GOING GREEN

Farming in small spaces is now possible thanks to NFT systems.

The nutrient film technique (NFT) is a widely used hydroponic method for production of vegetable crops. It is especially applicable to green leafy crops, such as lettuce and basil, and is even in use for growing starter tubers for potato farming. The basis of the NFT method is a network of shallow trays that contain plants and deliver a continuous flow of a nutrient solution over the enclosed plant roots.


Although hydroponic farming is not so that common yet in Manila, Philippines there is a supply store that sells built-in NFT systems.  If interested, please email at nifty_nft@gmail.com .

DRAGONFRUIT JUICE HEALTH DRINK

Dragonfruit Juice Concentrate

Dragonfruit or Pitaya is the fruit of several cactus species, most importantly of the genus Hylocereus (sweet pitayas). These fruits are commonly known as dragon fruit – cf. Chinese huǒ lóng guǒ 火龍果/火龙果 "fire dragon fruit" and lóng zhū guǒ "dragon pearl fruit", Vietnamese thanh long (sweet dragon), Indonesian and malaysia buah naga "dragon fruit", Lao: mark mang gohn "dragon fruit". Other vernacular names are strawberry pear or nanettikafruit.

Particularly red-skinned pitayas are a good source of Vitamin C.  Pitayas are rich in fiber and minerals, notably phosphorus and calcium. Red pitayas seem to be richer in the former, yellow ones in the latter.  The seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, and in particular Red Pitayas contain very little saturated fat.  Pitahayas also contain significant quantities of phytoalbumin antioxidants, which prevent the formation of cancer-causing free radicals.

In Taiwan, diabetics use the fruit as a food substitute for rice and as a source of dietary fibre.

Pitaya supposedly increases excretion of heavy metal toxins and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Eaten regularly, it is credited with alleviating chronicrespiratory tract ailments.

Neovoxtech Trading is the Exclusive Distributor of ZUVIC Dragonfruit Health Drink.  We are looking for local and international dealers.  If interested, please send an email to info@neovoxtech.com.

KOSO Health Drink

KOSO Health Drink is 100% pure-fruit enzymes extracted from grapes, papaya, apple, pine­apple, guava and sugarcane. Sugar contents of sug­ arcane have been converted and hydrolyzed to fruc­tose and glucose. It is a rich source of food nutrients which can be classified as Q10, vitamins and miner­ als. It contains several enzymes which are natural substances that act as workers so that the nutrients, vitamins and minerals are readily assimilated, ab­ sorbed and utilized by the body. KOSO Health Drink is taken as a food supplement. It has no chemical additive and does not contain any preserva­tive.

Functions of KOSO Health Drink

Digest Food Completely (Improves Elimination, Digestion, Absorption)

Cleansing (Purifies Blood & Lymphatics, Detoxifies, Allergy Relief, Improves Skin)

Neutralizing Free Radicals (Combats Side Effects of Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, Environmental Pollution, Reduces Risk of Cancer, Heart Disease, Stroke, Diabetes, Arthritis, Sports Injury...)

Balancing Health Condition (Balances Metabolism, Normalizes Weight) 

Nourishing (Increases Energy, Stamina, Improves Memory, Retards Aging, Tones Nervous System, Fights Stress, Clearer Thinking, Feeling of Well Being,)

Inventor
After 11 years of intensive laboratory research, Japanese Inventor, Microbiologist and Enzymologist, DR. TETSUO KAMEKAWA perfected the formulation of what was considered the first ever discovery of enzyme in liquid form, the NetLeaders 1 KOSO Health Drink a 100% fruit juice concentrate that contains seven (7) essential and active enzymes, vitamins, minerals plus unidentified potential nutrients.

Accreditations
Registered with BFAD under registration no. FR7152- 96-1, and with its counterparts in the United States of America , Taiwan , South Korea and Japan . Endorsed by Dr. Antonio V. Jacalne, Ph.D., Department of Medi­ cal Microbiology University of the Philippines, Acknowl­ edged by Dr. Emile G Blinzakov, M.D. and medical writer Gerald L. Hunt, in their book entitled "The Mira­ cle Nutrient CoEnzyme," Passed the test conducted by Dr. Gerald Golker, Ph.D., Irvine Analytical Labora­ tories, California, USA , and by the MBC of Japan.

What are Enzymes?
"Enzymes are energized protein molecules. They are the human body's life force and are involved in every biochemical reaction of the body. Vitamins, minerals and hormones must have enzymes to work properly. Life cannot exist without enzymes. Individuals who are enzyme deficient are subject to physical problems, diseases and degeneration.

How Enzyme works?
In today's world, digestive enzymes may be the most important health product a person can take. A person not taking digestive enzymes with meals and in an empty stomach is aging faster and getting older quicker... Because he is using up his enzyme reserves and more of the body's energy to help in the digestion than what it was designed to do. Digestive enzymes help conserve the human body's enzyme reserves (metabolic enzymes). Without digestive enzymes the protectors and repairers of the human body can be called into action to help digest food and to clean up the undigested food particles in the bloodstream. When the protectors and repairers are cleaning up the blood they are being distracted away from doing the job they are suppose to do. Fruit enzymes can reduce the burden on the body's natural curative powers, thus allowing the body to perform its natural, healing function.

Koso Health Drink is exclusively distributed by Neovoxtech Trading.  We are also looking for local and international dealers for this product.  If you are interested, please send an email to info@neovoxtech.com.

SCHOOL BUS SERVICE

For the past couple of years, I've been paying for school bus service for my kids. This 2011 school year, I'll be paying almost P5,000 per month. This drew me to the idea of why not just get a brand new vehicle to be used as school service for my kids. If I get just at least 3 kids, then this vehicle will be self-liquidating.

I inquired for a 2011 Mitsubishi Adventure GLX. I'm surprised to know that the price of the Adventure is P100k cheaper compared to the Toyota Innova J - Diesel. Just hoping that my car loan application will be approved by the bank.

BUY 1 TAKE 1 BURGERS

There are several Food Franchising Companies that offer business packages for Buy 1 Take 1 Burgers.

People would always like the idea of discounts or freebies. That's the reason why this business concept of Buy 1 Take 1 burgers clicked. Imagine, just for P25, you get not just 1 but 2 burgers!

Of course, you can't compare the food quality with branded burgers chains. But I do admire the concept - - - not bad at all.

PIZZA ANYONE?

PIZZA is an emerging fast food choice in the Philippines. In fact, just recently several Pizza food chains sprung from different parts of the Metro. Gone are the days when you just know 3 or 4 pizza chains. Now it's a different ballgame. Pizza for everyone!

Actually just this month, I too got drawn into the idea of having my own Pizza shop. But there is a dilemna. As a newbie in the food industry, should I go to the tried and tested marketing plans of Franchising an established pizza chain or do I make my own pizza and have my own brand?

For sure, there are Pros and Cons in both choices. But make sure before jumping into serious business decisions, you have to make a business plan. So until that day, should I decide to start my own Pizza shop, I'll just enjoy eating one of my fave food - PIZZA.

Credit Card Menace

Got a friend who recently had a problem with his credit card. Due to the slow down in the Semicon Industry, he was one of those thousands who were laid-off. Problem was, eventhough he lost his job, their family still needs to eat and so, his only alternative ---- plastic money.

To cut a long story short, due to non-payment for sometime, the bank sued him and filed a lawsuit against him. Do you know how much he owned the bank? ---- P150,000.

Lesson he learned: banks really mean business. So if you have a credit card, be responsible. If you can't pay, don't use it.

NEED A GOOD BUSINESS ADDRESS?

Want to make a good impression to your business clients? Impress them by having a good business address.

The first thing I look at when someone gives me a business card is the office address or place where he conducts business. Reason is because, business addresses tells a lot about your company. Clients can instantly gauge you thru your business address. So having a good office address is a plus factor in business.

But if you're just starting out and dont have money to rent in an office, you may avail of the services of a virtual office. There are lots of existing virtual offices around in the Metro. You may pick from Alabang, Makati, Ortigas or Eastwood City. Prices depends on the address and services you wish to avail. Some offer between P1,500 - P3,500 per month.

Through virtual offices, you can have the business address of your choice. Having a good business address is easy after all.

TYPES OF IMPORT/EXPORT BUSINESSES

• Export management company (EMC): An EMC handles export operations for a domestic company that wants to sell its product overseas but doesn't know how (and perhaps doesn't want to know how). The EMC does it all--hiring dealers, distributors and representatives; handling advertising, marketing and promotions; overseeing marking and packaging; arranging shipping; and sometimes arranging financing. In some cases, the EMC even takes title to the goods, in essence becoming its own distributor. EMCs usually specialize by product, foreign market or both, and--unless they've taken title--are paid by commission, salary or retainer plus commission.
• Export trading company (ETC): While an EMC has merchandise to sell and is using its energies to seek out buyers, an ETC attacks the other side of the trading coin. It identifies what foreign buyers want to spend their money on and then hunts down domestic sources willing to export. An ETC sometimes takes title to the goods and sometimes works on a commission basis.
• Import/export merchant: This international entrepreneur is a sort of free agent. He has no specific client base, and he doesn't specialize in any one industry or line of products. Instead, he purchases goods directly from a domestic or foreign manufacturer and then packs, ships and resells the goods on his own. This means, of course, that unlike the EMC, he assumes all the risks (as well as all the profits).

CREDIT CARDS... ANYONE?

Credit Card when used wisely is a good business tool. You can use credit cards to purchase goods on line. You may also use it to pay in restaurants, business establishments, hospitals, schools, etc.

I can still recall my first credit card was from Standard Chartered bank way back in 1997. There was an agent from a credit card service provider that visited our company to solicit clients in need of credit cards.

So, what are the basic requirements to own one? You need to present proof of income (ITR, payslip or employment certificate for employees and ITR for self-employed). You also need to submit proof of residence such as utility bills for telephone, water or electricity. Very important is to have a landline no., either at home or in your office where the bank may contact you re: your application. Processing time is between 2 - 3 weeks.

Upon approval, your credit card will be sent to the address indicated in your application form. If you are not around, make sure that you prepare an authorization letter that you have authorized the bearer to receive the card on your behalf. Dont forget to leave your identification card as well. Upon receipt of the card, immediately write your signature at the back and call the bank for activation.

Just make sure to use your credit cards responsibly to avoid problems later on.

SOME BUSINESSES CONTINUE HIRING

By EDU LOPEZ
Manila Bulletin

March 9, 2009, 11:16pm

Some local businesses will continue hiring more people and provide skills re-training especially to displaced workers to help keep unemployment levels at a minimum despite the impact of the global economic crunch.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Edgardo Lacson said except for electronics, other businesses are not much affected by the economic meltdown. "This is because 80 percent of our gross domestic product (GDP) is driven by local consumption which makes us little different from other economies and the presence of our informal economy "the SMEs, OFWs" these are peculiar advantages of the country," he noted.

However, despite job demands especially for graduates, Lacson pointed out that matching the skills between the academe and industry remained the biggest problem.

"Only four out of 10 are hired after graduation but the rest are not hired because their skills do not match the requirements of the industry," he said.

Lacson said the PCCI’s School-To-Office Response to Employment (STORE) system hopes to address this gap, as it matches industry demand for specific qualifications through a ladderized system of entry either through on-the-job training or apprenticeship for permanent employment.

GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS: PHILIPPINES RANKS 37TH

No. 26 - September 2000 Global Competitiveness: Philippines ranks 37th By Michael B. Mundo

From the 33rd rank in global competitiveness last year, the Philippines dropped four ranks into the 37th place, above Indonesia and Vietnam which are in the 44th and 53rd places, respectively. The rest of Asia likewise suffered setbacks from last year in competitiveness considering their performance in economic creativity, finance, and openness to foreign trade and capital flows.

Information technology, the internet, and electronic commerce have started to influence a country's economic growth prospects and productivity in recent years. Because of this, the United States now leads in terms of global competitiveness, outpacing Singapore in the Global Competitiveness Report 2000.

The Report, prepared by the World Economic Forum and Harvard University, surveyed 59 economies. It introduced a new major factor in its annual series of global competitiveness indices which determine growth in GDP per person.

1.1 Openness
What dragged the Philippines down was its ranking in terms of the international index, dipping six steps behind into the 48th place from the 42nd place. The Philippines performed poorly among other Asian countries, only surpassing Vietnam. Except for Thailand, other Asian countries also slid in terms of openness to global trade and capital flows from the previous report. Hong Kong and Vietnam slipped 1 rank; Taiwan, 3; South Korea, 6; Malaysia, 15; and Indonesia, 21. The Philippines' relative edge lies in its favorable exchange rate for exporters. In this category, the country ranked among the top 12. On the other hand, the report noted worsening hidden import barriers (other than published tariffs and quotas) dropping from the 42nd rank to the 53rd rank. In addition, the report noted the relatively low foreign access to capital markets resulting to a drop from 42nd place to 48th place. The country likewise rated poorly on foreign exchange availability (ascending from the 51st place to he 52nd place), Moreover, IMF lists 12 capital account restrictions for the Philippines, placing it at 53rd rank, below Malaysia, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand,

1.2 Finance
Though still at a disadvantageous rank, the good news on the Philippines is its ascent in the finance category from the 38th place to the 36th place, just ahead of Asian countries -Vietnam and Indonesia, in the 47th and 50th places, respectively, In contrast, other Asian countries dropped from their previous ranks in this category, Singapore and Thailand slipped by 1 rung; Hong Kong, 5; Taiwan, 6; and Malaysia, 11.

The BW scam and the loss of self-regulatory organization status in the stock exchange last year dragged down the Philippines to 57th place from 48th place in terms of insider trading, the worst in Asia. Weak investments last year as a ratio to GDP likewise pushed down the Philippines from the 31st place to the 42nd place, ahead of Indonesia at 45th place.

The star belongs to the bond market, however, where the country climbed from the 49th place to the 42nd position, ahead of Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, at the 44th, 45th, and 52nd places, respectively. Another development is the improving access to credit, where the Philippines climbed to 42nd place, from the 50ili place, ahead of Thailand and Indonesia, at the 51st and 58th places, respectively.
1.3 Economic Creativity

The Economic Creativity Index now accounts for a third of a country's growth competitiveness. This indicator is composed of three sub-indices measuring innovation, technology transfer, and start-ups. The Philippines ranks 36th in terms of economic creativity, ahead of Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, at 40th, 43rd, and 50th places, respectively.

In measuring innovation, the Report looks into companies' competitive advantage in unique products and processes, technology development, product design, technological sophistication, scientific research institutions, firms' need to undertake research and development, private sector spending on R&D, and intellectual property protection.

The Philippines ranks 47th in terms of innovation, ahead of Thailand and Indonesia, at 50th and 55th places, respectively. In this regard, the Philippines lagged behind in world technological leadership or technological sophistication. From 51st place in 1997, the Philippines slowly climbed to 48th place in 1998, and 45th place in 1999. Now, the country is back to a lower spot at 49th place. In terms of companies' pioneering products and process or technology development, the Philippines ranks 50th, ahead of Thailand and Indonesia, at 52nd and 54th spots.

Scientific research institutions here are far from being world-class, currently at 49d1 place from 32"d in 1997, 52nd in 1998, and 46th in 1999. The Philippines, though, remains ahead of Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, at 50th, 53rd, and 54th places, respectively. Another important weakness of the Philippines is its 46th standing in intellectual property protection, ahead of Indonesia and Vietnam, at 53rd and 57th places, respectively. Previous surveys place the Philippines at 45th (1997), 46th (1998), and 42nd (1999) ranks.

The Philippines ranks relatively higher compared to other Asian countries in terms of technology transfer, at 19th place, coming from 13th place. Previous rankings show the country's fragile position in this aspect because of technology transfer's dependence on foreign direct investments. Since 1997, the Report has tracked down executive opinion on foreign direct investments' contribution to technology transfer under the previous category of technology as well as overall spending on R&D.

Factors contributing to start-ups are venture capital, loan availability, and starting a new business, including investment rate, entry into banking industry" competition with domestic banks, and access to external finance.

The Philippines needs to catch up in terms of startups, at 41st place, ahead of Thailand and Vietnam, at 42nd and 45th places, respectively. Since 1997, venture capital has been drying up in the Philippines, as the country's ranking slipped from the 21st rank in 1996 to 28th place in. 1997, 33rd place in 1998 and 1999, and 47th rank in 2000. In terms of loan availability for those with business plans but witl1out collateral, the Philippines ranks 4th coming from the 45th place, just ahead of China at 53rd place.

2.0 Current Competitiveness
Harvard Professor Michael E. Porter introduced the Microeconomic Competitiveness Index (MICI) way back in 1998 into the Global Competitiveness Report. This year, MICI has evolved into the Current competitiveness Index. Some of the factors that go into the Growth Competitiveness Index overlap with components of the Current Competitiveness Index. Their focus, however, remain different. The Growth Competitiveness Index measures factors behind the future growth of GDP per person. The Current Competitiveness Index gauges the factors behind the present level of GDP per person.

In the Current Competitiveness scheme, the Philippines fell behind to 46111 place from the 45th place in 1998 and 45th place in 1999, ahead of Indonesia and Vietnam, at 47th and 53rd places, respectively. This can be explained by the deterioration in the sub-index of Company Operations and Strategy to the 43rd place, from the 41st and 34th spots in 1998 and 1999, respectively. The Philippines comes ahead of Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, at 47th, 51st, and 50th places, respectively.

The Philippines' strength in this sub-index lies in marketing and approach to human resources. Its 33rd spot in both factors come ahead of Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. On the other hand, the country is weakest in Asia with regard to foreign distribution and marketing. Likewise, the country is disadvantaged at international brands and technology development.

The second sub-index that determines the Current Competitiveness Index is the Sub-Index on Quality of National Business Environment. The Philippine standing remained stable at the 46th place since 1999 from the 45th place in 1998, better than Indonesia and Vietnam, at 47th and 52nd places, respectively.

In this regard, the country's advantages lie in the quality of business schools or management education (13th place, the top two in Asia). Another edge lies in the sophistication of buyers, at 30th place, ahead of Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, at 33rd, 41st, 45th, and 49th spots, respectively. The Philippines also enjoys an advantage in terms of consumer demand for innovation, at 32nd place, ahead of Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, at 36th, 48th, and 57th places, respectively.

The country retains notoriety in terms of irregular payments (56th place), favoritism by public officials (57th spot), and poor research collaboration (55th place).

WEF and MBC
The World Economic Forum is a Swiss-based organization of leaders from business, government, and the academe committed to improving the state of the world. Incorporated in 1971, WEF is an independent foundation having a consultative status with the United Nations. WEF developed and launched its first competitiveness report in 1980 and published it yearly, for several years in partnership with the Institute for Management and Development. The Makati Business Club has been WEF's exclusive partner institute in the Philippines for the preparation of international competitiveness reports since 1993. MBC has been conducting the Executive Survey of the Global Competitiveness Report among its members.

HOW MUCH SHOULD BE MY TARGET PROFIT?

When you sell any kind of product, you have to make sure that you make profit out of it. Otherwise, if defeats the purpose of doing business.

Gross profit is derived after deducting your gross sales from costs of goods sold. Net profit is the difference between gross profit and operating expenses. But how much profit should you target? 10%? 20%? 30%? or more? That depends on several factors.

When you're selling equipments, you have to consider the warranty costs. Although most OEMs give 1 year free warranty on parts, you render after sales service support. This has costs because you have to maintain a technician or engineer to support the equipment. There is cost involve when going to and fro the customer's place as well. Either your technician/engineer works part-time or full time for you, you have to calculate all the costs involve.

Make sure that you compute all possible costs to be incurred such as warranty, shipping, taxes, and other incidental costs related to the sale. After that, you can decide how much is your target profit would be.

Happy selling!

VALUE ADDED RESELLER

Just got the good news on the 1st working day of March 2009. My company was certified as a Value Added Reseller of Emerson products.

Emerson (NYSE: EMR) is a diversified global manufacturing and technology company. They offer a wide range of products and services in the areas of process management, climate technologies, network power, storage solutions, professional tools, appliance solutions, motor technologies, and industrial automation.

We'll be handling EMERSON products such as Uninterupted Power Supply (UPS), Precision Aircon Units, Racks and Rack accessories.

Looking forward to a successful business relationship with EMERSON.

NUMERO UNO

My First Blog Post for 2009.
This is my first post for Blogspot. You'll find this site an avenue of fresh business ideas. We'll talk about money matters and strategic business approaches. We'll learn how to survive in this turbulent times of global financial crisis.

Previously, I've had some blogs posted on my other account for another social networking website. I've been busy and wasnt able to write blogs for quite sometime. But as they say, when you have a passion for something, you would always find ways of getting back at it. I love writing, I always did.

When I was young (during my elementary days) my favorite subject was writing. I always had a high score in Theme Composition. Whether it be in English or Filipino, I never had a hard time writing for any topics posted by my teachers. Although I would say that I am more effective in writing in English than in Filipino.

When I was in highschool, I know what I want to do... I want to become a writer. I was looking forward to college and take up Journalism. But as you know things in life seems always unexpected. My life's course took a detour and I took up Accountancy instead. But it didnt stopped me from writing.

In college, I became the Editor in Chief of the JPIAN Link, the newsletter of the College of Accountancy and Law at PUP. During my breaks, I've always looked forward to writing for my columns for the newsletter.

Writing gives me the opportunity to express my opinions on any subject I please. And I love it... I love this kind of freedom.Though I didnt became a journalist by profession, I can say that I am and will always be a writer by heart.