Seek No More

Experience Transformation with BA

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:27:00 +0000

A few years ago, a study about American travelers reported that passports are relatively rare among US citizens. It estimated that as low as 20 to as high as 34 percent of the total population have passports, which is really quite low for a country attempting to assert its will to shape the entire world's idea of freedom, democracy, religion and culture.

The result of the study is also surprising considering that travel was considered by many Americans as more important than formal education. Travel is a vital educational experience because it helps prepare a person to be more effective, respectful of other cultures, and to better understand their own culture and values. Travel has a lasting impact on world view, self-confidence, and maturity. This experience will be life-transforming and will continue to influence lives.

When it comes to traveling, British Airways (BA) offers one of the best experience. They can provide travelers an opportunity to see the world with great fares to a variety of exciting destinations. And if combined with one of their carefully selected hotels or car rental deals to create a package, travelers can easily save even more.

This November, BA will be having a ‘world sale’ to promote both flights and packages from the U.S. and Canada. Flights range from US $229, each way based on round-trip from New York to London, and Flight + hotel packages from US$ 659, based on a round-trip from New York to London with double occupancy and 3-night stay.

Here are a few of the amazing things a traveler can do when they avail of this BA’s ‘world sale’ travel adventures:

Travel across the Canadian tundra, search for polar bears and learn about Inuit culture.

Kayak the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, explore the Sonora desert and build a nature trail.

Take a traditional African Safari and plant trees on the hills of Kilimanjaro.

British Airways also offers an '‘upgraded’ experience with:

200+ On-Demand Entertainment Options

Complimentary food and cocktails on all flights

World Class service

Comfortable in-flight experience: Ergonomically designed seat, complete with lumbar support, adjustable headrest and recline.

Convenient and relaxing lounges at the terminals

Travel with BA now and discover that most often everyone is wrong about other countries. With BA, one can become an open-minded traveler who does not see 'the other' as a strange tribe of incomprehensible people more dangerous and at the same time more naive - just because the passport-free majority refuses to understand or even talk to them.

Fashion for a Cause

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:58:00 +0000

Given the stark reality of the need to invest millions of pesos to provide children with proper health and nutrition and basic education, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has to constantly come up with innovative ways to raise funds. These include reaching out to individual and corporate donors selling gift items - such as its popular Christmas and all-occasion cards - and most recently, forging a partnership with graphic design firm Team Manila.

In its continuing vision to inspire and empower the youth and just in time for the 20th anniversary of UNICEF's Convention on the Rights of the Child (an international treaty that recognizes the welfare of children) this year, Team Manila has released limited edition shirts and accessories communicating the basic rights of children - the right to play, the right to shelter, the right to know and learn, the right to be healthy and the right to be safe.

For every shirt sold, PhP 50.00 will go to UNICEF. For the lanyards, UNICEF will get PhP 20.00 and for tote bags, PhP 25.00.

UNICEF sales development officer Erwin del Castillo, in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, says he is excited about the prospects of the partnership with Team Manila as the shirts have also appealed to the youth from other countries, thus giving him hope that the Team Manila products would soon find their way into shops across the region.

Known for having its pulse on the Filipino youth, Team Manila has also chosen twins Nicole and Camille Tantoco as the face of its Children’s Rights collection. Says Team Manila’s general manager Nico Bacani, "We were really inspired by Nicole and Camille in that we feel they are representatives of the new generation – serious with their education and well-educated, kind-hearted, very much into the arts, very socially aware and active or in other words very well-rounded individuals."

"We support this project because we feel that every child should have these basic rights," says Camille. Nicole adds, "A lot of children suffer abuse, discrimination and neglect, and if we don’t address these issues, how can we move forward as a nation?"

And, perhaps the thing of most value here, aside from a portion from each purchase going to UNICEF's advocacy for Children’s Rights, is that everyone will be able to wear the message and hopefully raise awareness everywhere they go.

More Internet & Money for Pinoy Kids

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:34:00 +0000

A study commissioned by cable television channel Cartoon Network showed that although most Filipino children prefer watching television, an increasing number of them are also accessing the Internet.

Sixty-three percent of children aged 7 to 14 years old regularly use the Internet, showing an almost 40 percent increase in online access since 2003. The respondents said that they usually go online to play games and watch videos, while they also use the web to access information for school requirements.

The study also found that Older Filipino children, those aged from 13 to 14 years old, access the Internet more for social purposes. About 62 percent of kids in that age group go online to access social networking sites like Facebook and Friendster, compared to the 44 percent of users aged 11-12 years old.

Forty-three percent of pre-teens also use the Internet for instant messaging, a significant departure from the 27 percent of 11-12 year-olds who use the feature.

With the increase in access to the Internet comes great concern. According to Duncan Morris, vice president for research and market development of Turner International Asia Pacific Ltd., parents usually set ground rules for their children regarding web access. Controlling the amount of time spent online, specifying days when kids can use the Internet and choosing the appropriate sites are some of the ways parents use to ensure their kids’ safety.

"Sometimes, children themselves tell us that they can not go on sites that show violence," Morris added.

It also appears that Filipino children have not felt the economic crisis faced by the rest of the world. The survey revealed that the combined spending power of kids in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao has risen to some PhP 42 billion, up from PhP 37 billion when the study was last conducted two years ago.

According to Mr. Morris, "The vast majority, about 91 percent, of Pinoy kids receive pocket money, which compares favorably with kids in other countries such as Japan, with only 49 perent of kids receiving pocket money; Australia, with only 59 percent; and India with only 41 percent."

Filipino children receive an average of PhP 197 in weekly pocket money, up from PhP 169 two years ago. Kids 11 to 14 years old receive PhP 244, while those from the AB segment get as much as PhP 348.

Children from Manila receive an average PhP 205 weekly while kids from Davao get PhP 177. Cebuano children get an average of PhP 156.

Aside from pocket money, children also get 'gift money' during their birthdays and Christmas. Mr. Morris said 96 percent of those surveyed receive gift money averaging PhP 2,130 per year, which brings the 'annual income' of a typical Filipino child to PhP 12,374.

"Combining pocket money with gift money, and extrapolating this to the kids’ population of about 3.7 million across the surveyed cities, Pinoy kids collectively have PhP 42 billion spending money per year," Mr. Morris said.

"Marketers should be aware that kids are not only primary consumers anymore," he said. "They just don’t spend their money on snacks."

"Filipino children are increasingly becoming secondary consumers, as they greatly influence their parents on what to buy, from computers, to cars, and other gadgets. As the survey reveals, kids as young as seven have well-established views on everything," he added.

The New Generations Study 2009, which was conducted from August 25 to September 21 this year, used in-home face-to-face interviews of 1,000 children aged seven to 14 from the A to D socioeconomic classes. Eighty percent were from Manila and 10 percent each came from Cebu and Davao.

The survey was conducted by Synovate Philippines. Similar localized surveys were also commissioned by Cartoon Network in Japan, India, Australia, Taiwan, and Singapore.

Reduction on Rice Tariff Delayed?

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:24:00 +0000

Unless a major breakthrough is made, no major cuts on rice tariffs is expected next year after the Philippines and Thailand failed to strike a compromise. Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila announced recently to the media that an agreement had yet to be reached with Thailand and that another round of talks is scheduled next month in Manila. Thai Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai, meanwhile, said tariff cuts for all other goods might be delayed.

Leaders from the two countries and eight other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) attending an annual summit in Hua Hin, Thailand were to push for continued progress in forging a single market by 2015, largely through the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) scheme.javascript:void(0)

The Philippines had asked to delay a tariff cut for sugar due next year, something Thailand was reportedly amenable to as long as a favorable ending rate for rice — a 'highly sensitive good' — was declared in exchange.

Thailand is among the Philippines’ top sources of the two agricultural commodities. The local sugar industry has tagged Thailand as a competitor.

Under the ASEAN free trade pact, sugar tariffs are scheduled to drop to 0-5 percent from 28 percent in 2010. For rice, the Philippines must "phase in" its tariffs to the reduction initiative, also by 2010.

The Philippines has taken the stance of keeping rice tariffs at 40 percent and then lowering it to 35 percent by 2015, Trade Assistant Secretary Ramon Vicente T. Kabigting said in a telephone interview on 25 October 2009 with BusinessWorld.

"There are certain ASEAN members saying that rice should fall to 20 percent but we do not recognize this," he said, citing protocols signed in 1999 and 2007 which merely require a member state to declare its preferred tariff for highly sensitive goods.

Given the deadlock, the two countries are negotiating on market access instead.

"We’re trying to negotiate a volume access under internationally practiced conditions," Mr. Kabigting said, explaining that this means the Philippines will not be required to buy from Thailand if there is no domestic rice shortage or if prices from other sellers are lower.

He declined to specify the Philippines’ proposed quota but reports have said that Manila had offered an assured 50,000-ton duty-free rice purchase to Thailand, which has demanded 360,000 tons instead.

"The rice issue is being tied to the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement [Atiga]," Mr. Kabigting said, referring to the pact which compiles all agreements governing the AFTA.

"Atiga is an explicit statement of what tariff reductions to apply to what goods in what year ... Because of the rice issue, leaders are saying [Thailand and the Philippines] must agree on the rice tariff so they can declare [lower tariffs for other goods]," he said.

On Sunday, Mr. Favila said in a telephone interview: "[Rice] is still subject to ongoing negotiations ... [The 2010 deadline for tariff cuts on other goods] is the commitment of member states. But we will have to wait for what our leaders have to say."

Ms. Porntiva said: "They have shown their readiness to talk ... and we will reschedule a meeting."

A declaration from ASEAN heads of state released on 24 October 2009, Saturday, noted that "the realization of the ASEAN Free Trade Area on 1 January 2010 is well on track."

It was generally mum on the rice issue, only making references that the group "urges Member States to resolve the differences at the earliest opportunity."

The statement went on to report that members were looking to put up an "infrastructure development fund" to improve trade links.

The summit also saw the inauguration of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights.

Renewed calls were also made for economic ministers to submit feedback on a proposal to expand the free trade area to include China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand.

Call Center with Blind Employees

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Before October ends, the Philippines will open its first ever call center that only employs blind persons, a milestone in the struggle of disabled people to cross the digital divide.

GMANews.TV reported that with eight training rooms and three desks dedicated for outbound calls, the call center facility will be equipped with adaptive hardware and software customized to the needs and abilities of the blind.

Six totally blind, low vision and sighted graduates are currently being trained as trainers in Taipei, Taiwan, the headquarters of the the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital Opportunity Center (ADOC).

ADOC provided funds for the facility, a project of the Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration, and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV) Inc.

The six trainers all came from ATRIEV, an organization that pioneered computer training for the blind in the country, the Resources for the Blind, National Council on Disability Affairs, Philippine National School for the Blind, and the Department of Education.

The facility’s customized outbound call center software and refreshable Braille display as hardware will allow totally blind individuals to provide customer assistance while listening to the client on the phone and reading the responses in Braille.

With the technology, the blind will hopefully gain the same speed and efficiency as the sighted call center agent, ATRIEV said.

ATRIEV has provided IT-related training for the blind for the last 15 years, with the use of a screen reader – a software application that translates text to speech – and a screen magnification software.

ATRIEV also provides on-the-job training in voicemail transcription to its qualified IT-related training graduates, in partnership with Gallop IT Solutions, a local transcription company.

The launching ceremony for the project was held last 20 October 2009 at the ATRIEV’s Training Center for the Blind in Quezon City. The project is expected to be presented at the APEC Conference to be held in Singapore in November 2009.

JCI's EntrepSummit 2009

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:42:00 +0000

EntrepSummit is the annual culmination project of the Business Directorate of the Manila Jaycees (JCI-Manila) since 2008. The project aims to invigorate the SME sector with an annual entrepreneurship event that addresses the challenges of entrepreneurs today by putting together some of the best Filipino business people and influential individuals in a one-day conference to share about their experiences and road to success stories.

With this year’s theme of Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders, this event aims to inspire and fuel the entrepreneurial spirit of young Filipinos. It will congregate young entrepreneurs and energetic minds that have creative ideas, and inject them with the business acumen that is needed to transcend the trying challenges of the current world crisis.

EntrepSummit aims also to dispel fears about going into business, or staying in business – there is nothing more worthwhile right now to pursue than the Entrepreneurial dream of attaining success and breaking the bonds of financial insecurity. The seminar-cum-exposition will feature 8 of the top business minds in our country today, each of them to deliver strong points on their respective disciplines.

Be Inspired. Unleash the Entrepreneurial Spirit within you. Listen to ideas and stories from business people who are ahead of their time.

"Are You Ready to be an Entrepreneur?"
Rudy Ang Dean, Ateneo De Manila's School of Management

"How Belo Became Belo"
Vicki Belo Founder, Belo Medical Group

"The Secret Behind the Largest Consumer Products Company in the World"
Johnip Cua First Filipino GM of Procter & Gamble Philippines

"5 Pillars to a Successful Entrepreneur"
Edward Lee Founder and Chairman, CitisecOnline

"Social Business Enterprise : Doing Good while Doing Well"
Mark Ruiz Social Entrepreneur, Hapinoy and Rags2Riches

"10 Best Practices for Marketing on the Internet"
Anton Diaz Professional Blogger, Our Awesome Planet

"Taking the Family Business to the Next Level"
York Vitangcol CEO, St. Peter Group of Companies

"Building Values. Building Entrepreneurs: the Natasha Experience"
Victoria Jardiolin-Villa, Founder and President, Natasha and Marikina Shoe Exchange

For Registration and Contact Details:
Call the Manila Jaycees Clubhouse (c/o Ms. Li Gonzales)
(632)525-6792, 525-2631 and (0922)804-2384

Schedule/Venue:
SMX Convention Center (Function Room3)
24 October 2009, 9:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Ticket Price: PhP 3,500
Early Bird Price PhP 3,000 on or before 17 Oct 2009
Student Discount of 20 percent
Corporate Promo Rate Buy 5 Get 1 Free

Polyamory Advocates Want Recognition

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:34:00 +0000

Historical journals and academic references describe the traditional roles of men and woman in relationships as very rigid and well defined. Because of these twin observations, it is not surprising that many believed that traditional relationships has many advantages and disadvantages to different sexes, but, in the end, they still support the societal goals of marriage very well.

The Traditional Relationship Model can be summarized as strictly structured and gender rigid. The role of husband was the "King of the Castle", an independent decision maker who protected and provided for his family. The wife is usually labeled as the devoted "Queen". She is usually financially dependent upon her husband and subordinate to his decisions. Her mission was to make him happy, care for their children and administer their home.

In a less civilized society, the strict regiment provided by patriarchal social control may have been a necessary evil in the social evolution of human-kind. However, as technology, education and freedoms have changed the world's political and socio-economic landscape, so has the view about the ideal society and many of its 'belief institutions'.

Some possibilities that were not explored during the 'Dark Ages' came to the fore and raised questions such as can a person really love two people equally at the same time? If yes, is it wrong? Is there a difference between having a closed committed relationship between three people and having an open relationship?

These are just some of the questions that Split-Self, a new serial put out by F.S. Publishing, will try to answer as it tries to reinvents the chicklit genre with wit, humor and a slight touch of cynicism. Split-Self is a novel of a romance between three. Not a threesome, not a love triangle, a polyamorous relationship between one girl and two guys. Boy likes girl, boy also likes boy ... girl thinks that's hot.

To better understand the confusion surrounding the newly emerging roles of men and woman in relationships, it might be worth looking at what Split-Self has already explored.

No More Reconstruction Bond?

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:14:00 +0000

Reports coming from GMANews.TV will probably be considered by many as good news because it implies that Philippines may no longer sell so-called Reconstruction Bonds. This development came after two multilateral lenders offered to speed up the process of giving loans to rebuild the country’s ruined infrastructure.

An estimated US$ 280 million worth of program loans are expected to be granted faster than usual by the Washington-based World Bank and the Manila-based Asian Development Bank.

Worth PhP 12.8 billion, these loans – to be used for the rehabilitation of roads and highways damaged by typhoons – may no longer require government to sell bonds, Finance Secretary Margarito B. Teves said.

The country may no longer "focus on PhP 50 billion in reconstruction bonds if there are other options readily and immediately available instead of waiting for this original concept of reconstruction bonds," Teves said on Monday.

Both multilateral agencies have offered to realigning some of program loans to fit the spending requirements needed in the aftermath of storm Ondoy and typhoon Pepeng.

Of the total $280 million figure, US$ 200 million, or PhP 9.2 billion, will come from the World Bank while the remaining US$ 80 million, or PhP 3.68 billion, will be sourced from the ADB.

"These loans can be reprogrammed to support our reconstruction and rehabilitation effort," Teves said.

Both agencies presented a menu of options that will allow government to secure funds that will immediately enable the reconstruction/rehabilitation process, Teves said.

‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng’ have damaged billions of pesos in public infrastructure, forcing government – which is already expecting a deficit – to spend more than it previously forecast.

Since tax collections have fallen – owing to slower economic activity brought about by the global slowdown – the government has earlier decided to borrow from foreign or local sources.

Funds from these cash-raising activities are expected to supplement proceeds from the sale of government assets such as the 103-hectare Food Terminal Complex in Taguig City, among others.

General Instructions for 2010 Election

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:44:00 +0000

The General Instructions (GI) on the Election Automation Law – considered the bible for all candidates, poll watchers, lawyers and other practitioners in the campaign and election exercises - will be out by the end of October. In this regard, the Center for Global Best Practices is launching a pioneering program entitled, "The Law on Election Automation: General Instructions on voting, canvassing, transmission, protest mechanisms and continuity".

This is the only and most comprehensive program that will lay down the entire GI blueprint of the 2010 Election. It will be held on 9 December 2009 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City. It is the first and only seminar that will provide the complete implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on the poll automation law. In any question of law and procedure, the official reference for the 2010 election exercises will be the GI.

The one-time event will feature the following lecturers:

Atty. Rene V. Sarmiento – Commissioner, COMELEC. Commissioner, 1986 Constitutional Commission of the Republic of the Philippines that drafted the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. For more than a decade, he served as a member, later on the Vice-Chairman of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines’ (GRP) Panel for Talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF. Outstanding Public Official (2007). UP Law ‘78.

Atty. Ferdinand T. Rafanan – Director IV, COMELEC Law Department. Chairman, Special Bids & Awards Committee of COMELEC to select the Automated Election System for the May 10, 2010 elections. MCLE Lecturer in Election Law and the Law on Automated Elections. He conceptualized the 'ELECTVOICE' (Election Law Enforcement and Compliance Thru Voters Instruction and Candidates Education). UP Law ‘83; Owen White-Peter Doyle Scholar.

Atty. Sixto S. Brillantes, Jr. – Renowned as the most senior and experienced lawyer in the country today.

The right knowledge can spell the difference between victory and defeat. Ignorance should never be an option. Attend and avail of the early bird and group discounts.

For details, contact program officer Freya Pacis at freye@cgpb.org or call (632) 8427148 and 59.

Asia Pacific's Women Bazaar

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:50:00 +0000

The AP-NGO Forum on Beijing+15 is just a few days away. Women in the region are well underway with preparations—developing national reports, preparing workshops for the forum, looking for funding, etc. But we’re not all work and no play. Preparations are also underway for an International Bazaar during the days of the Forum at the Miriam College Grade School MMJ Court.

Booths from the various regions in the Philippines will feature products made by women such as: natural pearl accessories; jewelry crafted from polished coconut shells and semi-precious stones; woven baskets and fabrics; bags and slippers made from water-lilies; organic beauty products made from tropical fruits; local delicacies and preserves, just to name a few.

This bazaar on 22-25 October 2009, will also showcase products from your countries and make them available to an international community. Please bring beautiful crafts, spices, jams, textiles, jewelry, art, clothes and accessories that other women will want to purchase. For all registered participants of the AP-NGO Forum, a booth will be made available at no extra cost and the organizers will help staff the booth so that participants will be free to participate in the various Forum workshops and activities.

For more informationr, please contact Luz Martinez at lmmartinez@mc.edu.ph.

Provide Value to Customers

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:21:00 +0000

Entrepreneurs should think of ways to provide more value to customer and be better in what they are doing if they want to survive the challenging environment brought about by the global economic slowdown.

This was the call made by speaker Francis J. Kong during the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME)Speaker Series sponsored and organized by Planters Development Bank (Plantersbank) held at the Tierra Montana Hotel in General Santos City.

"SMEs should have a determined approach to improve, be better and provide more value to the customer," Kong said.

He adde that entrepreneurs should come up with strategies to manage difficulties caused by the recent crisis. They should, however, remain alert for opportunities which could turn around their business.

The series is set to visit key cities throughout the country to help address issues faced by a growing number of Filipino entrepreneurs and more so help them realize the important role they have in shaping the landscape of the economy.

This advocacy program by Plantersbank is aligned with the bank's goal to promote SME enablement and hopes to provide Filipino entrepreneurs with a venue to equip themselves with the latest management trends and valuable tips from business gurus. Entrepreneurs will also have the opportunity to expand their networks and build possible partnerships.

World Entrepreneur Business Expo 2009

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:02:00 +0000

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII) is exclusively endorsing the World Entrepreneur Business Expo 2009, an exhibition by Global-Link MP designed to create business opportunities and uplift the business communities in the Philippines to higher level.

The event will focus on several investment areas such as Construction and Hardware, Consumer Products and Lifestyle, Machinery and Technology, Electronics and Gadgets, Service Providers and a special section called 'Proudly Made in the Philippines' to showcase local products and services that are export quality.

The event will be held at the SMX Convention, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex Pasay City on 19-22 November 2009 (Thursday to Sunday).

Moreover, this exposition could not be more perfectly timed as FFCCCII is also the proud host of the 10th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention which is expected to attract over 15,000 international and local delegates and trade buyers. With the total support extended by all of the Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce members and the comprehensive line up of activities and promotional plans, the World Entrepreneur Business Expo 2009 will undoubtedly be the largest and most successful business-to-business and business-to-consumer exhibition ever organized in the country.

More reasons why this show is a good event for entrepreneurs:

Increase sales on-site through direct selling to local and international buyers

Showcase the latest technology and solutions

Identify and expand distribution channel infrastructure

Attain maximum exposure at the most cost-effective approach

Meet new business contacts and explore joint venture partnerships

Conclude distribution and agency agreements

Use the show's contacts for future potential business.

Manufacturing Technology World 2009

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:17:00 +0000

Once again, the Manufacturing Technology World proved to be the only platform for a vast showcase of the latest mechanical, plant engineering, electrical engineering and the electronics sector across the Philippines.

The eight (8) high-profile trade shows on 7-10 October 2009, all taking place at the same place and at the same time, mirror the growing convergence of industrial technologies and markets. Manufacturing Technology World offers an unrivalled opportunity to unlock new sources of business potential.

To be held at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Manufacturing Technology World has a determining influence on competitiveness in virtually all sectors of industry. Prior to implementing major investment projects, today's companies need to acquaint themselves with the latest production technology, systems and services available in the current market.

By being clearly structured according to growth sectors, the exhibit line-up covers everything from assembly systems to production equipment to image processing. In other words, the show provides an ideal opportunity to forge productive business relationships with 452 exhibitors representing products and services from 22 countries and hosted 18,178 registered trade buyers in 4 days which resulted in a reported on-site sale of over US$ 23.2 million within the next six months.

The event will incorporate the following shows:

Automekaniko Philippines 2009 - 2nd International Automotive and Motorcycle, Aftermarket Parts and Accessories, Tires, Hardware and Tools, Repair and Workshop Equipment Exhibition

Enviro-Tech Philippines 2009 - 9th International Total Environmental Management Technology, Air, Energy, Water and Waste Water Control System, Equipment and Services Exhibition

Food Packaging And Refrigeration Phils 2009 - 13th International Food Packaging and Processing Equipment, Technology, Materials, Accessories and Services Exhibition

Metal and Hardware Philippines 2009 - 13th International Metalworking, Machine Tools, Factory Automation, Hardware Products and Welding Machinery, Technology and Accessories Exhibition

Philtronics 2009 - 16th Philippine International Electronics and Semiconductor, SMT and PCB Manufacturing Technology, Supplies and Services Exhibition

Plastics Philippines 2009 - 13th International Plastics and Rubber, Packaging and Food Processing Machinery, Technology, Materials, Accessories and Services Exhibition

Print and Label Philippines 2009 - 6th International Printing and Label Machinery, Paper and Paper Products, Graphic Communications, Digital Imaging Equipment, Pre-Press Solutions, Accessories and Services Exhibition

Woodmach Philippines 2009 - 15th International Wood, Woodworking and Furniture- Making Machinery and Technology, Furnishings and Furniture Accessories Exhibition

Useful Tools from Webdir Biz

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:04:00 +0000

Not a few entrepreneurs are aware that one way to attract customers and let them know more about the products and services being offered is to have the enterprise listed in a business directory. It acts as their gateway to online services for businesses by providing easy and convenient access to information. It also allows the business owner to conduct transactions in a secure online environment.

However, gathering information to have a site listed in a credible Business Web Directory can be time consuming, confusing, and very tedious. In some cases, the business owner needs to hire an information technology consultant just to get started.

Fortunately, Webdir Biz allows individual users to easily update directory information and manage distribution lists through any web browser, thereby reducing the burden on administrators. This online Business Portal places more control on what users can update and changes without needing prior approval from site administrator. In short, users are more empowered without significant increase in costs.

Webdir Biz also provides other information to the user such as:

Various job opportunities available in the market.

A link to consultants that give advice on the appropriate job opportunities that can be acquired within the reach.

Good interview tips by learned professionals.

A complete list of the available job vacancies in various fields.

Acess to the executive recruiters.

At present, regular links cost only US$ 29.00, while featured links is valued at US$ 79.00. Given the rates charged by other web directory, the cost of submitting a site to Webdir Biz is fairly reasonable.

Repairing Flooded Vehicles

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:56:00 +0000

When Tropical Storm 'Ondoy' hit the Philippines on 26 September 2009, hundreds of Filipinos had to leave their cars behind as they scrambled for safety and helplessly watch as their cars are submerged in floodwaters. Now, they are scratching their heads and wondering what to do with their vehicles and how much to pay to have them repaired.

There is no estimate yet on the number of cars damaged by Ondoy’s floods, although the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) has pegged the overall damage to all property at PhP 1.5 billion all over the country.

Art Mallari, a fleet manager from a pharmaceutical company, said in an interview with The Philippine Star that car owners would have to spend some PhP 150,000 to get their vehicles repaired. Based on experience (he was in Nissan during the 1999 great flood that hit eastern Metro Manila), he said an average sedan would require replacement of the following parts:

Electronic Control Unit (ECU), more popularly known as the computer box, which costs PhP 40,000 on average.

Radio and sound system. Basic types easily cost PhP 10,000.

Instrument panel. Most cars today have digital speedometers and tachometers. These are all electronic and get damaged once soaked in water. This could cost at least PhP 20,000.

Power windows’ motor and regulator. A car has four of these and they cost at least PhP 2,000 each.

Power lock motor and regulator. Again, you multiply this by four in a four-door sedan. They cost about PhP 2,000 each also.

Headlamps and tail lights. If mud gets into these, they are very difficult to clean. Replacing them would cost about PhP 20,000 per pair.

Aircon compressor. This would cost about PhP 20,000.

Fan motors. Though they are designed to get wet, they are not designed to be soaked for long periods. They eventually get corroded. They cost about PhP 4,000 each.

Brake calipers also get corroded from floods. Replacing all four would cost about PhP 10,000.

All in all, the parts alone would already reach about PhP 140,000. Add the PhP 5,000 detailing cost of cleaning the carpet and seats plus another PhP 5,000 to drain the fuel, oil and other fluids and the cost already runs up to PhP 150,000.

It is important to note that these costs do not yet include body repair, painting or engine overhaul, which could also be required depending on the damage sustained by the car.

Mallari said car owners with Acts of God cover in their insurance policies are assured that their insurer would shoulder the repair.

However, insurance companies require a participation fee or deductible which usually ranges from PhP 5,000 to PhP 10,000. For cars over three years old, insurers would also compute for the depreciation of the parts to be replaced. The depreciation is usually computed at 10 percent per year.

Support for Flood Victims

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:44:00 +0000

Last 26 September 2009, Philippine time, Tropical Storm Ondoy (International name Ketsana) landed on Manila. And it landed with a bang by unleashing relentless rain. According to reports, it dumped an average of 2.24 inches of water per hour for 6 hours, compared to Hurricane Katrina which dumped over an inch of rainfall in Louisiana for 3 hours and another 0.5 inches per hour over the next 5 hours. In a span of 24 hours, it dropped about 455 mm. of rain compared to 250 mm. caused by Katrina.

At present, some parts of Manila and its nearby towns are still flooded.

The total number of fatalities from some areas in Central Luzon and Calabarzon submerged in mud and water may already be more than 200. But the National Disaster Coordinating Council has placed the death toll at 140 as of 4:00 P.M. Monday (28 September), pending reports from local government units.

As part of Seek No More's advocacy and initiative, it started a campaign to raise donations for the flood victims. Listed below are some of the institutions who are accepting donations, both in cash and in kind, for those who are badly affected by the typhoon. Seek No More would like to invite everyone, including Filipinos abroad, to share some love during these very difficult times.

BINALOT
Branches are accepting donations

STARBUCKS
Branches are accepting donations

COFFEE BEAN AND TEA LEAF
Branches are accepting donations

MANILA
Deposit money with the Phlippine National Red Cross

Metrobank
Port Area Branch
Peso Acct.: 151-3-041-63122-8
Dollar Acct.: 151-2-151-00218-2
Type of Acct. : SAVINGS
Swift Code: MBTC PH MM

BPI
Port Area Branch
Peso Acct.: 4991-0010-99
Type of Account: CURRENT

BPI
UN Branch
Dollar Acct.: 8114-0030-94
Type of Account: SAVINGS
Swift Code: BOPI PH MM
For your donations to be properly acknowledged, please fax the bank transaction slip at nos. 527-0575 or 404-0979 with yourname, address and contact number.

QUEZON CITY

GMA 7 Kapuso Foundation
Ongoing Repacking Activity for Relief Operation

For those wanting to join the pool of volunteers, you may contact us at:

GMA Kapuso Foundation Warehouse
Charles Conrad Street
Doña Faustina Village II
Brgy. Culiat, Tandang Sora
Quezon City

Contact Person: Sheilana Ward
Telephone number: 931-7013

ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Center
Sagip Kapamilya hotlines 413-26-67, 416-03-87
Ondoy response: ABS-CBN hotline 416-36-41

Bank: Banco de Oro, Mother Ignacia branch
Acct name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.
Acct no.: 5630020111

ABS-CBN Foundation Inc for overseas donation: 1-800-527-2820 or www.abscbnfoundation.org

Routing code for international cash donations
BNORPHMM ABS-CBN Branch

In kind donation:
Drop off sites are at 13 Examiner Street or at Scout Bayona in front of Rembrandt Hotel.

ABS-CBN Foundation US Office Toll-Free: 1-800-527-2820

NoyMar Relief: Tulong Bayan Relief Operations
Old Seafood Market near Farmer’s Market, Cubao, Quezon City
Needs volunteers to help pack on Monday, September 28 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Numbers: 9137122, 9136254, 9133306, 09086579998
Website: www.marroxas.com

Church of the Risen Lord, UP Diliman
Relief Drive for UP communities start at 7:00 A.M. on Monday, 28 September2009
UP College of Arts and Letters, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
Go to: College of Arts and Letters (CAL), look for guard on duty at UP CAL
Operations: 24 hours until Wednesday tentatively
Numbers: 0929-6454102 (Prof. Roselle Pineda)
Donate medicines, clothes, blankets, food to be distributed by Citizens’ Disaster Response Center.

We will also need sando bags for repacking and volunteers to help in the repacking. For further details please contact CAL Dean’s Office at 928-7508, look for Ms. Aurora Carandang.

Ateneo de Manila University
Loyola Heights, Katipunan Avenue. Relief operations have been moved to the covered courts and volunteers are needed. Call 426-6001. Or contact 09176312423 and 09177035357

Citizens Disaster Response Center (CDRC)
72-A Times St., West Triangle Homes, Quezon City.
Numbers: 9299820, 9299822
Operations: 8:00 A.M. onwards.
Donate money, old clothes, blanket, bigas, munggo,.volunteer to help distribute goods.

Radio Veritas
Veritas Tower , West Ave. corner EDSA, look For Karla Turingan
Numbers: 9257931 to 39, 0918VERITAS
Operations: 24-hours, tentatively until Tuesday.
Donate old clothes, food, assorted goods, bottled water, cash.

Our Lady of Pentecost Parish
12 F. dela Rosa cor. C. Salvador Streets, Loyola Heights , Quezon City
Numbers: 4342397, 9290665
Operations: 7 a.m. till 10 p.m. Sunday, until further notice.
Donate packed meals, bottled water.

Erica Paredes
Go to: Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City, look for Erica Paredes
Numbers: 09174741930
Operations: Throughout the week tentatively, from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Donate ready-to-eat foods like hard-boiled egg, bread, packed juice, sandwich filling, volunteer to prepare sandwiches and distribute goods

Relief Operations for San Francisco del Monte, QC area
Please call Rache Gillego at 0918-9241636. Operations start at 7:00 A.M., Monday, 28 September

Caritas Manila office
Relief goods can also be brought Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. corner EDSA, Quezon City
Tel No. 9257931-40.

Camp Aguinaldo
For donations of relief goods, please deliver them to CRS Office, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. or call 0915-1162853. Food, Medicine, Clothes and other relief items are much needed.
A collection point for relief goods was also set up at the GHQ gym in Camp Aguinaldo (near the Soldier’s mall, past Gate 3).

Miriam Quiambao and World Vision Development Foundation
Go to: One Orchard Road Building in Eastwood or at the World Vision office at 389 Quezon Avenue, corner West 6th St., Quezon City, look for he guard in the lobby (on One Orchard Road)
Number: 0917-8623209
Website: http://www.twitter.com/miriamq, www.worldvision.org.ph
Operations: Until 28 September (Monday), 24-hour operation

Donate goods like clothes, blankets, canned goods, crackers, mattress, hygiene kits, noodles, bottled water, oatmeal, instant coffee, sugar (for relief pack to be distributed by World Vision)
Volunteer to help repack relief goods for World Vision starting today at 7:00 P.M.

Deposit cash donations to World Vision Development Foundation, BPI savings account number 4251002415 and BDO savings account number 270043411

Gabriela Women’s Party Headquarters
118 Scout Rallos, Kamuning, Quezon City
Call 929-5342

St. Theresa’s College
Go to: St. Theresa’s College, 116 D. Tuazon Avenue, Brgy. Lourdes, Quezon City
Look for: Mrs. Sacdalan
Tel. Nos.: 740-1821, 740-1802

Manor Superclub
Go to: Manor Superclub, Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City
Tel. No.: 421-3180

MAKATI/TAGUIG/MUNTINLUPA

Trilogy Boutique and Canteen
Accepting donations like clothes, food, water and blankets. Volunteers are welcome too. Go to: 110 Alvion Center, Rada St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
Tel. No.: 328-1071
Email: trilogyboutique@gmail.com

San Antonio Parish, Forbes Park
Accepting all kinds of relief goods.
Contact JJ Yulo or Mike Yuson.

Power Plant Mall Stores: Myron’s, Team Manila, ARANAZ, MOONSHINE, LUCA
Now accepting donations of food, water, clothing and medicines, no cash pls. Call 898-1702 for Power Plant Mall.

NoyMar Relief: Tulong Bayan Relief Operations
White Space, Pasong Tamo Ext., Near BMW, Makati, look for Clare Amador or Jana Vicente
Numbers: 09285205508, 09285205499, 0908-6579998, 0939-3633436, 9137122
Operations: 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. throughout the week until further notice.
Website: www.marroxas.com
Donate drinking water, old medicines, clothing, blankets, canned goods, noodles, Volunteer to man stations and repack food.

Philippine Army
Go to: Philippine Army Gym inside Fort Bonifacio, Makati or General Head Quarter’s Gym in Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, EDSA, Quezon City, look for any on-duty personnel
Number: 892-3417 (direct line), 845-9555 (trunkline) local. 6464 and 6466
Operations: Ongoing everyday for 24 hours until further notice
Donate relief goods (no cash)
Call hotline for rescue, evacuation or relief assistance.
Call to report missing persons

Victory Fellowship – Fort Bonifacio
Go to: Victory Fellowship, Every Nation Building , across Market-Market, Fort Bonifacio, look for Pastor Bernard Marquez
Numbers: 813-FORT, 8171212
Operations: Tentatively until 5:00 P.M., may may extend hours. Entire week until Friday.
Website: www.twitter.com/VictoryFort
Donate canned goods, milk, bottled water, clothes, cash.
Volunteer to help pack relief goods

Sacred Heart of Jesus Chaplaincy
Hillsborough Village, Cupang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, look for Genelyn Sembrano, Meanne Cuneta
Numbers: 8428148, 8079847
Website: www.sacredheartofjesus-alabang.org
Operations: Tuesday-Sunday (29 September to 4 October). 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon, 2:00 to 6:00 P.M.
Donate water, blankets, shoes, clothes and other goods
Donate in cash

MANDALUYONG

SM Megamall
Smart branches, Papemelroti store (no cash)

Shangri-La Plaza Mall: LUCA
Now accepting donations of food, water and medicines.

PASIG CITY

LUZON RELIEF: Volunteer / Donate / Pray
Renaissance Fitness Center
2nd Floor, Bramante Building, Renaissance Towers, Ortigas, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, look for Warren Habaluyas, co-founder
Numbers: 0929-8713488
E-mail: luzonrelief@gmail.com
Operations: Monday to Saturday (Sept. 28-Oct. 3), 9am-7pm
Donate non-perishable food items, beddings, pillows, blankets, clothes
You can donate cash but it is not encouraged

University of Asia and the Pacific
Accepting medicines, slippers, food, water and clothes. Volunteers are also welcome.
Go to: Study Hall A on September 28 and Multi-Purpose Court on September 29 onwards. University of Asia and the Pacific, Pearl Drive corner J Escriva Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig
Look for: Concha dela Cruz at 0917-4074601 or Joy Reynaldo at joy.reynaldo(at)uap(dot)asia.

University of Asia and the Pacific bank accounts:
For Pesos and other currencies
Bank of the Philippine Islands
Account name: Univ of Asia & the Pacific Found Inc
Account number: 0201-0414-73
Branch: Pasig Ortigas (G/F Benpress Bldg., Meralco Ave. cor Exchange Road, Ortigas Center)
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

For US Dollars
Bank of the Philippine Islands
Account name: Univ of Asia & the Pacific Found Inc
Account number: 0204-0183-59
Branch: Pasig Ortigas (G/F Benpress Bldg., Meralco Ave. cor Exchange Road, Ortigas Center)
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

SAN JUAN

La Salle Greenhills
9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.. this week
Need volunteers to collect, receive, sort, pack, deliver, and distribute donations.
Donations can be brought to Gate 2 of LSGH along Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong.
Please call Louie Aguinaldo at 0917-5295706 or 2168505.

MANILA

Ministop Ibarra
Accepting non-perishable food, clothing, medicine, beds, pillows, blankets and emergency supplies
Go to: Ministop Ibarra, Espana cor. Blumentritt, Sampaloc, Manila

Globe outlets
Accepting relief goods (no cash)
Go to: Globe branches at Alabang Town Center, SM Southmall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Bicutan, SM Fairview, SM North, Park Square and Greenbelt 4

From Carlos Celdran:
Please text 0927-9103919 or 0927-3770808
They’ll pick-up the goods from your place and bring it to a centralized depot (Ateneo Covered Courts). Kindly text us your address/location and they’ll do best they can.

ONLINE
For online donations you may also visit the RED CROSS website at www.redcross.org.ph.

Most Valuable Brands

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:56:00 +0000

Coca-Cola (KO) held on to the top spot as the world's most valuable brand, according to a survey by branding agency Interbrand and BusinessWeek, the ninth year in a row that the beverage company has come in at No. 1.

IBM (IBM) came in at No. 2, the survey said, but there were a lot of changes this year. Campbell Soup (CBP) rounded out the list at No. 100. UBS (UBS) tumbled 31 places to No. 72.

Seven brands fell off the list, the biggest being Merrill Lynch, which ranked No. 34 last year and was acquired in January by Bank of America (BAC). AIG (AIG), previously No. 54, and ING (ING), which was ranked No. 86 last year, were two others that missed the cut.

And seven brands made the list for the first time this year: high-end apparel brands Burberry, Polo (RL) and Puma, low-cost food companies Campbell Soup and Burger King (BKC), cosmetics maker Lancôme and tech firm Adobe Systems (ADBE).

Overall, the combined value of the world's top 100 brands fell this year for the first time in the history of the decade-old list, down 4.6% to $1.15 trillion. Of the 100 companies on the list, 49 were U.S.-based.

Here are the top 10 most valuable brands:

Coca-Cola, up 3 percent to US$ 68.73 billion.

IBM, up 2 percent to US$ 60.21 billion.

Microsoft (MSFT), down 4 percent to US$ 56.65 billion.

General Electric (GE), down 10 percent to US$ 47.78 billion.

Nokia (NOK), down 3 percent to US$ 34.87 billion.

McDonald's (MCD), up 4 percent to US$ 32.28 billion.

Google (GOOG), up 25 percent to US$ 31.98 billion.

Toyota Motors (TM), down 8 percent to US$ 31.33 billion.

Intel (INTC), down 2 percent to US$ 30.64 billion.

Walt Disney (DIS), down 3 percent to US$ 28.45 billion.

Grooming Cue from Gillette

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 03:37:00 +0000

The economic downturn last year may be heading to a full recovery soon, but it is still too early to tell if employment levels and wage rates will return just as fast as it was two years ago. For this reason alone, it helps a lot to maintain a decent appearance in every job interview you go to.

Results from a recent survey of more than 500 HR professionals — commissioned by Gillette [PG] and conducted by Harris Interactive — indicate that 84 percent of HR professionals agree that well-groomed employees climb the corporate ladder faster than those who are not well-groomed. This is not surprising really when one considers that first impressions account for almost ninety percent of what HR professionals are looking for aside from a firm handshake.

"How you look has a direct impact on how you feel, your confidence and self-esteem," says Mark Jeffries, business consultant, communications expert and author of the best-selling book, What’s up with your handshake? "This is as true for guys actively seeking a job as it is for those who are currently employed and seek a competitive advantage. At the same time, seemingly small details, like a clean shave or a great-fitting—but not necessarily expensive suit—send important visual cues to others about your professionalism and confidence."

To help ordinary people look more employable, Gillette launched the Gillette Career Advantage on Gillette.com. There, job seekers and professionals looking to get ahead can review expert advice from Mark Jeffries and GQ style correspondent, Brett Fahlgren, take the Gillette Career Quiz and view the Hire Guide to see what HR professionals really think.

It also provides the tools, information and advice that applicants would need to rise above the competition in today's competitive job market.

"At Gillette, we understand the competitive nature of today’s job market and want to provide men with the tools to look their best, giving them the confidence to step up even if they may be doubting themselves," said Thom Lachman, Vice President, North America Grooming, P&G.

For information about Gillette products or to review the complete Harris Interactive Survey and obtain advice from grooming and career experts, please visit the Gillette Resource Center.

Eight Mistakes to Leave Your Heirs

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:13:00 +0000

If you've always hated your kids, your spouse and the rest of your family, it's surprisingly easy to make sure the acrimony and hurt feelings endure long after your funeral.

However, if you actually like your friends and family, avoid these eight major mistakes identified by Sheyna Steiner of Bankrate.com in planning your estate. These errors will make your survivors wonder what your last wishes were, where your financial records are and why they're paying taxes they didn't need to.

In short, a living nightmare from the dead.

Staying ignorant about the process

As with most things, but especially with estate planning, when you don't know what you're doing, mistakes practically make themselves.

Lawyers are supposed to look out for your interests, but they're not always successful. "They bury their mistakes," says Ron Christner, an associate professor of finance at Loyola University in New Orleans. "In other words, you have a will made out when you're 40 and you die when you're 80, and they look at your will and say, 'Oh, this is all wrong.' Well, that's 40 years too late to discover that. But that's when you find out that somebody made a mistake."

Of course, the deceased would have to take some responsibility for not updating the will after age 40.

If you don't want to leave a mess for your family, you need to bone up on the subject. Spend at least as much time on it as you would researching a car before buying it, says Denis Clifford, a lawyer and author for Nolo, a publisher of consumer-oriented legal books and software. It's a huge mistake to turn everything over to a lawyer and not get any information about something on which you're going to spend a substantial amount of money, he says.

"Someone should have an idea of what a living trust is before they go ask someone to make one for them. I would say get some information so you're at least an intelligent consumer," says Clifford, the author of "Estate Planning Basics," "Make Your Own Living Trust" and "Nolo's Simple Will Book."

But don't think that scanning a book or two will enable you to do it all yourself. Keep in mind that an estate plan is basically a way to distribute your money after you die, minimizing taxes and fees. Hiring a good estate-planning attorney to do this is highly recommended - and not that expensive, Christner says.

Being clueless about the role of wills

"Where attorneys make money is in probating the will. They might do a simple will for you for $300, but if they probate the will when you die, they get approximately 2 percent of your assets, depending on state law," says Christner.

Many people think a will acts as a free pass around probate court - a common misconception.

"A will is simply a letter of instruction appointing someone to be in charge of your estate and specifying how you want your estate to be distributed or divided, but it doesn't avoid probate," says Benjamin Berkley, an attorney specializing in estate planning and administration.

Berkley, an author of two estate-planning books, "My Wishes" and "The Complete Executor's Guidebook," says another misunderstanding people have about wills is thinking they need to be notarized. "Having it notarized invalidates it. It has to be witnessed, not notarized," he says. "It depends on your state: It could be one witness or two witnesses."

Instead of simply writing up a will, experts recommend putting assets into a living trust - especially if you own real estate.

Putting your kid's name on the deed

Adding your kid's name to the title of your house is not a good way to pass the old homestead on to the next generation. Tax implications make it a clunky way to bequeath assets.

And yet "so many people do this to avoid having to set up a revocable living trust," says personal-finance author and TV host Suze Orman. "Your mother or father may say to you, 'Let me put your name on the house with joint tenancy and right of survivorship so that when I die, it's immediately yours.'"

Several problems can emerge when someone puts another's name on a house, Orman says.

"First, it's a gift, and the most you can gift to somebody (without notifying the Internal Revenue Service) is US$ 12,000 a year," she says. "So, if the house is worth US$ 200,000, and they put your name on it as a joint tenant with right of survivorship, they just gave you a $100,000 gift for which they have to do a gift-tax report, which then becomes a matter of public record."

This also means you lose tremendous tax benefits that you would have received had you inherited the house.

"When you inherit property, you get an incredible step up in basis on it," Orman says. "So if you inherit a house and the value of it is worth $500,000 on the day you inherit it, and you then turn around and sell it for that, you don't pay any tax because that's your new cost basis.

"If you get that property as a gift while a parent is alive, you take over your parent's cost basis," Orman says. If the property has appreciated since your parent bought it, you're on the hook for the gains, which will be taxed when you sell it.

If you live in a community-property state such as Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington or Wisconsin, the rules for property ownership are different still.

"You have people who think that you can hold property in joint tenancy, which is not valid in community-property states," says Christner, the Loyola associate professor. "But they think you can just own something together and it goes automatically to the other person. That's not a good idea for estate planning. If you have a very small amount of assets and live in a state that allows joint tenancy with right of survivorship, that may work, but it's basically not a good idea."

Dawdling indefinitely

Procrastination may be forgivable for young singles with no dependents, but if you never get around to doing anything, the grief experienced by your survivors will be compounded.

Inaction all but guarantees that tensions will run high after you die.

"The biggest single mistake is avoiding the subject altogether," author Clifford says. "There are a couple of reasons that people do that. For one, it's not fun, and I can't make it fun. Secondly, it's procrastination (caused by) fear of thinking about your own mortality."

Christner says: "The rules for probating, or, in effect, determining whether you have a valid will, are somewhat different in every state. And if it's not valid in your state, then the intestate laws in your state determine how your property is distributed."

Some people may put off doing anything because they don't feel it's the right time. But anyone with assets and a family to protect should at least have a will. "Everyone needs to do some estate planning. The only problem is when to do it," says Christner. "The day you should do it is the day you die, because then nothing can change very much."

Failing that, "anyone with a significant amount of assets, who has children or a spouse should make up a will probably in their 30s or 40s."

Not trusting trusts

Going through probate, a necessity if you die intestate (without a will), will result in your estate paying too many fees. Though often discussed, federal estate taxes won't even touch most estates, but court costs definitely will if not planned for. Why fritter away as much as 10% of your assets built throughout a lifetime of hard work?

"The whole purpose of having a trust is to avoid probate, because that allows your estate to pass to your loved ones without having to employ an attorney or go to the court," Berkley says. "It just goes directly to your heirs and minimizes many of the expenses to your estate."

Christner says: "A trust doesn't save taxes, but it does save probate costs. Depending on the state, it probably saves between 8% and 10% of the total estate. If you leave everything you own in your estate, and it all goes by will, then maybe 10 percent of it will go to attorneys, appraisers and executors."

The aim in planning is to minimize the financial exposure to your loved ones when you're no longer here. "By having an estate plan in place, that avoids many, many, many of those expenses," Christner says.

Leaving messy financial records

Pawing through someone else's disorganized records isn't anyone's idea of a good time. Add in grief and the stress of trying to unearth a will or some other evidence of planning, and it's downright chaos.

Keeping track of all of your information and organizing it in a recognizable way is vital, Christner says. "Social Security numbers, insurance policies, the name of the companies you do business with, your brokerage accounts and where they're held, and account numbers should all be included."

Berkley agrees. Just because a person passes away doesn't mean that credit card companies stop billing.

"The estate is still going to owe the money," Berkley says. "And all of a sudden children are looking at bills that are past due, and they just don't have the information. So many of us now keep information on our computers. Passwords, screen names, stuff like that -- make that stuff available to your loved ones," he says.

You may want to include a letter designating where you want your personal property to go. "Unless it's in your will, it doesn't have any legal standing," Christner says. "But if it's written down, it can prevent fights between relatives where someone says, 'Oh, he promised me this,' and you can see that it's written down that no, he didn't. He promised that particular thing to someone else because it's in writing, and here it is."

Giving your ex-spouse a parting gift

Failing to occasionally update an estate plan or make changes to beneficiaries after divorce, marriage or other life changes spells trouble.

Major changes such as having children or buying and selling property warrant changes in your will or trust. Equally important are making changes to beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and insurance policies, as those forms trump a will.

"An insurance policy that has a beneficiary on it -- that is not dictated by a will or a trust," Orman says. "A retirement account that has a designated beneficiary or a payable-on-death account at a bank -- those accounts aren't dictated by a will or a trust."

Clifford notes: "In some states and with some types of assets, divorce doesn't necessarily revoke the prior spouse as being a beneficiary. For instance, with any federal pension, you have to change the beneficiary. Specifically, you can't just get divorced and assume that your spouse is no longer your beneficiary. And the same thing is true if you have a child: You should update your will or whatever you have."

Letting others figure out what you want

Talking to your family about your intentions seems obvious. After all, they will one day be combing through all of your most closely guarded secrets.

"When someone passes away, you as a survivor have to put together these pieces of the puzzle, and many times these pieces don't fit. And you have the hardest time when, if there had been communication, all of this could have been avoided," says Berkley.

"I had one situation that was so bad," he says. "The person died without leaving a will or any instructions, and she left three daughters. And there was such fighting between them over who would get what that it went to the court. The court decided that no one was going to get anything and appointed a public guardian to come in and take the entire inventory and sell everything and then write three checks to the daughters.

"Had the mom left some kind of instructions or indication, all of that would have been prevented. But it happens a lot."

Besides easing the transition after death, leaving specific instructions about your medical care while alive - specifically, in the form of a medical directive -- also comes in handy.

"We definitely recommend a health care power of attorney if you are temporarily disabled, a financial power of attorney for someone to pay the electric bill and the gardener and the mortgage if you are disabled," Berkley says. "There's also a very important document known as a living will, which directs a physician."

Understanding 'Customer Evolution'

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:11:00 +0000

It was reported by Enterprise North East Trust that over 40 percent of new businesses set up in the UK each year fail within their first two years of business. Hence, they are warning businesses that they should increase their chance of survival by making sure that they are targeting the right client base for their product; carrying out targeted promotional activities will help a business to establish their identity both in the business community and also with potential customers.

Someone might have what they consider to be a sure-fire winner in terms of a business idea, however if they do not market their business effectively then the likelihood of their business failing increases. In the current economic climate, marketing the business is even more important than ever.

With customers being more discerning with their dollars, you need to understand customer evolution to ensure they support your business. Ron McLean of flyingsolo.com.au five stages of customer evolution.

Tyre kickers

These customers have seen one of your ads or stumbled into your business as they were passing by. They have come to check you out and can disappear as quickly as they arrive if you don’t engage and look after them.

Interested

These customers are interested in seeing you again, it’s like a second date, this could really lead somewhere if you are consistent.

Customers

Now we are cooking! These people are in your database and are regular customers. They are starting to bring in real value to your business. It is your chance to find out what they really like and make recommendations to them about other products and services you provide.

Friends

These customers enjoy spending time with you and will refer others to your business. Take good care of these customers and find ways to become their best friend.

Advocates

These customers are loyal to you, they recommend you to others and would not go anywhere else. Reaching this stage is what we must strive for in customer relationships. The more customers you have who reach this stage, the more successful you become as a business.

Next, you need to develop a communication strategy to maintain and build on these customer relationships at each stage of the customer evolution.

You must ensure you touch base with your Advocates on a regular basis. Invite them into your business and visit theirs so that you both have a great understanding of each other and can explore the opportunities of working together.

You should be targeting your Friends by developing an understanding of their needs, operations and people. Investigate how you might provide them with a service that is beyond what they get from anyone else.

You should communicate with Customers at least monthly, to remain in the front of their mind. Keep in touch with Interested customers quarterly, that way they know you are around and might have something they want on offer.

The key is to identify which of your customers sit at each stage of customer evolution and then develop your communication strategy to build on and improve these customer relationships.

Look to move your customers through the evolutionary stages, one level at a time, by staying in touch, understanding their needs and providing solutions.

Threat to Credit Cards

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:32:00 +0000

Jay MacDonald of CreditCards.com expressed worry that credit cards may be replaced by a really simple device. The user only needs to inject a miniature radio frequency identifier the size of a grain of rice between their thumb and forefinger and, with a wave of your hand, unlock doors, turn on lights, start their car or pay for their drinks at an ultrachic nightspot.

The problem is, the whole concept is a little geeky for most of us, nauseating for some, Orwellian for a few and even apocalyptic for a smattering of religious fundamentalists.

Forget the science of it - and yes, it does work remarkably well. Forget the convenience of it. Forget that similar identifying technologies, from bar codes to mag stripes, overcame similar obstacles and are now ubiquitous.

Radio frequency ID implants face a hurdle the others did not: ickiness.

"There is sort of an icky quality to implanting something," says Rome Jette, the vice president for smart cards at Versatile Card Technology, a Downers Grove, Ill., card manufacturer that ships 1.5 billion cards worldwide a year.

How RFID devices work?

The RFID technology is un-yucky, however. The implanted tag - a passive RFID device consisting of a miniature antenna and chip containing a 16-digit identification number - is scanned by an RFID reader. Once verified, the number is used to unlock a database file, be it a medical record or payment information. Depending upon the application, a reader may verify tags at a distance of 4 inches up to about 30 feet.

The RFID implant has been around for more than 20 years. In its earliest iteration, it provided a convenient way to keep track of dogs, cats and prized racehorses. Few took note or voiced much concern.

Then, in 2002, Applied Digital Solutions (now Digital Angel) of Delray Beach, Fla., deployed to its foreign distributors a beta version of its patented VeriChip technology for human use. Two years later, the VeriChip became the first subcutaneous RFID chip to receive FDA approval as a Class 2 medical device.

One VeriChip distributor in Spain sold the concept to the ultratrendy Baja Beach Club, which offered its patrons in Barcelona and Amsterdam the option of having an implant inserted in their upper arms to pay for their drinks without having to carry wallets in their swimsuits.

Judging by the ensuing outrage, you would think VeriChip had given the pope a wedgie.

'Mark of the beast'?

Web sites sprouted like mushrooms, accusing VeriChip of being the biblical "mark of the beast" predicted in the Book of Revelations as a foreshadowing of the end of the world.

CEO Scott Silverman was equally vilified as being tied to Satan or, worse, Wall Street. Big Brother was surely coming, though he'd have to get pretty close to read your implant. Claims that the tags cause cancer based on lab rat tests upped the amps of outrage.

Were people suddenly curious about RFID implants?

"Curiosity is probably an understatement," Silverman concedes. "People have always taken interest in VeriChip. Part of the lore and part of the trouble of this company over the past five years has been just that."

Though VeriChip played no part in using its implant as a payment device, the company quickly moved to calmer waters. Today, it markets its VeriMed Health Link patient identification system to help hospitals treat noncommunicative patients in an emergency. Its future may include more advanced medical applications, including a biosensor system to detect glucose levels.

"A lot of the negative press that we received was a direct result of people having a misconception of what this technology is all about," says Silverman. "We believe that the medical application was and still is the best application for this technology.

"That said, if and when it does become mainstream and more patients are utilizing it for their medical records or for diagnostic purposes, if they want to elect to use it for other applications, certainly they'll be able to do that. But it's going to take a company much larger than us to distribute the retail reader end of it into the Wal-Marts of the world."

Versatile's Jette has watched contactless RFID battle for acceptance in the credit card arena. Just as Silverman suggests, the dynamics and scale of the payment industry tends to work against widespread deployment.

"Mobil Speedpass tried to do it; they got some traction and decided to see if there was any mileage to take this to a Walgreens or McDonald's. You used to be able to use your Speedpass at McDonalds, but that ended because, at the end of the day, you still only have two gigantic payment processors out there, Visa and MasterCard," he says. "To me, the idea of any kind of payment device having ubiquity requires an awful lot of back-end cooperation, of people willing to say, 'I don't need my brand in the customer's wallet.'"

Although the coolness factor is effective from a marketing standpoint -- American Express Blue with its smart (if largely unused) chip is a good example -- Jette says most cardholders would balk at the very thought of a needle.

"With the implanting in the nightclubs, there is a cache of exclusivity there, especially among a certain demographic where people are piercing themselves and getting tattoos. But those are things that really only 20-somethings do a lot. I really doubt that there will be any market for injectable RFID tags or even any single point-of-sale payment device."

"A lot of times, the technology is a solution looking for a problem. Sometimes people fall in love with the technology for its own sake and then try to evangelize a home for it. My business group is just smart cards, and I never forget that although we make money with smart cards, the bills are paid with mag stripe cards. As backwards and old-fashioned as they are, that is still the bulk of what the transactions are going to be in America for a very long time."

Better Business Decisions with inFlow

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:31:00 +0000

Profit-oriented entrepreneurs will all agree that in order for a system to be considered organized it has to first maintain a record of all the things it holds. Any enterprise, ranging from a small-scale industry to a multinational company, needs to maintain a log of its inventory. Even maintaining a home needs an efficient inventory record because the owner needs to know exactly what items are present in the house, and where they are at any particular time.

For a functioning business, it is essential to adopt an inventory control software in order to properly manage their inventories and, thereby, reduce the wastages in the supply chain. Automotive giant Toyota, for instance, saves on the cost of their operations by having proper inventory management software which contributes to their ability to offer their automotives at globally competitive rates. Similarly, small and medium retail and wholesale traders can save a lot of money by implementing inventory tracking software.

However, purchasing an inventory software is often a large undertaking in resources and a huge cost for small businesses. Any proprietor needs to make the proper investment decision when purchasing this software. It is a common practice for some businesses to request a no-obligation consultation from the software company before making a decision just to make sure.

Fortunately, there is one inventory system available in the internet that is designed specifically to help small businesses handle sales, purchasing, and inventory management in very simple and easy steps – inFlow Inventory Software. It also keeps track of the entrepreneur’s entire customer order fulfillment process such as picking, packing and in handling customer returns. In short, inflow Inventory Software gives a brief overview of what needs to be done immediately.

By using inFlow Inventory, businesses can benefit from:

Reduced inventory cost

Increased operational efficiency

Better customer satisfaction

Better cashflow and product management

Built-in accountability for your staff

The newest paid version available for download allows multiple users on networked computers to work together at the same time, while the Free download edition limits the combined total number of customers and products to 100.

30th Manila Int'l. Book Fair

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:24:00 +0000

This is the time of the year again when all book lovers are saving up so they will have a good budget for the forthcoming 30th Manila International Book Fair (MIBF). It will be held on 16 to 20 September 2009 and open from 10:00 in the morning up to 8:00 in the evening. This year's MIBF will be housed in the same location as where it was held last year, at the SM Mall of Asia Convention Center (SMX), Exhibit Halls 1 to 4.

As one of the longest-running book fairs in Asia, the MIBF is also considered as one of the most accessible venues for showcasing published works. Entrepreneurs who are joining the MIBF can open their business to an audience of different generations, backgrounds and cultures. Business owners can also reach out to this ever-growing crowd, dialogue with potential customers and engage in a forum with peers in the publishing industry.

As it celebrates its 30th anniversary, MIBF will showcase various special activities that are expected to double if not triple visitor turnout than in previous years. These inspiring and learning activities include:

Storytelling sessions - reading and interpretative performances for kids and kids-at-heart

Seminars on getting published, freelance writing, intellectual property protection, how to export books etc.

Talks on dealing with the challenges the publishing industry faces amid the ongoing global financial crisis

Book Launching

Live Musical Performances

Cooking Demonstrations

Cosplay Competitions

And many more!!!

Take advantage of this opportunity to meet with a more focused market and possible expansion of customer base through co-located events.

The 30th MIBF is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. and is partnered by the following companies/organiztions:

Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. (ACCI)

Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP)

Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc. (PBAI)

Publishers' Representatives Organization of the Philippines (PROP)

Timely Business Grants from BA

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:11:00 +0000

After British Airways launched its first TV campaign in two years, including an ambitious series of ads that feature events such as the migration of wildebeest and the El Superclásico football clash between Boca Juniors and River Plate in Buenos Aires, they are again embarking on another promising venture. The airline recently launched the Business Opportunity Grants, which seeks to help provide companies a fighting chance in moving their businesses forward in the face of recession.

The Business Opportunity Grant is a timely opportunity and could not have come at a better time since many small-to-medium size U.S. companies are still feeling the tight pinch of last year’s economic downturn. With this grant, businesses will be able to partner with other companies in helping them become more comfortable, agile and productive during these challenging times.

The initiative was borne out of a collaborative research with The Harvard Business Review, which showed the great importance of conducting business in person and its direct relationship to the bottom-line. The study shows that 87 percent of professionals think that face-to-face meetings are essential for sealing the deal, while 95 percent said it's the key to successful, long lasting business relationships. This simple means that it is important for businesses to sit down with potential clients, vendors and investors and try to know them personally wherever they may be.

The grant includes:

British Airways airfare for 10 round-trip Club World business class flights.

5 free British Airways World Cargo freight shipments of up to 500 kilos to worldwide destinations

US$ 1000 toward accommodation at Courtyard by Marriott

5 Regus Businessworld Gold Cards providing access to business lounges worldwide

Canon PIXMA MX860 Wireless Office All-In-One Printer

However, the free support of the airline and its partners, Regus Office Services, Courtyard by Marriott, Canon USA, Inc., and British Airways World Cargo, will be limited to 100 grants only. Companies will have a chance to make their case for an unmet business travel need until midnight (PDT) 30 September 2009.

All U.S. companies with 500 employees or less and have a Federal Tax ID Number are encouraged to submit their entries for a rare chance to connect with people globally and build a successful long-term business partnership. These entries will be reviewed by a group of British Airways executives and its communication and business partners who will also announce the winners by late November.

The airline is using their latest promotional programs to fight back after an annus horribilis in which it posted a £148 Million loss in the first quarter, the first since its privatization in 1987, and grounded 22 planes as a cost-saving measure.

Creating A Business Process Manual

mimidelmail@yahoo.com (Kirhat) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:36:00 +0000

A collection of procedures is known as a process. Every business has a series of core business process that define the business model that that company uses. A company’s business model forms the basis of the company’s competitive advantage.

Business process has been loved by many and loathe by some. However, one thing is clear. No rational entrepreneur who seeks financial efficiency can live without them because they are part of everything they do. But often they take business processes for granted until disaster hits or they need to break free from their indispensible role as the boss.

Craig Reid of flyingsolo.com.au developed some very simple steps to get anyone into the path of process enlightenment and create a business procedures manual:

Start with the basics

It is tempting to try to jump straight into writing procedures, but before you do this it is important to document information about your business that may seem obvious. Start with the basics – what the business does, who its customers are, where you are located, who your suppliers are, what your operating hours are and how you can be contacted.

Who are you writing the business procedures manual for?

Before you plunge headlong into your business’s most complex processes, remember who you are writing the business procedures manual for - not for those like yourself who have intimate knowledge of the entire business, but for a third party. The more accessible you can make your instructions the better. Write your procedures as if you are talking to a child – that way everyone will understand them.

Make a list

Before you start writing procedures, make a list of all of the processes within your organization, note who can provide the information and prioritize each one of them.

Just start

What are you waiting for? Just start! Stop thinking about it and do it. Business procedures manuals are like life insurance - don’t put it off. You never know when you might need it.

Never mind the medium

Don’t be overly concerned with how you document your procedures. Whilst Word and Excel are good ways to start, it doesn’t really matter if you write them with a rusty nail dipped in blood - as long as you do write them (just make photocopies!)

Step by step

When you write a procedure, break everything down, step-by-step. Try to number each step, write down who is responsible and clearly articulate what is required. You may find it helpful to start each step with a verb. For people like me, that means a doing word, like 'create'!

Ask for everyone’s input

You probably think you know everything about your business (and I’m not saying you don’t!) but you should always let any subcontractors or colleagues review your business procedures manual. You might find out that they aren’t doing things the way you had hoped, and they may even have some new ideas for ways to do things better.

Re-invent

Documenting your processes and procedures forces you to think about the way things are currently done. This very act can help to stimulate creative juices and generate ideas to re-invent and improve your business.

It’s a living thing

Once you have created your business procedures manuals don’t put them on a shelf and forget about them. It’s important to keep them alive and up-to-date. If you can’t handle continually updating them then set a date in your diary to review them on a regular basis.

Get professional help

If it all seems too hard or you can’t find the time, don’t be ashamed to get help. There are many experienced procedural writers out there who can help you to pull things together.