Highlight of the Week: Economist: Philippines Is Number One

Highlights of the Week: News, events and updates that are likely to affect your investments and trades in the Philippines stock market.

Economist: Philippines Is Number One

MANILA, Philippines --- The Philippines is the most attractive global provider of IT-BPO services in Asia, followed by China and India — in that order — according to the results of a survey by the Economist Corporate Network (Economist). Forty-five percent of respondents said the Philippines was an attractive services provider, while 35% said the same for China. Only 25% of respondents said India was an attractive provider of IT-BPO services, in general.

Stock market climbs back into 5,000-pt territory

MANILA, Philippines - Local stocks climbed for the third straight day due to continuous bargain hunting, propelling the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) past the 5,000 mark for the first time since mid-May.

SEC Approves URC Plans To Go Into Fuel Ethanol Production

MANILA, Philippines --- The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of Universal Robina Corporation (URC) to allow the firm to engage in the business of production of fuel ethanol.

URC president Lance Gokongwei said URC is investing about $27 million for the construction of an ethanol plant in Mahhuyod, Negros Oriental as part of the firm’s URSUMCO sugar mill.

Pangilinan Assumes As Meralco Chairman

MANILA, Philippines --- With the decision of Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez to step down from his post at the country’s largest power distribution utility, management changes formally paved the way for the installation of Manuel V. Pangilinan as chairman of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), following yesterday’s stockholders meeting.

SM Prime Issuing P7.5-B Notes

MANILA, Philippines --- SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) has signed a P7.5 billion notes facility agreement for the refinancing of existing obligations, to partially fund capital expenditures and/or other general corporate requirements.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, SM Prime said the notes facility consists of five- and ten-year floating rate notes and five- and ten-year fixed rate notes.

Saving Tips for College Students, Singles and Twenty-Something

How to Save Money While Studying in College

Are you single? A college student or a twenty-something that wants to save money while studying? Well, you're not alone. When I was studying, I've always wanted to be able to save money so I won't have to depend on my parents for baon. I've always wanted to be independent. 

Perhaps aside from saving money, you wish to be know where to invest and how to get started in the first place. Even if I'm already working and out of school, I still struggle each day to save money and want to achieve financial freedom. Thus, I have established a place where I share my experiences on saving money, how I overcome the distractions that comes my way and learned how pride could actually prevent us from getting to our goals. 

May I invite you to my new blog, Saving is Sexy. You will love the regular saving is sexy photos I share on Facebook and Twitter too! 

Priceless Tips from Warren Buffet

While we're on it, below are just some of the most priceless gems on how to build wealth from Warren Buffett. 

Highlight of the Week: Wall St gains Boost Local Share Prices

Highlights of the Week: News, events and updates that are likely to affect your investments and trades in the Philippines stock market.

Wall St gains boost local share prices 

MANILA, Philippines - Local share prices barely rose yesterday, posting minimal gains to end higher for the second straight day.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index slightly rose 0.09 percent or 4.43 points to close at 4,958.43 while the broader all-shares index gained 0.2 percent or 6.45 points to 3,314.49.

San Miguel Corp. sees $20-billion revenues this year

MANILA, Philippines - Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) said it expects to hit its $20-billion revenue target for 2015 this year on increased contributions from new acquisitions.

“We believe by end of 2012, we will have $20-billion sales revenue,” SMC president Ramon Ang told reporters yesterday.

MVP, Ang unveil expressway link project 

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC)’s Manuel Pangilinan and San Miguel Corp. (SMC) president Ramon Ang unveiled before President Aquino yesterday the proposed P45-billion project to connect the North and South Luzon Expressways (NLEX and SLEX).

Construction is set to begin late this year.

Credit card receivables up 9.9% to P132.2B

MANILA, Philippines - More and more consumers are using their credit cards to finance the purchase of goods and services as receivables of banks almost posted a double-digit growth last year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported yesterday.

Gov't eyes P30 B from PSALM bond issuance

MANILA, Philippines - The government is aiming to tap the cash-rich domestic market by mid-June for up to P30 billion in 10-year bonds for the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), the state agency tasked to manage and dispose the government’s power assets, officials said yesterday.

Finance Undersecretary Rosalia de Leon told The STAR yesterday that the government is considering borrowing an initial tranche of PSALM’s estimated P85-billion funding requirement through the issuance of bonds and continue with the second tranche in the latter part of the year

Sun Cellular Posts Highest 1st Quarter Growth Rate in Telco Industry

Sun Cellular Posts Highest 1st Quarter Growth Rate in Telco Industry

Sun Cellular sustained its positive streak as it registered a 17% growth in its net service revenues for the first quarter of 2012 of Php4.2B compared with Php3.6B for the same period last year. This is the highest growth rate for any local telco this year.

Sun Cellular President and Chief Executive Officer Orlando Vea attributes the strong growth to the positive response of the market to the continued improvement of Sun’s networkpowered  by synergies with  parent company, PLDT. “We are elated by the market’s continued take-up of Sun’s services, and they can expect even better products and services to be offered to ensure that this momentum will be sustained,” he says.

Revenue from Sun Cellular’s postpaid segment in the first quarter of 2012 grew by 20% compared with the same period last year. 2G postpaid subscribers at the end of Marchincreased to 1.41 million, up 26% from 1.12 million in the same period last year. According to Sun Cellular’s Chief Operating Officer Charles Lim, this is largely because of new subscriptions to higher plans such as the Plan 450 Call and Surf,and the introduction of innovative new postpaid plans like the Plan 250 launched in selected areas in Luzon and Mindanao.  “The timing of the launch of these new plans was great as it was complemented by the stronger network that we now have,” Lim explains.

Plan 450 Call and Surf gives customers with smartphones allows unlimited calling and texting within the Sun network plus 20 hours of free mobile internet access so they can maximize the use of their gadget. The Plan 250 is a special postpaid subscription plan for specific regions. These plans, which are more affordable compared to mainstream product offerings, entice would-be subscribers with the free handset that comes with it.

Lim further shared that the prepaid market continues to be robust for Sun Cellular as this segment grew by 10% percent in the first quarter to Php2.2B compared with Php2B for the same period last year. “Since our network has improved, our subscribers are starting to use their line more often. Consequently, people are starting to load in higher denominations such as our Text Unlimited 150 and 200. Also, our newly-launched “TRIO” bucket loads that allow calling and texting among Sun, Smart, and Talk and Textsubscribers at affordable ratesare picking-up in terms of demand” Lim explained.

Lim also revealed that wireless broadband business continued to perform strongly, registering a 54% rise in net service revenues to Php487.1 million for the first quarter this year.  “Our broadband subscriber base at the end of March climbed by 54%for postpaid subscribers and 73% for prepaid subscribers respectively compared with the same period last year.We are expecting these numbers to rise steadily given the market’s greater demand for mobility.”

He further shared that Sun Cellular started offering SIM-only plans to cater to subscribers who want to use Sun Cellular’s broadband service in their various gadgets, in anticipation of the continuing growing demand for broadband access.

When PLDT acquired Sun Cellular from the JG Summit group last year, it made a commitment to continue offering the unlimited products and services that Sun Cellular has always been known for.In addition, initiatives to integrate  the PLDT, Smart and Sun networks are being pursued to support these service offerings. “We would like to make  sure that our existing and potential subscribers are   able to take advantage of the synergies available within the PLDT group, and we are very glad that theseare starting to pay off,” Lim concluded.

 Sun Cellular is a member of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company Group (PSE: TEL). 

Highlight of the Week: OFW remittances up 5.4% to $4.8 billion in Q1

Highlights of the Week: News, events and updates that are likely to affect your investments and trades in the Philippines stock market.

OFW remittances up 5.4% to $4.8 billion in Q1

MANILA, Philippines - Remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) climbed by 5.4 percent in the first quarter of the year on the back of the sustained demand for skilled Filipino workers overseas, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported yesterday.

SE Asia Stocks-Shares fall amid Greek political turmoil

Shares in Philippines and Malaysia suffered their biggest daily loss in seven months on Wednesday as equity markets in southeast Asia followed a broad global selloff, touched off by worries that the euro zone's debt crisis would worsen. The Philippine index finished down 2.3 percent at 4,864.23 while Malaysia's main share index ended down 1.6 percent at 1,536.04.

PHL and the euro crisis by John Mangun 

WITH the local stock market heading south at a fast rate, it might be more appropriate to look at the internals of the listed companies and the macroeconomic picture of the Philippines to understand the “why” behind the drop.

Highlight News of the Week: Ramon Ang vows to Turn PAL around in 1 year

For our second part of our Weekly Highlights. These are the news which are likely to affect your investments and trades in the Philippines.

Stocks breach 5,300, hit new record high

PHILIPPINE STOCKS soared to a new historic high yesterday, piercing the psychological 5,300 mark as rosy economic expectations fueled broad investor buying.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose by 1.37% or 71.57 points to close at 5,300.41, while the broader all-share index advanced 1.08% or 37.32 points to 3,505.62.

Inflation accelerates in April; rates expected to stay steady
INFLATION accelerated to 3% in April, the government reported on Friday, as most commodity groups saw higher price increases from a year ago.

The result, up from March’s 2.6%, topped analysts’ expectations. It also hit the higher end of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2.1-3% forecast, but was still lower than the 4.7% rate logged in April last year.

Month-on-month, prices also rose faster, by 0.8% in April compared with 0.2% in March.

"The uptrend can be attributed to higher annual increments recorded in all the commodity groups except in the transport, communication and education indices," the National Statistics Office (NSO) said.

Ang vows to turn PAL around in 1 year

MANILA, Philippines - Maverick businessman Ramon S. Ang, who heads diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and has now taken over the helm of Philippine Airlines, has vowed to turn Asia’s oldest carrier around in a year and create a new breed of air service.

In an interview following the annual stockholders meeting of SMC’s liquor unit Ginebra San Miguel yesterday, Ang said his goal is to keep the struggling airline flying and turn it into a five-star value carrier.

“PAL is a good airline and brand. We’re confident we can turn PAL and its sister budget carrier Air Philippines around in a year. Give me a year or two, PAL will have the most beautiful FAs (flight attendants) and the best service,” said Ang, who earned a reputation for engineering business turnarounds.

Philippine Airline seen getting back in the black in a year

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Flag carrier Philippine Airlines can turn profitable again in just one year, even by just using the existing fleet now under the management control of San Miguel Corp., SMC chief Ramon S. Ang said.

"Based on the existing fleet, we are already confident we can turn it around," Ang told reporters Thursday after the stockholders' meeting of SMC's hard liquor unit, Ginebra San Miguel Inc.
"PAL is a very good company and a very good brand," he said.

PAL's return to profitability one year after SMC's takeover, Ang said, would be achieved through the implementation of a better sales and ticketing system and reduction in cost through higher utilization of aircraft.

How to Become A Billionaire: Be an Entrepreneur or Investor?

World's Top 10 Billionaires of 2012 - Entrepreneurs and Investors

When we look at the list of the world's top billionaires, we can't help but wonder what have they done in order for them to accumulate such wealth and reach their current status.

From Forbes list of wealthiest people in the world, you can easily find their most common denominator - all of them are entrepreneurs and investors. All of them have different companies which they own and not just work for (employee of). 

Among the wealthiest billionaires on the list, the one which really caught my attention was Warren Buffet. While the others may own companies which manufacture products and provide services, his company was mainly focused on investing. 

He was more of an investor instead of entrepreneur. He determines the value of companies and identifies which ones to invest in. Unlike other billionaires, he doesn't have to start a company from the ground and make name for it. Instead, he identifies companies which value could increase in the long run and invest in them.  

To Become a Billionaire: Do you Have to be An Entrepreneur or Investor?

It is interesting to note that Warren Buffett does not hold shares of the two giant tech companies - Google and Apple. It was also reported that he has no plans to invest in Facebook. He only practices what he preaches as he always suggests that investors stick to simple business that they understand.

So it brings me to the question: If you want to be wealthy, which one would you prefer - be an entrepreneur (create products and services) or be an investor (simply identify companies that you would want to invest in)?

Highlight of the Week: Philippines to Showcase Strong Economic Growth

Just like anyone who wants to keep tabs on the local and international news that could affect the stock prices, I like to read online portals and various sources. Therefore, I decided to share with you all the news that may affect you and your trades - directly or indirectly. Thus, the Weekly Highlights.

Philippine economy to grow by 5-6%, say officials

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Administration officials are optimistic that the Philippine economy will expand by 5 to 6 per cent in 2012, higher than the 3.7-per cent growth posted in 2011.

Phl to showcase strong eco growth, low inflation

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is set to showcase the country’s steady economic growth amid a low inflation environment as the sovereign debt crisis continued to batter countries in Europe and as the US continued to face economic uncertainties during the four-day Asian Development Bank (ADB) conference next month.


Asian giants must unite to overcome economic issues—ADB

PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA—The three major regions of Southeast Asia, China, and India, must work together for Asia to overcome economic challenges, according to a top executive from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Forex reserves up 11% to $75.965B

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s foreign exchange reserves grew 10.9 percent due to higher valuation of the gold holdings of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), as well as robust earnings from the overseas investments of the central bank.

Cheap Thrills: 5 Ways to Save Money at the Amusement Park

A day of fun for the family doesn't come cheap. Between admissions, concessions, and souvenirs, the ultimate thrill ride may be taking place in your pocketbook. However, with a little shrewd planning and research, you can make sure that when you're putting your hands up, it's because you're on a daring rollercoaster -- not because you're being robbed.

Win one of the 20 FREE Slots to Steps to Financial Peace

Win slots to the Steps to Financial Peace Conference by Randell Tiongson. Randell Tiongson, an advocate of Life & Personal Finance, Columnist on Philippine Daily Inquirer and Moneysense Magazine, will speak at the Steps to Financial Peace Conference 2012 on May 18th, 26th and June 2nd in Manila, Cebu and Davao. Guest speakers are Chinkee Tan and Jayson Lo.

Investors Choose Philippines

Invest in the Philippines and Support Local Entrepreneurs

Foreign investors and skeptics now choose to invest in the Philippines. In a recent Businessweek article entitled The Philippines Astounds the Skeptics, it is good to note that:

The Philippines has long stood out in Southeast Asia as a consistent underperformer, its economy weighed down by a legacy of graft and instability dating back to the bad old days of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos. The economy grew just 3.75 percent last year, while China expanded 9.2 percent and India 7.3 percent. What growth the Philippines has enjoyed has often come from its army of construction workers, domestic helpers, and others who have left the country to find work. Remittances from Filipinos living overseas grew 5.8 percent in February, the central bank announced on April 16.

The bottom line: With tame inflation, higher foreign exchange reserves, and a $16 billion infrastructure program, the Philippines’ economy is picking up.

If the foreign investors are confident in the upward trend of our economy and the skeptics are now astounded, it's about time that, we, locals would put our eggs in the local market and invest in our own country. Support local entrepreneurs and build more opportunities for more Filipinos. 

Truly Rich Financial Coaching Program with Bo Sanchez

Truly Rich Financial Coaching Program on May 25 and 26 with Bo Sanchez

Bo Sanchez, the man whom I turn to when it comes to both personal finance and spiritual advice, is inviting all of us for a my 2-day Truly Rich Financial Coaching Program on May 25 and 26 in Pasig and learn how to build two important pillars of wealth: (1) Multiple Income Streams and (2) Passive Income.

In his newsletter, he said that:

"I’ve noticed that all rich people I know have these two pillars of wealth. You need to have these two pillars if you want to build financial freedom for your life.

On those two days, my financial mentors and I will teach you how to build your financial life with you. Warning: Sign up now before you run out of seats".

What Will you Learn from the Coaching Program?

Here’s what you’ll receive from Bo Sanchez’ Truly Rich Coaching Program:

On May 25 to 26, Bo will personally lead you in two Wealth Group Coaching Days. In these powerful Sessions, Bo’s financial mentors will teach you the important building blocks of wealth—and help you chart your own personal path to financial abundance. The size of the Wealth Group will be enough to create the synergy for wealth building, yet small enough so that you get the personal attention you need. The goal is to give you enough practical ideas to start your own specific, tailor-fit path towards financial abundance.

In these 2 Sessions, you’ll learn these five vital lessons:

Wealth Building Lesson #1: How To Build A Solid Financial Foundation

You’ll learn about the two lines of money and how you can solve the two financial problems faced by everyone.

You’ll learn how to get out of debt in a strategic way.

You’ll find out if you’re adequately protected and learn the best ways to protect yourself and your family.

You’ll learn how to plan, organize, and manage your finances.

Wealth Building Lesson #2: How To Grow Your Money Through Mutual Funds

You’ll learn how mutual funds work and why they should be your basic investments.

You’ll learn what kind of funds are there to choose from

You’ll learn the various mutual funds Bo’s team has invested in and how you can invest in them too—giving you names, phone numbers, etc.

Finally, you’ll learn how you can create your own financial brokerage firm so that you can “buy” from yourself when you invest and thereby save huge discounts, and earn money when you offer investment opportunities to others.

Wealth Building Lesson #3: How To Grow Your Money Through Real Estate

You’ll meet Larry Gamboa, author of ThinkRich, Pinoy, as he shares the mindset necessary to grow your money via a unique real estate “system” that doesn’t need huge amounts of capital to create wealth. 

Wealth Building Lesson #4: How To Grow Your Money Through The Stock Market

You’ll learn how to invest in the Philippine Stock Market

You’ll learn the difference between long-term investors and strategic traders.

You’ll learn how to trade stocks on-line from the comfort of your home

You’ll discover the strategies successful traders use to create their wealth

There’ll be time for people who’ve never invested in the stocks to ask basic questions (no question will be too silly)—and there’ll be time for seasoned stock investors to ask questions too!

Wealth Building Lesson #5 : How To Start & Grow Your Own Business

 You’ll be inspired as you meet successful entrepreneurs face-to-face and listen to their stories of failure and triumph.

 You’ll learn the keys to knowing what kind of business to get into, which is a very crucial step to succeeding in business

You’ll learn the 3 ways of growing your business

 You’ll learn the importance of marketing your product—and how you need to be an expert in the marketing essentials to grow your business.

 You’ll learn the world of the internet—and the various ways you can earn from it

 You’ll learn all the tools that you need for your internet-based business

 You’ll learn about the world of the inforpreneur or the business of selling information especially through the internet

 You’ll learn the keys to successful internet marketing.

          Two (2) Wealth Group Lunches

 During each Wealth Group Coaching Day, you have lunch together with the group and with the mentors. This will be a great time to get to network with each other in the group, and this will also be a great time to talk to your team of mentors.

Very Limited Slots Available

Because this is a Coaching Program and not a Seminar, we can only accept a limited number of participants. They will only accept participants who are 100% serious in wanting to grow their financial life and share their wealth to others.

Fill out the application form below and fax or mail it to their office right away. (They reserve the right to decline any application.)

To get into the coaching program, your investment is only 2.5% of that figure, or P5,975 only. This is a huge steal. (They reserve the right to change this price at anytime.)

We highly encourage married couples to attend this program together, so you’ll be of one mind and heart in your path towards financial abundance. Married Couple rate is P9,975 only.

Full 100% Money Back Guarantee + P500!

Yes, they offer a 100% money back guarantee that if you don't learn anything from the coaching program (which I highly doubt), you'll get your money back. No questions asked.

Don’t delay. First come, first served. Once we reach our needed number for the Wealth Group, we stop accepting applicants.  

How To Register (Go to this link for details)

Email beaconlightevents+seminar@gmail.com now.

(organized by: BEACONLIGHT Dev’t Center Inc. office hours: Tuesdays-Fridays 9am-5pm  tel #: (02) 7229562 )

Steps to Financial Peace Conference 2012

Randell Tiongson, an advocate of Life & Personal Finance and perhaps you've read his columns on Philippine Daily Inquirer and Moneysense Magazine, will speak at the Steps to Financial Peace Conference 2012 on May 18th, 26th and June 2nd in Manila, Cebu and Davao. Guest speakers are Chinkee Tan and Jayson Lo. 

There will be three venues for the said financial conference: Manila, Cebu and Davao. See the details below. 

What: Steps to Financial Peace Conference 2012 - MANILA

When: May 18, 2012 - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Where: Victory Greenhills Center San Juan City

How Much: 

Regular Rate: Php 1,200

Early Bird Rate: Php 800 (until April 30, 2012)

Student Rate: Php 400

What: Steps to Financial Peace Conference 2012 - CEBU

When: May 26, 2012 - 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Where: Parklane International Hotel Cebu City

How Much: 

Regular Rate: Php 2,500

Early Bird Rate: Php1,000 (Until May 11, 2012)

Student Rate: Php 900

What: Steps to Financial Peace Conference 2012 - DAVAO

When: June 2, 2012, 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Where: The Ritz Hotel Garden Oases, Porras Street, Barrio Obrero, Davao City

How Much: 

Regular Rate: Php 750

Early Bird Rate: Php 650

Student Rate: Php 500

How to Register for the Conference

Call 0917-7146136
Email: jddoce@yahoo.com

UPDATE: 
You may actually win FREE slots to this conference. Learn how through Randell's post. Deadline is on May 15th. 

Invest in Breakout Nations, Invest in Philippines

Breakout Countries: China, Turkey and Philippines

Both Bloomberg and Reuters reported that Philippines is one of the best "breakout" countries to invest in especially for the long term. Below are two videos which show financial analysts confidence in the financial growth of the Philippines.

Bloomberg reports that Philippines is a Leading Asian Tiger Economy of the World 

Reuters Reported Philippines as Included in the "Breakout Nations" next to Turkey and Indonesia

The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China) are so yesterday, says Morgan Stanley's Ruchir Sharma. Rapid growth can't be sustained and it's time to look to the next decade's big growers for big returns. Reuters Fred Katayama tells why Turkey, Indonesia and the Philippines are the next big bet. (April 25, 2012)

 

IMF GDP Growth Forecasts for Turkey, Philippines and Indonesia - The "Breakout Nations