Michelle Orosa-Ople

Jan 122018
 

If your New Year’s Resolutions for 2018 don’t include starting a business this year just yet, Entrepchamp Paulo Tibig says you may be missing out big.

In his blog’s annually-published “Business Ideas”, Tibig details what he calls an “expanded list” of entrepreneurial opportunities available in 2018, particularly for millennials.

“I anchored my insights for the millennials. With over 30% or 40 million of the population comprising this generation, there’s no doubt that huge opportunities are waiting to be explored both ways, potential business and development of the millennial market,” says Tibig.

Here are some of Tibig’s top Business Ideas for 2018:

M-Commerce

Image via Marketingland.com

Tibig defines “M-Commerce” as the “next generation E-commerce,” where the sale of goods and services are particularly focused on, and designed to be maximized, using one’s mobile phone. With retail apps already providing the avenue to sell such goods and services, Tibig observes it is fairly easier to start selling whenever, wherever.

“It’s very consistent and relevant to the convenience concept where you bring goods and services right to your (customer’s) doorstep. This business will continue to grow year in, year out,” says Tibig.

Car, Car Care Away

Image Via Google Images

Tibig says the ride-sharing system has resulted not just in solutions to the perennial mass transport problems, but has also created an opportunity to service the cars being used by Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS).

With more than 100,000 units of TNVS on the road to date, Tibig says businesses centered on repairs and maintenance, vehicle parts or accessories, and even car washing could be opportunities to explore this year.

Agricoolture

Image Via Pinoy Adventurista

Tibig remains a big fan of Agriculture-related businesses, maintaining it’s “cool to be in agriculture,” primarily because it addresses the necessity of food supply in a larger scale.

Tibig particularly notes opportunities in the livestock businesses: Free-range farming, organic produce, high-valued crops, and even goat-raising.

“I love agripreneurship. I call this the ‘Infinity Business’,” Tibig says.

Tourism-Related Businesses

Image via Palawanisland.org

With access to travel now more convenient than ever, the Tourism sector shines even brighter as a potential business source this year, says Tibig.

Any business surrounding tourist sites are gold mines, so to speak, with the 70 million domestic trip and 6 million foreign tourist arrivals recorded in 2017 expected to increase in 2018.

Among Tibig’s recommendations are lodging, restaurants, transport travel and tours.

You can find the full list of Paulo Tibig’s 2018 Business Ideas here.

Dec 032017
 
Mall Holiday Operating Hours For Christmas 2017

File Picture Via Google Images Planning on getting some serious shopping done this holiday season? Well, you’ll be glad to know that many malls and shopping centers are extending their operating hours just for you so you have more time to grab Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Check out the mall schedules of the major malls in the metropolis from December 1 to Jan. 1 2018 below: SM Megamall: December 1-2: 11:00am to 12:00am December 3-7, 25: 11:00am to 11:00pm December 8-23: 11:00am to 12:00am December 24, 31: 9:00am to 7:00pm December 26-30: 10:00am to 11:00pm January 1, 2018: 12:00pm to 11:00pm SM Aura: December 1-7, 10-14: 11:00am to 11:00pm (M-F), 10:00am to 11:00pm (S-Sun) December 8, 15, 18-22: 11:00 am to 12:00 am December 9, 16-17, 23: 10:00 am to 12:00 am December 24, 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm SM North EDSA: December 1, 8-23: 11:00 am to 12:00 am December 2: 10:00 am to 12:00 am December 3, 25-30: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm December 4-7: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm December 24, 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm SM MOA:  December 1-16 :11:00 am to 11:00 pm (Mon-Thu), 11:00 am to 12:00 am (Fri), 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Sat), 10:00 am to 11:00 am (Sun) December 18-22: 11:00 am to 12:00 am December 17, 23: 10:00 am to 12:00 am December 25-30: 10:00 am to 11:00 am December 24, 31: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm Greenhills Shopping Center: December 1, 4-8, 18-22: 11:00am to 11:00pm December 2-3: 10:00am to Read More …

Dec 012017
 
El Nido Resort Features Bamboo Christmas Tree On Its First Tree-Lighting Ceremony

Image via ABS-CBN Locals and tourists alike of El Nido, Palawan were treated to a feast of lights as Lio Tourism Estate lit its Christmas Tree for the first time. What was unique about this particular light show, however, was that the Christmas tree, designed by architect Ian Fontecha, is made entirely out of bamboo, and then mounted with LED lights and fiberglass. “It’s a new beginning for El Nido, the tourism estate,” Joey Bernardino, group director of sales and marketing of El Nido Resorts and Lio Estate Resorts, told ABS-CBNNews.com. Bossa Nova Queen Sitti serenaded the guests during the lighting ceremony, followed by performances from Maureen Schrijvers, the Sibaltan Choir, and the Sibaltan Heritage Cultural Dancers. Bernardino says Lio Tourism Estate’s Christmas tree was “inspired by the sustainability and ecotourism principles of the estate.” “El Nido has always been known for luxury. We came up with bed and breakfast resorts so more people will be able to try El Nido. Everyone should have a chance to experience El Nido on the level were you see its beauty,” he says.  

Nov 292017
 
Investors Snap Up PH Government’s Bond Offering

Image via Google The Bureau of Treasury had to cut short its sale of five-year fixed-rate Retail Treasury bonds (RTB) two days ahead of its original deadline, because of stronger-than-expected demand from investors. In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, National Treasurer Rosalia De Leon said the RTBs were “very well subscribed,” with the government surpassing its P200-billion mark earlier than expected. “We still don’t know (the total amount). But we’re over P200 billion. It’s very huge already. We’re cutting it short,” she said. Because of this, the offering period was cut to November 27th, two days ahead of the original planned date of Nov. 29. At the price-setting auction for the RTBs , which are set to mature by 2022, the Treasury already raised around P130 billion at a coupon rate of 4.625 percent. Total offers hit P191.81 billion, which was more than six times the initial P30 billion offering, prompting the Treasury to expand its offering to accommodate the surge of demand. The Treasury had previously said the funds raised from the RTB offering would be used for the government’s programs and projects for 2018.  

Oct 102017
 
DTI to Consumers: Be Informed, Practice Your Consumer Rights

With the digital economy expanding faster than consumers can catch up, the Department of Trade and Industry is faced with a myriad of questions—and complaints—on how to protect and enforce consumer rights. The answer, DTI offers, is simple: Practice! Get yourself informed using all digital means available. “Consumer Rights in the Digital Age” is the central theme for DTI’s Consumer Welfare Month this October, and the agency has lined up activities strategically aimed at getting consumers to be more familiar and vigilant about their rights as buyers. The highlight will be the forum on Consumer Rights in the Digital Age on October 20, when DTI is also expected to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with Digital Commerce Association of the Philippines. The agency will also be launching its digital-based Frontline Queuing System for its Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau on October 25. DTI Undersecretary Teodoro Pascua points out, “This celebration is the best opportunity for the Department to widen its reach to consumers and to accentuate the programs that will assist them in exercising their rights and be more participative on issues that will benefit them.” But as a consumer, there are also several initiatives you can do, not just to take part in the activities, but to practice and strengthen your own knowledge of consumer rights: Check out the e-Presyo website  The E-presyo website is DTI’s online price monitoring system. It contains all the items monitored under its Suggested Retail Price list, so that before you hit groceries and supermarkets, Read More …

Oct 022017
 
PH teams up with China, Japan, and Singapore to ramp up renewable energy projects

The Philippine government is teaming up with Asia’s heavyweights China, Japan, and Singapore, to ramp up the development of renewable energy projects, as economic growth drives up demand for electricity in the country. Bilateral talks were conducted at the sidelines of the 35th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting this week, including talks with the US-ASEAN Business Council on how to speed up the development of clean energy. Bloomberg TV PH reported that Singapore, in particular, committed to helping the Philippines develop the backbone needed for more renewable energy initiatives nationwide. “Singapore very kindly opened their doors to us. There will be a lot of collaboration we will be doing, from micro-grid to e-vehicles, to waste-to-energy, to solar, on top of water. Thank you, Singapore,” says Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi. According to Bloomberg TV PH, there are about four million households in the country still without power to this day. Cusi says the Philippines is presently finalizing policies on natural gas, and may seal agreements with China, Japan and Singapore by the end of the month, “to fully embark on viable liquified natural gas (LNG) cooperation projects.” The DOE is looking at three models on how the country will develop and utilize the natural gas resource: namely, to source indigenous natural gas, like that of Malampaya; to import liquefied natural gas; and to combine both models. Other areas of cooperation are on renewable energies with possible joint ventures with Singapore on waste-to-energy, floating solar photovoltaic and battery technologies; with the International Read More …