I agree there is no point discussing Australia in a Philippines website. But this relates to an issue that’s real global, the recession.

At a time when companies like Appco Group Australia have managed to find ways to combat the recession, here’s something that job-seekers in Australia have to fear. The news is that expatriate bankers from countries like Hong Kong, New York, the UK and Dubai could return to Australia and cause some employment issues in the months to come.

Filipino Marketing Companies have always preferred trying their luck with Niche Marketing, one of the most universally accepted modes of marketing…

“Niche Marketing is simple”, says my friend who writes lots of marketing stuff and the monthly Enza Marketing Review, and explains, “You want to open a music store and choose a place where they don’t have such a store and where there is demand. That’s Niche Marketing, to put it simply for you”.

In Philippines, online banking has become a trend, sort of a norm these days.

The point to be remembered that worldwide it’s not just big companies like Appco or Enza Marketing that go for online banking. It’s as much a part of the average man’s life today as it is for companies.

A World Trade Organisation appeal panel re-iterates a WTO ruling that the high excise taxes on imported liquor imposed by the Philippines government is against rules.

Jake, my friend with whom I had watched ‘Busong’, is on a tour along with his cousin, who works with Enigma Marketing. It was Jake who sent me this interesting link, about this WTO ruling and the appeal panel upholding the ruling. I found it interesting indeed- Manila imposing a tax and WTO going against it!

 

‘Busong’ (Palawan Fate) is a film from Philippines that deserves a real good review and a thorough analytical study. 

My friend Jake, who works in Blackcode Advertising and I caught the film together at a film festival. I could see Jake getting upset as the film had a very different and unconventional kind of narrative and also because it was sort of incomprehensible while approached from the usual perspectives. 

My cousin gets ready for a trip to Philippines; and as always, I am there to give him the much needed tips and guidance, especially since I always pretend to be an expert on such matters…

I help him gather things that he may need- maps, guidebooks, contact numbers, gift vouchers, books to read, first aid kit etc. Then I go on and tell him all those ‘wonderful’ things about Philippines that I had gathered from my reading. I tell him about the people of Philippines, about the festivals there, about the islands, about the rivers and the mountains, about the climate and about many other things.

Philippines in addition to the many things that it is famous for, is also known for its glorious food. The exotic country is known for gifting travellers delectable and tempting delicacies. It is also credited with being one place where its people love innovating and trying out new dishes with what they can get. And so a visit to the country obviously means that you can be ready to unlock an exciting array of food. Filipino food is also labeled as being quite different from others, a unique mixture of western and eastern cuisine.  

Eating good food while they travel places is one of the best things marketing executives like about their job. And it gets better when you are out for a direct marketing campaign in a place like Philippines. My friend working for TC World Ltd who was recently out on a campaign could not just stop talking about the delightful experience he had in the country. “It was a treat to my palate” he exclaimed!

Being a country which witnessed almost 4 centuries of outside influences, the Philippine cuisine today is a delightful blend of Spanish, Chinese and Malay cultures. And you don't have to be a marketing executive if ever you want to go try it. Save some money and get going!

Direct marketing has become the norm these days and there are a lot many students who plan to take up a career in this field thanks to the huge salary, benefits and incentives that it offers. Most of the direct marketing companies today, including famous and reputed ones like Oracle Advertising reward their top sales executives by offering them tour packages to some of the most exotic places on the planet.

 

Mention about an exotic place and Philippines is there, right on the list. One among the best tourist hotspots, this country has become the favorite of many executives today. Talk to them and they will tell you that it is the beaches there that they love the most. “Beaches offer great relaxation and are one of the best places to unwind during a well-deserved holiday” is what a direct marketing executive had to tell me. And yes of course, this beautiful country has some great tropical beaches to boast about.

 

The teardrop shaped Siargo Island is a popular choice among surfers. The island of El nido with soaring marble cliffs offers picturesque seascapes. The cool waters of Honda Bay offer a variety of activities from diving to island hopping. The Panglao island is another island which is known for its peaceful beach resorts. The inviting beach waters at the Matcan Islan and Pagudpud will even make you want to compare Philippines with Hawaii. And to top them all is the Island of Boracay.

 

If you are a direct marketing executive who is tempted by reading all the above, then let your boss know that Philippines is where he could send you for a holiday in a recognition for your next top performance.

While there has been a decrease in the number of HIV infections worldwide, Philippines registers a surge in the same...

Sam, our friend who works with Sirius Marketing, Singapore, was shocked to read the details in the Global AIDS report of the United Nations Program on HIV-AIDS (UNAIDS). The report states that while worldwide there has been a 21 percent decrease in new HIV infections since 1997 and a fall of 21 percent in AIDS-related death since 2005, Philippines is one of the seven nations which has reported a surge in new HIV infections of over 25 percent.

Quite often when arranging a party, weekend away or just a day of activities, organisers think about the destination and never the actual getting there.  Over the years I have seen more and more genius modes of transport available for people to use.

Some of my favourites include the stretched hummer, party bus and fire engine.  If you are going to a bash or event why not show up in something a little different to the norm.

Actually the bigger the mode of transport normally the cheaper it becomes for big groups so you are much better off inviting friends to join you.

malaga airport car hire pizza hut coupons

The recent instance of a 'Garbage Avalanche' (that happened as part of the typhoon Nanmadol) taking lives, has made Philippines think. 

The typhoon that struck Philippines before moving on to Taiwan took lives and rendered people homeless too. Among the casualties reported were three deaths and one person injured and one missing when a vast rubbish dump in Northern Philippines collapsed. It was the Irisan open dump in the mountain resort of Baguio that collapsed and caused these casualties. About 1,500 tons of compacted rubbish slid down the mountainside after flood-waters eroded the base of the wall that marked the end of the dump. This has made the city government think of looking for an alternative area for garbage dumping, one that doesn't cause such issues. 

That Philippines gets to face a number of typhoons annually is no news. Similarly garbage issue in Philippines too has ceased to be of news. In recent times we've seen news stories and photographs depicting how the garbage issue is causing problems to the country. There was a recent report that the capital city of Manila alone produces six thousand tons of garbage every day, of which only a small percentage is recycled. The rest of it is illegally dumped and some sent to landfills and open dumps. So now, this 'Garbage Avalanche' which took three lives and caused injury to one person and resulted in the missing of one, has indeed caused authorities to sit up and think.

The First National River Summit is planned to be held at Iloilo City and will be conducted before year end. The thrust of this summit will be to add momentum to river development. The two day summit would bring together 40 to 50 local government units in the country and will discuss the best practices to be implemented for about 10-11 rivers in Philippines. 

Iloilo city mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog plays the key role in conducting this summit. At the same time Senator Franklin M.Drilon too is supportive of the summit which he feels is very important as it could create awareness about rivers and their importance in day-to-day life. He's reportedly trying to get the  Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Rivers of the World Foundation to co-sponsor the summit. Rehabilitation, conservation and watershed development happen to be of prime concern. The summit may take place in late October or early November this year.

 

Useful links:

About Iloilo city

While on a visit to Philippines, you cannot afford to miss out some of the must see spots of this beautiful country including the  Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park,  one of the world's longest underground rivers. Listed among the  World Heritage Sites of the Philippines, this natural 8.2 km navigable underground river is believed to be the world’s longest. The river is beneath a beautiful limestone karst mountain called St. Paul, which is named because  one of its peaks resembles the dome of St. Paul Cathedral in Italy. The park has a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river. The river hits a cave before joining the  South China Sea. The wonderful natural stalactite formations  give it an eerie appearance. It

Famous for its unique flora and fauna, this national park is one of the centers of biodiversity conservation in Palawan. One of the strongest contenders to be in the 7 New Natural Wonders of the World Competition, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is something that you must visit atleast once in your lifetime! Take a closer look at this natural wonder in this blog Planet Kirei, which has some beautiful snaps shots of this national park.

The mystical mountain of Mayon Volcano is one of the most popular natural attractions in Bicol Region. Unexplored and unseen, these scenic sites attract many tourists from all over the world. The most active volcano in the Philippines, Mayon Volcano is shaped symmetrically cone and is considered to be the world's most perfectly formed volcano . Mt. Mayon is one of the most visited tourist destination because of its enchanting scenic view. The volcano stands majestically at 7,946 ft, and offers some of the best views of the Albay gulf and the other nearby towns.

In a scenic view, you can see the Cagsawa Ruins in the foreground of the Mayon. In the Spanish Era, a Grand church was buried in the worst volcanic eruption in 1814 and the belfry can be still seen intact above the earth. The imposing facade of Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church, the second most photographed man-made structure in Bicol after the Cagsawa Ruins is another must see destination. Check out some of the amazing pictures of Mayon Volcano right here in the blog pot of Reynz.

With office locations in Bristol, Cardiff, Kuala Lumpur, Miami, New York and Sydney GDS International has today expanded its base to several countries and has been performing excellently everywhere. Founded in the year 1993 as GDS Publishing, the company has seen a massive increase in staff as well as revenues. 

Today GDS International is comprised of three divisions GDS Publishing, GDS Events and GDS Online. While GDS Publishing specialises in industrial and business management journals GDS Events organises Financial, Healthcare, IT Service Management,Telecoms (fixed and mobile) and Oil & Gas Summit for the Asia Pacific, Africa, China, Europe, North America and Russia. GDS Online is the thirddivision of the company which combines editorial impacts with real-time benefits. 

IN the words of the Chairman, Spencer Green “Industry leading content, exceptional audiences and proven response mechanisms ensure our clients enjoy unrivaled ROI  in the most exciting marketing in the World.”

Lauded as one of the  world's best beaches, Boracay flaunts wide and shady shores  and calm waters that are well suited for snorkeling and swimming. There is  a string of restaurants, bars and shops  along the promenade where you can buy straw hats, chilled beer or even hire boats. Boracay is one of the most visited  destinations in Philippines that has still managed to retain its laid back charm and low key milieu.

The serene island of Boracay sandwiched between the Sulu and Sibuyan Seas is ranked among the world's top scuba sites. Its lively  underwater world backed up by a range of of dive sites comprising of abandoned ship wrecks and deserted islets richly populated by reef and sponges, make it an intriguing spot for scuba divers. Located 200 miles south of Manila,Boracay island had remained a closely guarded secret all these years, explored by only a handful of local people and  intrepid foreigners.

However, Boracay is slowly evolving to be  a popular island destination thanks to its white-sand beaches, excellent diving options and easy prices, which draw visitors and adventure travelers from far and wide. The beauty of Boracay islands and its adventure activities is beyond all the superlatives that anyone could think of. I found the Fodor's travel blogs extremely useful for first time visitors and adventure travelers and the amazing snaps shots of Boracay islands will give you a fair idea of  what you can expect in this quiet island.

July and August are the rainy months of Philippines and yes it rains a lot. However, there are still a lot you can do in the country and it will be a good idea to stay out of the seas during this time and stay away from the East coast which is prone to typhoons.  During July August you may not get much beach activities but the rains are great for photography.  May-June to September-October is generally regarded as the typhoon months and the best time for beach activities would be November to April. However, as the locals say the sun does come out and the rains are a treat if you don’t mind getting wet. Be prepared for flight delays during the rainy season.

Now, for a couple of ‘off the beaten track’ places in Philippines…

• Coron Island is one of the best places to snorkel and it’s not just the rich water-life you get to see, you also get to see real shipwrecks. Imagine that and to top it all you have guides to explain it all and good food and affordable accommodation all around.  Divers will find this TripAdvisor link useful. 
• How about a swim in an active Volcano’s Crater Lake? This is what you’ll get when you go to Mount Pinatubo. The waters are turquoise blue and there is a faint smell of sulphur and the water is very cold. Here’s a great link to a Mount Pinatubo experience from a blogger in Philippines. Mount Pinatubo offers both trekking and volcano experience and is definitely a different thing to do while in Philippines.

This is a country that is an Archipelago and wherever you go you are sure to reach islands with white sandy beaches. However, unlike the hordes of tourists who visit Thailand and Bali and other South East Asian countries some of the places in Philippines are still quiet.  The people in islands are laid-back and friendly and unlike the big city of Manila and most islands have excellent snorkeling.

Launched with the goal of preventing the practice of bribery or attempted bribery, the UK Anti Corruption legislation is good for business and hence welcomed by most of the successful companies today. Effective from July 1st 2011, the Act also prohibits in addition to bribery and attempted bribery, any sort of payment that is advanced to secure a business advantage or a favourable treatment. 

There are many people who try to gain business advantage over others by resorting to unfair practices and bribery is one among them. Corrupt commission, business kickbacks, influencing legislation, favorable tax treatment, expediting good through customs and other form of illicit business payments are illegal means by which people try to win over business and government contracts to surpass their competitors. 

The 2010 Bribery Act looks into this aspect and tries to reduce the occurrence of such malpractices thus expediting quick business growth and development in the right manner!

Though it might sound a bit bizarre, the proposed nuclear tourism might invoke interest among the tourists. Under this innovative ecotourism plan, travellers in the Philippines can visit a remote turtle sanctuary and then venture into the heart of a nearby nuclear power plant. The tourists can also stay at the guesthouse overlooking pristine South China Sea waters at the atomic site's private beach, if they wish to take a break.

This interesting tour option is part of the  government's latest effort to make use of the idle Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, which has cost the nation a fortune. Built over 30 years back, during the reign of  Ferdinand Marcos at a staggering cost of about 2.3 billion dollars, the plant has become an expensive burden for the nation after it failed to produce even a watt of energy all the while costing the  taxpayers more than 10,000 dollars a day by way of maintenance charges.

"This will be the only tourist-friendly nuclear power plant in this part of the world," Dennis Gana, spokesman for state-owned power firm Napocor that runs the site. So, this could be the best option for those who wish to take a peek at a full fledged nuclear plant on your holiday!

In connection with the commemoration of Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary, the National Library is displaying the restored original copies of  Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” at the national archives in Ermita, Manila. The public will have  a golden chance to see these priceless manuscripts  authored by national hero Jose Rizal, which were restored  with  a grant from the German government according to a Palace press statement.

Some of the other exhibits on public display include “Rizal in Our Midst: An Homage to Greatness,” at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on A. Mabini in Manila; and the Rizaliana stamp exhibit at the Post Office Building at the Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila.

Gerard Tomko is a man who helps you frame your wedding moments and memories, for the future.

Jerry Tomko, as Gerard is known in the world of photography, bases himself in Greater Philadelphia area, and has been photographing brides and grooms and their families and friends for over twenty eight years. Says he about the importance of wedding photographs, “As the years pass, it is the photographs from your wedding that revive the happy and wistful memories that you can share with your partner, maybe your children and then later still, maybe your grandchildren. Many brides and grooms put more emphasis on the cake or the limo, but a few weeks later, it is the photographs and the album they are in which may be your most precious memory.”

Jerry Tomko has created a style of his own, blending fashion with art and making it all candid. Yes, 'candid' it is, because he captures all the different shades and moods that go with wedding ceremonies. He brings alive the fun, the excitement and the happiness that underlies any wedding and makes the moments resonate for years.

“I want you to remember how beautiful the bride looked and how handsome and happy the groom. At the same time, I want you to remember the little funny moments, the intimacy, the funny hats... all those little details that made the day so special”- says Gerard Tomko, before he gets ready to go click for another wedding, maybe yours...

In Philippines, the "Pilipinas, Tara Na!" domestic travel campaign has been rolled out by the Department of Tourism (DOT). The campaign, is being undertaken with help from Smart Communications, Inc. The program aims to encourage Filipinos to travel to within the country.

The TV ads on the campaign, which are currently running nationwide, focus on culture, history, ecotourism, nature, and adventure. The DOT also joined hands with the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) and Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) for programs to support the campaign.

Statistics report that 23 million Filipinos travelled within the country in 2009, 7.8 million of whom travelled for leisure or vacation. These iniatives are expected to help stimulate further growth of the domestic base. The campaign involves public relations and new media efforts towards getting the public to explore the Philippines with fresh perspective.

Public smoking is being banned along all major and secondary roads of the metropolis with effect from May 30. Officers from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), together with the 17 local government units (LGU) of Metro Manila, will enforce the ban. Routine checking will be held in bus terminals, waiting sheds, schools, hospitals, recreational places and inside public utility vehicles starting May 30 as part of a joint campaign to protect Filipinos from the ill effects of passive smoking.  

The smoking ban came just in time for the World No Tobacco Day celebration on June 1 and the  New York-based Bloomberg Philanthropies has approved a P9.5-million grant for the program.

MMDA's "environmental enforcers" will issue warnings to those who will be caught violating the provisions of Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 for the month of June. Penalties including  fines and community service, will come to force in July. However the Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI) said it is against the smoking ban in major and secondary roads in Metro Manila though  it supports the smoking ban in areas like schools, hospitals and public facilities.

Data from the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization show that smoking kills 10 Filipinos every hour!

The first solar/photovoltaic summit will be held in in Pasay City in Philippines from June 1-3, 2011 to popularize solar energy, which holds the key to the energy concerns of Philippines. Solar power is clean, renewable and stable and offers real solutions though it might not be a fashionable technology said Tetchi Cruz-Capellan, President and Spokesperson of the Philippine Solar Power Alliance, said recently.

Capellan also said that solar energy is fast catching up in the country after the Renewable Energy Law was passed in 2008, in which part of it is solar power.

Though solar power is expensive for setting up, the long term benefits will make it financially viable and profitable. Solar energy, which refers to the use of solar radiation for practical ends, has been applied in architecture, urban planning, heating, cooling, ventilation, among others.

Organized by the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. (SEIPI) and the Philippine Solar Power Alliance (PSPA), the summit will be participated in by solar and supplier companies from Asia, Europe, and North America.

LG Electronics Philippines expanded its line of Optimus smartphones in the country recently launching 2 new phones.

One of them is the Optimus 2x, the first smartphone to use a dual-core processor, according to the Guinness World Records. Powered by NVIDIA Tegra 2, the phone is said to have the browsing speed of a laptop or desktop computer at 1 Gigahertz (GHz).

The dual-core processor lets users open multiple applications simultaneously sans the screen lag and high battery consumption. The phone, priced at around P27,000, is targeted mainly at heavy mobile phone users such as gamers and professionals who are always on the go.

The (Optimus 2x) is expected to provide a smarter, more responsive user experience. The Optimus 2x offers 1080p high-definition (HD) video playback and recording, and allows users to view content and play games with motion-sensing controls on an HD television.

It also has an 8-megapixel back camera, a 1.3-megapixel front facing camera, and a DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) function that enables users to wirelessly share digital photos, music and video with any DLNA-capable device.

The phone's operating system is Android 2.2 Froyo, and can be upgraded to Android 2.3 Gingerbread for free.

GDS International is a company that undertakes media and events in Bristol; it all began on a small scale basis 17 years ago in England.

GDS Publishing a sub segment of GDS International was founded in 1993 and currently produces over 40 leading titles per annum. GDS Publications include Business Management US, Business Management ME, Executive Healthcare Management and EU Infrastructure to name a few. Industrial and business management journals for the world's most exciting markets like Asia Pacific, CIS, China, Eastern Europe and North America are delivered.  The company always took on a priority note to learn the culture, philosophy and how these countries did business, and how GDS International could serve them in coming years.

GDS International now has offices in Bristol, Cardiff, Kuala Lumpur, Miami, New York and Sydney, and is soon to expand its operations in South America.

Philippines celebrates the Palawod Festival in Bantayan from June 28 - 29 every year.

The term palawod means to go out to the sea to fish. Fishing is a very important activity in Bantayan given that the municipality is considered as one of Cebu's fishing centers.

The festival aims to show the public the life of a fishing community through dances, colorful costumes and food. A lot of local and foreign tourist have mistaken the town fiesta to be held during the Holy Week. But it is on June 29. It is just that it is the town tradition to have an elaborate celebration during Holy Week. The highlight is the procession of life-sized images and icons during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

The Island’s main industry before it even became a tourist spot is fishing.

The scenic beauty of Philippines is not manmade but simply the masterpiece of nature. The top 5 destinations explain this truth. 

1. Palawan - It is a sanctuary graced by spectacular lime stone formations and cliffs. To top it off, Palawan is laced with emerald clear waters unlike any other. 

2. Boracay – The seas of Boracay have been named several times as the world's loveliest beach. You would fall for its waters lined by velvety white sand. After you've enjoyed the beach, treat yourself to a palatable experience as there are numerous restaurants that serve authentic Pilipino dishes while some offer a combination of Asian and European cuisines.

3. Cebu – Otherwise known as "Queen City of the South," is definitely a great place to go to in the Philippines. This region is a fantastic blend of urban metro and rural province. Cebu is filled with breathtaking beaches painted by the clear blue sea and powdery sands. 

4. Vigan - Vigan is a World Heritage Site, renowned for a perfectly intact Spanish architecture. Experience what it was like to walk during the great times of Spanish era as the streets of Vigan are laid with cobblestones. The entire town is also fused with unique and elegant architectural designs.There is also "calezas" or carriages that complete the experience.

5. Bohol - Bohol is the best example of Philippines being the master piece of nature. It is one of the loveliest islands of the Philippines filled with diverse wildlife and lush green forests as well as blue beaches. A popular attraction in this province is the world renowned Chocolate Hills. This tourist spot is composed of more than 1,200 perfect cone shape hills, which are, unusually, all the same size! The name Chocolate Hills was derived from the colour of the hills. During the summer the green grass that covers the hills turns brown.

With the nature bestowing in abundance, Philippines gets you a perfect trip with rest and relaxation.