schedules during peak hours either because of the de-rated capacity of a Palinpinon geothermal power plant or generation deficiency, as instructed by NGCP.
In Iloilo, the management of Panay Electric Co. (PECo), the sole power distributor in Iloilo City, said it will ask Panay Power Corp. (PPC) to make up for any shortage in the next 10 days.
Randy S. Pastolero, PECo operations manager, said Iloilo City might be affected by the shortage as the city also draws 8-15 MW from the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid.
"We will ask PPC to compensate for the lost capacity from the grid," Mr. Pastolero said.
"If they can’t, we have to rotate outages [sic]."
Power interruptions ranging from 15 minutes to four hours hit Iloilo City on Saturday after PECo replaced rotting electric posts in Molo and Iloilo City proper districts.
Iloilo City, which has a peak demand of 82 MW, draws 75 MW from PPC, a subsidiary of Metrobank Group’s Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC).
Watching
Wilfred L. Billena, general manager of Iloilo Electric Cooperative (Ileco) 1, said they have yet to know the effects of the shutdown of the Leyte geothermal plant on their system.
He said their main source of power is Palinpinon geothermal power plant in Negros and PPC in Iloilo City.
"The effects of the preventive maintenance will depend on the NGCP’s load shedding schedule," Mr. Billena said.
The power supply situation in Cebu, Negros and Panay is expected to ease by the end of February or early March with the expected commissioning of the first 82-MW coal-fired plant that Cebu Energy Development Corp. has completed in Toledo City in Cebu.
Cebu Energy is building two more 82-MW units and plans to build a fourth in anticipation of another round of power shortage by 2013.
Global Business, which partly owns Cebu Energy, is also constructing a 164-MW coal-fired power plant in LaPaz, Iloilo City.
Source: The Businessworld Online
Indian BPO opens second facility
Indian business process outsourcing (BPO) firm Hinduja Global Solutions, Ltd. opened another facility in the Philippines on Friday, bringing its total investments to the country to $35 million.
The 3,522-square-meter, 1,000-seat call center at Eastwood Cyberpark in Libis, Quezon City cost $2.5 million.
This complements an existing facility also in Libis, known as HTMT Philippines. Opened in 2004 after the Hinduja Group’s acquisition of Customer Contact Center (C-Cubed), the facility which measures 8,672 square meters and has 2,000 seats is the single largest facility of the group outside India, company officials said.
Hinduja Global Solutions serves 80 clients across the globe and employs over 14,500 across 23 "delivery centers" and offices in the United States, Canada, Europe, Mauritius, India and the Philippines.
It also has "strategic working relationship arrangements" with partners in Colombia and China which altogether employ over 1,800 people that serve the South American, Chinese and Japanese markets.
The company plans to build another 1,000-seat facility in 2011 possibly in Metro Manila. Company executives said they were also looking at sites in Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Dumaguete.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was present at the inauguration of the facility, said the BPO sector remains one of the major drivers of the economy.
"Our BPO industry remains strong. In fact our local industry is planning to corner at least 10% of the global market this year," Mrs. Arroyo said in her speech.
Source: The Businessworld Online
The 3,522-square-meter, 1,000-seat call center at Eastwood Cyberpark in Libis, Quezon City cost $2.5 million.
This complements an existing facility also in Libis, known as HTMT Philippines. Opened in 2004 after the Hinduja Group’s acquisition of Customer Contact Center (C-Cubed), the facility which measures 8,672 square meters and has 2,000 seats is the single largest facility of the group outside India, company officials said.
Hinduja Global Solutions serves 80 clients across the globe and employs over 14,500 across 23 "delivery centers" and offices in the United States, Canada, Europe, Mauritius, India and the Philippines.
It also has "strategic working relationship arrangements" with partners in Colombia and China which altogether employ over 1,800 people that serve the South American, Chinese and Japanese markets.
The company plans to build another 1,000-seat facility in 2011 possibly in Metro Manila. Company executives said they were also looking at sites in Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Dumaguete.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was present at the inauguration of the facility, said the BPO sector remains one of the major drivers of the economy.
"Our BPO industry remains strong. In fact our local industry is planning to corner at least 10% of the global market this year," Mrs. Arroyo said in her speech.
Source: The Businessworld Online
IBM opens 2nd global delivery center in Cebu
CEBU, Philippines - Technology solutions giant IBM has opened its second Global Delivery Center (GDC) in the Philippines, in Cebu, taking advantage of the province’s abundant supply of high-value Information Technology (IT) talents.
The Cebu GDC site for Application Services (AS) will complement the Manila’s GDC operations that will focus on providing support service and product development for package, web technology, and other consumer application product developments.
Initially, Cebu site will focus on capabilities in Java, testing and groupware, said Lula Mohanty IBM director for GDC Philippines.
“This is a big revelation to the world that Philippines can do. We have full spectrum of applications services here,” Lula said in a press conference on the formal opening of the Cebu GDC site located at the TGU Tower in Asia Town IT Park.
In IBM’s eight strategy centers in the world, Philippines is considered as one of the central and strategic locations, said Richard Patterson vice president for Globally Integrated Delivery.
Patterson said one of the considerations IBM has seriously look at in expanding its operations around the world especially in the high-end capabilities such as the GDC facility, is the government’s strong support in this kind of investment, strong academe system that provides ample supply of talents and IT capabilities, good IT infrastructure, and stable environment in terms of political stand point.
With this, Patterson said “Cebu became a logical choice. We saw the capability and skills here.”
IBM is expanding its applications services in the country offering key competencies such as Java, and Web technologies, Lotus Notes, Testing and Software Maintenance.
Local IT stakeholders said the entry of IBM in Cebu will reinforce Cebu’s name in the global IT investment community.
According to Lula, IBM still has to calibrate the strength of Cebu high-value IT talent and it may focus on the three identified services—Java, Testing and group-ware.
One of the services that will be delivered by GDC sites, is to provide support to IBM’s clients worldwide, or develop product depends on the unique demand to IBM’s customers worldwide, Patterson explained.
Source: The Freeman
The Cebu GDC site for Application Services (AS) will complement the Manila’s GDC operations that will focus on providing support service and product development for package, web technology, and other consumer application product developments.
Initially, Cebu site will focus on capabilities in Java, testing and groupware, said Lula Mohanty IBM director for GDC Philippines.
“This is a big revelation to the world that Philippines can do. We have full spectrum of applications services here,” Lula said in a press conference on the formal opening of the Cebu GDC site located at the TGU Tower in Asia Town IT Park.
In IBM’s eight strategy centers in the world, Philippines is considered as one of the central and strategic locations, said Richard Patterson vice president for Globally Integrated Delivery.
Patterson said one of the considerations IBM has seriously look at in expanding its operations around the world especially in the high-end capabilities such as the GDC facility, is the government’s strong support in this kind of investment, strong academe system that provides ample supply of talents and IT capabilities, good IT infrastructure, and stable environment in terms of political stand point.
With this, Patterson said “Cebu became a logical choice. We saw the capability and skills here.”
IBM is expanding its applications services in the country offering key competencies such as Java, and Web technologies, Lotus Notes, Testing and Software Maintenance.
Local IT stakeholders said the entry of IBM in Cebu will reinforce Cebu’s name in the global IT investment community.
According to Lula, IBM still has to calibrate the strength of Cebu high-value IT talent and it may focus on the three identified services—Java, Testing and group-ware.
One of the services that will be delivered by GDC sites, is to provide support to IBM’s clients worldwide, or develop product depends on the unique demand to IBM’s customers worldwide, Patterson explained.
Source: The Freeman
Prime Homes pleased with positive feedback
CEBU, Philippines - After launching their first project last year, Prime Homes Development Corporation is pleased to see the support of the public for Henaville subdivision in Compostela, North of Cebu, which is now 50 percent sold out.
During the grand launching anniversary of Henaville, Prime Homes general manager Rey Alfonso said that they are happy with how the public has accepted their first project and that they are pleased with the good feedback from the existing residents of the subdivision.
Offering “affordable, safe, decent and nurturing” houses and a community, Alfonso said that around 50 percent of the 286 units in Henaville are already sold.
Alfonso said that all the 66 units in the first phase are already sold out, while 8o percent of the 72 units in the phase two are already sold. Some of the phase two units are, however, still under construction and is targeted to be completed and turned over mid of this year.
The third phase will start construction in June this year with 64 units targeted to be finished by December said Alfonso while the fourth phase is aimed to start construction next year.
Stretched over the 2.9 hectare area, Alfonso shared that the subdivision would have all facilities needed like a playground, a basketball court, a multipurpose hall, and many more but would still offer very affordable prices ranging from 1.050M to 1.4M for its duplex and town homes.
Alfonso showed their model houses, the Ana and Trisha units. Ana has a lot area of 80 sq. m and a floor area of 40 square meters while the Trisha unit has a 50 sq. meter lot area and floor area of 64 square meters.
At present, Alfonso said that they have 17 residents living in Henaville already and they have had no complaints so far. Most of their clients, Alfonso said are Overseas Filipino Workers, young professionals and starting up families.
With a lot of developments sprouting all over the province, Alfonso said that it could be a challenge but then their thrust is not minding the competition and just doing what they need to do to give the best quality of houses and services to their clients.
He said that this is just the start of their plans and hopefully next year they would venture into socialized low-cost houses which could be of help to a lot of people who would want to own their own houses but is on a limited budget.
But for the meantime, Alfonso said that they are focusing on Henaville and the completion of the project and is hoping to gather more to avail of their quality and affordable units.
Source: The Freeman
During the grand launching anniversary of Henaville, Prime Homes general manager Rey Alfonso said that they are happy with how the public has accepted their first project and that they are pleased with the good feedback from the existing residents of the subdivision.
Offering “affordable, safe, decent and nurturing” houses and a community, Alfonso said that around 50 percent of the 286 units in Henaville are already sold.
Alfonso said that all the 66 units in the first phase are already sold out, while 8o percent of the 72 units in the phase two are already sold. Some of the phase two units are, however, still under construction and is targeted to be completed and turned over mid of this year.
The third phase will start construction in June this year with 64 units targeted to be finished by December said Alfonso while the fourth phase is aimed to start construction next year.
Stretched over the 2.9 hectare area, Alfonso shared that the subdivision would have all facilities needed like a playground, a basketball court, a multipurpose hall, and many more but would still offer very affordable prices ranging from 1.050M to 1.4M for its duplex and town homes.
Alfonso showed their model houses, the Ana and Trisha units. Ana has a lot area of 80 sq. m and a floor area of 40 square meters while the Trisha unit has a 50 sq. meter lot area and floor area of 64 square meters.
At present, Alfonso said that they have 17 residents living in Henaville already and they have had no complaints so far. Most of their clients, Alfonso said are Overseas Filipino Workers, young professionals and starting up families.
With a lot of developments sprouting all over the province, Alfonso said that it could be a challenge but then their thrust is not minding the competition and just doing what they need to do to give the best quality of houses and services to their clients.
He said that this is just the start of their plans and hopefully next year they would venture into socialized low-cost houses which could be of help to a lot of people who would want to own their own houses but is on a limited budget.
But for the meantime, Alfonso said that they are focusing on Henaville and the completion of the project and is hoping to gather more to avail of their quality and affordable units.
Source: The Freeman
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Living la vida buena in Amisa
MANILA, Philippines - Living a life of indulgence does not come easy when you’re used to living in the city.
In the urban jungle, you wake up to the music of honking cars and rise to the smell of gasoline. You deal with traffic and stress, as well as a string of bills to pay. So you grit your teeth, take a deep breath and join the constant struggle to get ahead in the rat race, in the hope of someday reaping your reward: living a life of ease.
But if what if there’s a way to cash in that reward a little early, would you go ahead and take it?
Robinsons Land Corporation presents this tantalizing challenge in AmiSa, a masterplanned community and leisure estate in Mactan Island, Cebu.
Imagine waking up to the sound of the waves rolling up to the shore, as fresh air from the sea wafts through the open window. Picture yourself and your loved ones taking long lazy walks along the beach, or refreshing dips in the ocean. Envision an afternoon with nothing but rest and relaxation on your agenda.
Perhaps then you might be able to wrap your mind around the idea of living la vida buena.
With AmiSa, Robinsons Land Corporation offers the prospect of luxury resort living in a destination famous for its gentle climate, azure waters and white sand beaches.
Sprawled across six hectares of prime real estate in the Punta Engaño district of Mactan, Amisa boasts of a 200-meter beachfront. The property is a mere 10-minute drive from the Mactan Airport, and a 30-minute drive from Cebu City’s commercial and business district.
Source: The Philippine Star
In the urban jungle, you wake up to the music of honking cars and rise to the smell of gasoline. You deal with traffic and stress, as well as a string of bills to pay. So you grit your teeth, take a deep breath and join the constant struggle to get ahead in the rat race, in the hope of someday reaping your reward: living a life of ease.
But if what if there’s a way to cash in that reward a little early, would you go ahead and take it?
Robinsons Land Corporation presents this tantalizing challenge in AmiSa, a masterplanned community and leisure estate in Mactan Island, Cebu.
Pursuit of happiness
AmiSa is Sanskrit for object of enjoyment, a pleasing or beautiful object. True to its name, AmiSa fashions itself as a Nirvana for those seeking respite from the rigours of urban living, where everyday is a holiday and the pursuit of happiness is a valid exercise.Imagine waking up to the sound of the waves rolling up to the shore, as fresh air from the sea wafts through the open window. Picture yourself and your loved ones taking long lazy walks along the beach, or refreshing dips in the ocean. Envision an afternoon with nothing but rest and relaxation on your agenda.
Perhaps then you might be able to wrap your mind around the idea of living la vida buena.
With AmiSa, Robinsons Land Corporation offers the prospect of luxury resort living in a destination famous for its gentle climate, azure waters and white sand beaches.
A destination on its own
According to Frederick Go, RLC president and chief operating officer, AmiSa is the perfect beach getaway from the chaos and confusion of the city.Sprawled across six hectares of prime real estate in the Punta Engaño district of Mactan, Amisa boasts of a 200-meter beachfront. The property is a mere 10-minute drive from the Mactan Airport, and a 30-minute drive from Cebu City’s commercial and business district.
Source: The Philippine Star
PhilHealth covers prenatal care for normal child birth
CEBU, Philippines - To ensure safer pregnancy for expecting women, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) made prenatal care a key component in its benefit package for normal child birth.
Prenatal care is important not just for pregnant women but also for their unborn babies. Maternal difficulties such as diabetes and high blood pressure which are harmful both to the mother and the child may be detected earlier through prenatal visits with a skilled or trained health care provider. Constant check-up and monitoring during these visits ensure a healthier pregnancy and delivery for both the mother and child.
Members may avail themselves of P1,500 as prenatal care benefit covering drugs and medicines, laboratory tests and ancillary procedures. Reimbursement for prenatal expenses is generally paid to the member. But corresponding official receipts for the procedures and/or drugs and medicines availed of must be submitted in support of the claim.
Prenatal care in lying-in clinics has been an integral part PhilHealth’s maternity care package. But it was only with the recent expansion of its normal delivery package that expenses for prenatal care in hospitals also became reimbursable. This is PhilHealth’s way of encouraging pregnant women to really undergo prenatal care in support of the Department of Health’s safe motherhood campaign.
Source: The Freeman
Prenatal care is important not just for pregnant women but also for their unborn babies. Maternal difficulties such as diabetes and high blood pressure which are harmful both to the mother and the child may be detected earlier through prenatal visits with a skilled or trained health care provider. Constant check-up and monitoring during these visits ensure a healthier pregnancy and delivery for both the mother and child.
Members may avail themselves of P1,500 as prenatal care benefit covering drugs and medicines, laboratory tests and ancillary procedures. Reimbursement for prenatal expenses is generally paid to the member. But corresponding official receipts for the procedures and/or drugs and medicines availed of must be submitted in support of the claim.
Prenatal care in lying-in clinics has been an integral part PhilHealth’s maternity care package. But it was only with the recent expansion of its normal delivery package that expenses for prenatal care in hospitals also became reimbursable. This is PhilHealth’s way of encouraging pregnant women to really undergo prenatal care in support of the Department of Health’s safe motherhood campaign.
Source: The Freeman
Plant repairs to cause 200 MW power shortage
CEBU, Philippines - The Visayas is expected to experience a power shortage of up to 200 megawatts tomorrow following the shutdown of a 120-megawatt power plant in Leyte due to a scheduled preventive maintenance.
National Grid Corporation of the Philippines Corporate Communications Officer for the Visayas Belinda Canlas said in a power advisory that starting yesterday, Mahanagdong geothermal power plant in Leyte will undertake preventive maintenance schedule for 10 days.
“As a result of the 10-day shutdown, the Visayas grid’s power supply will decrease with the scheduled maintenance of other major power plants in Cebu,” Canlas said.
She added that the impact of the shortage will be felt Visayas-wide tomorrow “as it will be distributed among the major islands and cities”.
As of yesterday, the available capacity of the Visayas is 975 megawatts with peak load reaching up to 1,072 megawatts resulting to 97 megawatt-shortfall according to the daily power bulletin of NGCP.
Yesterday, only Visayas has experienced a shortfall while Luzon and Mindanao were able to maintain a positive gross reserve. Luzon had an available capacity of 6,518 megawatts and a peak load of 5,707 megawatts leaving a reserve of 811 megawatts. Mindanao, on the other hand, had an available capacity of 1,233 megawatts and a peak load of only 1,122 megawatts.
Ethel Natera, corporate communications officer of the Visayan Electric Company said that they cannot forecast yet if there will be an interruption or not by Monday.
“We only depend on the power available at the grid at a specific time and we implement actions based on real-time data. There is no way to forecast which areas we will interrupt,” Natera said.
Veco is the major distributor of power in the Visayas and is serving most of Metro Cebu.
She said that at any time, they have a measure in place in cases like power shortage. One of which is the one-hour rotation scheme where in power distribution in a specific group of areas is interrupted for one hour and restored afterwards before Veco will interrupt another area.
Natera said due to lack of reserve, Veco has been interrupting power distribution by almost everyday strategically in different areas.
Veco however is trying to minimize the interruptions by encouraging major consumers to join the interruptible program where in consumer voluntarily sheds load. Natera said that Veco was able to enjoin around 20 major consumers who are contributing about 20 to 30 megawatts everyday.
“So mohangyo na lang gyud mi sa public for wise use of electricity since we are experiencing a shortage,” said Natera.
Source: The Freeman
National Grid Corporation of the Philippines Corporate Communications Officer for the Visayas Belinda Canlas said in a power advisory that starting yesterday, Mahanagdong geothermal power plant in Leyte will undertake preventive maintenance schedule for 10 days.
“As a result of the 10-day shutdown, the Visayas grid’s power supply will decrease with the scheduled maintenance of other major power plants in Cebu,” Canlas said.
She added that the impact of the shortage will be felt Visayas-wide tomorrow “as it will be distributed among the major islands and cities”.
As of yesterday, the available capacity of the Visayas is 975 megawatts with peak load reaching up to 1,072 megawatts resulting to 97 megawatt-shortfall according to the daily power bulletin of NGCP.
Yesterday, only Visayas has experienced a shortfall while Luzon and Mindanao were able to maintain a positive gross reserve. Luzon had an available capacity of 6,518 megawatts and a peak load of 5,707 megawatts leaving a reserve of 811 megawatts. Mindanao, on the other hand, had an available capacity of 1,233 megawatts and a peak load of only 1,122 megawatts.
Ethel Natera, corporate communications officer of the Visayan Electric Company said that they cannot forecast yet if there will be an interruption or not by Monday.
“We only depend on the power available at the grid at a specific time and we implement actions based on real-time data. There is no way to forecast which areas we will interrupt,” Natera said.
Veco is the major distributor of power in the Visayas and is serving most of Metro Cebu.
She said that at any time, they have a measure in place in cases like power shortage. One of which is the one-hour rotation scheme where in power distribution in a specific group of areas is interrupted for one hour and restored afterwards before Veco will interrupt another area.
Natera said due to lack of reserve, Veco has been interrupting power distribution by almost everyday strategically in different areas.
Veco however is trying to minimize the interruptions by encouraging major consumers to join the interruptible program where in consumer voluntarily sheds load. Natera said that Veco was able to enjoin around 20 major consumers who are contributing about 20 to 30 megawatts everyday.
“So mohangyo na lang gyud mi sa public for wise use of electricity since we are experiencing a shortage,” said Natera.
Source: The Freeman
Crown Regency's Chinese New Year "888 Dinner Buffet"
CEBU, Philippines - Chinese New Year is a holiday that celebrates the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar. It is considered to be one of the most important holidays for Chinese families.
The holiday is celebrated with big family gatherings, gift giving, the eating of symbolic foods and display of festive decorations -- all focused on bringing good luck for the New Year and celebrating the coming of Spring.
The start of Chinese New Year changes every year since it is dictated by the lunar calendar. The Gregorian or solar calendar, which is based on the Earth's movement around the sun and has a fixed number of 365 days a year (366 during a leap year), is the most widely used calendar system in the world and has been the official calendar used in China since 1912.
But in China, the lunar calendar is still used to determine traditional holidays like Chinese New Year. Since the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon – which has a shorter cycle than the sun – Chinese New Year is never on the same day each year, but typically falls somewhere between January 21st and February 20th.Very interestingly for 2010, it falls on February 14th, which is universally celebrated too as Valentine's Day. However, to mark the Chinese New Year with an equally festive mood, Crown Regency Hotel & Towers has opted to give an impact by way of a New Year's Eve celebration on February 13th, through its "888 Dinner Buffet" at its authentic Chinese cuisine known as the Wang Shan Lo Restaurant, located at the 20th Floor of Club Ultima Tower 2. This will be complimented with Dragon and Lion Dancers and free entrance to the Sky Experience Adventure and one Sky Ride --- either the Skywalk Extreme or the Edge Coaster Ride.Treat your loved ones to this one-of-its-kind Chinese New Year dinner buffet for only Php888 per person and get to enjoy a sumptuous array of authentic Chinese dishes that our Hong Kong chef has specially prepared for this celebration. Afford your New Year with a good start with food prepared for good luck! For reservations, please call 418-8888 and be connected to any of our friendly sales executives.
Source: The Freeman
The holiday is celebrated with big family gatherings, gift giving, the eating of symbolic foods and display of festive decorations -- all focused on bringing good luck for the New Year and celebrating the coming of Spring.
The start of Chinese New Year changes every year since it is dictated by the lunar calendar. The Gregorian or solar calendar, which is based on the Earth's movement around the sun and has a fixed number of 365 days a year (366 during a leap year), is the most widely used calendar system in the world and has been the official calendar used in China since 1912.
But in China, the lunar calendar is still used to determine traditional holidays like Chinese New Year. Since the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon – which has a shorter cycle than the sun – Chinese New Year is never on the same day each year, but typically falls somewhere between January 21st and February 20th.Very interestingly for 2010, it falls on February 14th, which is universally celebrated too as Valentine's Day. However, to mark the Chinese New Year with an equally festive mood, Crown Regency Hotel & Towers has opted to give an impact by way of a New Year's Eve celebration on February 13th, through its "888 Dinner Buffet" at its authentic Chinese cuisine known as the Wang Shan Lo Restaurant, located at the 20th Floor of Club Ultima Tower 2. This will be complimented with Dragon and Lion Dancers and free entrance to the Sky Experience Adventure and one Sky Ride --- either the Skywalk Extreme or the Edge Coaster Ride.Treat your loved ones to this one-of-its-kind Chinese New Year dinner buffet for only Php888 per person and get to enjoy a sumptuous array of authentic Chinese dishes that our Hong Kong chef has specially prepared for this celebration. Afford your New Year with a good start with food prepared for good luck! For reservations, please call 418-8888 and be connected to any of our friendly sales executives.
Source: The Freeman
DOT targets at least 1% of world's MICE market
CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Tourism targets to capture a significant share of the world’s $300 billion market of the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions.
DOT secretary Joseph Ace Durano said that the MICE market is a stable source of foreign investors as the sector has proven its strength and resilience to price fluctuations and other concerns brought about by the change in season, which resulted to an increase in hotel bookings by MICE participants in the country.
Durano said that the market could account for at least 50 million trips taken each year all over the world, all for the MICE purposes adding that of the whole industry’s share of $300 billion, $280 billion go to meetings and conventions, while $8.5 billion are for incentive travel and exhibitions for several billions more.
He said that gaining at least one percent of the Global MICE market would be substantial enough to build significant economic impact for the country as a MICE destination.
According to the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, DOT’s marketing arm, the Philippines hosted an average of 150 international corporate conferences, meetings and exhibitions each year.
“The global MICE industry is highly competitive that most countries continue to promote heavily in this tourism segment to capture a slice of the large and still lucratively expanding MICE pie.”
Durano said that there are strategies that they need to practice in order to further promote the industry like developing a more local MICE destination, expand total venue and room capacity, improve support infrastructure, raise industry capabilities, creativity, innovation and enhance the skills of the tourism workforce.
“Such are the reasons for the staging of the Philippine MICE conference at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on February 4 to 7” said Durano which is said to be the biggest event for the Philippine MICE industry.MICECON chairman and Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Edu Jarque Jr. said that the MICECON 2010 is a must-join event for MICE players and those interested in the tourism industry in general “since it will highlight the world’s best practices in this field and the various activities that our foreign counterparts do to take advantage of this $300 billion global market.”
Tourism leaders from different countries all over the world are expected to attend the MICECON.
Source: The Freeman
DOT secretary Joseph Ace Durano said that the MICE market is a stable source of foreign investors as the sector has proven its strength and resilience to price fluctuations and other concerns brought about by the change in season, which resulted to an increase in hotel bookings by MICE participants in the country.
Durano said that the market could account for at least 50 million trips taken each year all over the world, all for the MICE purposes adding that of the whole industry’s share of $300 billion, $280 billion go to meetings and conventions, while $8.5 billion are for incentive travel and exhibitions for several billions more.
He said that gaining at least one percent of the Global MICE market would be substantial enough to build significant economic impact for the country as a MICE destination.
According to the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, DOT’s marketing arm, the Philippines hosted an average of 150 international corporate conferences, meetings and exhibitions each year.
“The global MICE industry is highly competitive that most countries continue to promote heavily in this tourism segment to capture a slice of the large and still lucratively expanding MICE pie.”
Durano said that there are strategies that they need to practice in order to further promote the industry like developing a more local MICE destination, expand total venue and room capacity, improve support infrastructure, raise industry capabilities, creativity, innovation and enhance the skills of the tourism workforce.
“Such are the reasons for the staging of the Philippine MICE conference at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on February 4 to 7” said Durano which is said to be the biggest event for the Philippine MICE industry.MICECON chairman and Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Edu Jarque Jr. said that the MICECON 2010 is a must-join event for MICE players and those interested in the tourism industry in general “since it will highlight the world’s best practices in this field and the various activities that our foreign counterparts do to take advantage of this $300 billion global market.”
Tourism leaders from different countries all over the world are expected to attend the MICECON.
Source: The Freeman
Suroy suroy, kaon kaon sa sugbo
CEBU, Philippines - There were many warnings. In fact, an officemate joked that I should weigh myself before and after the event to see the effects. I told them I will just practice self control but they laughed off my strong reserve saying it is impossible to resist.
It was my first Suroy Suroy and I was really excited. I have heard many stories about the tour. I heard that it is tiring but exciting, that you will get to meet many tourists and that you will get to taste the delicacies of the different municipalities or cities in the province.
I received a lot of tips from officemates who have joined other Suroy Suroy in the past and received warnings, too. The tips were mainly about what to bring to the tour and the warnings were mostly about food, lots of food. You see, I have been trying to go on a diet since a long time ago, but my job at the Lifestyle Section just isn’t for someone who is dieting. So I have been putting off my diet for sometime and finally resolved that I will start to be serious about it in 2010. And voila! My first assignment for the year was the Suroy Suroy Sugbo Southern Heritage Trail!
The Suroy Suroy Sugbo is a tourism initiative of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. It aims to bring busloads of tourists to historical, cultural and natural attractions in the different municipalities of the province. The Suroy Suroy Sugbo Southern Heritage Trail last January 20 to 22 covered 22 of the province’s 44 municipalities and seven cities.
The first Suroy Suroy for 2010 and the 22nd tour since it started in 2005, the Southern Heritage Trail was the biggest tour so far with over 300 participants. A total of 5 tourist buses and several coasters and vans transported balikbayans and local tourists to the different treasures in the south.
While the suroy, or literally “going around” to the different sights in the province is the highlight of the tour, one important component of the activity is the gastronomical adventure that participants go through at every stop. Can you imagine the 22 stops made in this Southern Heritage Trail?!
The Suroy Suroy trail is overflowing with delicious and unique yet simple food. Piniritong kamote, linung-ag nga saging ug ginamos, sinugbang isda, humba, linarang, puto balanghoy, are among the foodstuffs served by the different municipalities along the trail.
Although the food served is simple, you will see though that each municipality really puts an effort to prepare the best that they can offer. My companions at the media van said that the municipalities compete with one another on matters concerning food! There are even some mayors, my media companions said, who check the food served by other towns along the trail so his or her town could prepare something more special.
The Suroy Suroy breakfast trail usually consists of budbud, sikwate and manga, bam-i, buwad, chorizo, puso and lechon, among others. While queuing at the buffet tables, I heard a tourist squeal with glee, “Hala! Naay buwad. Kalami!”
Morning and afternoon snacks in the Suroy Suroy trail consists of piniritong camote, banana-Q, binignit, linung-ag nga saging ug ginamos, puto balanghoy, torta from Argao, budbud, sikwate and manga, puto, kutchinta, saksak, linusak and anagon, among others.
While snacking on puto balanghoy in Santander, Crescencia Escalante Ruiz, who is now based in Quebec, Canada, shared that native food from Cebu is “the best.” “I am from Argao and it has been such a long time since I have tasted this (puto balanghoy). The food here is really delicious. Like the chorizo, we were given chorizo by friends while in Canada but the chorizo here is really lami,” she said.
Siblings Boboy Reyes, Grace Aguilar and Josephine Perez, a balikbayan, sat on the grass in Argao’s plaza, picnic style, while snacking on torta and fresh buko juice.
Lunches and dinners are also feasts with puso, lechon, escabeche, humba, inasal nga manok bisaya, kinilaw, sinugba, kaldereta, dinuguan, talaba, pasayan and other seafood.
Travel time between stops/municipalities or cities is only between 15 to 30 minutes but it is really a wonder that all tourists, most often than not, get off their buses to eat, with gusto at that, to the delight of the host towns. Just imagine that all the lechon served in the different towns, including the 14 served in the last stop, Talisay City, were devoured to the bones!
Mayor Yvonne Cabaron of Moalboal said it is always fulfilling for a host municipality to see the participants of the Suroy Suroy satisfied, gastronomically. “The preparations for the Suroy Suroy are a community effort. Everyone contributes, so everyone is happy when our visitors leave our town satisfied,” she said.
So, that was my first Suroy Suroy. I never knew that riding on and getting off a van and eating at an average of eight stops a day can be sooo tiring. And, by the way, I gained a pound. See you in the next Kaon Kaon, er, Suroy Suroy Sugbo!
Source: The Freeman
It was my first Suroy Suroy and I was really excited. I have heard many stories about the tour. I heard that it is tiring but exciting, that you will get to meet many tourists and that you will get to taste the delicacies of the different municipalities or cities in the province.
I received a lot of tips from officemates who have joined other Suroy Suroy in the past and received warnings, too. The tips were mainly about what to bring to the tour and the warnings were mostly about food, lots of food. You see, I have been trying to go on a diet since a long time ago, but my job at the Lifestyle Section just isn’t for someone who is dieting. So I have been putting off my diet for sometime and finally resolved that I will start to be serious about it in 2010. And voila! My first assignment for the year was the Suroy Suroy Sugbo Southern Heritage Trail!
The Suroy Suroy Sugbo is a tourism initiative of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. It aims to bring busloads of tourists to historical, cultural and natural attractions in the different municipalities of the province. The Suroy Suroy Sugbo Southern Heritage Trail last January 20 to 22 covered 22 of the province’s 44 municipalities and seven cities.
The first Suroy Suroy for 2010 and the 22nd tour since it started in 2005, the Southern Heritage Trail was the biggest tour so far with over 300 participants. A total of 5 tourist buses and several coasters and vans transported balikbayans and local tourists to the different treasures in the south.
While the suroy, or literally “going around” to the different sights in the province is the highlight of the tour, one important component of the activity is the gastronomical adventure that participants go through at every stop. Can you imagine the 22 stops made in this Southern Heritage Trail?!
The Suroy Suroy trail is overflowing with delicious and unique yet simple food. Piniritong kamote, linung-ag nga saging ug ginamos, sinugbang isda, humba, linarang, puto balanghoy, are among the foodstuffs served by the different municipalities along the trail.
Although the food served is simple, you will see though that each municipality really puts an effort to prepare the best that they can offer. My companions at the media van said that the municipalities compete with one another on matters concerning food! There are even some mayors, my media companions said, who check the food served by other towns along the trail so his or her town could prepare something more special.
The Suroy Suroy breakfast trail usually consists of budbud, sikwate and manga, bam-i, buwad, chorizo, puso and lechon, among others. While queuing at the buffet tables, I heard a tourist squeal with glee, “Hala! Naay buwad. Kalami!”
Morning and afternoon snacks in the Suroy Suroy trail consists of piniritong camote, banana-Q, binignit, linung-ag nga saging ug ginamos, puto balanghoy, torta from Argao, budbud, sikwate and manga, puto, kutchinta, saksak, linusak and anagon, among others.
While snacking on puto balanghoy in Santander, Crescencia Escalante Ruiz, who is now based in Quebec, Canada, shared that native food from Cebu is “the best.” “I am from Argao and it has been such a long time since I have tasted this (puto balanghoy). The food here is really delicious. Like the chorizo, we were given chorizo by friends while in Canada but the chorizo here is really lami,” she said.
Siblings Boboy Reyes, Grace Aguilar and Josephine Perez, a balikbayan, sat on the grass in Argao’s plaza, picnic style, while snacking on torta and fresh buko juice.
Lunches and dinners are also feasts with puso, lechon, escabeche, humba, inasal nga manok bisaya, kinilaw, sinugba, kaldereta, dinuguan, talaba, pasayan and other seafood.
Travel time between stops/municipalities or cities is only between 15 to 30 minutes but it is really a wonder that all tourists, most often than not, get off their buses to eat, with gusto at that, to the delight of the host towns. Just imagine that all the lechon served in the different towns, including the 14 served in the last stop, Talisay City, were devoured to the bones!
Mayor Yvonne Cabaron of Moalboal said it is always fulfilling for a host municipality to see the participants of the Suroy Suroy satisfied, gastronomically. “The preparations for the Suroy Suroy are a community effort. Everyone contributes, so everyone is happy when our visitors leave our town satisfied,” she said.
So, that was my first Suroy Suroy. I never knew that riding on and getting off a van and eating at an average of eight stops a day can be sooo tiring. And, by the way, I gained a pound. See you in the next Kaon Kaon, er, Suroy Suroy Sugbo!
Source: The Freeman
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