Monday, June 15, 2009

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

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

Sunday, April 26, 2009

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


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.

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

Friday, April 10, 2009

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

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.

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

Friday, April 3, 2009

Long Absence - Erratic Schedule


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!

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Farewell Francis M.!


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.






Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

Monday, March 9, 2009

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



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

Saturday, March 7, 2009

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



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

Sunday, January 11, 2009

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







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

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Office Humor in our lives!

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!

  1. Humor Break
  2. Working Folks
  3. Wack workplace office humor
  4. Occupational Hazards - Job Jokes by Profession
  5. The Humor Vault
  6. Workplace Humor

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

Sunday, January 4, 2009

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

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

Saturday, January 3, 2009

MONEYVANTAGE: Rent is up for Property Rental Sector

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

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Welcoming 2009!

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!





Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage

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