PinoyBusiness.ORG - Home » company

Creating graphics with impact

Roy — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 05:39:26 +0000

Entrepreneurs would want to make an impression on their target in order to catch their attention, and of course for better recall. A website called ImpactXS can help entrepreneurs, aspiring, novice and seasoned, to help create a graphic that would leave a lasting impact on their market.

Graphics, whether it be on their labels, logos, website, product packaging, letterheads, and even business cards can greatly help the business, especially those who are in the start-up phase to gain recognition, as well as popularity in the market.

That is why graphic designers are a great aide to entrepreneurs. Some even hire in-house graphic artists to have them design graphic images for the company. But for those who do not have the budget, or do not really require the continuous service of an in-house graphic designer, they can always outsource them.

Companies like the above-mentioned ImpactXS can offer package design for entrepreneurs who can help them conceptualize an effective design for their labels, logos, packaging and the like.

It is always better to sit-down and talk with a graphic designer, whether in-house or outsource, as the graphics can greatly effect the business in the long run. Do not think of it as an additional expense, see it as an investment for the company’s future.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

Predictions for Rat in the Year of the Dragon 2012

PinoyBusiness — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:10:56 +0000

Now, let’s begin the predictions for the people born in the year of the Rat in the year of the dragon this coming 2012. The rat is known to be hard-working at all times. These people have all their ears in to details. The motivation comes from within because of the ambitions rooted from their hardships. One good skill the rat is good at is negotiation which means you need to be careful dealing with entrepreneurs born in this year. These are the people born in the years 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020. And for the people born in these years, the secret of achieving full financial advantage this 2012 is staying focused. Distractions will be your company in the next few months. Emotions will trigger those distractions and discouragements.

There will also be some risks to health so be cautious. Regularly visit the doctor and maintain motivated to exercise at least daily. Always take time to relax and seize workload with some relaxation.

When it comes to relationships, since the rat is always remembered as social. The year will be as easy as a walk in the park but there will be some small disagreements with peers and partners so take note of this. Always be part of a team and stepping up to leadership won’t be necessary as compare to what you have last year.

Predictions for the Rat in the Year of the Dragon 2012

Possibly Related Topics to Read

Getting additional funds

Roy — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 02:42:56 +0000

Most employees who rely on their twice a month salary often find it hard to make both ends meet. More often than not, they avail of payday advance from their company, if such privilege is available to them. Which is better, because most companies do not charge interest on those advances and the employee does not incur additional expenses in the form of finance charges.

Unfortunately, not all companies provide that benefit to their employees that is why workers rely on outside lenders which charges interest on money loaned. It is inevitable, unfortunately, that the regular wage earner would go to money lender sometimes.

Some finance companies have websites that allows processing of loans online and the proceeds would either be credited to the employee’s bank account or picked up at their office, saving the borrower time going to and from, just following up.

Other lenders take a couple of days to process the loan while some provide same day loans processing and releases. This is especially true if the borrower already has a record with them.

But while money lenders, finance companies, and the like, are always there to help in your times of needs, always remember that these have costs. They carry interests, finance charges and other processing costs. The key is to be prudent, as much as possible, to avoid resorting to them. And if it cannot be avoided, make sure that the money borrowed will go to their intended use.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

JG Summit to sell PLDT shares

Roy — Sun, 15 May 2011 12:15:30 +0000

JG Summit announced last Friday its intention to sell its stake in telecommunications giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) to NTT DoCoMo of Japan. The Gokongwei-led company said it will be selling to NTT DoCoMo the 2.8-percent stake it will receive from PLDT as part of the telecom giant’s deal with the Digital Telecommunication Philippines Inc. (Digitel).

NTT DoCoMo was given the option to purchase the 4.56 million shares of JG Summit in PLDT for P2,500 per share, for a total amount of about P11.4 billion (approximately $263 million), although the deal is still subject to the closing conditions.

The PLDT shares will be issued to JG Summit as part of the P69.2-billion PLDT-Digitel deal that will allow the telecom giant to have a controlling stake in Digitel, the company that also operates the Sun Cellular network. In the said agreement, JG Summit will receive a 12.8-percent stake in PLDT’s enlarged capital.

From the 12.8-percent stake, 2.8 percent will be sold to NTT DoCoMo, leaving JG Summit with 10 percent in PLDT, which still entitle them to single seat in the board. In its disclosure to the PLDT, JG Summit said the transaction gives considerable value to JGS shareholder, yet still having enough participation in PLDT.

NTT DoCoMo, part owner of PLDT, is a leading telecom company in Japan. Under their agreement with JG Summit, it will have the option to purchase the PLDT shares within 30 days from the day they are listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) board. The acquisition of the JG Summit’s share is part of the NTT group’s plan to maintain its cumulative stake in PLDT.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

Foreign firm to present power supply options to the country

Roy — Sun, 15 May 2011 05:26:39 +0000

A United Kingdom company is offering the Philippines its power solution to help avoid power disruptions in the country.

The British Embassy in Manila said Aggreko, a developer of power solutions, will be coming in the country next week to make a presentation of its product. The embassy said the company’s expertise could help address the possible power shortage in the near future which poses a threat to businesses operating in the country.

Aggreko is bringing to the country its more than 45 years of experience in the power solution industry. The company is said to be the world leader in the supply of temporary power and temperature control services. It will present its alternative solutions to potential power disruptions when it makes its presentation to the country next week.

The target participants in its presentations include the construction industry, food and beverages, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, government and institutions, mining and mineral processing, ports and telecommunications, among others.

Aggreko owns the world’s largest power rental fleet which consists of diesel and natural gas generating sets. Company experts will be in Manila to present different power supply options to help businesses avoid opportunity lost and other costs that could be brought about by power disruptions.

The company will be organizing the seminar presentation in partnership with the British Embassy in Manila, through UK Trade & Investment. The aim of the seminar is to inform industries in the country of the different power supply options available in case of unavoidable future power supply shortages.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

Maggi noodles tested positive for salmonella

Roy — Sat, 07 May 2011 04:21:47 +0000

Nestlé Philippines has voluntarily recalled a number its Maggi instant noodles after some of the tested were tested for possible salmonella contamination. The company said it found traces of salmonella in two batches of the noodle product’s beef variant. “The product recall is a precautionary measure… to ensure the safety and quality of our products,” Nestlé said.

The multinational food manufacturer advised consumers who may have bought Maggi Rich Mami Noodles to contact their hotline at 898-0061 for Metro Manila and 1-800-100-637853 (toll-free) for provincial areas.

Nestlé however said that its products are safe to eat if the cooking instructions properly followed. The batches that were tested positive for salmonella have lot codes 11020598A2 and 11030598A1. The lot code numbers are found at the back of the product pack, between the “Best Before” date and the ingredients list.

Salmonella infections typically affect the intestines, causing vomiting, high fever and abdominal pains. The bacteria can be transmitted from water, soil, animal feces, raw eggs, and raw meat.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) director Suzette Lazo said their office has already been informed regarding the recall. The FDA also posted an advisory on its websites to consumers who may have bought the product with the specified lot codes to return them to the Nestlé office at Nestlé Center, 31 Plaza Drive, Rockwell Center in Makati, or to its licensed distributors.

Lazo said, “According to law, they have to do this (product recall), when they discover that there is something that would be harmful to consumers. They complied with that law and this is a very responsible thing they did.”

She also said their department has made an extensive investigation to determine the cause of the contamination. “Even if it is a voluntary recall, we have to do our own test and get a report from them every day,” Lazo added.

Based on initial findings, the flavor enhancer that comes with the instant noodles in sachet may have caused the salmonella contamination. Said flavor enhancer has also been recalled in the US.

Pending completion of the investigation, Nestlé has temporarily stopped production of all Maggi noodle products.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

Taiwanese businessmen plan to relocate to the Philippines

Roy — Fri, 06 May 2011 08:51:26 +0000

Taiwanese businessmen are seriously considering relocating their manufacturing facilities to the Philippines from mainland China. The Manila Economic Cultural Office (MECO) said the decision was made by the Taiwan diplomatic row with the Philippines following their frustrations from the stringent labor requirements in China.

The Taiwanese businesses are engaged in industrial plastics manufacturing with estimated investments of at least $120 million, according to MECO chairman Amadeo R. Perez Jr. He said they are considering relocating their factories from China to Subic and Clark Freeport zones for their export-oriented investments.

Perez said that four plastic products manufacturers have already visited Subic and Clark and another will be coming over to visit Batangas and Clark. One company engaged in bed frames and mattresses production is eyeing a warehouse in Clark which it can is suitable and can be converted for its business. “One project alone can command at least $20 million in investments,” Perez said. For the six projects that would translate to an estimated $120 million worth of prospective investments.

The bed frame and mattresses manufacturer is exporting its products to the EU, Asia and the US while the plastic products manufacturers are producing industrial products which are used for packaging applications and are exporting them all over the world.

Perez added that some of the Taiwanese have already gone to Vietnam and Indonesia because those countries are not very choosy due to their high unemployment rate. He said Taiwanese investors in mainland China have been turned off by policy changes in the labor sector.

MECO is implementing a major campaign to attract more Taiwanese investors into the Philippines, following the successful resolution of the bilateral issue early this year. However, Perez said the country’s only problem is the high cost of electricity, and Vietnam and Indonesia could beat the Philippines on that factor.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

JG Summit earmarked $700 M for its 2011 expansion

Roy — Fri, 06 May 2011 01:00:57 +0000

JG Summit Holdings Inc. is earmarking $700 million for the planned expansion this year. Most of these funds are allocated for its petrochemical and airline businesses.

JG Summit president Lance Gokongwei said the petrochemical business will be the company’s priority in the next three years. JG Summit also has stake in a property developer and may expand into power generation.

With sale of its stake in Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc. (Digitel) to Philippines Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), the company will also be able to cut its debt by $600 million, giving it “more room” for fund-raising. Also the asset sale is said to be “strategically good for JG Summit because it frees up capital that the company can invest in ventures that potentially will pay a higher return.”

Gokongwei said after the sale of its Digitel stocks to PLDT, “We will be very lightly leveraged. We will have a very good balance sheet.” According to data compiled by Bloomberg, JG Summit has bonds and loans worth P69 billion.

Last December, JG Summit said it may sell 31 percent of its stake in Cebu Air Inc. to fund expansion and pay debt, however, after the Digitel-PLDT deal, the company will have “no immediate” need to sell shares. JG Summit is the majority owner of Cebu Air, the country’s biggest budget carrier.

Gokongwei said JG Summit will invest about $200 million in a naphtha cracker plant worth $700 million that may start operations by 2013, snack and iced-tea maker Universal Robina Corp. may spend $80 million to $90 million, property unit Robinsons Land Corp. will spend as much as $200 million on capital expenditure this year, while Cebu Air will spend around $200 million.

JG Summit also plans to bid for airport projects that the government will be opening to companies for investment, and is mulling to build a power plant for its petrochemical business, said Gokongwei.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

Transport firm to pioneer electric buses in the Philippines

Roy — Sun, 01 May 2011 14:57:44 +0000

Local transport firm Green Frog Zero Emission Transport Corp. dared to take the huge risk in the electric vehicle industry and expressed interest to buy some 3,000 electric buses in the next seven years, with the initial 38 units coming in from China within the year.

Green Frog director Philip Apostol said the 36-passenger buses will be fielded in Makati City with an P8 fare trip. The first 10 buses arriving midyear will ply the Buendia line while the 28 units will take other routes. The buses will initially ply a route that goes along Buendia from EDSA to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). Eventually, they will be available to commuters with the whole of Makati.

“The plan is to implement to project within 90 days after the signing of the MOA (memorandum of agreement) with the Makati LGU. This is a PPP (Public-Private-Partnership) with Makati,” he said. Apostol admits that cost of the e-buses was high, but hopes that the government “would work” with them.

He did not disclosed the cost of the electric buses but said that normally, the bigger electric buses would cost $300,000 (P13.5 million) each. Green Frog’s buses, however, will be smaller and would cost less.

The company is seeking tax perks, among other incentives, and a pioneer status from the Board of Investments, to make the project economically viable.

Negotiations by the company with banks and government financial institutions have been started, seeking for the best financing package. It also seeks some guarantees from the Philippine Export Import Credit Agency (PhilExim) to get lower interest rates.

Apostol said the half of the revenues will be coming from advertising income to help keep fares at reasonable levels during the initial roll-out.

Another Green Frog director, Servillano Batac, said talks were also ongoing between government and financial institutions for the mechanics of a “tap-and-go” system for the electric buses. “The idea is that you will be able to use your MRT (Metro Rail Transit) cards to pay our electric buses, just like in other countries,” he said.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

PLDT counters Globe’s claim

Roy — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 02:02:45 +0000

The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) said the claim of Globe Telecom that the deal between PLDT and Digital Telecommuncations Phil. Inc. (Digitel) would result into the monopoly of the telecom industry is only Globe’s way of protecting its interest at the public’s expense. PLDT criticized Globe’s effort to stop the deal that would allow the telecom giant to take over third-ranked mobile brand Sun Cellular.

PLDT said that the acquisition of Sun would actually result in a more efficient use of network facilities, which would lead to better services at lower costs. “Globe wants to create the impression of an impending monopoly by PLDT, which is not the case,” said Ray Espinosa, regulatory affairs head of the company. “What they really want is for the government to make up for their inefficiencies.”

Earlier, Globe asked the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to intervene in the deal between PLDT and Sun Cellular operator Digitel. Globe claimed that a monopoly would emerge from this deal and this could only work for the detriment of the industry and consumers. Globe also said that the deal would give the combined entity 3.5 frequencies for every one that Globe has, creating an imbalance.

Espinosa countered that based on the data available at the NTC, PLDT is in fact 23-percent more efficient than Globe in terms of frequency use. This means PLDT, which has 45 million subscribers, need more frequencies than Globe. He said Globe should instead allow market forces to work and let the consumers decide for themselves which is the better network.

With the claim that the PLDT-Digitel would give them 70 percent control of the market that would eventually kill competition, Espinosa said that at the end of the day, it all boils down on to which network can offer the better service, regardless of the size of the company.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

Philippine tuna company acquires US salmon company

Roy — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:51:25 +0000

Philippine company Alliance Select Food International Inc. sealed a deal to acquire 100 percent of US company Spence & Co. Ltd., a Massachusetts-based salmon smoking and curing company who specializes in the production of smoked salmon and seafood, prepared in the Scottish tradition of its founder Alan Spence. The company caters to the high-end market in the USA and Europe.

The Alliance, in its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), said it had signed an agreement to acquired the US fish company lock, stock and barrel through subsidiary ASFI Choice Foods Inc. for $8.5 million.

Alliance spokesperson Rajat Balain said, “An investment in Spence is another step towards Alliance’s goal of diversifying its product line to enhance shareholder value and ensure future profitability. This will be Alliance’s third smoked salmon venture, making it the largest salmon processor in the region, and will help it establish a beachhead in the lucrative seafood market in the US.”

To partly finance the acquisition of Spence, Alliance will be conducting a stock rights offering. The company already gave the approval for the said offering. The PSE suspended trading of Alliance starting 9 a.m. Tuesday pending the submission of additional disclosure pertinent details on the transaction.

Alliance started commercial operations in General Santos City in Mindanao in 2004, it was formerly known as Alliance Tuna International and engages in tuna processing, canning and export of canned tuna products. It exports to Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and South America as a “private label manufacture,” which means it processes and cans tuna using its customer’s brands.

Part of its overseas expansion in recent years is the company’s aspirations to become a regional food company with a “decidedly Filipino DNA.” Alliance is always on the lookout for opportunities in regional seafood companies with high margins and high-value products.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

San Miguel eyeing NAIA 3

Roy — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:41:08 +0000

San Miguel Corp. said it is interested in taking over the operations of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal (NAIA) 3. San Miguel said it will join in the bidding for NAIA 3 should the government open it for privatization.

In its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the company stated, “The company may participate in the privatization of the NAIA 3 in the event the government conducts a public bidding for the said infrastructure-related project.” It added, “As we have previously disclosed to the exchange, the company intends to actively pursue the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programs initiated by the government.”

The conglomerate has already sent earlier an offer to privatize the NAIA 3, through unit Philco Aero Inc., its joint venture with Korean partners. San Miguel directed its privatization plan to President Aquino and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

The company now effectively adds NAIA to the list of airport investment it wants. San Miguel has a stake in the developer of Caticlan airport off the famous Boracay Island and has a pending offer to operate the Terminal 2 of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, Pampanga.

San Miguel has been effectively diversifying away from its core food and beverage business, and into heavy and high-growth sectors including telecommunications, oil refinery, power and infrastructure. The company last week sold $900 million worth of equity and convertible bonds to help fund infrastructure investments.

Meanwhile, NAIA 3 was expected to open in 2002 but was mothballed for 6 years due to a legal dispute with the Philippine International Airport Terminal Co. (Piatco), the consortium that built the terminal. The Supreme Court, however, cancelled Piatco’s contract in 2003, resulting in arbitration proceedings filed by Piatco and German shareholder Fraport AG, in Singapore and the US.

The International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes ruling dismissed Fraport’s arbitration bid in 2007. But the said decision was reversed last year which prompted Fraport to revive its $425-million compensation claim against the Philippine government.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

China auto company to open manufacturing facility in the Philippines

Roy — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:22:44 +0000

Chery Automobile Ltd. announced it will build a manufacturing facility in the Philippines which will be the company’s left hand drive manufacturing hub in the Southeast Asia. Chery Philippines sales marketing manager Raymond Tribdino said the manufacturing facility will be constructed in the next three years. He said, aside from serving the local market, the company also plans to sell Philippine made vehicles to the ASEAN market. They plan to build Philippine specific models for both passenger cars and small vehicles.

“We will have a local partner. We will subcontract. We are in the trial phase and we are working out the shares in the company. We are not sure how much the total investment will be, but normally, one line costs more than $10 million,” Tribdino explained.

He also added that they would like to bring in cheaper electric vehicles to the Philippines and ASEAN market, “For electric cars, we would like to introduce the first commercially available electric vehicle.” Tribdino said the lithium ion battery is 60 percent of the price. The Chery full electric vehicle is estimated to be at P1.8 million but it could be more. For a single charge, it can run up to 250 kilometers.

Chery Philippines is asking the government to grant them incentives like a parking lot with charging station, lower registration rate and zero percent import duty from China. The current import duty is 30 percent. If the said tariff is removed or is the same as AFTA at one percent, Tribdino said the small e-vehicle will be cheaper at P1.057 million. Although the vehicle is over P1 million, he said the running cost is low with the high cost of fuels.

Tribdino also said they are looking to beef up their local sales as Chery China took over from old distributors Easy Way Motors. The company bought Easy Way’s assets worth P150 million. He said they are looking at matching their 2010 sales target last year which was 1068 units. Their 2010 sales stood at 1,134 units.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

Pancake House posted P73.66 M net income for 2010

Roy — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 10:41:35 +0000

Pancake House Inc. reported a net income of P73.66 million for 2010, a figure which more than doubled the P35.56 million it posted in 2009. The Lorenzo-owned casual dining restaurant chain attributed the growth to its outlet consolidation and realignment of resources to profit-generating activities.

The company also owns and operates various other restaurant brands, aside from its flagship store Pancake House. These are Dencio’s Kabisera, Teriyaki Boy, Singkit Sizzlin’ Pepper Steak and Le Coeur De France.

Pancake House, in its financial report submitted to the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), said consolidated revenues slightly went up to P1.84 billion from P1.82 billion due to the increased company-owned restaurant sales. Total system-wide sale of the group amounted to P2.3 billion, which translated to a compounded annual growth rate of 3.2 percent over a three-year period.

However, the company commissary sales fell 5.8 percent to P311 million due to several closure of franchised outlets awaiting relocations. On the other hand, its franchise revenues amounted to P87 million in 2010 compared to P86 million in 2009.

Pancake House management said it was successful in the implementation of its plans and programs such as expanded synergies among the seven brands, strategic purchasing and resource optimization despite the increasing cost of raw materials and supplies, rental and utility rates.

The company’s operating expenses for 2010 rose 6.7 percent to P624 million which it said were due to the rising trend of occupancy costs such as utilities, rent and electricity, among other. The consolidated EBITDA, however, remained strong at P720 million with a sustainable margin of 16.6 percent. This is due to the company’s efforts in mitigating the continuous increase in costs and intensifying its targeted marketing and promotional campaigns.

The group said it would continue to consolidate some outlets or relocate them in more strategic, high-traffic areas such as restaurants in hospitals, international terminals and business centers. As of end-December 2010, it had a total of 171 stores across the country.

Pancake House Inc. reported a net income of P73.66 million for 2010,

a figure which more than doubled the P35.56 million it posted in

2009. The Lorenzo-owned casual dining restaurant chain attributed the

growth to its outlet consolidation and realignment of resources to

profit-generating activities.

The company also owns and operates various other restaurant brands,

aside from its flagship store Pancake House. These are Dencio’s

Kabisera, Teriyaki Boy, Singkit Sizzlin’ Pepper Steak and Le Coeur De

France.

Pancake House, in its financial report submitted to the Securities

Exchange Commission (SEC), said consolidated revenues slightly went

up to P1.84 billion from P1.82 billion due to the increased company-

owned restaurant sales. Total system-wide sale of the group amounted

to P2.3 billion, which translated to a compounded annual growth rate

of 3.2 percent over a three-year period.

However, the company commissary sales fell 5.8 percent to P311

million due to several closure of franchised outlets awaiting

relocations. On the other hand, its franchise revenues amounted to

P87 million in 2010 compared to P86 million in 2009.

Pancake House management said it was successful in the implementation

of its plans and programs such as expanded synergies among the seven

brands, strategic purchasing and resource optimization despite the

increasing cost of raw materials and supplies, rental and utility

rates.

The company’s operating expenses for 2010 rose 6.7 percent to P624

million which it said were due to the rising trend of occupancy costs

such as utilities, rent and electricity, among other. The

consolidated EBITDA, however, remained strong at P720 million with a

sustainable margin of 16.6 percent. This is due to the company’s

efforts in mitigating the continuous increase in costs and

intensifying its targeted marketing and promotional campaigns.

The group said it would continue to consolidate some outlets or

relocate them in more strategic, high-traffic areas such as

restaurants in hospitals, international terminals and business

centers. As of end-December 2010, it had a total of 171 stores across

the country.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

Globe to invest $500 M to improve mobile network

Roy — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 06:57:15 +0000

Mobile service provider Globe Telecom is investing $500 million to improve the quality and capacity of its mobile network infrastructure throughout the country. Company officials said the network quality will be top priority of Globe this year.

As part of the company’s network transformation program, Globe is making one of its biggest network investments in quality and capacity to date, where the significant amount will be used for capacity buildup, network modernization and optimization. These upgrades would provide subscribers better experiences in call, text and data services in 2G, 3G and 4G.

Globe earlier announced a major expansion of its current 4G footprint with the country’s first commercial rollout of 4G mobile technology. At its initial phase, Globe utilized the global standard HSPA+ Globe allots or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access for its 4G mobile network.

HSPA+ is a 4G wireless mobile, high speed broadband technology that allows for peak theoretical download of up to 21 Mbps with upgradeability for 84 Mbps which would complement the company’s existing 4G WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) network. Under the Globe HSPA+ network, subscribers are expected to enjoy browsing at a typical speed of 4-6 Mbps with even faster peak speeds.

Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu said, “Our customers are looking for better network quality, and this is what we are giving them. We are making a substantial investment in our network to improve the quality of our services to our subscribers. Certainly, the network on which our services are delivered play a pivotal role in achieving superior customer experience.”

By continuously enhancing their network facilities and operations, Cu explained, their subscribers will enjoy better quality and greater reliability for calls, text messaging and data services. “This year, we are making significant investments in upgrading and expanding our networks. One tangible result of which is the commercial rollout of 4G for mobile, making us the first Philippine operator with a 4G mobile network in the country,” he added.

The 4G HSPA+ rollout expands the foray of Globe into new and up-to-date network technologies to provide its subscribers with high-speed broadband access with the added convenience of full mobility.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

Xoom special offer on the Pacquiao-Mosley fight

Roy — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 22:54:56 +0000

Xoom.com, a money online transfer company, tied up with DIRECTV to for a special offer to Xoom customers to watch the Manny Pacquiao “Pacman” Pacquiao versus Sugar Shane Mosley fight for free on DIRECTV Pay-Per-View (PPV).

The company is excited to bring this opportunity for the first time. It will be available to new Xoom customers who send money to the Philippines. This promo is valued at $55. “Manny Pacquiao is a world-wide boxing phenomenon and is idolized by many Filipinos. We’re very excited to bring his fight to his biggest fans for free,” said John Kunze, President and CEO of Xoom.com

The mechanics to avail of the free viewing of the Pacquiao-Mosley fight is easy – first time Xoom.com customers just need to send a money transfer of $150 or more to the Philippines between April 20, 2011 to 10:00 p.m. PST May 7, 2011. They can then order the Pacquiao-Mosley fight from DIRECTTV Pay-Per-View by calling 1-800-531-5000 or online at directv.com/boxing. Within two weeks after the fight, eligible customers will receive the $55 Prepaid Reward card from Xoom.com towards the Pay-Per-View fee.

Of course, those who would avail of this promo from Xoom.com must have an active subscription from DIRECTV to qualify. Monthly cable TV and equipments are additional. The promotional offer is available only for the standard-definition “SD” feed of the telecast. Customers who purchase the telecast in high-definition “HD” may still participate in the promotion, but will only receive reimbursement for the SD price ($55), and will need to pay for any price difference.

To get to know more about this exciting offer from Xoom.com, visit xoom.com/manny. The promo is also subject to the terms and conditions of DIRECTV. This offer is subject to change without notice and valid until supplies last.

Xoom.com was founded in 2001 in San Francisco and is backed by leading venture firms Sequoia Capital, New Enterprise Associates and Fidelity Ventures.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

PNOC-EC eyes expansion of coal production

Roy — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:35:27 +0000

The Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) earmarked P900 million for the expansion of its coal mining ventures in Zamboanga Sibugay in Western Mindanao. The state-run oil exploration company said that its board of directors has already approved the special budget “to fund the development of existing coal mine” that will enable it to double its annual production of steaming coal to 500,000 metric tons.

The expansion is in line with company’s mandate to develop more sources of indigenous energy for the country’s needs. PNOC-EC’s coal mine in Zamboanga Sibugay is said to produce the highest grade of coal quality in the country. Developments in the mine are underpinned by the company’s coal operating contracts 41 and 152 as awarded by the Department of Energy.

Aside from its Zamboanga Sibugay mine, the company is likewise engaged in coal exploration and development activities in Isabela and Surigao del Sur via coal operating contracts 122, 141 and 140. PNOC-EC also operates coal terminals in Zamboanga Sibugay, Cebu, Batangas, and North Harbor for its integrated coal trading activities. These locations have been serving as handling facilities for local as well as imported coal which the company supplies to power plants and cement factories.

PNOC-EC is also into oil and gas exploration. It currently holds interest along prospect areas in Cagayan, Ragay Gulf, Offshore Mindoro, Calamian, West Calamian, West Balabac and East Sabina. Its biggest venture in oil and gas development to date is still the Malampaya deep water gas-to-power project. Its Service Contract (SC) 38 for the Malampaya field is only the acreage in the production phase; while the rest are still exploration blocks.

The company is also aligning a budget of $100 million for its next round of investment in the Malampaya project. Given its current financial standing, PNOC-EC noted that it is all set for capital infusion once the project consortium-members comes off for a “cash call.”

Possibly Related Topics to Read

Isuzu Philippines temporarily shuts down production operations

Roy — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:22:00 +0000

Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) temporarily stopped its operation, starting from April 18 and will resume production on May 2. The work stoppage was due to the shortage in parts and components supply which are coming from Japan. The country’s all-commercial vehicle assemble is still optimistic though that it would be able to sustain its 17 percent growth target for the year in spite of what happened to Japan.

IPC executive vice-president Yuki Kato said during the exclusive Isuzu Truck show dubbed “On the Right Truck to a Better Future” held recently at the World Trade Center, the temporary work stoppage will not lead to layoff but the 300 production workers will be asked to take this opportunity to avail of their leave credits.

IPC is the latest among local car firms who have announced a temporary shutdown of operations as an aftermath of the Japan disasters that disrupted the supply chain for the auto sector globally. The others were Ford Group Philippines, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. and Toyota Motor Philippines.

The company official stressed that their work stoppage would only be limited to eight working days, since there’s no work on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, IPC does not work on weekends and that May 1, being Labor Day, is a holiday.

Kato further explained that they cannot yet go back into full commercial operation even if they resume production on May 2 because Japan has a week-long holiday on the first week of May. “Perhaps, we will have a clearer picture on the second week of May,” he said.

The work stoppage would effectively translate to a 50-percent reduction in production volume of IPC for the month of April because they would be operating only for two weeks for the month. The average production volume of the company is between 900 units to 1,000 units of various IPC commercial vehicles.

Possibly Related Topics to Read

Ayala invests in hydro-electric power

Roy — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 05:33:57 +0000

Another venture that the Ayala group is breaking into is the hydroelectric power generation partnership. The conglomerate, through its wholly owned subsidiary Michigan Power Inc. (MPI) has entered into a joint venture agreement with Sta. Clara Power Corp., an independent power producer specializing in run-of-the-river power plants. Ayala Corp managing director John Eric Francia confirms this as stated in the company’s disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

MPI and Sta. Clara will be developing a run-of-the-river (ROR) hydroelectric power projects across the Philippines. MPI will take a 70-percent stake in the venture and has committed an initial equity infusion of about P600 million.

A run-of-the river hydroelectric power plant operation involves “borrowing” some river water to turn its kinetic energy into electricity and returning the same unpolluted water back into the river. Francia said, “It is considered as green because it does not produce harmful emissions. Like other renewable power technologies, it is economical as it depends on the free energy of nature as fuel.”

Speaking on the joint venture agreement, president and chief operating officer Fernando Zobel de Ayala said, “This venture builds on our current portfolio of renewable energy assets, which focuses on solar, wind and hydro power technologies. This is an important component of our plan to create a portfolio of power assets over the medium term that blends conventional and sustainable energy sources and contribute to the country’s energy requirements.”

The Ayala group has ventured into power generation as a key platform for future growth especially as demand for electricity is expected to rise in the years ahead. And since the company has yet to build its expertise in the industry, part of its strategy is forging partnership with other institutions.

In the next five years, the conglomerate plans to build a portfolio of power generation assets that will include both renewable and conventional with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. Francia said that it is all “in line with Ayala’s campaign to augment the country’s power supply primarily through renewable and clean energy.”

Possibly Related Topics to Read

President wants oil firms to open books to public

Roy — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:23:46 +0000

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III yesterday said he wants oil companies to open their books to public scrutiny to prove that they were not taking advantage of the public in their series of oil price increases.

“That was my position ever since I have been in public service, isn’t it? If reasonable, why can’t they show it?” the President told reporters in an ambush interview at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Parañaque where he led an inspection of the facility.

The president also asked the Deparment of Energy (DOE) to find way of simplifying the computation of prices for the benefit of the public. “It will show, demonstrate if prices are right or wrong. And again, they repeatedly answer that all sectors are involved in the computation, face to face, nothing is hidden from them as to how pump prices are arrived at,” Aquino said.

He said the secretary would always tell him that every time that they have been demonstrating the formula on how to arrive at prices, they have been very transparent to include even the militant transport group.

DOE’s director for Oil Industry Management Bureau Zenaida Monsada said the recent price hikes were higher than what the energy department’s computation. The DOE sent letters to the oil firms asking them to explain why they have a higher price increase that what official computation should indicate.

Chevron, after receiving the letter from DOE, rolls back it prices of its oil products a day after increasing the same. Petron, for its part, promised to freeze its prices during the Holy Week. “We have no plans of increasing this week,” the company said.

Meanwhile, Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. is offering its gasoline products for P50 per liter for a minimum of P1,000 purchases. The company said the promo is in line with its commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Aside from the request to open their books, the government is also planning to issue an executive order that would ban further oil price increases.