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.

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%+

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.  

BP 22 - Respicio

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. 

Rappler on Villar trillion 2024 net income

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.   

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

Comparison of artificial sweeteners. Is sorbitol the winner?

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.

Agriwanderist - various products from c......a

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.

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

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 

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."

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