Maniolas

Famous American comedienne Lily Tomlin says: “Ninety-eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hard-working, honest Americans.  It’s the other lousy two percent that get all the publicity.  But then, we elected them.” Why do some politicians have such bad reputations? Maybe because they are good at one thing; making promises that never come true. When the campaign season starts, the same promises will be offered –yet again. In many cases, the campaigns already started and I thought that candidates are not supposed to campaign unless given the official go-signal by the government. But then, this is the Philippines. As long as what you do is not illegal (find the law loopholes, look at the law gaps, we have a battalion of lawyers who are experts in this area) never mind the moral implications. Just follow the letter of the law and forget the spirit of the law. And these people might be our next leaders in government. Promises, more promises, and even more promises. Suddenly we see these politicians as champions of the masses. And the masses are suddenly visible in their political radars. They give the masses empty hopes and assurance until election day.  Isn’t it amazing how this game is played over and over? After the election, only promises remain, and the masses are left hanging. The loop is never closed. It’s frustrating. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 But do you know that the same principle happens in business? Did you Read More …

GOVERNMENT has released P554.4 million to the Tourism Promotions Board (TBP) for tourism marketing and promotional activities, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced yesterday. According to the DBM’s website, the funding will support the efforts of the TBP to highlight the country’s products, landmark destinations, and services to achieve tourism and investment targets of 10 million tourists by 2016. TBP is an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT). “We’re already seeing more foreign tourists flocking to the country, and the local tourism industry is now at its most vibrant. This latest release supports our efforts to bring more visitors into the country. While broadening the government’s tourism campaign will certainly be a major component in our marketing efforts, the fact that the country has so much to offer to both our domestic and foreign tourists is a definite advantage,” said DBM Secretary Florencio Abad. “Further improving our growing tourism industry will help create more business opportunities and generate more jobs in tourism-oriented communities. This will, in turn, complement our other efforts in pursuing our bigger goals of economic expansion and inclusive growth,” he added. Of the P554.4-million fund release, DBM said, P429.4 million will be charged against the TBP Fund under the Special Account in the General Fund to cover the first-quarter operating requirements of the TPB. The remaining P125 million is part of the promotions board’s regular subsidy and will be used for its second-quarter funding needs. The Philippines welcomed 1,696,537 international visitors during the Read More …

MANILA, Philippines – Tourism Undersecretary Daniel Corpuz, a career executive who has served the department over the past four decades, is retiring by the end of this month. Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said Corpuz has tendered his resignation because he “wants to slow down and take a well-deserved rest.” Jimenez is set to nominate a replacement for Corpuz soon. Corpuz joined the DOT in 1974 and rose from the ranks to reach his present position as undersecretary for tourism development. His influence on the tourism industry was immeasurable after being involved as a consultant in some of the programs of top international tourism organizations such as the World Tourism Organization, United Nations Development Programme and the European Community in formulating various tourism master plans, marketing as well as physical development plans for the Philippines and other nation-states. He is a product of the University of the Philippines and a former dean and senior lecturer of the Asian Institute of Tourism. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Corpuz is also a  believer of strategy formulation, project management and creative thinking in development programs.

MANILA, Philippines – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said they have not observed any second-round effects to inflation, which could come through wage and fare increases, as consumer prices still remain manageable. “We have not observed widespread second-round effects from the recent price pressures. The observed increases  in the prices of some food items of late have been due largely to supply disruptions,” BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr., said in a text message to reporters. “The relevant government agencies are addressing these supply bottlenecks and this is expected to help moderate the upward pull on prices,” Tetangco said. Inflation surged to a 30-month high of 4.5 percent in May due to higher prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, and increases in housing and utility rates. The average inflation rate stood at 4.1 in the first five months of the year, above the midpoint of the central bank’s three to five percent target range. “Meanwhile, the jeepney fare hike is limited to a few regions,” Tetangco said, adding “the most recent surveys (May 2014) suggest that inflation expectations remain within the target range.” Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 The Monetary Board, during its June 19 policy meeting, has forecast inflation to average 4.4 percent this year. The Board said risks to inflation outlook have been largely on the upside as weather conditions are seen increasing food prices and power price hikes remain pending. “However, global oil prices have been increasing of late amid the tensions in Read More …

MANILA, Philippines – With the country’s economic prospects showing relatively high rates for continued growth, Philippine Seven Corp.(PSC), the exclusive local licensee of convenience store chain 7-Eleven, ramps up its expansion targets by allocating a budget of P2 billion this year. According to PSC business development division manager Francis Medina, the budget allocation will cover the opening of 300 new outlets, renovation of existing stores, additional equipment and logistics, among others. Medina said that for the first quarter of the fiscal year, 38 franchise outlets have been opened in various locations, namely NCR, North and South Luzon, Cebu, Bacolod and Iloilo.                  Seeking to drive significant growth in other key areas of the country, PSC is also bent on capturing bigger, if not solo, market share in other locations outside the metro, as the planned expansion is heavily concentrated in Visayas and Mindanao – specifically Davao and Cagayan de Oro in the next years.  “The possibilities for rapid expansion are excellent in these areas as they have potential markets. Mindanao is still under study, but if approved, the first outlet will open by 2015,” said Medina. “So far, the total number of franchise stores is at 730, and the target number of stores to be opened is always achieved every month. But even with these positive outcomes, we are never complacent in keeping our current leadership standing,” he added. Apart from leveled up store openings, PSC is also aggressively expanding 7-Eleven’s in-store marketing and product portfolio, one of which is Read More …