PINOYMONEYVANTAGE

Fresh Outlook on Philippine Real Estate for 2009 (part 2)

2009-06-15T17:02:00.000+08:00

There have been some woes and slow growth recently in the real estate sector as the industry was affected with the current global financial crisis which was have written on the previous post back in February 2009. There have been major changes among the Business Process Outsourcing Companies (BPOs).

The task taken by government in keeping our country afloat has been monumental. During the recent speech by Gov. Amando Tetangco of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) last April 14, 2009 on the occasion of Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Annual General Membership held at Hotel Intercontinental Manila, Makati City mentioned that "no economy is immune from the effects of this crisis, but those which have built up buffers are more likely to fare better than others".

According to the 4th Quarter of 2008 Reports of Colliers International Philippines, in the past months shows that rising vacancy and inventories of office, commercial and residential especially on commercial business districts of Makati have reached around 2.6 percent. Movements of tenants elsewhere around or nearby these areas are on the rise. These actions should complement their needs, requirements, specifications in order to lower the costs of a companies' operational expenses compared to a high-rise buildings which are only suited for office settings due to their expected expansion and growth. Factors to be considered are power consumption, telecommunication equipment setup, shifting operations and others affected the buildings' suitability for these BPO companies. Moving to a more viable and amiable locations such as Clark Freeport (Pampanga), City of Sta. Rosa (Laguna), Quezon City, Cebu City and other nearby areas would benefits these other site from the rapid growth of the contact center industry.

A few weeks ago, Secretary Ralph Recto of the National Economic Development Agency has reported that the Philippines is in a collision course of near recession with growth of 0.4% on the first quarter of this year. With government expectation of a growth rate of 4.4% for the first quarter it turned out the slowly as the world recession is rearing its ugly head again. The government is taking steps on bending and curbing the mass lay-offs from happening by providing alternatives such as other jobs and livelihood for the poor such as Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program.

On foreign ownership of land in the Philippines, many suggested that government should open up shores of this country to foreigners in order to invest more creating more Foreign Direct Investments(FDIs). However, research done by the IBON Foundation reported that revising our laws as spearheaded by House Speaker Prospero Nograles would make the real estate prices skyrocket with the notion that the masses and middle class Filipinos will no longer be given the opportunity to buy or acquire property if this happens. The real estate industry needs regulation on acquisition if they are about to change the law limiting to 10% of the lands as disclosed by an anonymous real estate leader if the government and people are open to it.

On the brighter side, Banks are now offering low rates are getting lower now at 7.5 percent since January 2009. Home Mutual Development also known as PAG-IBIG has already lowered its interest from 7.5 percent to 11.5 percent. The lowest that a home lending government agency can offer. With these developments, refinancing of previous real estate bank loans can be done if a home buyer has a current loan mortgages in order to reduce and readjust the monthly amortization.

Despite the good news, the banking industry has become hesitant with the growing number of non-performing assets (bad assets) due to default or foreclosures by a borrower on properties and others. However for a real estate investor and speculator, this is a sign of a gold mine of new opportunities in a current global financial turmoil with growing number of these properties are located in highly populated and commercialized areas within the metropolis. Best time to buy is on a down market. Right now developers are encouraging potential buyers and investors to buy properties offering them more affordable longer and attractive payment schemes with lower interest rates at fixed terms from banks and other lending institution which is enticing indeed.

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

Updates on PAG-IBIG Loans (Home Mutual Development Fund) for 2009

2009-04-26T13:14:00.014+08:00

Last 1st April 2009, Vice President and Housing Czar Noli De Castro recently announced that the Home Development Mutual Fund (HMDF) also known as PAG-IBIG Fund have approved the increase and adjustments on loan structures from the previous maximum loan bracket of PhP 2.0 Million to PhP 3.0 Million. These adjustments are great news for our folks who are given a more wider choices and options in a purchasing a home.

This move not only will benefit all members which focuses more from middle income earners and workers in highly urbanized areas in the Philippines and the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) but also the real estate development companies as well in providing housing to our people. Thus empowers, the buyers with maximized purchasing power which help the real estate industry at the same time.

Here are the new Pag-ibig housing loan structures per annum:

For loan up to P400, 000 -- interest is 6%
Over P400,000 up to P750,000 -- interest is 7%
Over P750,000 up to P1 million -- interest is 8.5%
Over P1 million up to P1.25 million -- interest is 9.5%
Over P1.25 million up to P2 million -- interest is 10.5%
Over P2 million up to P3 million -- interest is 11.5%

All are fixed rates. For new developer, HMDF funds requires a 30% equity for their buyers to acquire a property and 70% loanable amount with strict compliance of requirements. If development company has a proven excellent track record , they can request to lower the equity requirement to 20% or 10%. Loans can be paid either 10 Years, 15 years, 20 years , 25 years to 30 years maximum.

What's happening, Philippines?, A short talk with Prof. Solita "Winnie" Monsod

2009-04-10T11:42:00.003+08:00

Recently, the Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines (REBAP) - National Chapter has invited new licensed real estate brokers, current or active members on its first General Meeting and Membership (1st GMM) Assembly held in Sulo Hotel, Diliman, Quezon City which is held quarterly It was a triumphant time for most of the real estate professionals of this organization to gather and share their thoughts, agendas, proposals, plans and other business matters that affect organization, the real estate industry and also the economic issues and global financial crisis that is currently happening .

There was a spark of light in darkness and a glimmer of hope when the invited guest speaker of the day was Professor Solita "Mareng Winnie" Monsod gave this short talk and analysis on what is happening now in the world and the Philippines. Professor Monsod is a well known figure in the media as economist, writer, broadcaster and a professor of economics in the School of Economics in University of the Philippines.

During the talk she presented her analysis on the current situation of how the Philippines is doing in the present financial crisis. Wherein the Philippines was never hit harder compared to the first world countries and neighboring countries with the stimulus package brought about by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's economic planning team in the effort to lessen the impact and keep the country from vulnerability against attacks. Somehow there are good news and bad news laying ahead in this tough times and condition that the ordinary Filipinos can cope up and adapt in a belt tightening mode. I adapted some of the notes I have jotted down including the slides used in the presentation.

Below is the summarized slideshow presentation (in Slideshare.net) adapted from Prof. Winnie Monsod's presentation as a guest speaker in last month.

What's up, Philippines?

View more presentations from pinoymoneyvantage.

Long Absence - Erratic Schedule

2009-04-03T19:54:00.002+08:00

Sorry being away for that long extended time. I am so busy with work and recent activities involving extra-curricular activities, work and organizational meets. Right now it is summer time and we will have lots of activities on my planned outdoor activities this April and May 2009. For my viewers, Thank you for waiting patiently for me.

I still have upcoming blogs to catch with especially in regards to financial, economic and environmental and even a bit of the showbiz limelight for you folks to see. Also, I will be changing my templates with a much newer one. I still love that old template with planet earth on it because I am a staunch supporter of Earth Hour at 60 minutes.

Have a happy summer, folks!

Farewell Francis M.!

2009-03-21T19:47:00.007+08:00

The music scene of the master rapper was kept alive by the people who loved him from his dear family, to friends from the showbiz and music industry to the music fans who have come to share his ideas of what ideal and true Filipino he was. I thank Francis for the memories and the music he has contributed to us in the past years. I may not be a die-hard fan of his music genre but I still appreciate his awareness with what's going on with the ordinary Filipino in his lyrics.

Thank you Master Rapper Francis Magalona, have a happy battle on heaven. You can visit his website at www.happybattle.net.

Fresh Outlook on Philippine Real Estate for 2009 (part 1)

2009-03-09T14:22:00.000+08:00

Amidst the gloom from the global financial crisis. The Philippines economy is still holding on thanks to the buffers implemented by the government and the economic managers. Right now, reports of job losses are not that staggering but are still manageable compared to what is happening in America wherein over millions of people lost everything in the previous months. Somehow local businesses are still very optimistic with the current situation happening around the globe with the election of President Barack Obama and its implemented economic stimulus package in order to help the U.S. economy recover from recession. Recently, the U.S. government admitted that its economy has been in recession since December 2007.

The Philippines is still and will experience slow growth on its first quarter with a percentage of around.

Business Process Outsourcing Companies or Call Center are still in growing even with the global financial crisis as more jobs are being outsource from abroad. Right now due to constraints and budget cuts. Majority of BPOs located in commercial business districts such as Makati, Ortigas, Libis, Cubao and Bonifacio Global City (Fort Bonifacio).

With slow growth in the construction and infrastructure industry. Inventories of real estate properties are still high and in-demand. Developers are looking forward in finishing their projects to make viable to their clients. Ready for occupany units of residential are in high demand these days.

An example of these are warehouses. Most of these warehouses are converted to BPO offices located closeby or within proximity of CDBs. in which it is just a few minute ride from the main city. Residential condominiums are much in demand as well within CDBs on wherein people working in these area prefer nicer and more comfortable space closer to their confines and conveniences.

Condotels are something to watch out for as prime investment with the buildup of major belt in the Philippines in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

The Secret: the knowledge is now revealed and passed on to you!

2009-03-07T14:28:00.000+08:00

Recently got hold of a DVD from a friend. I went curious with the DVD he had given and went on watching it the other day on my free time. Well, I got amazed with those simple thought can turn everything into reality. Yes, this is true with the positive visualization of the outcome of the event you want to achieve can possibly come true as what athletes are doing before competing but still the best part of all this is the action that should be taken in order for the dream to actually take place. Rhonda Byrne's book have taken a storm.

The Law of Attraction in the universe.

In the DVD or the book, you can read or watch the interviews from different people who have shared their secret to success from Jack Canfield of Chicken Soup for the Soul book series,

Simple thoughts of positive thinking will attract positive outcome on what you want in your life.

Still try to remember that:

A THOUGHT / DREAM / INSPIRATION (5%) + ACTION (95%) = SUCCESS / REALITY (It may not be the perfect outcome but it will close to what you dream of or better than you have in your mind)!

I have also added "The Secret to you...a Gift from the Secret Scrolls" courtesy of www.thesecret.tv. In this is way you can view this over and over and get yourself inspired in building those thoughts and dreams in your life you want to achieve and strive hard to have.

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

Betting on Real Estate: Foreclosed Property Sector in the United States!

2009-01-11T12:04:00.009+08:00

Foreclosure in America is high and rampant nowadays. But still even if the U.S. is in recession there are still a lot of ways to earn money through real estate which is the highest and lucrative among all the investments you can think of. Right now property inventories are high and you can still flip lots of it as long you have extra cash on your sleeves with the growing demand of properties coming from other nations such as Canada which is least affected with the financial meltdown. Canadian economy is still resilient and in tip top shape compared to their neighboring America because less credit fall out. An example of Canadians moving down south to America especially in Las Vegas, Nevada wherein the prices are hitting rock bottom as what the video shown above. Other nationalities that are paving their way to the U.S. soil are the mainland Chinese who have the money and resources to tour and venture in America.

Las Vegas is a sin city or sin capital of the world but indeed even if there are no angels around in this heaven on earth. The real estate in this place is lucrative once the ailing economy recovers in a matter of months to years. President-elect Barack Obama later report his plan of creating a stimulus package in the ailing economy and in order to spur the once booming America back to its knees one step at a time. As an investor and a real estate broker I am hopeful that the world would become vibrant again and somehow will manage to survive the gloom over the dark clouds this 2009.

What about us, Global Pinoy or Filipinos? We can still manage to buy a property in the United States as long as you have the ample amount of funds in buying that dream home in their soil plus it is a very good investment and a plus if you are trying to impress the immigration official if you plan to migrate in America.

Included also in this blog write up the history of the credit crunch in 2007 and how it affected America and in the World as explained on CNN.

See the second part of this segment.

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

Office Humor in our lives!

2009-01-07T14:12:00.001+08:00

I decide to unfurl a lighter side of me. Being a serious author of this blog with "financial freedom".

Let's tickle your funny bones with some of the sites you can visit and forward message through e-mail that will surely make your friends and co-worker them laugh out loud. You can click the corresponding titles directing you to their own websites. Enjoy!

Usapang Pera (Money Talk): Biblical Principles of Financial Management

2009-01-04T12:49:00.000+08:00

Usapang Pera (Money Talk): Biblical Principles of Financial Management

What does money have to do with God? Because every financial decision is a spiritual one

"If therefore you have not been faithful in the use of worldly wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you" Luke 16:11

When: 10 & 17 January 2009, Saturday, 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Where: UCM Library

Resource Person: Mark Aranal, Creative Director of Crown Ministries

Registration Fee: P100 for 2 Sessions

For more information, please contact:

Rhon O. Bautista (Head Librarian),

E-mail: library@unionchurch.ph, Tel No.: 812-6062

Website: http://www.ucmlibrary.ws

Please sign-up at the library table in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday or at the Library during library hours

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

MONEYVANTAGE: Rent is up for Property Rental Sector

2009-01-03T12:09:00.006+08:00

Yesterday, I was alerted with the TV report from ABS-CBN regarding that the rent control law has finally lapsed last 31st December 2008 (see Republic Act 9341: Rent Control Act of 2005). I thought it was no big deal after all and finally realized that we do have rental residential/commercial properties in hand somewhere in Quezon City. I felt a bit ecstatic but somehow felt sorry for the people who we are leasing our properties. However we are adamant NOT to increase rent in order to compensate with the sudden slump in food business in which our tenant are involved with.

The demand for rental property is still high among urbanized cities particularly in Metro Manila. Still with the rapid urbanization and the immigration from people to these major cities the need for space and housing is still needed as major locators are not moving yet to closer provinces plus the business process outsourcing (call center) is still ongoing even with the slump in America and shifting to other countries not or less affected with the global financial crisis. Companies are still in need of housing for their personnel. Location of rental property, environment and neighborhood is also a key factor why people are looking for. As mentioned before, it should be close proximity, accessible to transport services and convenient for the tenant to get to where he/she works or intends to go. The closer the rental property to these factors the higher the rent is.

Somehow the RENT CONTROL LAW is beneficial for the poor and low-income families but the distributional effects are minimal since non-poor families have equal access to rent-controlled units. Philippines Rent Control Act of 2005 Provides rent control for properties with monthly rent not exceeding PHP10,000 in cities and PHP7,500 in other areas. Rent control maybe necessary to prevent economic eviction and abuses on payment of key monies.  
Some lawmakers are encouraging people to avail the PAG-IBIG Housing loans in which they their rates are at 11.5% interest p.a. compared to their previous offer of 18% interest per annum a few years ago in order to acquire their dream house and residential condominiums.

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

Welcoming 2009!

2009-01-01T10:51:00.005+08:00

Pardon me if have been busy for the past few months, I have been doing some homeworks with the Registered Financial Planner (RFP - Philippines) Program I have joined summer last year. Plus my regular job on the healthcare which requires a lot of my time on being promoted as an assistant section head. I have been unable to focus on Real Estate business for quite sometime and also helping the company my mom created back in 2004 with my younger sister taking the helm as my mother's assistant on her business affairs.

31st December 2008 - I was already saying goodbye to the old year and greeting the people at work "Happy New Year" as we were anticipating tomorrow for a NEW HOPE for everyone. I went to work in the morning and the company was on skeletal duty with some of the administration staff on holiday leave as what President Arroyo have declared a few days before Christmas. It is a long two week vacation for the office staff but not for us because our job involves in critical care in healthcare sector.

Got back from home at 3 pm after accompanying a friend from errand of buying some groceries intended for the night's coming party. He was happy enough to look and expect a bountiful 2009. It is true that most of us are expecting a new hope for change in 2009, that we increase our salaries and fringe benefits, job security, time and freedom with friends and families and a lot more. As the Social Weather Survey said on the Philippine Star published a few days ago that 92% of Filipinos are still hopeful for 2009.

1st January 2009 - At night to the early morning, I was really expecting a big bang of different fireworks on display in the air in our neighborhood. But somehow, I only heard less crackles and heavy explosions outside plus not much exhibition of fireworks in our subdivision. I came to wonder if us Filipinos are still on a belt tightening mode or just plain became eco-wise or friendly people in a way to save mother earth. Although, I admit I did play with firecrackers when I was little till I was a teener, My outlook on use of these have change through the years when I said to myself that why waste on burning your money on firecracker instead of buying essentials needed by the household like food, appliances etc or put it temporarily in a piggy bank and acquire new investments you want to setup.

I am hopeful too that we can weather the global financial crisis and that the economic buffers that government had done in the past few months would eventually last that long and would like to outlive the global economic crisis. I am hopeful that President Barack Obama would make a stand in providing economic stimulus to the number economy of the world in the United States of America.

Just watchout: will post more event and their details financial planning and services I can find for January 2009.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!

Filipino Holiday on a Spree!

2008-12-15T22:55:00.017+08:00

I visited a mall the other day and was glad to find out that there are mob of people out there enjoying the thrill of finding some items to give this Christmas season. Families eating in droves in fastfood chains and children still enjoying the rides and the amusement parks. Even in the turmoil of global financial crisis, Filipinos are still keen in celebrating it amidst the problems our world is into. I never thought that Pinoys will not celebrate the season but somehow I am happy that we are keeping the Christmas tradition in our hearts and for all times. For businesses in retail this is a good sign that somehow the economy is still in shape and is able to cope up with the times even if there are fewer outputs compared to last year wherein they are still currently surviving and afloat.

Philippines however felt the pinch but business moguls such as Ayalas of Ayala Corporation and Uytengsus of Alaska Milk have positive outlook among Filipinos who are eager to survive the crisis. They are encouraging people to look for other means in order to survive from giving the sense of entreprenuerial spirit of setting up a small business or getting a part-time job and other alternatives in making their lives sustainable for their future.

The best thing in Christmas is celebrating the coming of our lord, Jesus Christ. His coming is the essence of the season in observance of Christian traditions.

MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MANIGONG BAGONG TAON!

The Homefront

2008-11-18T15:05:00.000+08:00

We are almost plunging into a new global recession if the problems plaguing the U.S. economy from the financial crisis griping the movement of this once economic power of the world is not averted even with the rescue package given by the federal government a few weeks ago. The U.S. economy is losing ground the other time with Dow Jones and NASDAQ losing points on trading day. Investors are pulling away their investments in stocks, banks and other financial instruments after the public have lost their confidence with these companies. Greed became the main ingredient of this chaotic times with majority of companies profit raking effort have turned against them which started at first with the subprime crisis on real estate on which the credit crunch.

Germany and Japan had already put on the "We are now on recession banner" and have stepped plans to curb the lay-offs where most of those affected are the manufacturing industry especially the automobile makers from Daimler Benz, Opel, Nissan, Mitsubishi and others. Iceland on the hand is the first nation to file bankruptcy with it government piling up debts even if they are the most ecologically friendly nation in using renewable energy like geothermal plants and others.

A few weeks ago, I was reading this article published in the Philippine Stock Exchange website. "RP Stocks among least affected in Asia". It was a good news indeed that we survive a bit from being banged up a few weeks ago. But I still feel at lost with the trading of stocks I have in my investment account. My shares of investments lost ground. Mutual funds are not doing that well

Financial and banking institutions in the Philippines have learned their lessons on 1997 Asian Financial crisis. I was much happy with Jaime Zobel de Ayala's comment that the Philippines can weather the global financial crisis by tapping our local or domestic markets in opening credits for the local folks to borrow. It was a positive news to see that Filipinos are interested in putting up their own businesses amidsts the global turmoil on one segment of TV Patrol last night. I am happy that these people are resilient enough to be in the road less travelled.

I am hopeful that the Eye of the storm will pass away.

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

Ayala Land wins Euromoney’s Real Estate tilt

2008-10-16T10:14:00.008+08:00

Ayala Land has once again proved its mettle among the best property developers in the country as it bagged the “Best Overall Developer in the Philippines” award, among other category awards from the esteemed 2008 Liquid Real Estate Awards powered by Euromoney. The latter is a trusted resource on global financial markets and the award is the outcome of a survey conducted among financial institutions and real estate investors by its niche publication Liquid Real Estate.

Liquid Real Estate, known as the “voice of the real estate industry” around the world, capitalized on their access to various property markets in order to sieve the best and brightest among industry players.

This year, Ayala Land was vested with the following recognition:

Best Residential Developer in the Philippines

Best Retail/Shopping Developer in the Philippines

Best Office/Business Developer in the Philippines

Best Industrial/Warehouse Developer in the Philippines

Best Leisure/Hotel Developer in the Philippines

Best Mixed-Use Developer in the Philippines

Best Property Manager in the Philippines

In an email to Ayala Land, Euromoney’s head of Middle East and Asia, William Powell, expressed his congratulations to the company for winning the award, revealing that, “competition is extremely tough for these awards and therefore poll winners richly deserve the accolade.”

A global awards dinner was set in London last October 2, 2008.

The American Financial Meltdown, What's next? Part 2

2008-10-04T21:26:00.015+08:00

Finally, the financial crisis is not yet over even if the U.S. Senate and Congress passed the bill and sign by President George W. Bush and released the needed US$700 billion dollars in rehabilitating the economy and bailing out these companies.

In Europe, it seem they are taking the beating from the ripple effect of the U.S. financial crisis had spread worldwide affecting all of us and it is beating the hell out of Europe. Germany and France are taking it serious effort in controlling the effect of the financial crisis. France's BNP Paribas and Germany's Hypo Real Estate are hit hard and being bought by other major companies which were not stricken and have more capital to acquire ailing companies. European Union is preparing itself for anything worst possible scenario by setting a bail-out fund as well to its ailing banks.

Who's next? Asia? The questions are, Are we prepared to fend for ourselves without the need of intervention from America who is also helpless and would take years to recover. Asia just got off from the claws of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis wherein it took us 3 to 5 years to recover. As some of economists say, Asian countries won't be affected because the credit is not yet fully developed plus before borrowing money you still need collaterals just in case you cannot pay as what our Philippine banks are doing. Yesterday, President Gloria Arroyo disclosed that the country needs to brace itself for the uncertainties up ahead. Our local exporting companies have already incurred losses since 2007 during the subprime crisis due to the slowdown of demand of imported products from their country with expected 1% percent (250,000 people) jobs loss from our country as what one of the economic adviser of President Arroyo disclosed.

Without credit, the economy won't grow. It cannot obtain the growing needs of small and larger business to expand. There will be job losses and downsizing from most of the companies in the U.S. American Companies with international bases abroad would likewise relocate or outsource their existing companies in our country to the rapidly growing economies such as mainland China and India.

Meanwhile Philam Group of Companies, an AIG company is being likely to be sold to other companies who are interested in acquiring this great company which has been included as a forerunner in insurances banking and other financial and investment services in the Philippines. Yuchengco Group of Companies is very vocal about the issue while Ayala Corporation, San Miguel Corporation, SM Group of Companies, First Pacific Corporation are still mum but are interested in expanding their business into into insurance and other financial services and investments. AIG is still struggling to sell of its international assets in order to raise funds to pay of the loans from the U.S. government.

Will the Philippine government step up to the threat and have countermeasures on this issue. As the government would say, Yes. "we have plans for countermeasures on the effects of the financial crisis in America" but still the support of the majority of public would be needed and appreciated in facing this growing crisis.

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

PESOS AND SENSE: Weather Proofing your Personal Finance

2008-10-01T20:13:00.017+08:00

I would like to invite you on one of the upcoming events of the Registered Financial Planners - Philippines

As you know the days of financial literacy is still at its infancy in the Philippines and only a handful of people know where to invest and make their money work for them in passive income way. Current times, we are plagued with financial difficulties with the wrong mindset and perception on how money should be used and how money should work for us and not work for money, we need to save for our future especially on the transition days.

Most of the speakers are well known in mutual fund, investments, financial planning and business industries.

1. J. Randell Tiongson is a financial coach and educator. He is a member of the Registered Financial Planner Institute - Philippines (RFP) and have been in insurance industry in the early 90's to present. He is a also a columnist with Business Mirror, RFP Philippines and appeared on financial related shows as guest in ANC (ABS CBN News Channel). You can visit his site at www.income-tacts.com and www.rfp-philippines.com.

2. Efren LL. Cruz is a Banker, Financial Planner and author of such books as "Pwede Na! The Complete Pinoy Guide to Personal Finance" and “Pwede Na! The Complete Pinoy Guide to Retirement and Estate Planning”. He writes for Business Mirror, Income-Tacts, RFP Philippines. You can visit his www.income-tacts.com and www.rfp-philippines.com.

3. Francis Kong is a motivational speaker, entrepreneur and columnist for Philippines Star in the business section. He is the owner of Inspire Leadership Consultancy Inc. ,the company that brought The Millionaire Mind of T. Harv Eker to the Philippine shore. You can visit his site at www.businessmatters.org.

4. Chinkee Tan is a former actor who has become a lifestyle trainer, entrepreneur and motivational speaker. He wrote a book titled "Till Debt do us Part" - which tackles on getting out of debt, becoming financial free and many more. You can visit his site at www.chinkeetan.com.

The American Financial Meltdown, What's next? - Part 1

2008-09-28T15:28:00.019+08:00

In the past few weeks I am glued on reading some newspapers, watching Bloomberg, CNN, BBC on television and was pondering what will happens to us next. People here are bit panicky and paranoid regarding the plight of major financial institutions like Lehman Brothers and insurance giant American Insurance Group, Inc. (AIG) and other corporate big names that are now experiencing dismal array from the credit crunch. But before this companies would be bailed out by the U.S. government, mortgage companies such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are making the news on the black parade of Wall Street for the past few weeks as these companies were indebted from their previous with with subprime crisis in real estate brought about by the credit crunch but the hardest hit companies was the CitiGroup of companies (Citibank, Citi Financial etc). Just to give you a brief overview on the firms in the current U.S. financial crisis (see List of companies).

U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson was at the stand the other time and talking to media and pleading to the public to calm down and was telling about the federal government's rescue plan for these ailing companies in order to save the U.S. economy which is going down to recession . Many people think that the Great Depression of 21st century is here and only happens once in a century. President George W. Bush made his statements on television the urgent need of the government to take action on the financial crisis a few days ago and on the intended bail out which will be under fire with the bipartisan parties of Republicans and the Democrats on a negotiation table wherein the Democrats rejected the proposed bail out on which they say it is a short term plan and the U.S. government will incur more risks of economic hardships. The US$700 Billion allotted by the Feds as credit to these companies are not enough and sure the U.S. taxpayers will bear the brunt but still the will make profit of 8% but these are risk strategies in making profits in the long run. Still the negotiation is still underway to save the ailing U.S. economy and also the world who rely mostly on the U.S. markets.

There is notion that "when America sneezes, the world suffers flu". Philippines is an exporting country its main market is United States and second is the European union. Now as people are belt tightening in America and elsewhere, it seems we are going for a roller coaster ride for the duration end of 2008 to the early 2009. No one can predict on what will happen to us but I have high hopes that we can surely recover from the illness of the financial crisis in New York.

I was able to watch Tina Palma's show on ANC, TALKBACK the other day wherein her guests are experts from the business, investments and finance sector such as Deputy governor Diwa Guinigundo of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and others assured that most of the investment put by government owned corporations and companies (GOCCs) are not invested in the assets of such companies like Lehman Brothers and other financial institutions in the New York. Unlike some reports of a major Philippine banks with assets in Lehman Brothers are sufferring from loss of their deposits because of their investment with the said company. That bank however said that it is only a fraction or a small percentage and not all are invested in the Lehman Brothers.

Right now the issue and circumstances are still unraveling and we have to keep our senses vigilant at this rough times. Hope that everything would be good up ahead.

Ways of Creating Wealth Seminars for September 2008 (Part 2)

2008-09-06T11:17:00.008+08:00

Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) is very active in providing seminars on Stock Investments thanks to the aggressive marketing of the Marketing Education Department of PSE and also the cooperation of different securities companies who are eager to tap the local market with the information and dissemination drive about our local stock market to the general public.

List of the seminars from different securities or brokerage companies include Basic to Advance Stock Market Trading and Analysis, Strategic Investing and many more (see List from Market Education Events of Philippine Stock Exchange) in Adobe Acrobat 8.0.

Other information for the said event and market orientation you can course to Capital Markets Development Division, PSE c/o Ms. Agnes Ignacio at (02) 688-7534 at PSE Tektite Building, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Sometimes the seminars maybe cost you dearly but a the long term investment of gaining knowledge and insight of passive income on financial instrument is PRICELESS!

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

Ways of Creating Wealth Seminars for September 2008

2008-09-06T09:32:00.008+08:00

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) recently posted articles in the web regarding Filipinos know how in the stock market and it seems only 1% invest of the population knows the passive-income potential of stock trading with their hard earned cash on this type of investment. The Philippine Stock Exchange is totally committed in delivering and providing awareness and education through this type of seminar for the general public in order to uplift not only the financial literacy of our countrymen as well as influence the movement of our Philippine economy and our businesses.

The Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. and the University of Santo Tomas - College of Commerce Alumni Foundation, Inc. and its Young Alumni Achievers Council invite everyone to THE STOCK MARKET SIMPLIFIED: Walk your way to creating wealth.

SEMINAR TOPICS include:
Basics of Stock Market Investing
Personal Investment Strategy
Technical Analysis

Date and Venue
September 18, 2008
6:00 PM to 9:OO PM
PSE Tektite Trading Floor
2/F PSE Centre, Exchange Road
Ortigas Center, Pasig City

SEMINAR FEE
Php 500.00*
*inclusive of food and materials

For inquiries and registration, contact the following:
PSE Market Educ. Dept.:
Mr. Mark Valino
688-7539/688-7534
mavalino@pse.com.ph
www.pse.com.ph

UST COCAFI:
Ms. Leila Pulintan
786-1611 loc. 8374
ustcocafi@yahoo.com

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

MAGICJACK - VoIP for everyone!

2008-08-27T11:25:00.015+08:00

A magic of communication for everyone with a less cost, pocket-sized portability and ease of use at your fingertips.

It was a wonderful present from a relative who have given us this new small device before my sister's return trip from the U.S.A last month. MagicJack became a rave in America for those looking for cheap alternative and cutting the cost of their telephone bills to half in making long distance calls to other states or even abroad.

Most of the Voice Internet Protocol (VoIP) I know are internationally based like Vonage, Skype and others. The cost of having a connection with this companies is half from MagicJack's offer of US$20 to 30 for this small unit.

MagicJack is plug and play. Just plug in your USB port and in one minute a program will appear to connect to your computer and the internet. MagicJack can be used anywhere as long as you have PC or laptop, internet connection with a broadband, WiMax, DSL plus an ordinary telephone handset. Works with cordless phone too.

My MagicJack number is currently registered in New Jersey, USA even if I am living in Pampanga, Philippines and so it has been useful for the businesses with our prosective clients in and keeping in touch with our relatives in the United States and Canada. On my first day, my brother was able to contact my cousin in New York City who bought this device for us and it works even if it encountered some choppy reception but we still had a conversation for an hour. Even my sister used to contact also his buddy in U.S. at ease with this product.

Real Estate Investing in Tough Times - a short talk with Rex Mendoza

2008-08-21T11:53:00.004+08:00

August 6, We went to Manila on a business trip with my mom and younger sister (an apprentice and is learning the ropes of real estate). She recently finished her studies and just arrived fresh from the U.S. after a 3 week vacation mixed with business and pleasure. I was able to join them on the 2nd General Brokers Assembly for the second quarter of Alveo Land Corp., An Ayala Land company, which was formerly known as Community Innovations, Inc or CII for short. We were invited by one of the Brokers network coordinator the other day and the venue will take place at Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Alveo Land Corp (formerly Community Innovation, Inc.) was a young upstart company of Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) back in the early 2000 and has been in the forefront on the mixed residential developments ranging from horizontal to vertical projects wherein one of their top selling properties are Two Serendra in Bonifacio Global City, The Columns in Makati CDB just to name a few of their projects has achieved P 60 Billion pesos through its combined sales of their project in the whole Philippines with achieving a first quarter profit of % by Ayala Land Inc as reported by Mr. Robert Lao, deputy head of sales of Alveo Land Corp.

Mr. Dan Abando, president of Ayala Land Inc. together with Mr. Rex Mendoza, Senior Vice President of Ayala Land Inc. were present on the meeting together with the movers and shakers of the company, their accredited real estate brokers and their respective companies that are business partners with the Ayala Land. The top 10 brokers were presented and given awards and gifts for their support with Ayala's vision of developing the landscape and venturing into real estate which gave them lots of opportunities.

Mr. Rex Mendoza gave a small talk on Real Estate Investing in Tough Times in which he gave some details to help the sales people achieve their goals of selling to customers on bearish market and boosting sales of their properties. "The people are capable of buying anything but they are afraid of uncertainties lying ahead with dark clouds" as what Mr. Mendoza said. You see, customers are on a "wait and see effect" of the economy.

Monthly Peso per US $ Rate (January 1997 - June 2008)
LATEST: P 44.281 /US$ (June 2008)
HIGH: P 56.341/US$ (October 2004)
LOW: P 24.2648/US$ (December 1994)

Interbank Call Loan Rate
(January 1991 to June 2008)
Latest: 5.27 % (June 2008)
High: 21.1 % (January 1998)
Low: 6.9 % (July 2003)

Sources: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

91-day T-Bill Rates (Updated 18 June 2008)
Latest: 3.67 % (January 2008)
High: 15.8 % (November 2000)
Low: 4.4 % (May 2002)

Mr. Mendoza recently showed some slide presentations adapted from Anton Periquet's presentations to Ayala's top brass a few weeks ago (Anton Periquet is a Deutsche Regis Partners Country Strategist). Just citing an example from last year, A lot of people in 2007 doubled their net worth overnight upon investing in stock market, mutual funds and others during the bull run of early 2007 but somehow upon reaching the late 2007 to the early 2008 a lot of the same people who invested were left with one half to one third of their net worth to losing streak. In 2007, people are thinking that they are rich because of their purchasing power but at present times people are belt tightening or afraid to invest, he asked us if the "Good Times are Over?".

People tend to ask the same old question of What now?, What do next? So people backtrack and not engage again meaning market needs excuses for movement and ask for stimulus on which inflexion point occur. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index is signalling another economic inflexion point. Mr. Mendoza reiterated that history repeats itself setting an example of 1997 Asian Financial Crisis (or Asian Flu of 1997) wherein Asian tiger economies like Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and other countries where hit hard but manage to survive the tough times and make a rebound in the process. He also pointed the psychological problem of the investor on How Long this problem will stay? Wherein there are two pre-requisites that should make the world economy stabilize on which 1.) Global Risk Appetite Normalize; 2.) Domestic Trigger Surfaces.

Along the meeting, he discussed the Virtous Cycle Unwinds that affected the world wherein there were two shocks experienced globally in late 2007 to present times. First of all is the U.S. SUBPRIME CRISIS brought about by CREDIT CRUNCH which was brought about by bad practice of lending and financing wherein they lent their money to those with poor credit (see through Investopedia). The second is OIL, in the past few months there have rising fuel prices but somehow a few days ago, the oil market and trading have recently decrease to US$ 115 per barrel and I am hoping it will go down sharply. The two shocks affected our real estate buyers from abroad specifically the Filipino-Americans who were our main investors but here in the Philippines and other overseas Filipinos from other parts of the world are not affected by the U.S. Subprime Crisis because our local banks are asking for primary collaterals (land titles, bank certificates, stock certificates etc) before issuing and approving a client a loan (very strict rules) so it is a different story from what is happening in the U.S. wherein the lenders can lend you money as long you are breathing with no collateral before the housing bubble burst.

There is a growing consciousness among the public in investing in real estate to hedge against inflation wherein a property is still the best option in long terms with capital appreciation. Right now mortgage rates from banks remains low with major banks competing in giving the lowest rates to potential customers, Peso - Dollar Exchange Rate is still stable and positive economic outlook in 2009 and Filipinos as most Asians regard property as a primary investments.

There maybe crisis in these rough times but some people see opportunities in times ahead.

"THERE IS NO FUTURE IN SHORT TERM".

San Miguel Brewery Report: My first stock trading investment

2008-08-13T14:42:00.002+08:00

A few months after my initial investment with this company. San Miguel Corporation recently released their 1st Quarter sales report (see below). I am much surprised and pleased to see that from PhP 8.00 per share of stocks that I bought Last May 2008 have dramatically jumped to PhP 9.30 per share so my 1000 shares from San Miguel Brewery went up with estimated net value PhP 9,100.00 to PhP 9,300.00, thanks to their boosts of revenues from beer and food operations. Prior to hitting the PhP 9.00, before it was still at PhP 8.40 - PhP 8.50 per share on the end of July. The April to early July were stock trading was limited due to fears of high oil prices and fears of the investors in loosing more their money but somehow San Miguel Brewery pulled on its initial public offering (IPO) on its debut at PhP 8.50 per share but fell sharply on the following weeks to PhP 8.10 - PhP 8.30 per share. (see Charts for San Miguel Brewery)

Somehow, the world stock market rallied when prices of oil have dropped dramatically to US$ 113 per barrel with confidence from worldwide investor of this positive news which gave a stimulus in market movements in the past weeks.

The article below was taken in the San Miguel Corporations' website.

San Miguel Brewery Revenues for First Semester up 9%

7/24/2008

San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB), the brewery operations of San Miguel Corporation, today reported first semester 2008 net sales of P23.8 billion, 9% higher than last year’s P21.9 billion, directly attributable to a 7% increase in sales volumes.

Operating income grew 25% to P7.2 billion from P5.7 billion in the prior year period.

“Despite a more challenging economic environment and added pressure on the consumer’s disposable income, we’ve turned in very strong results. We continue to invest in brand building and are focusing on improving sales momentum and efficient execution across all distribution levels,” said Ramon S. Ang, president of SMB Inc. The Company’s marketing resources were focused on outlet-based promotions and on reinforcing flagship brand, San Miguel Pale Pilsen. Trade management efforts, including rationalization and training, are being implemented to streamline and maximize product distribution. SMB Inc. is also undertaking new programs to offer wider availability and ensure consumer satisfaction. To conserve financial resources, programs to reduce inventory and trade receivable levels were also implemented alongside other cost saving programs.

Related News from Philippines Star - August 13, 2008 - SMC triples H1 income to P19.7 B.

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

Alicia Keys Experience: a one night only concert in Manila

2008-08-08T10:14:00.001+08:00

I decided to a two day leave and have a break from work at the office on a wonderful weekdays even if it was rainy for the past few days. It was fun at first to be invited by my kid sister who was bugging me since she arrived from the United States last month on a short vacation. She was looking forward on one of the much awaited concerts here in Manila she would like to see. I thought she was waiting for Daughtry but I was wrong and it was none other than the eleven-time Emmy award winner singer-songwriter named Ms. Alicia Keys.

It was worthwhile experience for us who happen to have found some definitely viewable seats located at Section C of the Gold area. I was happy that she gave me one ticket free which cost about PhP 4,068.00 on that particular section and it was quite a nice view at the forefront of the concert. A few hours prior to our travel, we were glued on MTV and we are waiting for any announcements on the change of venue of Alicia Keys - Live in Manila concert and in our wait it was confirmed through Philippine Star and the TV announcement that the original venue which was SM Mall of Asia - open field will be transfered to SMX Convention which is a few meters away. The concert will begin rain or shine as what was stated on print and TV. We were happy to received a positive news about it.

We prepared everything with our essentials especially our trusty digital camera and left home in Pampanga at 7:00 pm and finally arrived in Manila at 8:15 pm with less traffic on a Tuesday night after rush hour travel as we crossed the less busy thoroughfares of the old Manila, I gazed alot on the window and lots of things changed especially the locale of Roxas Boulevard area wherein there are no more food and beverage establishments which made the area more cleaner with less people there. Missed the old heydays when I was still in college.

We reached SMX and once we entered the building we have trouble finding our seats because of the crowd is getting rowdier with people also lost in finding their designated seats with other people seating on other people's chair which is a definitely rude behavior. I thanked that usher who happened to helped us a lot even if I never knew his name. We seated at section C and I was amazed on seeing a group of five older people sitting near the end of the chairs and look like hippies of the 1970s with long hair and rocker-musician outfits and I later found out they were the"ASIN", a famous rock band from 1970s watching Alicia Keys' perform and enjoying themselves the nostalgia of playing music again (I think!).

At last and behold when clock strikes at exactly 10 pm, the crowd went wild when the back up vocals began to sing and the instruments started playing. People got excited when amidst the dark silhoutte of tall woman with medium built appeared and when the spotlight flashed through, she appeared and the crowd cheered with her sex appeal and her soulful voice as she whipped the stage with her songs from her new album "As I am" with other of her famous song on her second album.

A few days have past and still feeling the tune of Alicia Keys in my head. The memories of attending a talented artist like Ms. Alicia Keys is "PRICELESS". The money my younger sister spent for both our tickets was "WORTH IT".

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

No Arms, No Legs, No Worries

2008-08-03T17:31:00.001+08:00

During one of the seminars I have attended recently, Mr. Dindo Raymundo was our motivational speaker at that time. He was able to share one of the life changing moments that had inspired on his recent travel to Australia. A life changing moment with this person of extra-ordinary abilities who is physically disabled but conquered the whole world with his wisdom through his evangelical thoughts and his speaking engagement that touched a lot of people's lives in the presence. His name is Nick Vijucic.

Nick Vijucic was well aware of his handicap but he was determined to show to people that he is just a normal human.

I was viewing his resume and found he is an extra-ordinary person with lots of trades wherein he is a real estate investor, stock investor and a businessman other than being an evangelist at the same time.

I have put the three part series from www.richgrad.com on Mr. Vijucic's seminar. I hope you get inspired with this man's word not only with his experience but for his spiritual sense in spreading God's words around the world.

You can visit his site at www.lifewithoutlimbs.org.