Ayala eyes to raise P1.2 million for classrooms

THE Ayala Business Club of Davao is eyeing to raise P1.2 million for the construction of two classrooms in San Alfonso Elementary School in Cateel, Davao Oriental.

Ayala is spearheading the relaunding of Hour Run 2 on June 2 to raise the amount for the benefit of Children's Hour, which will facilitate the construction of the two classrooms.

Pampanga real estate booming

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The real estate business in the province is now booming with the advent of top developers in the industry initiating major projects all throughout Pampanga.

Engineer Joliber Mapiles, president of Pampangahouses.com -- a leading local real estate website -- said that among the companies which already invested in the province are Pro-Friends, Ayala Land Inc (ALI), Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) and Filinvest Land.

'Best time to invest in PH'

NO matter how small the amount, a personal finance expert assures that setting aside some money for savings and investment can go along way.

American Emmy award-winning TV host Suze Orman, who was in Cebu last week, told Cebuanos that now was the best time to invest in the Philippines.

Cebu tourism stakeholders seek diplomatic end to row with Taiwan

TOURISM stakeholders in Cebu appealed to the government to immediately solve through diplomatic channels the strained relationship with Taiwan to save trade and tourism relationship of both countries.

Robert “Bobby” Joseph, chairman emeritus of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (Naitas), fears that if the row is not resolved in a diplomatic manner, the tension might lead to something similar to what happened after the Hong Kong hostage crisis in 2010.

Construction materials firm moves to Consolacion

A GLOBAL provider of construction materials and services expanded its business in the Philippines, crediting the country’s buoyant real estate and construction sector.

Toral: Tech and life

I THINK the challenge of being in the tech world is that many of the decisions we make are based on technology trends. That is normal. But if we are all reading the same materials, using the same tools, sometimes we come out with the same thing and there is no novelty in the offering.

It is a challenge to find inspiration as well that can bring in new ideas. Lately, I find myself engaging in various activities and trying out new applications that interest me. Apart from the recreation and benefits, I am hoping that it will allow me to meet new people, observe and learn in the process.

Soccsksargen still top coffee producer

KORONADAL CITY --- Despite decreasing production, Region 12 or Soccsksargen has remained as the top coffee producer in the country last year, Department of Agriculture (DA) officials said.

Danilo Centillas, DA-Soccsksargen high value crops coordinator, said coffee production in the region reached 27,869 metric tons (MT).

Davao chamber to host Minbizcon

THE Davao City of Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) will be hosting the 22nd Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizcon) on August 8 to 10 this year at SMX Davao Convention Center of SM Lanang Premier.

DCCCCI executive director Mary Anne Abundo said they are eyeing more exhibitors to join in this year's edition of Minbizcon, comprising various industries.

Minda exporters gab slated in Davao

PHILEXPORT-Davao, a non-stock, non-profit business support organization under the umbrella organization Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., will launch its groundbreaking event, the Mindanao Exporters Congress (MEC) set on August 1-3, 2013.

The congress will be held at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier.

Open-pit ban in S. Cotabato stays

KORONADAL CITY -- The ban on open pit mining in South Cotabato will remain a major stumbling block in the effort of foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) to develop the Tampakan project with the election of the new set of provincial officials in the May 13 polls.

For one, Representative Daisy Avance-Fuentes (second district) has been elected as the new governor and vowed to implement the ban on open-pit mining in the next three years until 2016.

Free seminar on livestock raising held

IN LINE with the celebration of farmers and fisherfolk month this May, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is conducting free seminar on livestock raising, staring today until Friday.

The free seminar will be conducted at DA Davao office in Bangoy St. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Damosa Fairlane breaks ground for P10M clubhouse

DAMOSA Land Inc. (DLI) on Saturday held the groundbreaking for the development of Damosa Fairlane's clubhouse, marking another milestone in the company's thrust in real property development.

DLI is investing some P8 to P10 million for the clubhouse, whose features include a swimming pool and a playground for residents. The clubhouse is set to be completed in the summer of 2014.

DTI-DO kicks off livelihood projects for 'Pablo' victims

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Oriental has jumpstarted its livelihood interventions for Typhoon Pablo victims in the province.

Jose Calub, DTI-DO chief trade and industry development specialist, said the Oplan Pablo or Program to Accelerate Building Livelihood Opportunities is the contribution of the DTI to the overall Rehabilitation Program of Davao Oriental with the theme "Building Back Better" spearheaded by the provincial government.

AEV sets aside P59B as capex

POWER will “remain at the forefront” of the Aboitiz group’s business expansion. The Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) is allocating P59 billion for capital expenditures this year, P27 billion of which is geared towards boosting its power business.

In a press conference yesterday, AEV and AboitizPower (AP) president and chief executive officer Erramon Aboitiz said the company will build new generating capacity to support the country’s power demand amid a thriving economy.

Council backs SIAP on carrageenan study

THE Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines (SIAP) got the support of the Export Development Council (EDC) in its campaign against an American scientist’s study on carrageenan.

In a recent meeting, SIAP chairman Max Ricohermoso told Sun.Star Cebu that EDC came up with a resolution to support the industry’s information drive in both domestic and international markets on carrageenan’s health benefits.

Cebu Pacific boosts Mindanao connection

CEBU Pacific has increased connectivity to and from Mindanao, by adding flight frequencies and options to travelers headed for Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi and Davao.

Starting June 15, Cebu Pacific will add two weekly flights using an Airbus A320 aircraft between Cebu and Zamboanga, making it a six times weekly service.

Megaworld launches another condo cluster

A REAL estate developer launched its third residential condominium cluster in Lapu-Lapu City on Monday.

Megaworld unveiled yesterday One Manchester Place, a three-tower condominium cluster with direct access to a mall that will soon rise in the township.

NCC, DTI set road show

The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is conducting a NCC road show billed “Boosting Regional/Local Competitiveness through Public Private Partnership” in Zamboanga City.

DTI Zamboanga Peninsula Director Nazrullah Manzur said the road show is part of NCC’s advocacy campaign in the countryside aimed to initiate a meaningful dialogue with relevant stakeholders to address the challenge of progressing towards improved national competitiveness.

Newtown offers lower lease rates

AS lease and labor rates rise due to a high demand for office space, an official of a real estate developing firm believes locations outside main city centers will be an attractive prospect for firms seeking to relocate or set up shop to cut costs.

Tech conference scheduled in Boracay

THE most promising startups and tech innovators will converge in Boracay for the first “Geeks on a Beach” event on Sept. 26 to 27.

The two-day conference, organized by TechTalks.ph who brought Startup Weekend to Cebu and Davao, will be a techfest, featuring the world’s most-promising tech leaders who will talk about instructive and useful topics on gaming, mobile apps and graphic design.

Limpag: With Hangouts, Google muscles into messaging sector

MOBILE messaging is a fragmented sector. Every few months or so, a messaging app for the phone launches. Unlike SMS, mobile messaging makes use of the Internet for connectivity and offers a multi-media environment with photos, sounds and even animated graphics and virtual stickers.

“K, CU” isn’t enough, we now have to include a graphical smiley, Emoji (an expanded smiley set), or even an animated avatar that reflects our moods. One-on-one texting is old school; group messaging is in.

Smart, IdeaSpace invite devs to hack their way to Silicon Valley

SMART Communications and IdeaSpace Foundation are encouraging developers to hack their way into Silicon Valley by joining the Philippine leg of the AngelHack Spring Global Challenge, the world’s largest coding marathon.

Winners of the June 8 to 9 hackathon to be held at the Pasig City headquarters of Smart subsidiary Voyager Innovations will get a chance to win hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes, receive local mentorship for 11 weeks and be flown to Silicon Valley where US-based AngelHack will help turn their idea into a startup.

Uniqlo considering expansion to Cebu

JAPANESE fashion brand Uniqlo is expanding its store network in the country on the back of the thriving retail industry.

Although the company has no definite plans yet for expansion outside Luzon, Katsumi Kubota, managing director of Uniqlo in the Philippines, said they are considering Cebu as their next destination in the future.

Globe launches inbound calling service for Koreans

GLOBE Telecom recently launched Globe DUO Korea, an international inbound calling offer for Koreans in the Philippines.

Globe DUO Korea is a service that allows a Globe or TM subscriber to purchase a Korea-based telephone number. Their friends and family back home can call their Korea-based telephone number and calls will be received in their Globe or TM phones. Calls can now be made between two Korea-based numbers, just like making a local call in Korea, resulting in significant savings.

Phoenix expansion to continue this year

LEADING independent oil company Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. will continue to embark on massive expansion this year, eyeing more areas that are not served by big players in the industry.

Phoenix vice president for external affairs and business development lawyer Raymond Zorrilla said they are looking at 100 more stations to be established this year, in addition to 300 stations at the close of 2012.

Road project benefits corn, rubber farmers

"HAYAHAY" (very comfortable); It's an easy-ride," Jercies Patagoc said, describing the road condition he had traversed from their farm in Barangay Kikipot to the town center in Kibawe Bukidnon.

The 32-year-old corn farmer has been delighted by the completion of the farm-to-market road that connects their sitio to the town proper where they deliver most of their produce.

Employment program to benefit poor students

DAVAO DEL NORTE -- Grantees of the Special Program for Students (Spes) in the province are happy the Provincial Government has finally deployed them to their respective assigned offices.

The province facilitated the employment contract of the first batch of Spes with 140 recipients after the lapse of the election ban, which froze the implementation of the program as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) prohibited the release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds, including the hiring of employees, from March 29 to May 13 this year.

Tabije: Trustworthiness

FOR many years now, when talk among friends and business associates turn to analyzing the widespread business success of people of Chinese origin, one of the factors being mentioned for such is their trustworthiness.

It is said that they readily lend capital in terms of cash or credit line to their fellow Chinese because they are 100 percent sure that they can be trusted upon to repay their debts. Most often, these are not covered by any collateral or often the deals are closed verbally.

CEB opens direct flights to Phuket

THE Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced it will begin direct flights from Manila to Phuket, Thailand, starting August 16, 2013.

CEB is the first and only airline to provide direct air services from the Philippines to this popular island destination.

Industry cluster investment gab set here

DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region will be hosting the 1st National Industry Cluster Investment Conference entitled "Investing in Priority Industry Cluster for SME's(Small-Medium Enterprises): A Conference" on June 25-26, this year at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City.

Among industries that will be showcased in the event are the priority industry cluster on banana, coconut, seaweed, mangoes, wood, mining, tourism, and information communication technology (ICT).