Henry and Sons introduces transparency platform for coffee

In the recently concluded World Food Expo Manila, Henry and Sons President and CEO Michael Harris Conlin launched croptomarket.com—a digital transparency platform that displays a detailed information of coffee from the farmers to the retail market. During his presentation in the forum “A Taste of the Cordillera” last August 9, Conlin explains how customers can access the transparency report on every can of coffee purchased from Henry and Sons. By scanning the QR code on the can, the website will appear on the screen that shows information about the farmer where the coffee cherries were purchased, and the process of roasting and manufacturing of the coffee beans until it reaches its target consumers. It also reveals the breakdown of cost of the product—from crop to market. In partnership with the Saddle Hartwell Lumbag Coffee Growers Association through the Foundation for Sustainable Coffee Excellence, Henry and Sons also introduced the Nano Lots coffee series featuring the backyard farmers from Itogon, Benguet namely Lolita, Cayamdas, Hilda, and Rita. These coffee cans are the pioneer products to utilize the platform. The Foundation for Sustainable Coffee Excellence is the advocacy arm of Henry and Sons geared to address the major issues in the coffee farming industry. Its connection to the farmers began when the foundation provided an aid to the residents of Itogon, Benguet after typhoon Ompong struck the town in 2018. Mining, which used to be the community’s main source of livelihood, greatly contributed to the landslide that left the town devastated. Learning this, the foundation started to work with the farmers to help their town transform into a fully sustainable coffee growing community. Conlin, who is also a social entrepreneur, aims to demonstrate transparency, accountability and trust throughout the agricultural value chain and to positively impact the Philippine agricultural sector through the new platform. “Now, the consumers can truly see how their hard-earned money helps the entire value chain,” Conlin states. The featured coffees will be available at Rustan’s Department Store, The Giving Café, and at Henry and Sons’ e-commerce website TheVault.ph.

FOLIAGE GRAND LAUNCH

Foliage, the newest hair care line by David’s Salon, was launched last August 6, 2019 at Blue Leaf Filipinas. Made with natural ingredients and formulated with the highest standards, Foliage Professional Hair Care is the affordable and uncomplicatedanswer to the needs of both salon clients and hairdressers.

The products launched were the Alpha Keratin line, A.plexx, and Hair Booster. The Alpha Keratin line includes salon products no.1 purifying shampoo, a deep-cleaning shampoo that prepares hair for treatment, and no.2 treatment, which is made from natural Brazilian keratin extracts. The line is completed with home care products no.3 daily shampoo and no.4 daily conditioner. Used together, treated hair can last up to 2-3 months. A.plexxis a flexible two-step treatment that may be used together with other salon services like rebonding, coloring, bleaching, or perming to strengthen hair, or as a standalone treatment. Lastly, the Hair Booster is an intensive ceramide treatment that repairs and reconstructs hair, making it a recommended treatment for hair loss or damaged hair.

Ballerinas from the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet welcomed the guests as they danced to start the program, and after that, the Foliage brand and products were introduced to the 400 guests consisting David’s Salon stylists and VIPs.To represent the brand’s effortless yet hardworking qualities, stylists from David’s Salon branches were selected to make up the Foliage 30 Naturally Beautiful. The inspirational men and women walked the runway as their colleagues cheered them on.

David’s Salon stylists Mr. JojieSamonte (SM Makati branch), Ms. Dories Anagap (SM City North EDSA), Ms. Bea Pascua (SM Marikina), and Mr. Christian Lualhati (Tutuban) gave their testimonies as users of Foliage.  The products were developed for over a year with David’s Salon Academy, and Ms. Lorna Sandoval, David’s Salon Academy Training Director, affirmed that this is a product line that addresses the modern needs of both clients and stylists today.

Mr. David Charlton, CEO and Founder of David’s Salon, was there to deliver his message. He envisioned hair care that would be at par with the best salon products in the market today, but made with natural ingredients and had a very competitive price. Thus bloomed Foliage – natural hair care that is high-quality yet affordable.

The launch was hosted by David’s Salon brand ambassador Marybeth Nave, and Affinage Philippines Brand Ambassador and Creative Director Nick Manalo.

FOLIAGE PRODUCT LINE

PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS

Foliage hair care products have simple solutions to basic hair issues. Frizzy hair? Get those strands smooth with natural Keratin. Constant coloring, rebonding, or perming? Get A.plexx for A+ protection. Damaged hair and hair Loss? Heal from the roots with natural ceramides in our Hair Booster.

With a Foliage hair care product ready to cater to your every need, great hair is just a salon visit away.

Foliage Alpha Keratin

Smoothen your hair the natural way with Keratin! Keratin is an essential protein that is naturally found in hair. During the Foliage keratin treatment, your hair is repaired with hair proteins that strengthen and smoothens each strand. This can last for as long as 2-3 months. Hair feels soft and looks shiny after a keratin treatment because you actually have healthier hair, and Foliage has created the most advanced value-for-money keratin treatment in the market today!

no.1 purifying shampoo –  Deep cleans your hair and prepares it for the treatment. It removes product build-up, oils, and other dirt that may be in your strands, so this hard-working purifying shampoo makes sure your hair follicles are clean and ready to absorb all the keratin.

no.2 treatment – With its advanced blend of smoothening ingredients, the keratin treatment makes frizzy and kinky hair smooth and manageable. Made with only the most gentle and natural ingredients, it is formaldehyde-free and made with Brazilian Keratin extracts. This requires less steps than other keratin treatments, making it easier and faster to do.

no.3 daily shampoo and no.4 daily conditioner – Extend the life of your keratin treatment with the daily shampoo and conditioner. Specially formulated for keratin-treated hair, this hair care pair is a handy, at-home solution for making sure your hair stays smooth and silky, even after you’ve left the salon!

Foliage A.plexx

Add extra protection and vitality when getting to your hair while getting it colored, lightened, permed, or rebonded with the Foliage A.plexx! This very useful and flexible two-step treatment can be used safely along with other salon services, and shields each strand from breakage and damage. Change styles with confidence, knowing your hair is protected by A.plexx.

Repair – A.plexx 1 Repair is the friendly solution that goes well with other salon services. Mix A.plexx 1 Repair to coloring, bleaching, perming, or rebonding solutions. You can also use it on its own as a hair treatment!

Recondition – Make sure to seal the deal and lock all the goodness in with A.plexx 2 recondition. The A.plexx 2 recondition is a treatment that seals the cuticles, and makes sure that hair is at its shiny, healthy best!

Foliage Hair Booster The Foliage Hair Booster is an intensive ceramide treatment that repairs  your hair. Ceramides are naturally found in skin cells and act as a conditioning agent which not only locks all the good nutrients in, it also strengthens the hair shaft itself! This serum reconstructs damaged hair at the roots, making it an ideal treatment for hair loss as well. For repair that starts at the roots, trust the Foliage Hair Booster.

Equilibrium unveils new logo, new product packaging for specialty coffee

Equilibrium is the Philippines’ leading distributor of a diverse-range of top-quality products and innovative solutions for coffee, tea, and specialty beverages that provides the best customer experience while reducing environmental footprints The first to establish company branches in Mindanao (2006-2007) and Visayas (2008) Equilibrium has demonstrated commitment to develop the young coffee markets in the provinces years ahead of other industry suppliers.

The company currently operates in 10 key market locations all over the Philippines, with offices in Cagayan de Oro; Davao City; Cebu City; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Baguio City; Naga City; Pampanga; and Iloilo. The company prides itself for having the most number of certified coffee experts, with a total of 8 Arabica Graders and 5 Robusta Graders, and the company’s very own Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Cherry Cruz, is the first Filipina Q and R Grader and Q Processing Level 2- Professional in the Philippines. Q Graders are globally-certified graders and certifiers of specialty coffees.

They are certified by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) in the U.S.A. On the other hand, specialty coffees are coffees which garner a grade of at least 80 points or higher using the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) International Standard Cupping Form and Procedures. The company also makes sure that they share their knowledge to others through its internationallyaffiliated school, the Barista and Coffee Academy of Asia (BCAA). Established in 2009 as the Philippine Barista and Coffee Academy, BCAA is the first barista and coffee school in the Philippines created to upgrade the skills of the baristas and provide coffee owners with better and up-to-date knowledge in the café business. BCAA is also the first SCA-Certified Lab in the Philippines, currently with 3 certified labs, the most of any entity in the country. SCA is a global non-profit organization which governs the standards of specialty coffee. It has memberships from farmers, processors, traders, roasters and coffee people.

The SCA accredits Premium Laboratories in various countries for the purposes of assessing coffee standards in a neutral and calibrated environment for all coffee professionals. Such premium campuses go through a rigorous standard and approved by SCA-trained inspectors. Equilibrium is the first to bring Q-Grading Certification class in the country, sponsoring farmers and coffee craft practitioners to uplift the industry skills and be at par with worldwide standards. Inspired by its passion and love for coffee and support for environmental sustainability,

Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation revealed its new logo and brand identity during the celebration of the World Food Expo 2019 last August 9, 2019 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.   The new logo features a naturally bisected coffee bean made up of brown bean and green leaf that best represents who Equilibrium. The brown half stands for coffee which is the foundation of Equilibrium’s expertise. Being the beverage partner of the Filipinos for over 20 years is a testament to its unwavering service to the industry since its establishment in 1998. The green leaf represents vitality, growth and sustainability.

The company recognizes the importance of continuous learning for the growth of not only the company, but also of their clients and the industry as a whole. The coffee bean and green leaf hints at yin yang: the symbol for the concept of dualism in Chinese philosophy, depicted at a forward slant; its movement represents dynamism and innovation. It speaks of Equilibrium’s passion for creativity and success which will always be coupled with their unwavering respect for the environment and the life of the people who work the earth. Together they create the equilibrium they always seek to achieve, where their business goals and ecological awareness are of equal importance.

The company name is presented in bold, solid font and in block form to reinforce the idea of upright, ethical behavior and steadfastness- values that are deeply rooted in the company culture. The new logo also comes with the unveiling of a new theme line, “Stimulating the Filipino coffee industry”, which reflects the stance of a frontrunner, a game changer, and a leader. It embodies the company’s ability to inspire and excite the industry with its products, ideas and innovations.

Equilibrium is in prime position, with the experience and expertise to move the Filipino coffee industry forward. Equilibrium also unveiled the new packaging of Curve Coffee Collaborators products. Curve Coffee Collaborators are roasters and distributors of Philippine Specialty Coffee. As collaborators, they are proud to be able to work with various stakeholders from farmers, processors, baristas, and cafes. Their goal is to identify each bean’s potential by discovering the appropriate roasting curves that will bring out the best flavor and aroma of each coffee bean variety.

The people behind Curve Coffee are coffee hunters and discoverers who relish the idea of finding new varieties from the most unexpected sources and origins. The new packaging are made from earth-friendly packaging that breaks down into healthy compost and can be used for planting. These packaging also feature new designs that reflects the thriving Philippine coffees. For more inquiries about Equilibrium, you may reach them thru (02) 862-30-41 to 43 or via eqcustcare@equilibrium.com.ph and visit their website at http://www.equilibrium.com.ph.

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD PROGRAM PROGRESS

The Build, Build, Build Program is a nationwide, massive infrastructure initiated at the onset of the Duterte administration. It seeks to accelerate infrastructure spending and develop industries that will contribute to robust growth, create job, and improve the lives of Filipinos. The Philippines has long suffered from issues of unemployment and poverty. One of the roots causes of these is weak infrastructure, which has held back foreign investmentscrucial in creating jobs for millions of Filipinos.

A recent study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency finds that traffic congestion in Manila, caused by poor infrastructure, costs Filipinos 2.4 billion pesos daily in 2012, a figure expected to triple by 2030. Meanwhile, the 2017 World Economic Form’s competitiveness report ranks the Philippines 97th in terms of global infrastructure. In addition, a separate United Nations report ranks the country 5th in Southeast Asia in terms of access to physical infrastructure.

It only takes a quick look at the major thoroughfares and the public transport systems of the Philippines to understand why the country experienced major economic setbacks. During rush hours, the roads transform into parking lots, with vehicles inching their way through kilometers of bumper-to-bumper traffic jams. Public transportation is always packed to the doors with passengers, with the rest of thecommuters left waiting on the streets, praying under either scorching heat or crying clouds until they get lucky enough to get a ride home.

The impact of weak infrastructure goes beyond difficult commute.  For Filipino commuters, it means lost time that could have been spent on rest and recreation with family and friends. For businesses, poor infra translates to a dip in productivity and lower returns on investments.

The government targets to spend 8 to 9 trillion pesos from 2017 to 2022 on country-wide infra projects under the Build, Build, Build Program. While previous administrations have relied heavily on private-public-partnership, the Duterte administration is putting emphasis on funding from government revenues as well as government-to-government deals and development assistance, with China and Japan leading the countries under the latter framework.

The President has passed a new tax reform package that is expected to increase government revenues to fund the Build, Build, Build Program. According to Department of Finance Chief economist Karl Chua, up to 70 percent of the additional revenues from the new taxes are earmarked for the program.

“We recognize the urgency of the situation and we are mobilizing all resources to reverse this pitiful state of affairs,” said former Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno. “We were able to hit the ground running in terms of Build, Build, Build, thanks to policy tweaks and political will.”

Where are We Now?

Completed BBB Program Projects

  • NAIA Expressway Phase II

A four-lane, 7.75-kilometer elevated expressway and 2.22-kilometer at-grade feeder road that provides access to NAIA’s Terminal I, Terminal II, and Terminal III, and links the Metro Manila Skyway to the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway.

  • Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange

The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange is an intermodal terminal with multi-level platforms that provides interconnectivity between different transportation modes for Cavite and Batangas, going in and out of Metro Manila. The PITX features passenger terminal buildings, loading and unloading bays, staging bays, ticketing and baggage handling facilities, and park-and-ride facilities.

BBB Program Projects Expected for Completion in 2019

  • Pigalo Bridge

The Pigalo Bridge will traverse the Cagayan River in Angadanan, Isabela 30 meters upstream of the old bridge. The bridge will connect the Isabela municipalities of Angadanan and San Guillermo.

  • Mactan-Cebu International Airport  

The project involves the construction of a new world-class passenger terminal building in the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which will have a capacity of 8 million passengers every year. Upgrades and changes that have been implemented include a greener terminal building, renovated washrooms, new self-service check-in kiosks, and new counters for immigration, customs and quarantine.

  • Night Rating of Naga, Dumaguete, and Cotabato Airports

The project aims to spread peak hour movements away from NAIA, by enabling flights to fly from NAIA at off-peak hours to regional, night-rated airports. The airports of Naga, Dumaguete, and Cotabato are just the first of many airports that will be undergoing the upgrade.

Infrastructure Projects in Metro Manila from 2020 to 2022

  • MRT-LRT Common Station – 2020

The MRT-LRT Common Station, also known as the North Avenue Grand Central Station, will connect the LRT-1, MRT-3, and the upcoming MRT-7 and Metro Manila Subway.

Located at the corner of North Ave. and EDSA, the 13,700 sq.m. common station will look to provide passengers with ease of transfer and interconnectivity between public transportation options. It is expected to serve 478,000 passengers per day once it opens.

  • Manila Bus Rapid Transit 1 – 2020

The Metro Manila Bus Rapid Transit Line 1 project covers 12.3 kilometers from Quezon Memorial Circle to Manila City Hall, passing through Elliptical Road, Quezon Ave., and España Boulevard.

The closed system, which is expected to serve 291,500 passengers per day in its first year, featured service lanes at the center to maintain a good flow of people, with interchanges with the MRT-3, PNR, LRT-1, and currently under construction MRT-7.

  • Cavite-Laguna Expressway – 2020

The Cavite-Laguna Expressway will connect the Manila-Cavite Expressway and the South Luzon Expressway. The four-lane, 44.20-kilometer tolled expressway will start from the Cavitex in Kawit, Cavite, and end at the SLEX-Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna.

The Cavite-Laguna Expressway will feature eight interchanges, namely Kawit, Open Canal, Governor’s Drive, Aguinaldo Highway, Silang East, Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Laguna Blvd., and Technopark.

  • Metro Rail Transit 7 – 2021

The MRT Line 7 will traverse Quezon City and Caloocan in Metro Manila, extending into the nearby province of Bulacan.

The new line will start at the under-construction North Avenue Grand Central Station, passing through the Quezon Memorial, University Avenue, Tandang Sora, Don Antonio, Batasan, Manggahan, Doña Carmen, Regalado, Mindanao Ave., and Quirino stations in Quezon City; the Sacred Heart and Tala stations in Caloocan, then final the San Jose del Monte station in Bulacan.

  • Light Rail Transit 1 Extension – 2021

The project will expand the current LRT Line 1 system to the south by an additional 11.7 kilometers, starting from the end of the existing line in Baclaran and into the cities of Parañaque and Las Piñas.

The extension initially includes eight new passenger stations, namely Aseana Blvd. Station, MIA Station, Asiaworld Station, Ninoy Aquino Station, Dr. Santos Station, Las Piñas Station, Zapote Station, and Niyog Station. There is a provision for two additional stations, namely Manuyo Station and Talaba Station.

  • Clark Railway – 2021

The Clark Railway, also known as the North-South Commuter Railway, is a 147-kilometer railway system that will connect Clark, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna. The project will consist of three interconnected systems, namely the PNR Clark Phase 1, the PNR Clark Phase 2, and PNR Calamba.

PNR Clark Phase 1, which is expected to be completed in 2021, will build a 37.6-kilometer railway system that connects Tutuban, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan. Expected to serve 300,000 daily passengers in its opening year, the rail line will cut the travel time between the two locations to about 35 minutes, from more than 1 hour and 30 minutes.

  • NLEX-SLEX Connector Road – 2021

The NLEX-SLEX Connector Road will look to decongest traffic in Metro Manila by offering an alternative to C-5 Road,  EDSA, and other major thoroughfares. It is an 8-kilometer, four-lane elevated expressway over the Philippine National Railway right of way, starting from C-3 Road in Caloocan and passing through Manila over España and PUP, Sta. Mesa to connect to Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3.

The project will make it much faster to travel between NLEX and SLEX, which currently takes over an hour. Once the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road is completed, the travel time is expected to be reduced to between 15 minutes and 20 minutes.

  • Metro Manila Subway – first three stations in 2022, full completion by 2025

The project will be the first subway system in the Philippines. It will stretch for 35 kilometers from Valenzuela to Parañaque, promising to reduce the travel time from Quezon City to NAIA to just 42 minutes and to accommodate 370,000 passengers per day once it opens.

The 15 planned stations for the Metro Manila Subway are Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora, North Ave., Quezon Ave., East Ave., Anonas, and Katipunan in Quezon City; Ortigas North and Ortigas South in Pasig; Kalayaan in Makati; Bonifacio Global City, Lawton East, Lawton West, and FTI in Taguig; and NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay.

II. BBB Program Heat Map

  • Luzon
    • San Fernando, La Union and Baler, Aurora
      • Broadband Backhaul Modular IT Facilities
    • Tuguegarao, Cagayan
      • Night Rating of Tuguegarao Airport
    • Kabugao and Calanasan, Apayao and Solsona, Ilocos Norte
      • Apayao – Ilocos Norte Road
    • Angadanan and San Guillermo, Isabela
      • Pigalo Bridge
    • Cauayan, Isabela
      • Night Rating of Cauayan Airport
    • Urdaneta, Pangasinan
      • Urdaneta City Bypass Road
    • San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan
      • MRT Line 7
    • Tarlac City, Tarlac
      • Central Luzon Link Expressway
    • New Clark City, Pampanga
      • New Clark City- Agro-Industrial Park
    • Mabalacat, Pampanga
      • Clark International Airport Expansion Phase 1
    • Valenzuela
      • NLEX Harbor Link, Segment 10
    • Caloocan
      • NLEX – SLEX Connector Road
    • Antipolo, Rizal
      • LRT Line 2 East (Masinag) Extension Project
    • Taytay, Rizal
      • Laguna Lake Highway
    • Marikina
      • Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project, Phase III
    • Mandaluyong
      • Mandaluyong Main Drainage Project, Phase II
    • Taguig
      • BCDA Smart City Solutions
      • Taguig City Integrated Terminal Exchange
      • Bonifacio Global City to Ortigas Road Link Project, Sta. Monica-Lawton Bridge and Viaduct
    • Pasay
      • NAIA Expressway Phase II
    • Parañaque
      • Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange
    • Bacoor, Cavite
      • LRT 1 South (Cavite) Extension Project
    • Naga, Camarines Sur
      • Night Rating of Naga Airport
    • Matnog, Sta. Magdalena, and Bulusan, Sorsogon
      • Matnog – Sta. Magdalena – Bulusan Road
    • Daraga, Albay
      • Bicol International Airport Development Project
    • Puerto Princesa, Palawan
      • Bahile – Oyster Access Road
      • Puerto Princesa Airport Development Project

NCR Residential Insight

Colliers believes that developers should be looking at fringe areas for future redevelopments.There is a shortage of available land in major business districts, such as the central business districts of Makati and Bonifacio Global City.

More and more mid-income households are upgrading to condo living, particularly in fringe areas, such as Quezon City, Manila, Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela (CAMANAVA), Ortigas fringes, Makati fringes, and Pasay-Paranaque areas.The projects under the Build, Build, Build Program in these areas will further drive this demand, especially because of the program’s aggressive development outside of central business districts.

NCR Commercial Insight

Colliers says that firms participating in the Build, Build, Build Program occupy larger office spaces.This is particularly true for engineering and construction firms in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Quezon City. As infraprojects continue for several years, the demand from such firms for office space will be bullish.

Meanwhile, Colliers urges developers to maximize their projects close to the infra activities that will roll out in the next two or three years. Colliers specifically cited the proposed Skytrain monorail that will connect MegaworldUptown Bonifacio to the MRT station in Guadalupe as an example of a developer taking advantage of upcoming new and upgraded infrastructure.

  • Visayas
    • Tacloban
      • Leyte Tide Embankment Project
    • Cabatuan, Iloilo
      • Iloilo Airport – Operations, Maintenance and Development Project
    • Silay, Negros Occidental
      • Bacolod Airport – Operations, Maintenance and Development Project
    • Bacolod City, Bacolod
      • Bacolod Economic Highway
    • Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
      • Night Rating of Dumaguete Airport
    • Cebu City
      • Cebu Bus Rapid Transit
      • Metro Cebu Expressway
      • Mactan-Cebu International Airport Project
    • Panglao, Bohol
      • Bohol-Panglao International Airport Development, Operations and Maintenance Project
  • Mindanao
    • Cagayan de Oro
      • Modernization of RORO Transport System
    • Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte
      • Night Rating of Dipolog Airport
    • Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur
      • Zamboanga City By-Pass Road
    • Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur
      • Night Rating of Pagadian Airport
    • Tangub, Misamis Occidental
      • Panguil Bay Bridge
    • Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental
      • Laguindingan Airport – Operations, Maintenance and Development Project
    • Ozamis, Misamis Occidental
      • Night Rating of Ozamis Airport
    • Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
      • Night Rating of Cotabato Airport
    • Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon
      • East-West Lateral Road
    • Tagum, Davao del Norte
      • Mindanao Railway: Tagum-Davao City-Digos Segment
    • Davao City, Davao del Sur
      • Davao City By-pass
      • Davao Airport – Operations, Maintenance and Development Project
    • Midsayap, Cotabato
      • Pinguiaman Bridge

 III. Impact of BBB Program on Real Estate Supply

Colliers International Philippines expects the Build, Build, Build Program to drive the country’s property sector, particularly real estate supply.

Public infrastructure spending has been increasing by 21 percent per year from 2015 to 2017.This outpaces the annual growth of private constructionspendingby 7 percent over the same period. With the Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build program, the funding allocation for infrastructure projects will be sustained not only in Metro Manila, but also in other parts of the Philippines, according to Colliers.

Colliers expects that the infrastructure projects will drive the strategies of developers within and outside of Metro Manila. This will include more office and residential projects outside of Metro Manila, as developers take advantage of the infrastructure projects that are set to go online over the next few years.Developers will look in to providing real estate options for both businesses and families.

As mass transportation projects are completed, developing cities outside of Metro Manila will become more accessible. This will create demand for commercial and office spaces as businesses expand to these newly accessible locations. The influx of businesses will lead to increased demand for workers, who may have to move to these cities for better opportunities.

The multitude of Build, Build, Build projects in Northern and Southern Luzon will encourage real estate development firms to acquire parcels of land in these regions, per Colliers. The firms will desire to gain strategic footholds with their future projects, particularly in Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Pampanga. These provinces stand to benefit from the various rail, expressway and toll road projects, which are expected to be completed between 2020 and 2022.

Real estate developers will need to act now. It is crucial that their projects be completed around the same time that the infrastructure projects under BBB Program are finished. Or, lose lucrative gains. From the looks of it, the BBB Program is on schedule in most of its projects. It might be less risky to develop properties once infra projects ae done, but there might be little land left to buy by then.

IV. Impact of BBB Program on Real Estate Demand

The Build, Build, Build Program has increased the demand for properties, most notably in the provinces that are among the main beneficiaries.

Bulacan is set to benefit from the MRT Line 7 and PNR Clark Phase 1. Cavite and Laguna will soon gain better access to each other with the Cavite-Laguna Expressway. Batangas and Pampanga are two promising provinces to keep an eye on.

Lamudi data listing from 2017-2018 showsa surge in demand for properties in  the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Pampanga. There is increase in page views, sessions, and leads, defined as follows:

  • Page viewis a metric defined as the total number of pages viewed.
  • Session is the time period a user is active on a site. If a user is inactive for 30 minutes or more, any future activity is attributed to a new session. Users that leave the site and return within 30 minutes are counted as part of the original session.
  • Leads are users who have shown interest by providing their contact information.

The table below shows the percentage for the total page views, sessions, and leads:

Bulacan 2017 2018
Page views 46.34% 53.66% 100.00%
Session 58.62% 41.38% 100.00%
Leads 18.23% 81.77% 100.00%
Cavite 2017 2018
Page views 43.32% 56.68% 100.00%
Session 52.20% 47.80% 100.00%
Leads 20.50% 79.50% 100.00%
Laguna 2017 2018
Page views 51.96% 48.04% 100.00%
Session 68.71% 31.29% 100.00%
Leads 21.36% 78.64% 100.00%
Batangas 2017 2018
Page views 44.97% 55.03% 100.00%
Session 56.98% 43.02% 100.00%
Leads 18.72% 81.28% 100.00%
Pampanga 2017 2018
Page views 38.93% 61.07% 100.00%
Session 56.30% 43.70% 100.00%
Leads 10.91% 89.09% 100.00%

There is a significant jump in generated leads for listings in Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Pampangaas more infrastructure projects under the Build, Build, Build Program nearcompletion in 2018. This is likely because potential homeowners and investors are starting to see how the projects will improve accessibility and livelihood in these provinces and are now looking to gain a foothold as the projects start going online.

The demand for real estate properties in these five provinces has extended into this year, withsignificant gains between Q4 2018 and Q1 2019.

% increase Q1 2019 vs Q4 2018 Bulacan Cavite Laguna Batangas Pampanga
Leads 37.81% 20.95% 29.77% 24.27% 21.04%

The leads generated increases by at least 20 percent, with Bulacan the highest at nearly 38 percent. These statistics likely pointto a continuing trend of growing demand for properties in these areas, especially as several important Build, Build, Build Program projects are set to be completed between 2020 and 2022.

The Build, Build, Build Program looks to foster economic growth in areas outside of Metro Manila. Even before the completion of the infrastructure projects, Lamudi data showthat the real estate industry is already seeing unprecedented growth, in terms of demand for properties, in provinces where interest levels were low before the start of the program.

V. Conclusion

The Build, Build, Build Program looks to improve the infrastructure of the Philippines as a direct response to the problems of unemployment and poverty. The weak infrastructure of the country is one of the factors that have limited the influx of foreign investments, which is important for the creation of job opportunities for Filipinos.

Traffic congestion in Manila, rooted in the problem of poor infrastructure, costs Filipinos php 2.4 billion per day in 2012, a loss expected to triple by 2030. The Philippines is ranked 97th in the world in terms of infrastructure by the 2017 World Economic Forum’s competitiveness report.

To start addressing the glaring issue, public spending on infrastructure is expected to be between 8 to 9 trillion pesos from 2017 to 2022, funded by government revenues and assistance from other countries such as China and Japan.

The completed projects of the NAIA Expressway Phase II and the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange have set the stage for the potential of the program. Meanwhile, projects nearing completion such as the MRT-LRT common station in 2020, the Metro Rail Transit 7 in 2021, and the first three stations of the Metro Manila Subway in 2022, will look to improve the daily lives of the Filipinos. In fact, the Build, Build, Build Program projects that are not yet finished are already making an impact on the markets, particularly in the real estate industry.

The Build, Build, Build Program is creating greater supply in the real estate market, as developers anticipate and prepare for higher demand.  The program is creating greater demand for real estate properties, particularly in areas outside Metro Manila. Many individuals, families, and businesses will reap the benefits due to the potential improvements in accessibility, job opportunities, and commercial expansion.

What’s more, the programis not only looking to serve Metro Manila. It is a far-reaching initiative that seeks to spark opportunities in the provinces, to spread the potential of economic growth. Specific areas already seeing the effects of the program on the real estate Industry include the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Pampanga. As Lamudi listings show, the demand for properties in these areas have steadily increased ever since the present administration launched the Build, Build, Build Program. It is worth noting that the number of leads Lamudi generated in these provinces has increased by 20 percent between Q4 2018 and Q1 2019.

As the Build Build, Build, Build Program charges over the next few years, it will drive the Philippine real estate industry to greater heights.Developers will seek to provide adequate supply to meet the demand for properties from individuals, families, and businesses who wish to take advantage of the benefits provided by the new infrastructure projects.

Leads International expands portfolio products & trading hubs

Leads Agri is primarily engaged in the importation and distribution of non-crop, public health, pest control, agricultural inputs, and crop protection products, such as pesticides, foliar fertilizers, hybrid seeds, agrochemical formulations, and plant management service contracts.

Now, on its 21st year, Leads has expanded its business to include innovative health, wellness and beauty products, creating more opportunities to make all its distributors, employees and business partners truly “Proud to be Filipino.”
Barely two years old, Leads International Corporation, the sales and marketing arm of Leads Agricultural Products Corporation, expanded its product portfolio and eyes to open five new trading hubs located at major cities nationwide. 
Hiraya Brown Rice, its flagship brand of premium quality rice grains, now comes with a variety called Hiraya Germinated Rice. Besides the variant, it is also offered in two flavors: Hiraya Dagtum (Black Garlic) and Hiraya Kunig (Turmeric). 
Aside from functional food, LIC introduced Green Home, an effective, safe and odorless insect killer, perfect for the rainy, dengue season. These are marketed along with the Vera Soap and Lotion lines and food supplements.
LIC’s future hubs will be located in the cities of Baliuag, Olongapo, Paranaque, Lapu-lapu, Dasmarinas, and Tagbilaran. 

HOTEL LUCKY CHINATOWN OPENS WONDERS TO BINONDO’S RICH CULTURE

Nestled at the heart of the colorful Binondo, the 93-room Hotel Lucky Chinatown is an inviting escape from the bustling metro where culture blends with modernity and luxury meets comfort.

Standing tall along the streets of Reina Regente Street in a vicinity popularly known as the world’s oldest Chinatown, Hotel Lucky Chinatown is real estate giant Megaworld Corporation’s eighth hotel in the country.

The property’s well thought out architectural design compliments well with old Manila’s rustic aesthetics while the interiors manage to transport guests to opulent comforts through its state-of-the-art hotel amenities.

Tailored to cater to every traveler’s needs, this hub offers a total of 93 rooms and suites ranging from Standard Queen, Standard Twin, Junior Suite and Executive Suite.

At the hotel’s Atrium is an indoor Zen garden with its own sunroof that is surrounded by select guest rooms.

It features its own all-day dining restaurant, the Café de Chinatown, Zabana Bar, Spa, Sauna, Steam bath, Jacuzzi, and Fitness Center.

The hotel also has a spacious, high-ceiling Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 350 guests in banquet setting, and can be divided into three smaller ballrooms named after famous streets in Manila – Ongpin, Benavidez, and Escolta.

A first of its kind to rise in Binondo, Hotel Lucky Chinatown promises to provide comfort, serenity and at the same time new discoveries.

With the hotel directly connected to Manila Chinatown’s biggest mall, guests can expect a one-of-a-kind staycation filled with gastronomic treats and practical finds.

Meanwhile, for guests who want to explore and experience the busy streets of Manila, the property is within 1.9 km of Fort Santiago, 2 km of the Manila Cathedral, 2.1 km of San Agustin Church, 2.4 km from Intramuros, 2.8km from Rizal Park, and the city’s other must-see sites. Also, the hotel is 13km from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Hotel Lucky Chinatown is located in Reina Regente St., Binondo, Manila. Know more about our hotel, visit www.hotelluckychinatown.com. For bookings and reservations, call us at (02) 318.8188 / 0917.805.6062 or email us at reservations@hotelluckychinatown.com.

Save the Children Philippines to mothers: Breastfeed infants exclusively on first 6 months

Save the Children Philippines is urging mothers to breastfeed infants exclusively during the first six months to protect them from diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia – the world’s leading causes of child death.

The group raised concern on the steady decline of exclusive breastfeeding in the Philippines with 65 to 68.6 per cent of mothers breastfeeding exclusively for the first two months but declining to 29 percent as babies turn 5 months. The figure was reflected in the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey of the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

The call was made in time for the World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated from August 1 to 7 with the theme: “Empower Parents. Enable Breastfeeding” to raise awareness on the many benefits of breastfeeding.

Despite known benefits of breastmilk, 60 per cent of the world’s total infants including those in the Philippines are not getting the recommended six months of exclusive breastfeeding.

Lawyer Albert Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines said existing laws including the Milk Code and First 1,000 Days mandate local governments and hospitals to facilitate exclusive breastfeeding for newborn babies up to six months.

He said local health and nutrition workers have a critical role to allow the infant to be breastfed in the first hour after birth and assist mothers to breastfeed exclusively in the first six months and to continue up to two years with complementary feeding.

“Local leaders should invest in health and nutrition of children by hiring adequate number of skilled health and nutrition workers to ensure mothers breastfeed immediately after birth and exclusively up to six months,” said Muyot.

In a research study of Save the Children Philippines, it cited the decline in breastfeeding practice due to the lack of skilled health workers in maternity clinics in the communities.

The study also noted rampant violations of the Philippine Milk Code or Executive Order 51, National Code of Marketing Breast Milk Supplements and Other Products that prohibits the promotion of milk products as breastmilk substitutes.

It also blamed aggressive promotions of giant manufacturers of breastmilk substitutes or milk formula targeting mothers and putting health claims in the packaging that misinform the public that the benefits of breastmilk can be gained from infant formula.

The study noted that there are still milk companies that sponsor trips and conventions of doctors and health workers to encourage them to promote milk products to mothers of infants and young children.

Save the Children Philippines implements a Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Nutrition program in the most deprived communities in Caloocan, Navotas and Malabon in Metro Manila as well as in the provinces of Sarangani and North Cotabato conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

Dr. Amado Parawan, Health and Nutrition Advisor of Save the Children Philippines said besides exclusive breastfeeding for six months, mothers should ensure continuous breastfeeding up to two years to guarantee optimum health of their babies.

Save the Children Philippines advocated the passage of the Republic Act No. 11148 or Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act that ensures optimum care of a child from conception up to two years or the first 1,000 days of life to reduce malnutrition and child deaths due to preventable causes.

The law, now passed as ordinance in the cities of Malabon, Caloocan and Navotas, and the municipalities of Magpet and Arakan in North Cotabato and Alabel in Sarangani mandates exclusive breastfeeding for babies during the first six months.

More than 30 studies worldwide have shown that breastfeeding provides optimum benefits to both mothers and babies that include:

•                  Reduces the risk of dying for infants and young children. At least 840,000 neonatal deaths can be prevented annually if breastfeeding is initiated within an hour after birth.

•                  Boost immune system for infants and young children living in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water.

•                  Reduce cases of respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections and otitis media among babies and children.

•                  Reduce rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome within the first year of life.

•                  Decrease incidence of both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus among children

•                  Reduce possibility of lymphoma, leukemia,  and Hodgkin’s disease, obesity, and allergic conditions in children.

•                  Reduce risks of mothers getting breast cancer, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes.

LEADS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

Leads International Corporation (LIC) eyes expansion with new products and new trading sites. Just over a year old, Leads International Corporation, the sales and marketing arm of Leads Agricultural Products Corporation, expanded its product portfolio and eyes to open five new trading hubs located at major cities nationwide. Hiraya Brown Rice, its flagship brand of premium quality rice grains, now comes with a variety called Hiraya Germinated Rice. Beside the variant, it is also offered in two flavors: Hiraya Dagtum (Black Garlic) and Hiraya Kunig (Turmeric). Aside from functional food, LIC introduced Green Home, an effective, safe and odorless insect killer, perfect for the rainy, dengue season. LIC’s future hubs include the cities of Baliuag, Olongapo, Paranaque, Lapu-lapu, Dasmarinas, and Tagbilaran. 

Company executives, from left: Leads President Jofer Malveda, Executive Vice President Dr. Angie Malveda and VP for External Affairs James Joven
Show off their best sellers: Vera Skin Soap and Lotion line and Verve G1 to the media during a recent press conference in Quezon City. 

In Just under two years, Leads International Corporation (LIC), the sales and marketing partner of Leads Agricultural Products Corporation, is making a firmer foothold in the Philippines as it plans to extend its product portfolio and eyes to open five new trading hubs located at major cities nationwide. It plans to reach the same success level of its predecessor, which has gained 2B in collective sales and has emerged as one of the leaders in the industry that’s been dominated by global conglomerates in the country.

Aside from Functional Food LIC has introduces its brand-newhome care insecticide called Green Home. This rainy season and the high time of diseases like dengue, Green Home functions as an effective, safe and odorless insect killer. Current brands in the industry are known to contein toxic substances, which are most likely ineffective and at the same time are a threat to our health.

“Our success is not only attributed to the quality of our products but to the perseverance of our Distributors in making sure that we deliver these quality products to a wider audience here in the Philippines,” says Mr. Jose Maria Fernando Malveda, President of Leads INternational in an interview at their jampacked sales rally in Quezon City last August.

To know more about Leads International, you may check out the following pages.

http://www.Leads-International.com

Facebook/Leads Corporation

Instagram@LeadsIntlCorp

Twitter@LeadsIntlCorp

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