Supplying bottled safe drinking water is a booming business nowadays. If you have enough capital, you can either get a franchise of a known water refilling station or go independent and start your own brand from ground up. Either which, you really need some serious thinking but the profits from this kind of business is very promising.
However, franchising or going independent has both their share of advantages and disadvantages.
Franchising a water refilling station can mean capital infusion than being independent. Franchising fees can range from around P800 thousand to more than P1 million depending on the franchise, the space, and the location. On the other hand, being an independent seller can cost an initial investment of around P400 thousand to P1 million, based on the capacity of the tanks and filtering system.
Most franchisees, however, enjoy a head start in terms of starting their operations rather than the independents since franchise programs include management assistance/support in their package. This way, new franchisees are guided on how to start their operations while independents have to commence on their own and rely mostly on their entrepreneurial instinct.
Franchise packages likewise include marketing programs for the franchisees which will definitely help in selling their products. Independent sellers, on the other hand, have to come up with their own promotional scheme to attract their buyers. With a marketing plan clearly laid down, franchise holders enjoy name recall and brand attachment to entice the customers while independent sellers have to be more creative in this aspect to gain a share in the market.
On the other hand, independent sellers have the luxury of setting their own prices. Some independent sellers can lower their prices to P35 per gallon while franchisees could only offer around P40 on the same volume because of the royalties they have to pay, which is based on the quantity they sell. Most franchisees revealed that they could not afford to reduce their prices because, aside from the royalties they have to pay, they are also bound by uniformity in their prices included in the franchise agreement. Independent sellers revealed that lowering their prices is their main marketing strategy, considering that franchisees already enjoy the name recognition from clients.
In the end, whether you decide to franchise or become an independent seller, the water refilling station business is definitely a good investment to venture into. No matter how these stations have grown in the vicinity, water remains to be a basic need and you will definitely have a household or company to supply their water needs. But you must be aware of how stiff the competition has become. Thus, you need to provide quality service to be able to come up with loyal clients.
What would be done to somebody who dares shoo off a king from a church seat? And what should be done to woo an insulted king who owns everything. These are the issues of this Philippine folklore.
According to this folklore, a long time ago, when Spain had just newly conquered the Philippines, there was a town church. It was newly built by the Spanish missionaries who had first come to the islands prior the invading forces. Many converts to Christian Catholicism had joined the church, among them a rich, old lady. The folklore says, she was known in the town as arrogant but religious. She was able to keep all the rigorous rituals of the religion, but people were aloof to her.
Every morning, the folklore continues, she wanted to occupy the first pew in the church. Daily, she would march up straight to the very front pew to take her place. Nobody dared occupy the front pew.
One morning, she came in a bit late. She marched down the aisle, proudly but solemnly, fan gently covering her face, until she reached the front pew. But, the folklore says, to her consternation, she saw a man already seated there. She snapped close her folding fan and shouted at him in impaired Castilian: “How dare you sit there in my pew!” Then, according to the folklore, in a milder tone, she said, “You’re new around here, I suppose, because you don’t know who it is reserved for!”
The man, simply dressed but nonetheless very honorable-looking, smiled and excused himself. He sat in another pew behind her. Afterwards, the folklore says she noticed that people were still looking at her with apparent unbelief and astonishment. She wondered why. Then, the folklore says, an altar boy, or “sacristan,” approached her and told her why. The king of Spain himself had just arrived last night and was now in church to hear the first morning mass---the same guy she had just shooed off to another pew!
The folklore says, the king kept his decorum by simply enjoying the mass, smiling, and shaking the hands of everybody in church after the mass, even the old lady’s. She was speechless. The folklore poses this dilemma: What could she say to somebody she had insulted who turned out to be owner of everything?
This Philippine folklore reminds people to treat everybody fairly, and not value them according to their looks and material possessions.
In the early 1960’s, an American anthropologist, Dr. Robert B. Fox, and his team stumbled upon fossilized remains in Tabon Cave, Palawan. These fossilized remains were of one of the first settlers or early humans in Palawan known as the Tabon Man. The remains were carbon dated and it could be traces way back 22000 years ago. These scientists, researchers or anthropologists also found out remnants of ancient tools and devices signifying civilization in the place. Thus, Palawan had been considered as the Philippines' Cradle of Civilization.
The Island of Palawan has been showered by Mother Nature's blessings. Puerto Princesa, the island's main city, has been a proof of the beauty of Palawan Island. For this reason, the natives or locals of Palawan held different types of festivities with diverse themes as forms of thanksgiving for the blessings bestowed on them. Balagyong Festival, Kaniyogan Festival, Pagdiwata Arts Festival, Panalamin Festival, Manunggul Festival, Kalabukay Festival, Baratagan Festival, Malagnang Festival, Purongitan Festival, Kasadyaan Festival, Palay Festival, Kulambo Festival and Paskuhan sa Kapitolyo are colorful festivities commemorated and celebrated annually in Palawan.
These feasts, though they have different themes, are promoting Palawan's Eco-Tourism. Some best spots in Palawan are the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park or the underground river of Palawan and Tubbataha Reef Marine Park. These two sites are also considered as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Palawan Island is certainly a haven of relaxing with nature’s wonders.
The technicalities of traveling and touring may have a tendency to hamper or hinder some excitement the island of Palawan could offer. Therefore, planning out vacation and leisure trip is one way of having a hassle-free trip. JD Travel and Tours is one of the travel agencies based in Palawan Island, specifically in Puerto Princesa. Their area of expertise is the inbound tours. They also provide travel and tours packages which include accommodations and itineraries.
Their agency’s office is at Room G, 2nd floor, Moraga Building Rizal Avenue (Beside Capitol Compound) Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Travel agencies, like JD Travel and Tours, have vital role in promoting and endorsing the Eco-Tourism in Palawan Island. Tourism is also an economic drive for Palawan Island that is why the local government of Palawan gives their full effort in maintaining and exploring the wonders and marvels of the place. Palawan Island is certainly a haven of a true nature lover!
In the center of Makati City, Philippines, Makati Shangri-La stands as a hotel of luxury and comfort. The hotel is about 20 minutes away from the International and Domestic airports of Manila. Makati Shangri-La stands as an award-winning hotel in the Philippines.
Makati Shangri-La has 699 beautiful and spacious guestrooms and suites. The international restaurants in the hotel serve world-class food. The private lounges offer gracious services. All hotel guests are received in internet-ready rooms and have an entry to Makati Shangri-La's spa and fitness center.
Due to Makati Shangri-La's location, hotel guests are a few walks away from Makati's shopping malls, bars, and restaurants, and business centers. This makes the hotel an ideal place to stay for business and family vacations for both local and foreign tourists.
Makati Shangri-La is situated in the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue in the business district of Makati City, Philippines. On each floor, the Zen waterfalls welcome the hotel guests as they walk into comfortable and spacious rooms which ensures a good night's sleep.
Makati Shangri-La rooms are furnished with a 21 inch TV and entertainment system. Cordless headphones are available upon request.
Makati Shangri-La's Standard Room features in-house movie channels, satellite/cable television, broadband internet access, mini-bar, coffee/tea making facilities, electronic safe, in-room fax/printer/copier, voice mail, IDD telephone, full-size executive writing desk, separate shower and bath, Shangri-La toiletries, and hair dryers.
The Horizon Club of Makati Shangri-La has a much higher level of comfort, convenience, and service. The hotel room benefits include private check-in/check-out at the Horizon Club Lounge, full use of the Horizon Club lounge at daytime, checking out late, buffet breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, evening cocktails, daily international newspaper, suit pressing, DVD entertainment system, fruit juices, and coffee during the daytime, and concierge service.
Makati Shangri-La's Suites let you live in a contemporary Asian spirit. The hotel's standard Suite features include broadband internet access, satellite/cable LCD television, in-house movie channels, DVD entertainment system, mini-bar, and coffee/tea making facilities. Other Suite features are electronic safe, voice mail, fax/printer/copier, IDD telephone, executive writing desk, separate parlor or sitting area, kitchenette with separate dining area, hair dryer, Shangri-La toiletries, and Iron with Ironing Board.
The hotel room rates in Makati Shangri-La regularly starts at $225 USD. The hotel's restaurants offer a unique blend of Western and Asian cuisine. The lounges and bars of Makati Shangri-La both have the relaxing and socializing atmosphere while enjoying the hotel's refreshing beverages.
Makati Shangri-La has spa facilities and a health club that gives the hotel guests the opportunity to be physically fit, healthy and relaxed while staying at the hotel.
For comfort, leisure and relaxation while here in the Philippines, Makati Shangri-La can give you these. The Makati Shangri-La is the ideal place to stay whenever you visit the center of business in the Philippines.
Looking for a great beach destination? Have we got the place for you! When we say vacation we usually see white sand beaches, warm, tropical nights, beautiful sunsets, exotic food, AND exotic people. It is also an advantage if your destination is affordable (not cheap!) and can AND will cater to your every vacation desire. The beaches in Bohol are all that and more.
Bohol is a little island lying southeast of Cebu and a mere 1 hour and fifty minutes from Manila. Known for its Chocolate Hills and the lovable tarsier, Bohol boasts of equally stunning and famous beaches that are favorites of locals and tourists alike. What makes the beach destinations here unique, however, are the pristine waters and protected diving areas where world famous seashells like the Golden Cowrie and "Gloria maris" thrive and abound.
The more exclusive beach resorts are often found in Panglao Island, that little piece of land jutting next to the bigger island of Bohol. The more known beaches include Dumaluan Beach, where some of the best resorts, like the Bohol Beach Club are located. It lies on the south of the Panglao Island, and is a great place to view killer sunsets, go barefoot in powdery white sand or simply, relax.
Alona Beach also boasts its own string of known resorts, and is probably the most developed beach on Panglao Island. It has a number of diving establishments, not to mention some of the best restaurants in Bohol. There is absolutely no better way to cap off a great day of diving than eating delicious seafood at the best beach front restaurants this island has to offer! Snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts have the time of their lives here, although they have to be wary of the occasional sea urchin that may be lurking beneath the waters. A good, sturdy pair of water shoes will take care of that though.
Other beaches include the Doljo, Bikini, Anda,and Momo beaches, perfect for those who prefer quiet, leisurely strolls to the activity and hustle of the more popular beaches and resorts.
True, there are a lot of beaches out there, too many, in fact, that at times it may seem hard to choose. However, there is no doubt that you will have a memorable vacation experience spent exploring in Bohol's beautiful and world-renowned beaches. Aside from the good food, excellent swimming and diving amenities and romantic sunsets you get the genuine tropical experience that only Bohol can offer.
One of the rapidly developing cities in the island of Palawan, Philippines, Puerto Princesa offers interesting and fun places for tourists and travelers to visit. To provide nice places to stay to everyone, the city plays home to several hospitality service providers that feature well-maintained amenities, as well as reasonable accommodations. Aside from this, the place also features dining places that offer delicious meals and dishes with affordable prices. In this regard, to make sure that they will experience a worry-free vacation in the city, they can always look at Puerto Princesa travel guides to have ideas about the best places to visit in the area.
Tourist Spots
Puerto Princesa is one of the cities in the Philippines that feature attractive spots and destinations for tourists and foreigners. To know the exact location and special features of these tourist attractions, people can refer to Puerto Princesa travel guides. Most of these guides provide detailed information on the famous tourist spots, namely Salvacion View Deck, Santa Monica Heights, and Vietnamese Village. Hence, vacationers in the city can also visit manmade attractions like Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Enchanted Garden, and The Provincial Capitol City Coliseum and Freedom Park.
Restaurants
Besides tourist destinations, travelers can also rely on Puerto Princesa travel guides for special information about restaurants and other dining places in Puerto Princesa, Philippines. For travelers who crave for seafood dishes, they can dine at Badjao Seafront, Kinabuch, and KaLui. Meanwhile, for those who like to dine in restaurants that have relaxing atmosphere and cozy ambiance, many Puerto Princesa travel guides offer menus and specialties of the following dining places; Kamarikutan, Casa Linda Inn Restaurant, and Tom Tom Club and Music Bar.
Hotels, Lodges, and Inns
Another special feature of Puerto Princesa travel guides is the section wherein the hospitality service providers in the city are featured. For those who want to stay in elegant, luxurious and attractive hotels, they can make advance reservations at Dos Palmas Arreceffi Island, The Legend Palawan, and Miniloc Island Resort. On the other hand, to help tourists who are on tight budget, Puerto Princesa travel guides provide information on lodges and inns in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, that offer affordable accommodations, which include D’Lucky Garden Inn and Suites, Celica Lodge, and Bambua Lodge and Restaurant. With the attractive sections in Puerto Princesa travel guides, people can surely have a worry-free, safe, and remarkable visit to the beautiful city of Puerto Princesa, Philippines.
With all its wonderful tourist spots, the province of Bohol is not only a very nice place to visit, but it is also an excellent place to go shopping. Featuring several malls of various sizes, Bohol shopping is all about fun and entertainment. Perfect for the entire family, these commercial establishments offer different kinds of things to do, especially through their modern features, outstanding services and superior staff and personnel.
Nestled in the City of Tagbilaran, Plaza Marcela is a shopping center that is positioned conveniently along Pamaong and Belderol Streets of Barangay Cogon. One of the major contributors in providing people with quality Bohol shopping experiences, this establishment holds regular shows and special events in order to attract more shoppers. The place is highly recommended for the entire family as it showcases different entertainment features including a gaming center, where both kids and adults are guaranteed to have fun. This mall also has a clean and spacious food court, where various kinds of delicious food and drinks await hungry customers. Additionally, it also hosts several fast food chains like Greenwich and Jollibee. Some of the commendable retail stores and shops available inside include the hobby house Filbars, the clothing line Hammerhead and the music store Odyssey.
Alturas Supermarket Corporation is a very nice shopping complex for the entire family, which is situated along B. Inting Street, also in the City of Tagbilaran. It houses a department store, where customers can shop for clothes, shoes and toys. It also has a huge supermarket that features different kinds of important merchandises, ranging from food all the way down to other personal items. Furthermore, this place is also a very good place to buy all sorts of footwear.
Definitely one of the biggest commercial centers in Bohol, people can easily find Island City Mall within the municipality of Dauis. This place is a one-stop shop for almost everything including food, clothing and entertainment. Inside this mall, people of all ages are guaranteed to have a great time. It has modern cinemas, which is perfect for watching your favorite movies and pay-per-view sporting events. At the activity center, shoppers can watch shows, music performances as well as concerts. Some of the notable retail stores available inside include the photo-processing center Kodak, Bo’s coffee shop and the fast food chain KFC.
Probably the biggest and grandest shopping hub in the province, BQ Mall is situated along CPG Avenue, likewise in Tagbilaran City. It has a supermarket, a pharmacy and a department store. Furthermore, it is home to numerous fast food chains and restaurants like McDonalds, Dunkin Donut and Pizza Hut. For those who prefer to eat Filipino food, they can dine conveniently at Gerry’s Grill. The place also has several modern cinemas for those who want to relax and watch their favorite films.
Samar is a very interesting place to visit with several tourist attractions that are considered as natural wonders. Samar hotels are not that easy to find though because although there are several good ones, they are not as well advertised as the other hotels in the Philippines.
Rolet Hotel was built at a time that there was an urgent need to increase the number of hotels in Samar and that was in 2001. The good thing about this Samar hotel is that despite the high demand for tourist lodging in Samar it didn’t follow the economic principle that the higher the demand, the less the supply, the higher the cost. Rolet Hotel has rooms for as low as US $22 but despite its incredibly low rates, this Samar hotel delivers when it comes to a good night’s sleep and good facilities. The rooms at Rolet Hotel are very spacious, comfortably accommodating up to 4 people and all have air conditioning and its own private bathroom.
There is no hot shower at this Samar hotel though but one will hardly miss this because of how refreshed one will feel after a shower. The Rolet Hotel is very clean, it has queen sized beds in all the rooms and it has very friendly personnel. This Samar hotel is very small and although it has no restaurant of its own, there are many outside which are a walking distance and reception will gladly point out the best ones to dine at. The Rolet Hotel only has 11 rooms but it does have a swimming pool where one can do a couple of laps.
If one is Amambucale, a good Samar hotel that comes highly recommended is the Jasmin Beach Resort. True to its name, this Samar hotel looks out to the sea and one can take a romantic stroll at night under the moon and the stars on the beach. The rooms are moderately prices at Jasmin Beach Resort with rates starting at US $48 and it has good amenities. Among the amenities included at this Samar hotel are a pool, restaurant and a business center.
The food served at the restaurant of Jasmin Beach Resort is just heavenly and one is served authentic Filipino dishes that will have one craving for more. Sunsets and sunrises are also beautiful at the Jasmin Beach Resort and this is not only an ideal Samar hotel for families, but also for couples and honeymooners. Jasmin Beach Resort also has tour packages and can accommodate large groups.
Ever wondered living in a place called 'The City of Smiles'? Bacolod City, is dubbed to have that description. Bacolod City is in the Visayas Region in the Philippines, particularly at the northern part of Negros Occidental. 'Stonehill' was the literal meaning of the word 'bacolod' (from 'bakolod' a Hiligaynon terminology). The place was established on a literally mound-like terrain and it was stony. The place is now of Granada District. Muslim raids during those days forced the new settlement to be pushed along the shoreline in 1787. The old site was regarded as the 'old town' or Da-an Banwa.
Sugar plantations have been the archetypal scene along the main roads of Bacolod. This has been the source of the natives' bread and butter and as of the present moment, almost 9000 hectares of agricultural or rural land are dedicated for sugarcane planting. Other source of income and livelihood are fishing, pottery and being engaged to livestock. Knocking in at the doors of international competency in economy, local government established some language centers catering foreigners. This type of business scheme has been giving English tutorials and instructions especially to Koreans. Other subjects and courses are also being offered. The usual colleges and universities around the city are also offering English language instruction for foreign students presently residing at Bacolod City. The onset and the emergence of the so-called business process outsourcing or BPO in most companies had changed the international market big time. In order for most business ventures to survive, they have to adopt this type of market scenario. The city of Bacolod is one of the cities in the Philippines that implemented this business wave. For this reason, there are distinguished BPO companies working in the city like, TeleTech, Transcom, Focus International Teleperformance and Convergys.
The city is highly regarded as the most livable city in the Philippines. Bacolod City is the province of Negros Occidental's capital city. The city prides itself as the only city in the Philippines to achieve a grand slam award for being the greenest and the cleanest highly urbanized city. Traffic jam is never a problem in the city because of the wide roads that prevent congestions. Bacolodnons, the natives of Bacolod, really love to enjoy life and that is the fact behind the moniker the 'City of Smiles'. Their noted festivities are the Pana-ad Sa Negros Festival and Maskara Festival. Making arrangements with some notable travel agencies would make the trip and stay to Bacolod City a reason for tourists to smile. T3 (Trips, Tickets and Tours) Centre is one of the tours agencies of Bacolod located at G/F Bargain Square Mall. Décor Travel Agencia situated at Goldenfields Commercial Complex also provides travel related services. For accommodations and travel needs, SN Travel House and Tours could make special packages for visitors (located at G/F Sea Breeze Hotel, San Juan St.). Mariton Air Travel is another office for tourists' itinerary and lodging needs. These travel agencies have served a lot of tourists who really and literally 'smiling' after their Bacolod adventure. As a travelers' tip, always check the internet for updated information regarding these travel agencies. As a final note, for a lovely vacation, always wear a smile.
One of the second-class and most populous cities in Albay, Legazpi offers different shopping options to local people as well as to tourists who want to see the relaxing and beautiful sites in the area. To have a wonderful experience at the place, visitors are encouraged to spend some time at the major Legazpi shopping malls, souvenir shops and entertainment centers. The malls in the city plays home to numerous retail stores that sell cheap items like shoes, dress accessories and clothes. For the relaxation and recreation of tourists, the city has several movie houses that feature interesting local and foreign films.
Situated at Landco Business Park, Pacific Mall is a very inviting and popular shopping center in Legazpi City. This establishment has a supermarket where customers can buy food and other things that they need in their homes. To purchase clothes, footwear and accessories that have reasonable prices, shoppers can always check out the items available at the mall’s department store. To have quality time with their friends or loved ones, people can view informative movies at the cinemas. For the comfort of shoppers, Pacific Mall features different restaurants and fast food chains that offer delicious and affordable meals.
Another popular Legazpi shopping center to visit that features several retail stores is the LCC Mall. Many local people shop at this place since the items that are available inside the mall were made from high quality materials. In addition to this, the mall is easy to access because it is located along Quezon Avenue, which is one of the busy areas of the city. This is the best place to visit if shoppers are in search for attractive and cheaper formal outfit. In addition, there are small food shops that sell tasty and affordable snacks inside the mall.
One of the fine shopping places to visit in Legazpi City is the Albay District. This area features different inviting shops that sell native products and local treats. Many tourists also go to this place at night because it plays home to several bars and bistros. Visitors who also want to relax and shop at the middle of the night can check out the 24-hour stores at this area. Most of the items available at the shops have affordable prices. Moreover, tourists will not have problems locating the place because most of the public transportation vehicles in Legazpi City have routes that pass along Albay District.