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Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Is USA bracing for drop in tourist arrivals?

Nationa building via learning and being the best in business

Is it because of tariff wars, and/or the way President runs the country.   What are the states are suffering:
Nevada, California, Florida, NY, Hawaii

Less tourist arrivals mean less tourist spending, less eating, jobs

What could be causes:
1.   Higher cost of living;
2.   Lesser cleanliness and old infrastructures
3.   Stricter border control
4.   Inflation




Can Cassava (kamoteng kahoy) be a rice substitute

Looking forward to the future of business

My uncle (as seasoned agri businessman) and I were discussing what possible businesses to introduce to constituents of an elected relative to provincial positions.  While mine was agri forestry which takes 5 or more years to harvest, he proposed cassava.  It grows every where is not dependent on too much water, not prone to diseases and not very much affected by typhoons.  It bears tubers in five years or less.

Why not try?

He suggests area of 100 hectares or more mechanized.    Cassava can be used for flour, startch (as what Liwayway now Oishi did) ethanol, pharmaceutical and confectionary and beauty products (as sorbitol)
and even biogradable plastic

While the issue of rice importation, tariffs are highly politicized, may it be suggested that we work on substitutes or alternatives.   





PHL poised for strong economic growth in 2025

Looking forward to the future of business

It could be at par with Vietnam at 6.1% and only India would surpass Ph at 7%.   China would only be 4.5%

Is PHL be poised for growth due to PBBM or it would grow inspite of its Presidency.   Domestic consumption would be a prime driver.  Countries dependend on exports would be vulnerable to external shocks.   Inflation is down to 2.4% and BSP is expected to lower interest rates (The governor was a batchmate in college)







Mega projects of Capt Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso; how does Jr compare?

Looking forward to the future of business

The phenomenal rise to power in 2022 and achievements at Bukina Faso under the leaders of Capt Ibrahim Traore is nothing short of phenomenal.  After removing fetters of colonialism (not entirely 100% because he depended on little help from China) his country are into dam developments, irrigation, Renewable energy, military hardware, highways, infrastructure, healthcare, gold refining,  and many more

We have seen that having military dictators, if they have nation building in their hearts and head can be good for the country.   They are forceful, mission oriented and clear.  And this is the new model - for African nations to get clear of multinationals and Western colonists.

We must congratulate Capt Ibrahim for his achievements and let this be a motivation for our leaders to lessen eyeing each other, destroying each other, but build our nation/country to greatness.




Monday, June 16, 2025

How the rich avoid paying taxes (millionaires and billionaires)

Looking forward to the future of business

This post was wondering whether this should be posted under scams.  But it should be here.  There are legal loopholes on how not to pay taxes at all.   Tax avoidance - legal, vs tax evasion (illegal)

1.  Not selling stocks when they rise in value but rather borrowing against it, and paying off the same with dividents or partial sale of shares of stock.   Unsold shares are not taxed with capital gains.   So the wealthy simply borrow vs their shares

2.  Declaring all legal business expenses  which are deductible

3.  Having perks:   clubs, memberships, travel charged vs business (but there now de mimimis provision at least in local BIR rulings

4.  Saving on CGT, donors tax donees tax.   A large bank's owner (not deceasedd) set up a foundation that does art patronage, awards to teachers saving on donors and doneees tax and estate tax.   He donated all his shares to the foundation, and appointed his sons and daughters to the foundation.  The foundation votes on the shares of the stock of the bank electing the directors.  As a matter of fact the President of the foundation is the EVP of the bank (he just retired)

So they say, taxes are only for the poor.

Take note also why sale of art work is flourishing.   Buying an art work is an expense, not an investment and profits from the appreciation of the works of art are likewise treated as expenses and thus untaxed.  So ever wondered why art works (even those ugly ones) comman high prices.  They are tax shelters.  


 


Boring businesses make make millions

Looking forward to the future of business

They are boring but make millions:   rental properties and services:

    1.  ATM
    2.  Laundrymat
    3.  Equipment leasing

Playbook:

    1.  Start locally
    2.  Develop system
    3.   Expand slowly




Why is the Philippines one of the fastest growing economies in Asia and the world today?

Looking forward to the future of business

Its no longer lagging behind its neighbors.   Its $3,800 GDP per capita behind Vietnam and Indonesia.   
PHL was keeping pace with India, Indonesia, Vietnam.

During the time of Benigno Aquino, growth neared 7%.  At the time of Duterte it was only 6%+





Sunday, June 15, 2025

Porcupine effect, not revealing everything in presentation, is just like a striptease

Looking forward to the future of business

This post has criticized the practice of junior officers of sharing their computations to the adversary in negotuation or emailing vibering dm, information being requested by the other parties or customers. 
The negative effect is once the customer or the adversary learns of this:  he/she can formulate at his own time his counter attack on your proposal, go to others for the same deal, or leave you turn down your offer.

It is better:
1   To give the info face to face.  Avoid the email or viber thing.  It is the fastest way to lose the deal
      Give only limited info, and ask if this the thing he needs to close the deal.  Make him/her work hard to        to get info from him.  This is the porcupine effect.  Even on sales. No info is free. You give it in'     
       exchange for something

2.  Find out his situation why he she needs the deal

3.  You use this in sales also.

But if he she wants to seal the deal now do it

Issuing pdc in a business deal - ante mano may criminal case na?

Looking forward to the future of business

There was a business deal being proposed where our party is required to issue pdc.   I object to that because there is a prima facie act that you committed a crime ie that your pdc is unfunded  Let it just be civil transaction not a criminal deal.  

Did Manny Villar really make trllions in 2024, Rappler reporters do not think so

Looking forward to the future of business

It is a window dressing, a result of asset revaluation How could such an event take place if the net cash flow is negative? Rappler reporters do not hink so

It defies the basic definition of business is creating customers.  It is simply a result of accounting mumbo jumbo, asset revaluation and not a result of hard effort to build customer base, sell more inventories.  It is just asset revaluation and not even supported by land valuation assessment by licensed real estate appraiser.  No disclosure, no audited financial statement report.  Is this dishonesty, a scam? 

That is why while in GSB, I removed the guy from my list of idol iconic businessman. 

This post nearly got scammed by former business associate; (trust no one)

Looking forward to the future of business

This post got a friend request from a former business colleague (we built houses for him) whom I heard lived abroad and left his very very wealthy wife and laws.  And so later on he inquired whether I have known about an international finance company aid to poor retired people like me.  He referred me to a person, a Chinese who could help me process the grant.   The legit website, a World Bank affiliate is inaccessible and only accepts loan application.  

I got through the Chinese agent and less than an hour said my grant of $100,000 was approved.  However I had to fork out $ for delivery charge which amounted to about 10% of the grant.   A variant of the Nigerian scam.

I relayed the information to the former business associate but he never replied.  Is he part of this suspected scam?  How could he?  I dealt with him straight while in the Philippines.  

This post stayed off the DM of the Chinese agent and the former business colleague.   I hope I never hear from them again





Heeding the lawyers; being cautious about termination of a joint venture project

Looking forward to the future of business

We should have closed this deal last January.  We have beeing courting the owner of the project for sale since October of 2024 and we have done all our research, computation, and even asking the contractor to visit the site and make estimates.  We even solicited marketers and sellers.

However, one problem remains - the existence of a joint venture agreement with a famous contractor (he seems to be all over the province.)  We requested for a termination of the joint project agreement which is registered with DHSUD (and probably annotated at the titles)  We requested for a certified true copy of the title, and we did not get any (is the owner keeping something secret from the buyers)

They did send a termination of contract (unilateral) via LBC.   Our lawyer recommends:
      1.   An acknowledgement and quit claim
      2.  Document jointly terminating the agreement

I remember there was a jv partner who wanted to rescind a contract, but our lawyers counter, was that he needed our consent and thus was unable to proceed with the termination of the agreement

Without that the lawyer said, there is the Damocles sword hanging that anytime, the registered developer can create chaos and unreasonable claims on the project.  We heard that the said developer has such an MO in the province.

Kaya lang sayang ang deal.   At times I am tempted to disregard the lawyer and go ahead.   

Friday, June 13, 2025

Sorbitol, a pharma and confectionary product from c....a - a high value added opportunity

Looking forward to the future of business

Sorbitol can be produced from a tuber that is grown widely in Nigeria.  It can is used as sweetner for chewing gum, other confectionary products, and cosmetics because of certain chracteristics for skin moisture and appearance.  

It seems to be safer alternative to aspartame which is very popular in softdrinks and other FMCG products.  Can this be used as sweet substitute for many diabetic patients around the world?  Can this be an opportunity for tuber grower.  Sorbitol has minimal glycemic index and taken in right amount, does not cause any spike in blood sugar.  (It is slowly absorbed undigested in the gut)

Sorbitol is a skin moisturizer (a humectant) and is thus important in skin care.  Dermreview - sorbitol in skin care


Aside from this this plant can be source of capsules, alcohol, MSG and many more.  Quite an unexplored agri produce     

Biodegrdable plastic bags from starch (c.....a)

Looking forward to the future of business

The world hungers for solution to plastic that clog drainage and cause flood.  There was reported to be an island in the Pacific which consist of floating plastic waste.

Thus the search is on for solution:
1.  To lessen plastic packaging
2.  To get rid of the waterways and the earth of plastic.

I heard from the father of a mangkin who is based in Italy that they are funding research on plastic that decays.  I just dont know what they are researching on but the solution seem to be at hand -  from cassava that grows and that can be grown a plenty here in the PHL.  This is a business opportunity and yes also saves the earth




Various (high value added) products from cassava

Looking forward to the future of business 


 These are the various products (and they are numerous) that can be made from cassava. Such a versatile plant. Easy to grow.   Not many inputs needed.




1.Tapioca pearls

2. Bioplastics - Bio gradable plastic (sorely needed by the world in packaging)

3. Medicine capsules

4. Alcohol- ethanol

5. Paper

6. Animal feed

7. Confectionery

8. MSG

9. Sweetener - sorbitol

10. Adhesive

11.  Starch

12.  Bread

All from lowly tuber crop -  dirty and unpleasant to look at.

Possible agri venture - planting this tuber can solve many problems

Looking forward to the future of business

Met with my uncle after a long while (he had his eye operated on) and met long for possible agri venture.  (He is into broiler, eggs, and cattle farming)  Our goal was to interest a relative in a big Region 3 province to have alternative sources of income, while at the same time provide livelihood (not ayudas) to his constituents, and thus strengthen further his political clout.  He just won a legislative position in his province.  

My idea is have plantation agreements in idle lands with landowner and partnership for high value products like white lamuan, and /or agar or trees with fragrance (since there are all ready such, owned by foreigners with their laboratories and who are expanding - quite an opportune moment

My uncles idea was different - to go on contract growing of a popular tuber that can be substitute for rice and which has numerous other uses:   flour, starch, textile, paper, ethanol, sorbitol costmetic products etc.

This project certainly could:

1.  Provide many jobs since harvesting and processing can be labor intensive;
2.  Save $ for rice importation
3.  Provide opportunities for high value products like sorbitol.

Nigeria is currently  the leader in cassava production and there are reports that those who engage in such business are now wealthy.




Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Would you take this deal?

Looking forward to the future of business

This piece of property consisting of 15 hectares, 2+ titled and rest rights cost only 7 numbers. I t is a montanoso and going there requires lot of horsepower from your vehicle -  roads are steep and difficult to go to.  A hotel was built by former contractor and had P5 million debt with a govt bank.  Eventually, his property was foreclosed and the govt bank wanted P40M for the property.  Somebody else deposited half of the amount and soon took over.  From what I heard, he is unable to raise the balance and now wants 9 numbers for the property.

Would you take this deal?

Proposed legislated P200/day salary hike, its effect on the economy

Looking forward to the future of business

Politicians would always want to be popular with the masses, the working man at the expense of economy and over all health of the nation.    There is the prospect that the P200.00/day wage hike will be passed.  We hope that our lawmakers will study and debate well this proposal.  Surely, without the study, it will mean higher prices and many new SMEs unable to meet the said wage:    either they violate or they close shop.   We copy the US example and now they have $37 trillion budget deficit, not to mention industries leaving their country.  Not to mention foreigners investors doing their business elsewhere.  

Think about this.  

We cant just keep printing money or borrow from capital and money markets.  We must keep our prices and costs in line with each other, and investors a just return for their capital


Sunday, June 8, 2025

300 hectare bamboo plantation in Pangasinan (the biggest in the Philippines?)

Looking forward to the future of business

This shows the seriousness and focus of Pangasinan province to lift agribusiness.   Its just fitting because of reported demand for bamboo in Bayambang, where there is a bamboo factory by a former mayor.




Products that can be made from bamboo

Looking forward to the future of business

This post did not realize that a number of products can be made from bamboo.   Just like the coconut.       

Profitable bamboo plantation in India

Looking forward to the future of business

It is not just about saving the earth, but also creating wealth.  





Amazing facts about bamboos

Looking forward to the future of business Two types: clumping and rhizomes. Can grow up to 1 meter a day

Is anti microbial vs bacteria and fungus, grows rapidly, produces more O2 than same size of forest,  stronger than steel     

Benefits of bamboo fabric

Looking forward to the future of business

Advantages of fabric from bamboo

1.  Are cheaper;
2.  More breathable
3.  Does not fade fast;
4.  Resist bacteria
5.  Require less frequent washing

Makes for more affordable clothing especially in poor countries




Silica in bamboo for calcium uptake as we age, and for younger skin (aids in production of collagen)

Looking forward to the future of business

Found in bamboo tea and bamboo shoots.   Found in leaves and above the ground parts of bamboo.  (That is why diet of panda and elephants)





Bamboo shoots doubles stem cells and promotes angiogenesis young beautiful skin and longevity

Looking forward to the future of business

This food might throw many multi million stem cells clinics out of business (skin clinics and beauty soaps).   All you have to do is to consume food with young bamboo shoots.  This food is common in Chinese cuisine

Young bamboo shoots promote:     angiogenesis, (re growth of blood vessels especially if they have grwon brittle and occluded as you age) and stem cells.  

"Bamboo shoots are also rich in silica, a mineral that aids collagen production, which supports the skin and other tissues. As collagen is vital for tissue structure and repair, it works hand-in-hand with stem cells to maintain youthful, resilient skin and a healthy body. According to Dr. Li, consuming bamboo shoots regularly can boost your body’s natural stem cell production, effectively doubling their activity in some cases. This means that by simply incorporating this nutrient-dense food into your diet, you could enhance your body’s ability to repair itself and maintain youthful energy."


There are plenty of bamboo in the Philippines and this is an impetus to grow bamboo and harvest bamboo shoots for this grand slam in food and agribusiness.       

Food from bamboo - young bamboo shoots: fresh and packaged

Looking forward to the future of business

This is part of great Chinese cuisine  (This post is not)  Touted as nutritious  full of benificial nutrients and therapeutic properties







Producing bamboo panels

Looking forward to the future of business

There were several videos this post has seen:   one is CDO, a branch of Vietnamese company, and the other one would be at Pangasinan where you have Saint statue clad with bamboo veneer.  The owner has 5,000 hectares planted with bamboo.  Investing in the future, in sustainable wood industry..







Textiles from bamboo - how they are made?

Looking forward to the future of business

Yes textiles and fabric can be made from bamboo.  But since processes are complicated, they can be more expensive.   They are better than silk and are soft to touch.  They are used for towels, shirt, blankets.    

Giant Bamboo growing in the Philippines

Looking forward to the future of business

Yes there is giant bamboo variety and can grow heights up to 50 meters, but is thin.  This is all ready being grown in Mindanao

There is a lot of agri business opportunity in the Philippines - that can generate wealth and create jobs, and lift PHL further up from LDC to middle income economy.




Bamboo growing can save this Planet - Pablo van der Lugt at TED Ex presentation

Looking forward to the future of business

This Norwegian scientist with PhD sees great hope in saving planet earth from the dangers it faces now like climate change and global warming and depletion of natural resources

1.  Bamboos grow incredibly fast up to 40 cm per day;
2.  It needs little care
3.  It matures and is usable only after 3 years, (unlike timber that takes 50 up to 100 years before it can replenish used wood resources
4.  It is very versatile and can be used as 1.   tea     2.  food -  young bamboo shoots    3.  for paper pulp
for textile and 4 for variety of construction uses:    floors, as veneer, structural beams, scaffoldings, etc.
Thus it will create plenty of jobs and wealth for those:

     1.  Who grow bamboo;
     2.  Harvest and transport the bamboo to factories for processing
     3.  Those who work in factories
     4.   Those who sell bamboo products

5.  It is carbon negative and can soak up 40 tons of CO2 in a year.  What can 1M hectares of idle land planted with bamboo do to global warming   

The worldwide bamboo market is worth $70 billion  China controls 50% of that.  Thus we see plastic spoon fork and knives serrved at HK fastfood   

Developments in the Philippines
1.  Passage of Bamboo Industry Development  Act of 19th Congress.  (although no budget yet)
2.  Bamboo growers association in Mindanao c/o Manny Pinol former DA Secretary
3.  Former mayor Cesar Quiambao having 5,000 hectares planted to Bamboo in Pangasinan;  the province's goal is to have 30,000 hectares planted to bamboo 

Friday, June 6, 2025

Lessons for start up in Netflix "Mad Unicorn"

Looking forward to the future of business



 

Mad Unicorn trailer


"What does it take to turn a dream into a billion-dollar reality? Get a peek at the exhilarating ride with the main trailer for Mad Unicorn, a captivating series inspired by the true story of Thailand’s first unicorn startup. Directed by the award-winning Nottapon Boonprakob (Come and See), the series promises a blend of high-stakes business drama and personal transformation.

The trailer introduces viewers to Santi, a driven young entrepreneur who transitions from a life in the mountains to the high-pressure world of express delivery. As he navigates betrayal and fierce competition, themes of ambition, resilience, and redemption emerge, painting a vivid picture of his quest to make his business succeed in Thailand.

In Mad Unicorn, Ice-Natara Nopparatayapon (One for the Road, Delete) stars as Santi, the ambitious protagonist who dreams of lifting his family out of poverty. Armed with fluent Mandarin taught by his mother, Santi spots an opportunity in the express delivery industry and launches “Thunder Express.” When a ruthless tycoon, Kanin, portrayed by legendary actor and musician Ek-Thaneth Warakulnukroh (The Sea is Watching), betrays him, Santi teams up with a sharp-witted financier, Xiaoyu (Janeyeh Jiranorraphat), and an antisocial coding prodigy, Ruijie (Dr. Palang Rocksilp).

Mad Unicorn weaves a narrative rich in cultural authenticity and innovation. Set against the backdrop of Bangkok’s dynamic business landscape, the series takes viewers on a wild ride through the world of express delivery services.

Join Santi on his relentless pursuit for his dreams in Mad Unicorn, debuting on May 29, only on Netflix."

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Most expensive universities in the Philippines; does studying in these schools guarantee success in life

Looking forward to the future of business

The schoool where I studied only charged P700.00 sem,  It is now no 9.

Does studying in these schools make you a better person or wealthy.  The reality is that they dont.  Most who went abroad among my classmates ended up as civil servants abroad.  A waste of local scarce resources.  No wonder we are being left behind.    




Cash burn donor fatigue - a challenge for non profits

Looking forward to the future of business

I have an aborted appointment with a Pastor who was soliciting PHP from our office.  I had helped him before with 6 number donation for Bibles.  He expects me to continue with that despite unpleasant experience. 

Just to help him I proposed a scheme wherein his non profit (a religious organization) can raise money and be self sustaining organization.   Most non profit are in a situation of cash burn -  they merely spend the donation and do nothing to be sustainable.   Catholic churches run schools and invest to make themselves less dependent on donations.  Donors experience donor fatigue.

However non profits would not want to have headache in running a profit business.  It is easier to get dontion  Hence the pastor does not want to meet with me.  




Brace for monkey pox - is it going to be pandemic too?

Looking forward to the future of business

Health wealth.

Number of cases is rising.  The most prominent of whom was a LGU exec of an island province in Eastern Visayas

Take the necessary precaution.  Wear face masks, Social distancing.   Strengthen immune system.  Avoid crowded spaces.  Wear long sleeves.   Practice high standards of hygiene.




In business you have to confront reality especially if there is a lot of hype and noise

Looking forward to the future of business

Lately because of the Jessica Soho feature everybody was enamored with agri forestry.  Even this post.  That is why this post devoted a lot of time and research into this new "opportunity"   It is said to earn zillions in 5  years.  However it seemed to me that there are gaps in the business model

1.  Selling lumber for 5 years tree  There was a post on the White Lauan that was 5 years old and had only about 6 inches diameter although it is about 30 ft tall, not enough to have 500 board feet as computed

2.  Dense planting (1.5 x 1.5 meters) of widely spaced (3 x 3 meters)

3.  End of the value chain -  marketing

This post verified this (checking reality) with a business partner who is from the island province and is into agriventure. and told me that the difficulty really is with no. 3.  There are many who are into this in their province. That is why her business partner who who has a 4.5 hectare planted to mahogany cut his trees and converted into our type of business.   But the difficulty is in marketing.  After the trees are matured and there a all ready the fragrances, the buyers are hard to come by, just like the nata de coco fiasco  of yesteryears -- many went into this because this was so easy to do.  Only to end up with containerloads of nata de coco wihtout buyers.  I know of a feed dealer who lost his shirt in nata de coco.

That is why it pays if you make a plan or proposal to incorporate/use the GROW template:

       G  -oal

       R - eality

       O -ptions

       W-hat to do next.

The reality portion deands that you:
1.  Do a market competitor research
2.  Ask those who are in the know
3.  Ask the hard questions.  Question the assumption




Friday, May 30, 2025

Covid 19 and other diseases are back: take precaution

Looking forward to the future of business

Health is wealth.  As I took the public transportation today, this post wore face mask.   Because, friends warned me Covid maybe back.   Coupled with rising number in HK and Singapore:

     1.  Friends in the memorial business are noting rising number of deaths due to respiratory, pneumoniia
          like causes;
     2.  Diagnostic centers  are reporting positive csses of covid 19
     3.   N pox too

So be careful when in public places. Wear face masks in crowded places Social distncing, Handwashing. Get yourself a vaccinations vs covid 19.  

  The DOH may not want us to panic and/or re following orders not to mention report covid 19 again under this administrations. Nor spend again on vaccines

Monday, May 26, 2025

Introducing livelihood rather than just charity and ayuda

Looking forward to the future of business

A companion in 4x4 who was reported to be the  first Filipino to climb Everest 20 years ago (2015)  communicated to me some grandiose plan for evangelization. He has become a pastor   Initially helped him with donation of hundreds of thousands worth of P40.00@ bible.

Instead of dole out and charity, I plan to talk him into introducing agri forestry in the areas he will be proslytizing with livelihood eg  agro forestry so that he can be self sustaining.

God helps those who help themselves

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Amending an existing contract

Looking forward to the future of business

Yesterday this post joined a meeting regarding the meeting for signing of an amended contract.

Since Friday last week there was a request for the meeting to review the contract.  This was the result of a month long effort by the parties of the contractor, a CE and project officer, plus the redrafting of the legal consultant.  There was another scheduled meeting last Monday, and then Wednesday, and then finally we had this last Thursday.

My impression upon seeing the draft was the document was a new contract. There was a recitation of articles that are in a new contract (and were recited before in the old contract) However in reality there were 3 things that need to be documented as ageed upon:

1.  That the contractor changed org from enterprise to a corporation;
2.   That there was a request and approved verbally for an x amount of escalation;
3.   That there were additions and subtraction in the scope of work

So I suggersted that:
1.  The title of the agreement was "Amendment to a Cosntruction Contract"
2.   And incorporate at the above 3 in the amendment as a resolution or course of action.

I was apprehensive that these suggestions opinions would be contrary to the legal counsel draft and their discussion  A draft could be made and signed yesterday Friday.  But the new heads opted for a legal counsel review

A new contract that was presented was a novation and that meant you have opened yourself to:
     1.  Doing an operation without contract
     2.  More changes etc

An addendum or amendment would be simpler and in keeping with the spirit of reality

This post met with the contractor and explained the situaiton ie that the amendment (the revision of the docs) is subject to review and verbally told him that essentially we have agreed on 1 to 3.  He was satisfied.  

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Living out the business experience vs pontificating, lecturing

Looking forward to the future of business

This post has taught in a GSB in the 4 walls of the academe but always wanting to be extraterritorial.  We went to restos, to sites of businesses owned by the students, we went on experimentation to give reality to what we were talking about in the classroom.  We asked students to come with illegal business ideas, we asked for business plans.  Not so much of lectures or academe (but which the succeeding dean killed ending my teaching career)

It was going back to textbook reading, chapter by chapter and answering review questions.  Life was never made that way.   And having departmental tests:   select the best answer.  True or false

My post here are not lectures but real experiences as we navigate negotiation and formulation of business ideas.  In real world.  Not from textbook





Aquilaria (agarwood) green gold, touted to be the most expensive but highly regulated in the PHL

Looking forward to the future of business

It was mentioned that harvessting from the wild especially in the mountains of Samar Leyte in Mindanao are covered.  Those in the wild command the best price and quality.  The domestic inoculated ones are not that regulated.   However the germination planting, harvesting  and trading need DENR and CITES approval.  This adds another layer of complexity to the  growing and marketing of AGAR.  You need to inoculate this.  However some say that in China, they do not encourage inoculation because the process causes lower quality and hence price.

This post thought there was a law, but only DENR regulations.   They say they have to do this because Aquilaria is endangered because of the poaching because of the high value.

The first to be legalized farming is that of IBA Botanicals headed by Ben Mead.  They collaborated with Gourmet in Silang and now selling seedlings.   

However it does not seem to be endangered.  There seems to be millions all ready planted here in the Philippines. 

Why do they seem to make it so hard?  No wonder many Filipinos are poor.  Our regulations keep us from becoming wealthy 




Saturday, May 10, 2025

Its no longer about money but uplifting others: workers, land owners, LGU - being a man for others

Looking forward to the future of business

Many would not believe this but I have been busy lately not so much for myself for the others.  True to the goal of alma mater to be a man for others.    So I mentor people so that they can be good in business, This post evaluate opportunities for them for free, and give them advise on how to close the deal. I do not ask for PHP but advise them to seek PHP for themselves.  So the beneficiaries are landowners (if we have land dev project or even agri forest project)  the workers who will be hired, the LGU to whom the taxes who will be paid, and even those who ask for grease money (yest we do)

Sometimes too all you need is trust from people so you can seize project without PHP or get the investors right in the locality where you are putting up the project

Opportunity scanning, screening and seizing always

Looking forward to the future of business

In my biking cum business meeting today, this post happened to scan these opportunities:

1.  Can we retail an untitled 3.2 hectare project that we failed to develop being untitled?
2.   Can you get in touch with people of B..... who is reputed to be billionaire now?

      Yes her chemist;
      I had an officemate who went into fragrance
      I had an uncle before who was into furniture making and am sure can help find buyers for white
                   Lauan which is cheap and strong wood for furniture making
     There isi a lot in _________which serves three towns wth population of 220K which can be had
                   for JV for only P500K.  It is 4 km to major outlet whose cemetery is full

We can sreen them now, and then seize them when the numbers are right and we can agree with the persons, owners

For the possible joint venture for agri forestry products, the party whom we emailed answered.   

Its really connection, networking, application that counts if you want to get ahead in life

Looking forward to the future of business

I have heard this often from elders:   "Its who you know not what you know"

In your research and study of feasibility you have to seek connection:  who can produce who has the source, who has the money and who is going to buy your product.

Thus as I study how to make a farm lot project feasible I had to research:

    1.  Whats the extraordinary thing I can do about this  Ans -  with business in the farm lot?
    2.  What could be:   agroforestry:      the flowering trees, timber and agar
    3   Sources:   for timeber:     yong mga nagseseminar,  Dr M,  ;   for flowers   from contact in Palawan
    4.  Buyers:   Goldwood contact for Lauan,  for partners;   resto owners, the fragrance buyers.

These plus

   1.  Determination
   2.  Hard work
   3.  Problem solving
   4  Being positive
   5. Getting the right people
   6.  Being scared often  you should be +++ always but realistic enough to reflect:
       1.  Are my assumptions hypothesis right
       2.  Is the data correct or all you got is an impression or single event
       3  Is the market solid?
       4  Can you trust the people you are talking with supporting you now
   7.  To be compelling and a good communicator

And always the right connect

Designing making your own distiller for your own essential oils

Looking forward to the future of business

As this post was researching on fragrances:   plantation, for aquilaria and ylang2, there grew a back up in case you cant esport your produce.  You need to sell this to local and international and buyers   One of the best ways is to look for users of these stuff for manufacturers of fragrances.

This morning we came across persons who:

    1.  Used to formulate cosmetics for a billionaire (now) fragrant manufactuer;
         but now manufacture her own staff (Ayesha)   She became millionaire because soap, fragrance
         all parts of beauty business is a big business
    2.  Office mate who went into fragrances;
    3.  The uncle who owns goldwood, the uncle of the contact person who did furniture before for
         the White Lauan (timber farming)

            

Friday, May 9, 2025

Another Ylang ylang center: at Anao Tarlac

Looking forward to the future of business
Just before Bamban (the former domain of Alice Guo)



Ylang ylang a path to becoming wealthy, a multi billion industry

Looking forward to the future of business There are two well known areas in the Philippines where they grow ylang2: Anao Tarlac, and Iba Zambales



Fragrances from Ylang ylang flowers/essential oil

Looking forward to the future of business

Ylang ylang essential oil sells for $1600 per liter according to Iba Botanicals.  Hence it is a booming business.   Ylang ylang fragrance is a premium top of the line fragrance and carried by top fragrance sellers




Harvesting Ylang ylang flowers at IBA Botanicals and distilling essential oils

Looking forward to the future of business

This video is an observation of operation of IBA Botanicals owned by Ben Mead.   The main product is essential oil which they sell export to fragrance maker in Europe.   

There can be Ylang ylang tea too.

The ylang ylang should be pruned to make it flower and easy harvesting.    

Ylang ylang is recognized fragrance and ingredient of name brands.  Good for skin care and fragrances. 

IBA Botanicals occupy 20 hectares and have 1,000 trees that are being harvested.  They look forward to expansion nad reaching 30,000 trees level.   Each tree requires a cap ex of P1,700 and reaching 30,000 tree ount requires sizeable investment.  A 30,000 tree level means daily intensive operations 

Essential oil sells for $1,600 per liter (thats about P80,000)   big money eh.   



Making your own home made distiller for essential oils

Looking forward to the future of business

This should be easy to implement.  It consists of only two units:   the still or the steaming unit where you heat up through steam or boiling water the item you want ot extract the essential oil from:    flowers as lavender, ylang, ylang, agar wood chips, orange peel,  and the condensing unit.   It should consist of a metal hollow coil as copper or stainless (hard to coil) immersed in cool running water.   The hoses and the collector bottle are part of the whole system.

This post has been made as we research into farm lots with ylang ylang, and aquilaria plantation.  Especially for the latter, the rules are hard for marketing.  But the local market for essential oil can be local ie muslims and local fragrance/cosmetic producers (and now they are many)     

In the Agar wood business, the proponent wants a 60:40 sharing (since the marketing is export)  We can save by getting unlicensed growers market without passing through normal difficult channels





Thursday, May 8, 2025

White Lauan, a P300 billion industry to compete with NZ white pine wood

Looking forward to the future of business

Sells for P90.00 per board foot, matures in 5-10 years, vs 30 years for NZ.  Can help in reforestation, and lessening carbon emission.  A game changer for our forest land and poor farmers.  And denuded forest.  Can lessen flooding




13 beautiful ornamental trees in the Philippines

Looking forward to the future of business

1.  Dapdap
2.  Orchid tree (bauhinia)
3.  Bagras,
4.  Malabulak
5.  Flame tree
6.  Balayong
7.  Banaba
8.  Madre de Cacao
9.  Gloden Trumpet
10.  Narra
11.  Flame tree     

Top 10 ornamental trees (flowering trees in the PHL

Looking forward to the future of business

We can increase the tourism potential of the PHL by making scenic spots in the Philippines.  And we have trees that are comparable to that of Japan.  We have our own versions of Cherry blossoms like madre de cac ao, Balayong, Golden shower,    

Such flowering trees can enhnace the attraction of restaurants and or coffee shops or resorts (or even memorial parks)





Agro Forestry a new approach to increase bio diversity and uplift income of Filipinos

Looking forward to the future of business

Agro Forestry is being promoted by the group of Dr. Epharaim de Guzman and covers three branches:
       1.   Timber wood production
       2.   Flowering trees
       3.   Agar wood

They are all multi billion businesses and can up the income of idle and or forest lands.    Can contribute to lessening of carbon including prevention of pandemic.   Plants fight pests and germs, when plants run out the pests attack the remaining organism and they are human beings.   



 1.   Timber wood production

       You can grow 2,200 white lauan in one hectare,   The selling price of Lauan can be P90.00 per board foot.   Can compete with white pine exported by NZ.    They grow white pine for 30 years;   white Lauan is good for 5 to 10 years
       2.   Flowering trees
         
       Japan earns $6 billion a year on tourism.  We can do same likewise because cherry blossom bloom
for 2 mos.    Our flowering trees are good for 4 mos.  Like charging P100.00 for visiting a farm of flowering trees:    madre de cacao, golden shower, bulak, dapdap, patalsik bula, 
       3.   Agar wood




Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Agri, flower farming at Iba Zambales, home of IBA botanicals

Looking forward to the future of business
Founded by Benjamin Mead, an Australian married to a Filipina

Ilang ilang essential oil extraction

Looking forward to the future of business

Ingredient for perfume.    Available in the Philppines.  Leaning on strength on agri.  Can provide more jobs.    Can boost local perfume industry.





Agarwood oil extraction

Looking forward to the future of business

We can go into this instead of being limited by bans on export by DENR and CITES. (With thousands being planted it is no longer endangered)





19 Benefits of Agarwood oil: psycho physical (from Plantation International)

Looking forward to the future of business

Benefits of Agarwood oil kaya pala mahal!


Would you believe that an essential oud oil obtained from infected wood commands a higher price than gold? It sounds ridiculous doesn’t it? But that’s the story with Agarwood oud oil, or Oud as it is known in the Middle East.

Agarwood is the resinous heartwood formed in infected trees of the evergreen Aquilaria and Gyrinops tree families, native to southeast Asia.

This precious wood and its oud oil have a deep spiritual history and significance, and they are mentioned in the oldest spiritual texts – the Sahih Muslim, the Charaka Samhita, the Torah, the Bhagavad Gita, the Sushruta Samhita, Islamic scriptures and the Gospel.

  • Agarwood is said to be the favorite fragrance of Lord Krishna, God of Protection.
  • The Buddha taught that the fragrance of burning Agarwood is the “scent of Nirvana” (the state of attaining Divinity).
  • Samurai warriors perfumed their armor with Agarwood smoke for good luck before going into battle.

The extravagant King Louis XIV of France had his clothes and linens washed in a blend of water boud oiled with Agarwood and rose to give him energy, and for its pleasing fragrance.

Until infection, the heartwood in the tree has no medicinal properties but once a fungal infection (phialophora parasitica) takes hold of the tree, the tree responds by producing a protective resin which saturates the heartwood and the roots. This resin is informally known as liquid gold. After many years the amount of resin that the tree has produced increases the density of the wood so much that when it is floated on water it sinks. The Japanese call Agarwood, jinkoh, ‘the wood that sinks.’

In China the wood is known as ch’en hsiang, which means the ‘sinking incense wood.’ it’s also known there as ‘Wood Of The Gods.’ The International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences reports that Agarwood, is mentioned as early as the third century AD in ancient China.

In the Far East the wood is treasured for the unique perfume that it produces, and its use as an incense in spiritual practises and religious ceremonies accounts for most of the commercial production of this wood. The essential oud oil is also used for anointing and in sacred oud oil blends.

It takes 70kg of heartwood to produce a mere 20 ml of the essential oud oil, and one ounce of wild crafted Agarwood oud oil (Aquilaria malaccensis) retails for over $1500 dollars. It’s estimated that only 2% of wild ‘agar’ trees produce this resin.

The wild crafted Agarwood undergoes several rounds of steam distillation which produces different grades of oud oil of varying strength. The first round of distillation produces Grade 1 essential oud oil, the second round of distillation produces grade 2 oud oil and so on. Anyone selling this essential oud oil should offer a certificate of authenticity which details the source and distillation grade.

A second type of Agarwood exists which is considered somewhat inferior to the wild crafted oud oil. The trees that produce this type of Agarwood oud oil (Aquilaria crassna) are sustainably managed, and intentionally infected with the fungus. This produces a similar oud oil but its chemical composition is different. This essential oud oil costs a little less than the wild crafted version and retails for around $920 an ounce.

One of the uses for this essential oud oil is as an ingredient in perfume. It’s described as having an utterly unique scent that can’t be compared to any other known perfume note, having a deep exotic, rich, sweet, warm, woodsy, honeyed tobacco, earthy aroma with animalistic musky undertones. The oud oil is forms the basis of the legendary Arabian perfume known as Oud.

Chandler Burr, former New York Times perfume critic says, “It has a very particular scent and there is nothing like it on the market.”

Jennifer Peace Rhind writes in her book, Fragrance and Well Being – Plant Aromatics and Their Influence on the Psyche, that the fragrance of Agarwood “can transport us through time and space to an imagined antiquity, or even into a trance state.”

If you would like to get an idea of this amazing fragrance look for high end perfumes like:

  • Oud Velvet Mood by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
  • Rose Oud by Kilian
  • Oud Ispahan by Christian Dior
  • Oud for Highness 75 (created for the King of Jordan in 1975) by Krigler
  • Oud Wood by Tom Ford
  • Splendid Wood by Yves Saint Laurent
  • Prince William reportedly received a bespoke Oud fragrance as a gift on his wedding day.

Agarwood oud oil is a dark golden-amber, slightly viscous liquid that is considered to be safe to use undiluted on the skin.

The properties of Agarwood oud oil are (so far) known to be:

  • Stimulant – quickens physiological function
  • Tonic – strengthens the body
  • Anti-inflammatory – reduces inflammation
  • Aphrodisiac – increases sexual desire
  • Diuretic – stimulates the production of urine
  • Antimicrobial – kills or resists pathogenic microorganisms
  • Carminative – settles the digestive system and relieves gas
  • Febrifuge – combats fever
  • Digestive – aids digestion of food
  • Expectorant – loosens mucus in the respiratory tract and aids expulsion
  • Muscle relaxant – eases tension in muscles
  • Demulcent – protects mucus membranes and calms irritation
  • Emmenagogue – stimulates menstrual flow
  • Analgesic – relieves pain
  • Anti-arthritic – combats arthritis
  • Antipruritic – relieves or prevents itching
  • Stomachic – digestive aid and tonic, improves appetite.
  • In Tibetan medicine Agarwood is used to treat emotional, nervous and psychological issues, through its ability to induce a
  • deep meditative state. It is also used as a tranquilizer.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Agarwood is used to treat the digestive system, relieve spasms, regulate the vital organs, relieve pain, treat halitosis and to support the kidneys. It is used to ease tightness in the chest, reduce abdominal pain, stop vomiting, treat diarrhea and relieve asthma. The aroma of Agarwood is said to stimulate Qi, – the ‘vital force’ or ‘life energy’.

In Ayurveda, Agarwood is used primarily for its warming qualities and for its deep effects on the mind when burnt as incense. The powdered heartwood is also used as a treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting and anorexia. Agarwood oud oil is recommended for augmenting mental clarity, opening the third eye and all of the chakras in the upper part of the body.

I think that the main reason to obtain a tiny vial of this valuable essential oud oil would be to experience its otherworldly aromatic effects, but if you’ve got one of those huge vaults filled with gold coins, just like Scrooge Mcduck, then you might like to indulge in some of the other uses for Agarwood oud oil.

1. Attain Inner Peace With Agarwood oud oil
Agarwood oud oil is considered to be a unique oud oil of rescue, able to offer healing from emotional trauma. It is also claimed that this oud oil has a highly powerful harmonizing effect on the electrical frequencies of the brain.

Tibetan monks use Agarwood oud oil has to increase their inner energy and induce absolute tranquility to the mind and the soul. It is for this reason that Agarwood is such a revered and favored oud oil for use in the ceremonies of numerous spiritual traditions and esoteric gatherings.

2. Agarwood oud oil Alleviates Pain Including Rheumatic And Arthritic Conditions
With its analgesic, antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory properties, this essential oud oil helps to relieve pain and reduce the inflammation associated with rheumatism and arthritis.

Massage the painful areas with 2 drops of Agarwood oud oil mixed with a little coconut oud oil to ease symptoms. The oud oil’s diuretic qualities will also promote more frequent urination to flush out toxins, and uric acid from the system, which reduces pain, swelling and stiffness. You can also use 2 drops of the essential oud oil in hot or cold compress for soothing muscular pain.

3. Support The Digestive System With Agarwood oud oil
The digestive, carminative, and stomachic properties of Agarwood oud oil support smooth digestion and prevent the buildup of gas when taken used a digestive. If painful gas is already present the oud oil can aid in expelling the gas and reduce discomfort.

Use 2 drops of Agarwood oud oil mixed with a carrier oud oil and massage into the upper or lower abdomen depending on where pain is felt. The oud oil will stimulate the production of the digestive juices necessary to treat indigestion and bloating and work gas through the system.

4. Banish Bad Breath With Agarwood oud oil
Researchers have noted that Agarwood oud oil is effective against a number of bacteria. Bacteria are the cause of bad breath, and the oud oil has been used traditionally to freshen the breath.

Add 1 drop of Agarwood oud oil and 1 drop of Peppermint oud oil to a 4oz glass of water and use to swish around the mouth and to gargle with.

5. Agarwood oud oil For Breast Cancer
Agarwood oud oil has been investigated for its anticancer properties. In cell cultures it was found to inhibit the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The researchers determined that their results warranted further investigation into the viability of Agarwood oud oil as a possible anti cancer therapy.

6. Agarwood oud oil Can Improve Skin Health
Agarwood oud oil is an anti-inflammatory which makes it useful for any skin condition that features redness, swelling, irritation or puffiness.

As an antibacterial Agarwood oud oil will remove bacteria from the skin and help to reduce the number of spots.

In Ayurveda, Agarwood is used as a treatment for a variety of skin diseases and disorders.

Use one or 2 drops of the oud oil mixed with your regular skin care cream or lotion.

7. Spice Up Your Love life With Agarwood oud oil
Agarwood is renowned for its aphrodisiac effects, which makes it the perfect essential oud oil to add to a massage oud oil blend for those special occasions.

The oud oil is also reputed to aid conditions that cause performance problems, by easing worries and releasing inhibitions.

Use a drop or two of the oud oil in combination with other aphrodisiac oud oils like Rose, Jasmine and Sandalwood.

8. Use Agarwood oud oil To Enhance Meditation
Agarwood oud oil will add another dimension to your meditative practises. Thousands of years of spiritual use have established this oud oil as a pathway to the deeper self and a doorway to the ‘other.’

Use a drop of the oud oil to anoint chakra centers or acupuncture points. You could also diffuse the oud oil in an aromatherapy diffuser to surround yourself with the powerful fragrance of this otherworldly oud oil.

The spiritual fragrance of this oud oil is reputed to have psychoactive properties that aid in the progression of your spiritual journey by instilling deep inner peace, elevating consciousness, balancing emotions, generating positive energy, and increasing awareness. The oud oil is also said to have the ability to open the crown chakra and the pineal gland.

9. Regulate Menstruation And Ease PMS With Agarwood oud oil
Agarwood oud oil can influence the hormones that stimulate menstruation and regulate irregular periods. It can also create balance for women approaching the menopause to alleviate many of the problems that arise at that time of life.

Balancing hormones also allows the oud oil to reduce breast tenderness, cramps, back pain, irritability and the low moods that can mar quality of life for a few days each month.

Use a drop of oud oil in a blend in an aromatherapy diffuser or mix a drop or two of the oud oil with a carrier oud oil and massage into your lower abdomen and lower back.

10. Relieve itching With Agarwood oud oil
Many conditions like nerve disorders, allergies, dermatitis, poison oak, etc, result in high levels of skin irritation and itching. Scratching away at itchy skin usually makes the irritation and itching much worse and if the skin is broken by excessive scratching, infection can set in.

Agarwood oud oil is an antipruritic which means that it can stop the itching from driving you mad.

Dilute a couple of drops of the essential oud oil in water or a carrier oud oil and apply to the affected skin to find relief. The analgesic pain relieving properties of the oud oil will also ease discomfort.

11. Agarwood oud oil Will Help With A Cough
When you have a dry, non productive cough caused by inflamed, irritated over sensitive tissue in your airway, Agarwood oud oil can help to reduce the inflammation and calm the cough, giving the sensitized tissue chance to return to its normal state.

The oud oil can be diluted and massaged into the throat and chest, diluted in water and used as a gargle, or diffused into the air with an aromatherapy diffuser.

12. Ease Congestion With Agarwood oud oil
Agarwood oud oil is anti-inflammatory, expectorant and demulcent. It can reduce the inflammation in your airways that causes constriction, loosen mucus to help you get it out of your system and calm irritated mucus membranes to ease the discomfort that congestion causes.

Use a couple of drops of the oud oil in a decongesting steam. Boud oil a pan of water and carefully pour the water into a ceramic bowl (not plastic because plastic absorbs the smell and taste of the oud oils), add the essential oud oil and drape a towel over your head. Lean over the bowl – don’t get too close to the water or the steam will scald your skin – close your eyes and use the towel to create a tent to trap the steam around you. Breathe as deeply as you can to draw the decongestant steam into your nasal passages and sinuses. Take breaks to blow your nose and clear out the loosened mucus. Keep inhaling the steam until the water cools and the steam is all gone.

13. Use Agarwood oud oil To Ease The Pain of Gout
Gout is known to be one of the worst pains a person can endure. It has been compared to the pain of giving birth and to the pain of passing a kidney stone. Unlike childbirth or passing a kidney stone, gout is a long term affliction that causes enduring misery and destroys quality of life.

Gout medications often cause side effects and they often don’t work

Agarwood oud oil has been used to treat gout in traditional healing systems. It is said to be able to break down the uric acid crystals that accumulate in the joints of people afflicted with gout.

Use a drop of the essential oud oil and massage it into the joint that is causing the pain. In addition to working on the uric acid, the analgesic properties of the oud oil will bring some welcome relief from pain, and inhaling the aroma will take your mind away from the discomfort.

14. Calm Restless Leg Syndrome Using Agarwood oud oil
Muscle twitches and spasms can be eased with Agarwood oud oil. The oud oil calms the nerves that send the out of control signals to the muscles.

Restless leg syndrome is particularly troublesome at night and often disturbs sleep. Rub a drop or two of the oud oil into your legs at bedtime to help alleviate the problem.

15. Aid Restful Sleep with Agarwood oud oil
When sleep is hard to find due to an overactive mind that won’t switch off, stress, anxiety or other emotional problems, use Agarwood oud oil to free your mind from the confines of the moment. Inhaling Agarwood oud oil will allow to drift away from your problems and get some much needed restorative sleep populated with unforgettable dreams.

16. Use Agarwood oud oil To Strengthen And Fortify The Body
Agarwood oud oil is a tonic and a stimulant. Anytime that you need a pick me up or a boost, using a little of the oud oil on your pulse points or inhaling its aroma will give the physical and emotional energy that you are lacking.

17. Stop nausea And Vomiting with Agarwood oud oil
Agarwood oud oil is used to relieve nausea and vomiting. Inhale the aroma to calm a queasy stomach or use a couple of drops of the oud oil in a carrier oud oil to massage into your stomach and abdomen. If your vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea, this oud oil will help to resolve that problem too.

18. Use Agarwood oud oil To Help With Memory And Learning
A traditional use of Agarwood oud oil in Hindu societies is as an aid to memory and learning. This makes the oud oil valuable for anyone suffering from impairment in these areas. For the elderly, or postmenopausal women suffering from brain fog, Agarwood oud oil can improve daily life. For children with attention deficit disorder the oud oil can help them to concentrate and retain information.

Inhale the aroma of the oud oil or rub a drop onto the pulse points or temples.

19. Use Agarwood oud oil To Smell Out Of This World
As a perfume oud oil the aroma of Agarwood oud oil is very special. The base note is very long lasting, and it changes as the fragrance dries down. One drop of Agarwood oud oil would leave you smelling wonderful all day long with a captivating, mysterious and intriguing fragrance. It’s definitely one to wow with on special occasions.


To find out more about how Plantations International can assist you with the development and management of your own Agarwood plantation and to receive a free initial consultation, please call us today on +852 5808 3775 or Click Here to contact your nearest Plantations International representative.