The best way to earn in the country second to a high-paying employment is doing a business. Starting a business in the Philippines can be summarized in the following steps.
First of all, starting a business means getting a birth certificate. Then open the Sunday classified ads of any major daily in the country to look for people or companies offering business. Choose one that suits your preference, list several offers, and call them up one by one. Of the offers in the list choose two to three that seem to promise a more preferable deal. Meet with representatives of these offers. Most of these will probably be franchise offers, the trend in the country.
If the business is a franchise, ask for franchise documents that will prove one’s ownership of the franchise. This document will be asked by city hall officials and stall or concession owners one will later meet. Be sure that franchise documents are complete. This is important in starting a business. For particulars on franchise documents, contact the franchise main office. They will likely be listed online. Or try telephone operator service.
If the business is non-franchise, be sure to have all pertinent documents and records of the business one has bought. Among these are Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) documents for solo or single proprieties or a partnership and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) papers for corporations. Then there’s the business permit which is secured from city hall. Last, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) business papers. Be sure to have all these documents transferred to one’s name. Besides these business documents, starting a business also needs one to secure a barangay character and business clearance from the barangay where one plans to put up a business. Birth certificate is needed here.
The best option is to start one’s own business. Starting a business from scratch (not bought from somebody else) requires routine securing of all aforesaid documents. A warning though: without the barangay clearances no documentation will be accomplished at city hall. Days or week may pass before DTI or SEC or business or BIR papers can be released. So while waiting, one can proceed looking for business locations. Location is crucial in starting a business so give it lots of time.
Starting a business in the Philippines need to go through several phases: getting barangay clearances, securing DTI or SEC papers, business permit from city hall, BIR permit, and choosing a business location.
I grew and was oriented in a family that believed in the usual process of 'go to school, finished college and get a good job' in order to survive in this so-called life. We have more than the average family has in terms of financial and educational opportunity. Nonetheless, even in my younger years, I knew that surviving was not my type of game. Surviving would not do for me, I wanted something more. Fulfillment has something to do with challenge and that was my game.
Though we were not really that financially overflowing, but we were blessed that our parents gave us equal opportunity in terms of our needs. As the youngest amongst siblings, I witnessed how my elder brothers and sisters were being aided by my parents regarding their ventures until they decided to settle down and raise their own families. As the 'bunso' (youngest among siblings) I was in a way 'spoiled brat', but in a good way though. My siblings were very supportive of me as they 'vented' their frustrations on me. My brothers taught me how to play basketball and they were so proud of me since I was the only one in the family that had achieved the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award in our school. My sisters help me appreciate music as they taught me how to play the piano. After my recital, I decided to learn the guitar and created a four-piece band that represented the schools in various 'battle of the bands' competition. I retained this 'rock star-all-star baller' until I finished my college degree. Honestly, after my formal schooling, I still not sure of what I really wanted. One of my best friends suggested why not put up a business. The idea had me almost jumping because I had not ventured in to 'money-making' deals my whole life. Of course, I would like it to be challenging.
When I was a young kid, I dreamt of being 'trapped' in an island and eventually surviving the harsh and unpredictable forces of nature and in the end emerged as the victor and developed the place into a state-of-art island. Then the island of Bohol just popped out of my mind as the best venue for my business endeavor. I was too young then to appreciate Bohol Island but my cousins never failed to give me a 'blow by blow' account how beautiful the island was. The next question was what would be my line of business. My girlfriend’s dad, for the longest time, had been a supervisor of a bus company that caters visitors going to Baguio. He asserted that car for rent business in Bohol would be in. The 'gig' may not be the first but, who does not need transportation anyway. Business was all about networking. It was a matter of knowing who your potential patrons or customers to keep the business alive.
After taking care of the business technicalities, I was now ready to start my business in Bohol. I was a hands-on guy who really loved to get involved of the situation. My first customers were actually distant relatives based outside the Philippines. Since they had been gone for quite sometime, I was able to practiced professionalism throughout their stay. My cute 'pamangkin' (niece) always asked questions like why the tarsiers were so little but they have bulging eyes, why the famous Chocolate Hills looked like inverted chocolate kisses, etc. One of the best question she threw was where is the place where chocolate kisses where made. I answered in a chocolate factory, she immediately quipped, 'No, they were made inside the Chocolate Hills!' This kid made us laugh as we drove around Bohol Island.
Doing business in Bohol was really a wonderful idea after all. Practically speaking living in the island is so simple. Locals are really great! Bohol Island is definitely one of the best tourist spots in the world because of its natural beauty. I do really hope that everything stays this way forever.
There are many Tagbilaran festivals that are celebrated only here and no other region or province in the Philippines. These Tagbilaran festivals are unique to the locality because of its historical significance.
The Ubi Festival is held for five days during January and this event somewhat extends the festivities of the Christmas season. This Tagbilaran festival is celebrated mid January from the 15th to 19th and this is a farmer’s feast where they showcase their primarily grown product ubi or purple yam. During the Ubi Festival, the by products of the purple yam are showcased from wonderful desserts such as cakes, pastillas and pies to dishes where the purple yam is used. This Tagbilaran festival though is more than just about showcasing a homegrown product. The purple yam is considered as a holy crop because of how resilient it is to many natural disasters and farm pests. During the Ubi Festival, the children of farmers are taught that this God given crop is something that should be appreciated and they are even taught to kiss this if it falls to the ground. The Ubi Festival showcases the many products that can be produced out of this crop and the ingenious ways of doing it. Many visitors flock to the province to see this Tagbilaran festival because this is also an opportunity to purchase purple yam and its by products at an incredibly low price. The Ubi Festival is indeed unlike any other Tagbilaran festival.
Another really popular Tagbilaran festival is the Sandugo Festival and it has its roots deeply embedded in the history of this region. Translated in English, the Sandugo Festival means the Blood Compact Commemoration and this is a landmark event that symbolizes friendship between Datu Sikatuna and the Spaniard Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. This Tagbilaran festival used to just be celebrated for a whole month in July but over the past 2 or 3 years, the celebration has been extended well into August. There are many events and competitions that are held during the Sandugo Festival and it includes cock fighting, sports competitions as well as street parades. During the parades at the Sandugo Festival locals dressed in colorful costumes represent both the Spaniards and the tribe of Datu Sikatuna and there is re-enactment of the blood compact. Every night visitors and locals dance to Filipino bands performing and there are always firework displays at the Sandugo Festival.
The Palawan Island is notable as one of the best tourist spots in the Philippines. The place was blessed with natural assets, thus the industry of Eco-Tourism is established. The best time to go to Palawan is within the months of October until May since the weather is defined by dry season and rain fall is atypical. Nonetheless, Palawan and its locals define happiness the whole year round trough various festivities. The following are some of the noted festivities that make Palawan's culture more meaningful.
Commenced by the Regional Administration, it consists of a variety of bustles in blissful expectation of the Jesus Christ's birth. Paskuhan concludes with the countdown upon entering the New Year plus a lot of fireworks display at the Capitol Grounds in Puerto Princesa City. The main draw of the Paskuhan is the huge Christmas display (that is animated) at the Capitol Park Square showing different subjects turning around the season of Christmas.
The Pagdiwata ceremony is a thanksgiving ritual and also calling on the gods of the forefathers for healing of sickness. It is a Tagbanua custom.
Since Puerto Princesa City (main metropolis of Palawan) is considered to be a city within forests, extra precautions against insect bites, particularly against mosquitoes are emphasized by the local government. The 'Kulambo' (mosquito net) Festival is a sort of campaign to eradicate malaria in Palawan. The feast is highlighted by a parade or street dance with participants wearing get ups made of 'kulambo'
It is a festival that culminates the celebration of the Farm-Family Month.
This is a feast in honor of San Agustin (Saint Augustine) and celebrated with sports events, cultural productions and related festive activities.
It is the commemoration of the Palawan Civil administrations foundation. Extensive array of festive programs are initiated by the local government with involvement of government agencies and local units.
The island of Palawan definitely has a lot of festivals and merry-making related activities to offer tourists and visitors alike the whole year round. Consequently, the influx of the number tourists has been steadily growing. To have a glimpse of Palawan, one of the best sites to check is http://www.palawan.gov.ph/ which is the Palawan Islands official homepage. The said site is full of information a tourist could consider to be helpful for the travel and stay to Palawan and checking their web page is surely enticing.
My family decided to live independently (it is popular in the Filipino culture to have this kind of 'extended family' ties) after two (2) or three (3) years since I was born. As far as I could remember, we settled in an apartment in Blue Ridge in Quezon City. My father was a resident doctor then at the adjacent hospital known as the Labor Hospital (nowadays, it is the Quirino Memorial Medical Center) and for years, he had practiced his medical expertise as a general surgeon. Then my papa decided to render his service as a government doctor and he chose to be assigned at the Bicol Region since he is a Bicolano. Since then, it was a privilege for us to be with our papa in three occasions in a month.
The first time we accompanied my father at the bus terminal headed to Bicol, I really cried a lot. I was aware that my father would be away for a long period of time and that really broke my young spirit at that time. This instance happened two (2) or three (3) times more the moment we sent papa to the terminal. Nonetheless, I realized that my tears went futile when it happened and it was the reason I stopped being a crybaby. Well, my father also talked to me heart to heart why he needed to be away.
On one instance, I woke up seeing my mama, papa and our nanny packed a lot of baggage and they were all in a hurry. I even remembered my mama reprimanding me for asking too much questions about what was going on. After packing our things, we headed again to the terminal and all I had in mind that my father would be again, leaving us. As we boarded the bus, my other siblings were comfortably seated and seemed to be happy. The co-driver of the bus then signaled it was time to go and I found myself trying to go out of the bus, then my papa said, 'sit tight' then he smiled. At that moment I knew we were going with my papa. I thought that time I was going to enjoy it.
After a 'gruesome' 8 hours of trip, my siblings and I were surprised, but pleased with what we were seeing in the background. Everything was literally 'green'. What we were seeing were coconut trees, hills and mountains-these things we do not usually see in the concrete jungle of Quezon City. All of a sudden, what we saw next gave us mixed feeling of admiration and at the same time fear. In my mind that time, I was asking myself, 'am I only dreaming?'. 'That is the Mayon Volcano' my father was giving us a heads up. Nonetheless, my brothers and I could not even fathom what we were seeing. It was definitely exciting and I remember overhearing my brother, 'can we climb it?'. Our curiosity stopped after a group of clouds block our wonderful view.
We stayed at one of our papa's ancestral home (yes, they do have a lot of ancestral homes scattered around the Bicol Region). The sun was setting and the clouds were still persistent in blocking our object of admiration. After a hefty meal and some mingling with our relatives, we called it a day.
As soon as I woke up, it seemed like a beautiful lady was peeking on me as I again saw the majestic Mayon Volcano! True to its legend and description, Mayon Volcano is world-famous because of its ‘perfect cone’ shape. It was named by the locals after the mythical heroine 'Daragang Magayon' or Lady Beautiful. My brothers and I talked about it, and I remembered my cousins, who were locals of Legazpi, just simply laughed at us, but that did not stop our curious awe of the famous volcano. Since it was our first time at Legazpi City, our relatives with our parents decided to give us a trip at one of the scenic and tourist spots around Mayon Volcano: the Cagsawa Ruins.
Being at the Cagsawa Ruins, it felt a bit strange as for my experience. All the while, I thought that once you saw the famous belfry, you were, literally, set at the foot of the Mayon Volcano. Well, it did not work that way. The bell tower or the belfry was a mute eyewitness to the terrible outburst of Mother Nature through the volcano. I was even imagining survivors trying to help their way up to the tower for refuge as they saw the raging lava. Well, that was the past and we were here to be fascinated by the beauty of the Mayon Volcano!
Seeing Mayon Volcano and knowing a bit of its past make me proud being a Bicolano. As always, I convinced my friends to go and visit Bicol, particularly Legazpi City and see the wonders the place it can give. It is definitely a must for all tourists and visitors alike to experience one of Mother Nature’s masterpieces. Mayon Volcano is considered to be one of active volcanoes in the Philippines and the local government never fails to give ample reminders of safety measures to guarantee a well-spent vacation. Mayon Volcano: 'Magayon ini' (it is beautiful)!
As the Chinese businessmen in the country say, “In business location is everything.” How should a business be located?
Nature of business is directly proportional to its location. Business in the Philippines is informally “zoned” as follows: commercial, community, sidewalk, or stocky. Commercial businesses have malls and shopping complexes as their business location. Community businesses like groceries, marts, hardware and sari-sari stores, have street corners or main roads in communities as their business location.
Sidewalk businesses like selling in small, makeshift stalls, or kiosks, or carts have byways and pathways as business location---or even spread-out mats right on overpasses---which the MMDA abhors, and which we, therefore, don’t want. A new trend in business in the Philippines is being a stocky---a networking business term which means one’s got stocks of marketable items at home and sells them through word-of-mouth. So the home’s the business location.
After knowing the proper zone or area where one’s business location is supposed to be, the next task is to know where “exactly” the business site is to be. In doing a business in the Philippines, we’re going by the adage that location is everything in business.
Here are tips on where exactly a business location should be placed.
Human traffic. Check if the place is a major route of human traffic at least at 3 major times of the day---morning rush hour, noon rush hour, and afternoon rush hour. Some ideal business locations get heavy human traffic 16 hours a day. In this case, sometimes night shift work is needed to take full advantage of the human traffic flow. To be sure of human traffic, schedule 1 to 2 days observing it in the vicinity. Go there at certain times of the day to study human traffic and do surveys around. Ask other businesses how they’re doing and what seems to be the problem, if any.
Next is settlement of the rent issue. Say, for a small 3X3 stall the usual rent is P5,000 monthly. To beat the rent one has to make at least P200 a day. But we also want to make profits---not just pay rent to fatten up the landlord, so it’s got to be at least P300 a day. But we have to pay taxes, annual permits, overhead expenses, etc. Meeting these needs make for a good location.
A good business location when doing a business in the Philippines is one that is strategically located to meet expense needs and make lucrative profits.
Just waiting for stressed up Manilans aching for a respite is a hilltop enclave for rest, fun, or inspirational talks. Spread out on a seven-hectare clearing is the Rizal Re-Creation Center in Rizal, Laguna, complete with lodging, dining, strolling, sports, fishing, and conference facilities.
Taking the South Luzon Expressway, the hilltop spot takes about two hours from Makati through San Pablo, Laguna. This city is still home to old mansions reminiscent of Spanish times. Sign posts for directions are visible from San Pablo all the way up to Rizal and the place itself.
A series of sharp zigzag turns on the road passing through countryside scenes of mango groves, fruit farms, and breath-taking cliffs tells you Rizal Recreation is just nearby.
For active visitors out for action and out-door adventure, the place affords swimming pools—a shallower one for tots, and a six foot deep for adults, with a challenging long slide—all nestled at the foot of a gently sloping hill surrounded by abundant fruit trees.
A fitness gym lies next to the vast camping and soccer areas, with basketball courts, and an enclosed beach volleyball carpeted with white sand from Boracay. Wide hockey, soccer and camping grounds lie adjacent to the daunting obstacle course.
A cozy snack kiosk (with internet cubicle) and huge dining hall is in the middle of all the action, accessible to the hungry adventurer, and not far are the lodging cottages named after Southeast Asian nations.
Take a sip of cool coconut juice fresh from the tree as one sits back in the kiosk for refection.
A conference hall also stands in the middle of it all with extra session rooms, a two-floor bamboo tree house, mini zoo, and fishing area. Not far away towers the mystical Mount Banahaw, said to be haven for fairies and nymphets, a perfect destination for a planned morning hike.
Guests are always treated to an evening of “Tops Presentation”—a deft demo of spinning tops from the smallest to the biggest in the world. The tops are a collection of the Rev. Joseph Mauk, from Ohio, the manager, from his travels in Asia.
Meals come in buffet-style, classy and tasty, eat-all-you-can, served by polite crews, and accompanied by cheery, gospel music. The swell meals, courtesy of Mrs. Mauk, are often lavished with sweet, puffy European bread.
The stay can pamper the appetite for everything pleasurable and drop one’s harmful vice habits for a while; vices are barred in the premises to make the vacation healthy and clean.
For a needed break full of gratifying escapades, fun sports, meditation, quiet talks, and good food, visit Rizal Recreation Center in Laguna.
Legazpi City is recognized by several prestigious organizations for its potential and the recent boom of its economy and infrastructure has aroused a lot of curiosity especially among tourists. There are several Legazpi destinations that one ought to visit when in this city in Bicol and these are just among the wonders of this highly urbanized city.
Many people learn not off the textbooks but through visuals and sensory experience. The Legazpi City Museum found in Albay showcases the rich history of the entire Bicol region with emphasis on Legazpi. This Legazpi destination is not just for those who have a keen interest in Filipino history and culture, anyone even children can enjoy a trip to the Legazpi City Museum. Legazpi City Museum is divided into several parts and one will notice that what stands out the most is the collection of antiques from ancient times when clans ran the city. There have been several archeological digs in Legazpi City alone and most of those found are on display here. Legazpi artists are also becoming known around the world for their passionate works of art and some of the most beautiful and thought provoking artworks are on display at the Legazpi City Museum. What’s good about the artworks on display at this Legazpi destination is it doesn’t focus only on the present era but there are also works that show the dominant styles of the past. The Legazpi City Museum is about 20 minutes away from the town proper of Legazpi City.
Nobody goes to Legazpi without making a visit to the Legazpi destination of Mayon Volcano. What’s so great about a volcano, one might ask. This Legazpi destination is actually on the very top of the list when it comes to tourist attractions in Albay, having been considered as one of the world’s wonders. The Mayon Volcano is a little over eight thousand feet and it is the only volcano in the world that has a perfect cone. Eruptions of the Mayon Volcano are actually awaited because it is a spectacular sight especially at night when the red lava pours down its sides. Although the Mayon Volcano erupts more frequently now, such eruptions have not been considered threatening to the locals living nearby. There are also several souvenir shops at the foot of the Mayon Volcano where one can indulge on the affordable gift items that one can buy at this Legazpi destination.
Puerto Galera is a popular place where tourists local and foreign come for a quick getaway from the city. It is an island known for several things but the people go there mainly to enjoy and have fun in the beach. There are several beaches in Puerto Galera. The following beaches can be the best place where you will have an unforgettable experience.
1. Alibatan beaches
These are beaches that can be found in Alibatan island. The island is not that far from Puerto Galera. The sand in this island is so fine because it is white and so pure. The island is rich with different sea animals which include turtle and seagulls. Diving is one of the best activities in this island. You will be able to see different colors of shells and corals.
2. Sabang Beach
This is one of the most famous beach in Puerto Galera. Many people choose this beach than the other beaches in Puerto Galera. There are more resorts and restaurants here. The sand is also fine and the waters are generally calm especially during the summer. There are many bancas in the sea which gives the visitors an insight into their livelihood. There are several bars and restaurants and there is a party almost every night. People can come here to swim, snorkel and dive and party at night time.
3. Small La Laguna Beach
This beach is just next to Sabang. It is a crowd drawer as well. This is considered as the cleanest beach in Puerto Galera. It is also one of the beaches that you can easily get to. There are bancas that take tourists direct to island and there are many ferries that pass their way there bound for the province. The beach resembles a cove. It has many trees mostly palm. It welcomes the tourists greeting them in a good paradise. This is one of the beaches where tourists can relax more in the serenity of the place. Couples can walk down under the bright evening sky.
4. Big La Laguna Beach
The landscape on this beach is huge and the waters are also clear. The Big La Laguna beach is known to a lot of tourists as one of the best beaches in the country. It is near Sabang and small La Laguna beaches. The white sand in this island continues until the sea. Big ships cannot pass by this beach so it is safe for everyone to swim here. One of the best things you will see in this beach is the changing colors of the water. You can have a wonderful time snorkeling and seeing the different hues of the corals and fishes.
Before you will be allowed to enter the Philippines, you are required to secure a visa from the Philippine consulate or embassy in your country. Just like in other countries, there are several expat visa requirements that you need to submit before you will be issued a visa to the Philippines.
One of the expat visa requirements is your passport that should be valid for at least six months from the date of your intended stay in the Philippines. When submitting the expat visa requirements, only the photocopy of your passport is required.
Another important expat visa requirement are the accomplished expat visa application forms. These forms are available from the Philippine embassy or consulate and may also be downloaded from the website of the Philippine government. In order to process your expat visa requirements quickly, fill in all the needed information completely and attach the required documents.
As part of your expat visa requirements, you will need to submit a proof of your status. Are you coming into a country as a tourist or as a businessman? Are you a student who intends to study a short course or are you going to get a college degree in the country? Prepare proof that justifies the purpose of your stay in the country.
Depending on the length of your stay, one of the expat visa requirements could be a return ticket to your country or a ticket to your next destination.
Along with the forms and documents for your expat visa requirements, you also need to submit two pieces passport photos. One will be used for your file and the other will be for your visa.
Once you have all the expat visa requirements, you also need to pay the visa fees so that your visa will be processed.
Other documents may also be required as part of your expat visa requirements, such as your employment history and a contract of employment (if you will be working in the country).
If your spouse or children are coming with you, your expat visa requirements will also include your marriage contract, their birth certificates and photocopies of their passports.
If you just intend to visit the country for not more than twenty-one days, you may be allowed to stay without a visa. Check the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs to know if you meet the conditions.
To have a hassle-free trip to the Philippines, submit the expat visa requirements the soonest time possible.