Archive for the ‘Philippine Investment’ Category

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The Winning Combination of Condo Hotels and Retirement

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

Considering retirement in a Tropical Climate? For many British, Australians and Americans, retirement time is just around the corner. At home, with low interest rates and high cost of living, the prospect of trying to live on a pension, in old age, is a daunting one unless you are preapred to substantially downscale your lifestyle. For some, moving to retire in another country is an option which has been successful in the past with Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Puerto Rico being among some of the more popular destinations. But why not consider retiring in the Philippines?

Over the past decade, the Philippines has become a retirement haven for thousands of foreigners, particularly the Japanese, Korean, and Northern Europeans. Along with Thailand and Malaysia, the Philippines developed communications, infrastructure, and service delivery systems specifically geared to meet the needs of foreign retirees. Better yet, unlike most European Countries and South America, nearly everyone speaks ENGLISH in the Philippines.

The Philippines offers a significantly lower cost of living. The Philippine Peso (PhP) exchange rate is approximately PhP 45 to $ 1.00 or PhP 92 to 1 Pound [Sterling (GBP)]. Housing, food, and labor costs are quite reasonable. A One bedroom condominium can be purchased for around $ 72,000 or GBP 37,000 or a Studio for only $ 45,000 or GBP 22,800 and one can dine out on average at a three star restaurant for less than PhP 500. If you hire domestic help, a private driver’s salary is approximately PhP 10,000/month, while trained housekeepers earn approximately -PhP 5,000/month. These salaries are lower if you live in the provinces.

Cable Television, Hi-Speed Internet and Satellite Communications are cheap. One can hire an air-conditioned taxicab for eight hours for less than $25.00. In a country where a provincial Governor’s salary is only PhP 28,000 per month, and a Presidential Cabinet Under-Secretary earns PhP 35,000, your pension can go a long way. So, if you have a retirement income of approximately $1,500 to $2,000 per month ( PhP 80,000 to 100,000) you can live quite well in the Philippines.

As for health care, most U.S. Health Management Organizations pay for medical expenses incurred in the Philippines. Check with your HMO. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs presently has a task force headed by former Secretary Roberto Romulo working to have the U.S. government accredit a number of first class Philippine hospitals for Medicare reimbursement. The Makati Medical Center, one of the nation’s best already has such accreditation. Unbeknown to many is that for years, citizens of nearby countries such as Thailand, Nauru, Tonga, Indonesia, and Malaysia have flocked to the Philippines for medical care, particularly sensitive surgical procedures. The quality of medical care at the better Manila hospitals such as the Asian, St. Luke’s, Medical city, Cardinal Santos, Philippine Heart Center for Asia, National Kidney Institute, and Makati Medical Center meets international standards.

A Japanese company is building a medical facility in Tagaytay city exclusively for Japanese nationals within the year. There are now close to 10,000 Japanese retirees in the country, and the number is growing annually. The British government recently acquired a large tract of land in Fort Bonifacio to build a new Embassy. The British ambassador explained the larger facility is meant to help serve the growing number of British nationals retiring there as well. Japanese and Korean investment groups are buying homes and condominiums in Manila, and tracts of provincial land for retirees. This has caused a mini- Real Estate boom in the country. A retirement village exclusively for Japanese nationals already exists in Tagaytay, and more are planned. These are strong indicators of what is on the horizon

English is the Philippines’ official business language. Most of the people you will meet, from hotel workers, taxi drivers, sales or service people, government employeesa all speak English, or have a working understanding of it. The middle class speak English, without exception. All major newspapers, and major broadcast companies use English. An English speaking visitor will never get lost in the Philippines. It is the universal use of that language that has been a strong incentive to foreigners. As well, communications links within the country and to other countries via the various commercial gateways is up to international standards. For example, the use of cell phones and text messaging is so common that housemaids, street vendors and food hawkers can be seen using their celphones incessantly.

One will never want for adventure and sights to experience in the Philippines. There is always a colorful Fiesta, pageants, street festivals, and open public events going on. Lush with bountiful natural resources, one can enjoy the numerous beaches, resorts, golf courses, and play just about any sport, except skiing. There is an ice skating rink in Manila, though. Scuba diving and fishing are among the sports which draw the most number of foreigners to the rich aquatic offerings.

Shopping is the Filipinos’ second most popular activity, the first is eating. Manila is Asia’s undiscovered shopping Mecca. You will love the golden purple sunsets, the fragrance of the flowers at dusk, and the wonderful array of fruit and food. I used to enjoy watching the Sun set from the bar at the Philippine Cultural Center. There, you can listen to the Symphony, check out a play, or enjoy Grand Opera. There is just so much to explore and discover, specially in terms of nature, culture, and history. If you’re a betting man, there’s horse racing, the Jai Alai, numerous first class casinos, and of course, cok-fighting. Manila is well known for its exciting night life.

The Philippines offers affordable real estate and good investment opportunities for those seeking a retirement haven.

For further info please do not hesitate to contact us:

Beth Collingz

PLC International Marketing Networks

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Investing in Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Beth Collingz, International Marketing Director of PLC Global an internet based sales and marketing company and lead marketing partners with Pacific Concord Properties, Inc., for the Lancaster Brand of Condotels in the Philippines, recently announced the company has acquired by purchase an additional 27 units in its Lancaster Cebu Condotel adding another 75M pesos to its project inventory and expansion. This brings the number of properties held in the development to 75 suites with another 120 units to be added before year end for Condo Hotel rental operations.

Property is all about LOCATION said Collingz. Mactan, Cebu, provides one with both the laid back pace of provincial living, as well as prerequisites of the urban dweller. Schools, hospitals, restaurants, shopping malls, and leisure are all found on the island itself.

Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences, located a mere 3 minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, provides you with easy access to all the essentials of urban living. This ideal location will complement the Condotel operation since Lancaster Cebu will function as a condominium hotel a preferred accommodation choice of businessmen and holiday travelers alike. Clients can either purchase Condotel Suites for investment purposes or lease the units on weekly, monthly or yearly basis. We have Fully Furnished Executive Studio Suite and Two-Bedroom Suites available at Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences at Pre-Increase Prices that will be Ready For Occupancy from September 2007 at the current price said Collingz.

Fully furnished Studio Suites are priced at -Pph-2,753,924.06 and may be purchased with initial Reservation Fee -Pph-100,000.00 Balance Payable without interest over 24 consecutive equal monthly payments of -Pph-110,580.17 [Tax Inclusive]. Alternatively Save -Pph-106,156.96 by making Reservation [-Pph-100,000.00] then within 30 days 40% Net Down Payment of -Pph-955,412.70 with resulting Balance payable without interest over 24 consecutive equal monthly payments -Pph-66,348.10. Another option, Pay Cash and take 10% discount [Save -Pph-275,392.40] Pay the Reservation Now [-Pph-100,000.00] and the Cash Balance within 30 days [-Pph-2,378,531.66] for an Effective Total Cash Price of -Pph-2,478,531.66. This Suite many also be purchased on Five Year Payment Terms through our no qualification In-House Finance with 15% Down Payment.

Whilst, fully furnished 2 BR Loft Type Suites are priced at -Pph-5,467,004.14 and may also be purchased with an initial Reservation Fee of only -Pph-100,000.00 with the Balance Payable without interest over 24 consecutive equal monthly payments of -Pph-223,625.18 Tax Inclusive. Alternatively Save -Pph-214,680.16 by making the Reservation -Pph-100,000.00 then within 30 days 40% Net Down Payment of -Pph-1,932,121.50 and resulting Balance payable without interest over 24 consecutive equal monthly payments Pph-134,175.10. Another option, Pay Cash take 10% discount [Save -Pph-546,700.41] Pay the Reservation Now [-Pph-100,000.00] and Balance within 30 days [-Pph-4,820,303.73] for an Effective Total Cash Price of -Pph-4,920,303.73. These Two Bedroom Fully Furnished Suites many also be purchased on Five Year Payment Terms through our no qualification In-House Finance Available with 15% Down Payment.

Collingz said Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences is also offering Studio and 2-Bedroom Fully Furnished Ready for Occupancy Suites on daily, weekly, monthly or yearly lease rental terms. Whilst some renovation works are still ongoing within the complex, unit rentals are now available to guests at ‘Special Promo Rates’.

Cebu City is the acknowledged gateway and Queen City of the South. Cebu is the most important trading and commercial hub outside of Metro Manila. Mactan Cebu International Airport assures the arrival of a steady stream of international flights from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Kota Kinabalu, Seoul and Qatar. There are also chartered flights from Incheon, Taipei, Kansai, Nagoya and Kiaoshung that arrive on a weekly basis. Cebu is identified by Asiaweek and Conde Nast Traveller as one of Asia’s Best Cities.

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LED lighting business investment need to be cautious

Sunday, July 25th, 2010

“With LED light source of the traffic lights, decorative lights have been widely used in China, more and more SMEs have tasted the sweetness of energy, have added to this industry, the development of more competitive today, so we choose another way??? produce high-power semiconductor lighting products. “Lighting Co., Ltd. Shenzhen, general manager of Russia and the Philippines so recently said Wong 9.

High-power LED lighting products market will play a great role in the urban landscape. Currently, many large semiconductor and lighting equipment manufacturers have the same idea too yellow 9.

According to report, Tin Yi and Technology, Jiangxi Lianchuang, square big stake in Fujian Furi, Hangzhou Silan Microelectronics Co. Ltd., with the shares of six of domestic listed companies are facing increased production costs, lower profits and other new issues have to seek new outlets, the new profit point into high-power semiconductor lighting industries.

Enterprises have launched major projects

“High-power lighting devices are mainly used for road lighting, general lighting equipment, their prices higher than 3 times, but could be saving 60%. Government procurement accounts for a considerable part of energy as lighting company we can enjoy the country’s energy policy So seize this great market opportunity. “Fujian Furi Electronics Co., Ltd., a marketing staff, told reporters.

Jiangxi joint creation of the one who said, LED as a company leading industry, production scale is small, the proportion of low-end products, the current inventory level is still too large, also face rising raw material prices, labor costs, industry competition etc. difficult. Based on this, the company will power, high-brightness LED and LCD backlight device packaging, special lighting, landscape lighting and other applications as a breakthrough to form a power-type devices, chip, semiconductor light sources and lamps and other products of industrialization. It is understood that the company invested 199 million yuan last year, had high brightness and high brightness light-emitting diode chip and the technological transformation now been completed.

Shares from the same party’s annual report released recently learned that the company last year completed a five LED production line, and has an annual high-power blue LED chip capacity of 400 million, while two 15 LED production line Work is under way.

Consideration needs to calm investors

At present, the development and production of LED light source to the road lighting manufacturers more and more, preliminary statistics have been hundreds of companies.

“This business case is not a wise choice.” Deputy secretary general of China Association of Lighting Doulin Ping admitted that “there may be some business decision-makers believe that the early part of production can grab market share, but manufacturers still have to more concerned about the LED light source technology, investment in research efforts. scientific, reasonable and timely development and production of LED light-emitting properties with matching lamps, to avoid blind investment. Investors should keep calm in order to correctly grasp the direction of development ”

In this regard, a technical staff that good or bad the lighting effect, lighting level of technical indicators, will directly affect the vision of drivers and traffic safety. At present most of the development and production to LED lamps to light the way enterprises, and not very well understand and study the emission characteristics of LED, but simply the way the original shell is coupled LED light source, or simply LED Tile In the light body and converted into an angle to increase the radiation surface, but the form of lighting is not ideal.

    The source further explained that, and ordinary compared to high pressure sodium, or metal halide lamp, LED light source angle is small, the effective radiation surface brightness greater, stronger sense of direction, so there are advantages in the local lighting. That is why, LED can achieve a certain degree of energy efficiency goals.

However, LED light source applied to the road lighting, the problems highlighted out. Because the streetlights are provided for each root of the distance between poles, and since each point light source emitting a small, concentrated light, leading to some of the brightness between the two poles marked dark in the lamp, which is for road lighting is very unfavorable, easy to cause the accident.

Experts remind that the current technical level, many companies do not make a significant decrease production costs, programs launched LED lighting products, high-frequency business needs a good time and input selection methods. Now the market there is a tendency of overheated investment in LED products, companies should start to improve skills and avoid blind investment.

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Vacationing in the Philippines

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences [LCRR] in Mactan, Cebu, a boutique Brand Name Condotel Investment of Pacific Concord Properties Inc, is now ready to accept guests in the Condo Hotel. Under the management of Lancaster Hotels, Land and Properties, Inc. [LHLPI], rental operations of LCRR were soft launched March 2007.

Beth Collingz, International Marketing Director of PLC Global an internet based sales and marketing company and lead marketing partners with Pacific Concord Properties, Inc., for the Lancaster Brand of Condotels in the Philippines, recently announced the company has acquired, by purchase, additional units in its Lancaster Cebu Condotel adding another 75M pesos to its project inventory and expansion program. This brings the number of properties held in the development to 75 suites with another 120 units to be added before year end for Condo Hotel rental operations.

Collingz said staying in a condominium hotel not only gives you the same flexibility as you would have in your own home but also you are usually fairly close to the attractions. Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences for example is located a few minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, 15 mins to first class beach resorts and 20 mins from down town Cebu.

Some of the things that are included with your condominium at the Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences: Airconditioing, Kitchen is fully supplied, Laundry service, Swimming pool, Cable television in bedroom and living room said Collingz

The idea of being able to have four people in a Two bedroom suite is also an aspect that will go far. No more having to get two rooms for a family of four.

Wireless Internet access for your laptop is available in all rooms and maid service can be provided as well.

One of the other advantages that really should catch your attention is that you have the comforts of being able to cook, have someone else do the laundry and just relax said Collingz

You can choose from Studio or Two Bedroom suites at Lancaster Cebu. For the soft launch, LHLPI has prepared special promotional room rates aimed at budget travelers. Guests can check-in to any of the executive studio suites for as low as $35 a night or to any of the two-bedroom loft rooms at $65 a night plus 13% Government Tax whilst longer term discounted rates for monthly and yearly lease rentals are also available said Collingz.

If you are planning your vacation either as one family, or as a two family group then the cost per person of renting a condotel suite is quite small.

Some people will try to weigh the cost of a stay in a condominium against a couple of weeks in a low budget motel. There is really no comparison, especially when you look at the advantages and cost over the long run, including being able to cook instead of eating out every meal. Some motels and hotels actually work out to be more expensive, especially if you choose to stay in a suite.

Taking everything into consideration staying in a condominium while on vacation may be the best choice you have ever made.

Whilst some renovation works are still ongoing within the complex, unit rentals are now available to guests at ‘Special Promo Rates’. Cebu City is the acknowledged gateway and Queen City of the South. Cebu is the most important trading and commercial hub outside of Metro Manila. Mactan Cebu International Airport assures the arrival of a steady stream of international flights from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Kota Kinabalu, Seoul and Qatar. There are also chartered flights from Incheon, Taipei, Kansai, Nagoya and Kiaoshung that arrive on a weekly basis. Cebu is identified by Asiaweek and Conde Nast Traveller as one of Asia’s Best Cities

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Famous Entrepreneurs In The Philippines

Monday, July 19th, 2010

When asked about what they want to become in the future, youngsters would often settle for the answer that they do want to be billionaires instead of gaining recognition from award-giving bodies, becoming popular athletes, or landing as famous scientists. What has happened to the young generation? Well, they cannot be blamed. Life has been too harsh all through these years and it is just a natural response for people to prefer gaining their billions whenever they get the chance.

Research studies show how almost a hundred thousand of people earn their millions in every year just in the entire United States! Well, majority of these people are owners of personal businesses. Simply dealing with the matter, these people have started working on their own business ventures so that they will be able to get their profits in due time. Some kind of inspiration, right? So if you want to be a millionaire, learn to work out with a worthy investment! You can always do it. Just arm yourself with enough funds and careful organization of your business plans plus the right attitude, then you can right away expect some profits rolling into your pockets. Don’t you feel excited over the matter?

Okay, so you feel excited. But then becoming an entrepreneur yourself is confronted with lots of risks. It is no easy task, mind you. Take into account that not all people are qualified to be successful entrepreneurs since they are not born and made to be one. You may be very rich, famous, and influential but if you lack the traits to become successful in the area of business, then you cannot do anything with it. You cannot probably alter the course of your destiny.

Now who said that only the American people are gifted to be famous entrepreneurs? Do not take away the fact that Filipinos are in more ways than one very resourceful, persevering, and determined to be millionaires as well. That is why, in the Philippine setting, there are several names that can be mentioned when it comes to being successful entrepreneurs. So what makes them famous and successful? Of course they will not be branded with such reputation if they did nothing to boost their reputations and images in the world of business.

Here are some notable traits that make them famous and successful:

Common Sense. Not all Filipino entrepreneurs have attained the greatest education from the finest schools. There are those who had not even experienced earning their degrees but they are in pedestals right now. The role of their common sense is very vital. In fact, one’s common sense serves as a strong foundation for his success. Common sense is literally taken as the capability to create rational judgments on certain issues. Being confronted with the harsh realities of life, Filipino entrepreneurs credit their sound judgment to their previous experiences and gained or stock knowledge.

Clear Knowledge about the Field. It will likely be easy to start a business which is in line with one’s passion, expertise, and knowledge. How can the entrepreneur create decisions if he does not even know how to run the business?

Self Confidence. Being confident allows a person to face the everyday challenges heaped upon him. If an entrepreneur lacks self confidence, he will be readily pulled down by the obstacles that come his way. Though there are no specific guarantees in the business world, yet failures must teach the entrepreneur a lesson worth remembering. Although there are downfalls suffered from, an entrepreneur must always be ready to stand up.

Getting Things Done. Hardworking and persistent-Filipino entrepreneurs possess these traits. Once a thing has been planned to be started with, it must be done and finished all the way down. Self discipline must be mastered also.

Being Creative. Aside from being resourceful, Filipinos are also known to be very creative. They can in fact create worthy items out of trash. Filipino entrepreneurs are creative in devising methods in line with marketing and managing their companies.

Leadership Skills. How can a business run smoothly without staff members to get on with the right flow? An entrepreneur must be a good model in terms of leadership. He must have the ability to influence people and lead them into action.  

Self Reliance. Filipinos may tend to be overconfident as others perceive them to be. But as the famous Filipino entrepreneurs turn out to be, they are able to take full responsibility of their actions. They know how to trust themselves and be decisive in making decisions.

Overall, Filipino entrepreneurs are famous because they are unique in their own rights.

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Boracay Island Properties: a Paradise Investment

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

Boracay Island is a famous tourist destination in the Philippines because of its fine white sand, clear turquoise beach water with beautiful sunset and warm people. Boracay is voted to be Top Beach in the world – 2007. Boracay is a tropical island paradise perfect for vacation and fun. Boracay Beach Real Estate is the next stop for your tour. Boracay Island properties hit the market today with investors wanting to have a residential property at Boracay. These Properties have many luxurious features matching the grandeur of the island paradise to pamper you more of your true resort experience.The listed properties of Boracay Island are:THE PEARL RESIDENCE The Pearl is developed by Sanson and Dunne MLC, a joint venture between Philippine and Irish developers. These apartments’ compliments the current majestic resorts at Boracay White Beach, with spacious and luxurious rooms overlooking the white sandy beach topped with beautiful sunsets.The properties are not restricted to any leaseback schemes with a bank’s assurance of money security. Pearl services include luxury spa, Massage and Fitness Center, Massage Suite, Salon, Restaurant, Beach Bar, Private Swimming Pools, Laundry Service, Cleaning Service, Fully-bonded Construction with sea views and limited numbers of penthouses with solarium terrace.TANAWIN-BORACAYTanawin is a condo style apartments designed to bring the outmost modern living in an innovative contemporary European style, combined with sophistication and tranquility of the Island Paradise.VILLA MARIA and VILLA MARGARITA at FAIRWAYS GOLF COURSE Villa M&M is a 52 room condominium project consisting of two 3-storey Mediterranean inspired structure built along the exquisite fairways of the only golf course in Boracay Island, the Fairways and Bluewater. All Villa M&M units are fully furnished and have breathtaking views of the golf course complementing the surrounding landscape and forest. Aside from the golf course, the property has three private beaches with fine white sand and turquoise blue water.GARDEN OF EDEN Garden of Eden spells LUXURY in their property, Beverly Hills in the midst of paradise, with top sport, SPA, medical and health facilities, fantastic gardens, island ocean view. Garden of Eden Is a unique living and hotel resort in Boracay Island.BORACAY EDEN EDEN holds fifty four freehold title units of over three floors on Fairways and Bluewater’s golf Course on Boracay Island. All units are fully furnished in modern Japanese and Thai theme. EDEN is already 50% complete and will be handed over in December 2008.All properties mentioned are Luxurious and spacious, beautifully complementing the grandeur and majestic views in Boracay topped with modern living facilities to satisfy your thirst for real Boracay Island experience. Boracay Island Property is an investment you wouldn’t want to miss.

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Ortigas Center the Next Property Market hub in the Philippines

Saturday, July 17th, 2010

Ortigas Center is the second most important commercial and business district in Metro Manila. With an area of at least 100 hectares and almost 40% of that land is ideal for the next property market development site for both commercial and residential investments, investors have a strong eye on developing Ortigas Center Area.

According to the leading Philippine Real Estate firm – Umbrella Online, Ortigas Center is the next big thing in Philippine Real Estate business. It is because Ortigas Center offers a better alternative to the already congested Makati CBD and other business hub in the Metro Manila. The area does not only boast of tall skyscrapers, Ortigas center also offers verdant greeneries which is the major factor that had attracted property investors to acquire their business and residential address in Ortigas Center.

Ortigas Center is also the home of popular international companies. Some of which is the Philippine Stock Exchange which is in the heart of Ortigas Center, St. Francis Square/BSA Twin Towers, Asian Development Bank, Oakwood Premier serviced apartments and Shangri-La Hotel. It is also the headquarters of San Miguel Corporation, Jollibee Foods Corporation, and the Philippine branch of HSBC.

Ortigas Center also offers well maintained subdivisions composing of the best Manila houses, Manila homes and apartments in Manila with tight 24 hour security, resort like amenities and an urban living which promises prosperity and comfort living for every family and would be residents.

The best Manila condominiums which offer a spectacular view of the Ortigas and Makati skyline are also situated in Ortigas Center Area. These Manila condos have state of the art designs and world class facilities and amenities such as swimming pools, gazebos, an indoor fitness gym, function halls and indoor sports centers which every health conscious individuals can use whenever they want to.

The Ortigas center area is the newest addition of Umbrella Online Real Estate global portfolio of properties which includes properties in Manila, Dubai and London; thus making Umbrella Online the country’s forerunner in the Philippine Realty business.

To know which properties in Ortigas Center are available for sale or rent, visit or log on to http://umbrellaonline.com

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Philippines: Still The World’S Best Bpo Destination For The 2Nd Time!

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

According to The Business Processing Association of the Philippines or BPAP they are in thrust to promote the competitive advantages and growth of the Philippines in existing and new areas of outsourcing and supports for the industries such as offshore marketing, education and training, security and privacy, legislation and public policy and several more. BPAP also insure the strength of our credibility as preferred O&O (Offshoring and Outsourcing) destination by the end of the decade.

Because of the excess global demand for O&O resources BPAP is expecting the Philippines to have the 10% share for the overall O&O industry, from a former 5% in 2006, BPAP is predicting doubled number by the end of this year. With this saying the Philippine O&O industry should be hitting USD13 billion and direct employ of more than 1 million.

If we are going to do the statistic of the O&O revenue and employment in the Philippines, the amount is outstanding:

From 2004 the revenue grew to USD1.5 billion, 2006 235,000 direct employment, in 2007 the revenue boosted to whooping USD5 billion and direct employment grew to 320,000.

Just recently, another milestone was added to the Philippines O&O resume. The country was named the Best Outsourcing Destination in 2007 by the National Outsourcing Association of the United Kingdom.

Some of the largest multinational participants in the O&O market are Accenture, Convergys, HSBC, Dell and Citibank.

Now, just how qualified the Filipino agents are; here are some reasons why according to BPAP:

large-scale people resources, with close to half-a-million English-speaking students graduating from college yearly;
quality, with a well-deserved reputation for excellence in communication skills, interpersonal warmth, customer-service orientation, problem-solving abilities, and cultural affinity with Western markets and customs;
an operational cost advantage, with costs competitive with any supplier country in the world, including India;
infrastructure, with world-class telecommunication networks and BPO workplace facilities; and
financial incentives, with highly competitive investment packages for information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services investors, whether third-party services providers or captive regional shared services centers.

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Ntc Regulations And Voip In The Philippines

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Nowadays, very seldom can you find countries without computers. The Philippines is a small country in Asia, and is rather behind compared to already developed countries. But this doesn’t mean that local residents are not aware of the new trends on the net.

There are many problems in the country that needs to be resolved. All the authorities are looking for ways to address the different problems in order to attain progress. And that is why rules and regulations are established for local residents to follow.

The National Telecommunications Commissions or the NTC regulates and addresses all issues concerning telecommunications. And one of the many things that the institution is trying to monitor is VoIP services.

VoIP is not new in the market; in fact, it has been used for a number of years now. But not all people are aware of its services; and what the different providers has to offer. According to the NTC, all VoIP providers are required to place a bond of guaranteed performance, and must have a paid-up minimum capital in order to deliver their services to the people.

You must be aware that there are many scams going on in the Internet. And the NTC is just protecting the people from possible scams. Their effort is geared towards blocking fly-by-night VoIP providers to protect applicants.

Because of this effort, VoIP providers are now required to pass through fixed-line networks of carriers.

A lot of VoIP providers are attracted to the Philippine market because they are aware that many Filipinos are working overseas. And so their families in the country are always making overseas calls. There are at least 8 million overseas Filipino workers, and this is quite a huge market.

The NTC assigned codes to the different companies concentrated in local exchange. According to the guidelines set by the NTC, all in and outbound VoIP should pass the local exchange’s network. Those providers using foreign addresses are prohibited in doing business in the country because they bypass the network.

In the Philippine context, a VoIP provider is an entity or a person who provides VoIP services directly to the people. They may also be resellers who are paid with certain amounts of compensation. They are required to post a performance bond worth five million pesos and having at least a capital of ten million pesos.

The cost of making an international call at present is about $0.40 per minute. And if a person is using VoIP, the cost in making international calls can be greatly reduced to as low as $0.10 or lower per minute. A lot of Filipino families can save as high as 75%.

The NTC further requires that VoIP providers posting performance bonds should be from registered surety companies or insurance companies.

This is one main reason why many VoIP providers are hesitant to make any investment in the Philippines. Many telecommunications companies are claiming that the issue has long been in debate, and that they have rights to provide service in the country at a much lower capital. But they can’t argue with the authorities. The NTC is quite firm as to their rules and regulations. This is only to protect small investors and its local residents as well.

In order for VoIP providers to penetrate the Philippine market, they must comply first with all the requirements set forth by the National Telecommunications Commission. And this is the only time that they can do legal business.

The Philippines has a very large market for overseas calling. Now, almost all current companies are quite competitive in giving their telephone service to many overseas Filipinos. In fact, there are different offers which allow the different families to save in making their international calls.

But if the VoIP providers can penetrate the market, the local residents will benefit greatly because all international calls will surely be much cheaper compared to the current rates being offered. Almost every person welcomes an opportunity to save money, and with VoIP around, there is another option for the people.

All other Asian nations are benefiting from the advantages of VoIP. But soon enough, after the long debates are through, the VoIP providers can do business in the country.

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