Day: April 21, 2014

Private and Public Sectors Urged to Help mSMEs

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The government and the private sector must work together to help struggling mSMEs secure financing to grow their business. This was the call made by Department of Trade and Industry-La Union Provincial Director Daria R. Mingaracal during the Usap Tayo, Ka-Biz seminar sponsored by Bank of Makati on March 27, 2014 at Max’s Restaurant, San Fernando, La Union.

Mingaracal said that while mSMEs comprise 99.6 percent of total registered enterprises in the country, they face the most difficulties in securing financing and in meeting stringent government requirements. Many of such enterprises do not have capital nor collateral with which to secure a loan, nor are they able to provide documentary requirements necessary to register their businesses.

“That is why this no-collateral offer of BMI is a good thing,” said Mingaracal, referring to BMI’s Enterprise Loan 300 offering, which gives borrowers as much as P300,000, collateral free. “We can be partners in providing assistance to our mSMEs.”

At the same time, the DTI provincial director said mSMEs should take advantage of the programs and training that the Trade and Industry department offers for free to improve their products and services. These programs include:

  • SME Roving Academy, which provides would-be and existing entrepreneurs with the right entrepreneurial mindset and attitude that would enable them to be competitive in the domestic and international markets. Among the topics being covered by the Academy this year are Simple Bookkeeping, Entrepreneurship/BIR Matters, Basic Food Safety, and Market Development/Product Costing.

  • Shared Service Facilities (SSF), which gives mSMEs access to tools, machinery and equipment to help them advance their product development, processing and manufacturing.

The seminar also featured Charito Dator, Provincial Manager of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), who gave a brief overview of the recruitment services being offered by the agency to entrepreneurs and businesses.

The Usap Tayo, Ka-Biz Seminar was attended by 31 mSME businessmen in La Union, predominantly from the wholesale and retail trade sectors. It was the fifth Ka-Biz seminar to be offered after successful runs in Malolos, Palawan, Davao del Norte and Tagum City.

Bank of Makati will be bringing the Ka-Biz seminar to Rodriguez, Rizal; Naga City, Camarines Sur; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; and Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental in the second quarter of 2014. The seminar is being offered for free to participants as part of BMI’s service commitment to micro, small and medium entrepreneurs.

A Good Day to Die Hard features 14 different Mercedes-Benz models

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Iconoclastic, take-no-prisoners cop John McClane, for the first time, finds himself on foreign soil after traveling to Moscow to help his wayward son Jack. With the Russian underworld in pursuit, and battling a countdown to war, the two McClanes discover their opposing methods make them unstoppable heroes.

 

The new film “A Good Day to Die Hard” will be showing in the Philippines from February 13, 2013. Mercedes-Benz has a strong presence in the film in the form of numerous vehicles and will be supporting the premiere screenings in London and Berlin. The provision of an exclusive shuttle fleet for the film’s actors and VIP guests is, of course, all part of the service.

“We are very pleased that we were able to support the new film in the exciting “Die Hard” series with a large number of our vehicles. From the C-Class to the Zetros, the Mercedes-Benz model fleet could not be better suited to this action film with its spectacular stunts in the streets of Moscow. An exciting film with many emotionally appealing vehicles,” says Anders Sundt Jensen, Head of Brand Communication Mercedes-Benz Cars.

“Mercedes-Benz vehicles stand for safety, performance and distinctive design. And they are at home in all major European cities. This suits them perfectly and completely authentically to the screenplay. For example, the G-Class, Sprinter, Unimog and Zetros are the ideal “hero cars” for the hard-as-nails requirements of John and Jack McClane”, continues Jensen.

The film and the roles played by the Mercedes-Benz vehicles

“A Good Day to Die Hard” the latest movie in the famous “Die Hard” franchise with the star studded cast of Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney and Sebastian Koch is coming soon to theaters worldwide. Also starring in the film is a whole fleet of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, a total of 14 different models. Many of them appear in breathtakingly spectacular car-chases through Moscow. Four indestructible Mercedes-Benz models play a key role in the battle for survival to save the world: the G-Class, the Unimog, the Sprinter and the Zetros.

In addition to the hero-cars, several other Mercedes-Benz vehicles will be seen
in the film. Among them are the C-Class, Vito, E-Class Saloon as well as the new G 63 AMG, a GL-Class and a Maybach 57.

One challenge, five destinations: Isuzu D-MAX 4×4 Drive Series to takeoff in Pampanga

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YOU love the great outdoors, you got the right equipment, you live for off-road fun. So, are you ready to take on the challenge?

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is inviting you to the 2014 Isuzu D-MAX 4×4 Drive Series in Pampanga. Featuring the exciting all-new Isuzu D-MAX 4×4, the event is scheduled to hit full throttle on April 25 to 27 at the Eastgate Center, Brgy. San Jose, San Fernando, Pampanga (at the back of Robinsons Starmills). Activities are set to start at 10:00 am and will last until 6:00 pm for the three-day staging (except on the opening day when the first hour is reserved for invited guests).

Adding to the thrills is that admission to the off-road driving challenge is absolutely free of charge.

This 2014, the D-MAX 4×4 Drive Series is on its third edition. IPC started the event in 2008 on three locations, followed by another in 2010 that featured four locations. This year the demonstration of off-road driving skills becomes even larger in scope as it’s set to be held in five venues, clearly illustrating the continuous growth of the four-wheel drive pickup sector in the Philippines, as well as the rapidly increasing popularity of outdoor recreational activities among Filipinos.

“There is no doubt to the appeal that off-road driving holds over Filipino consumers, as can be seen on the consistent rise of the four-wheel drive pickup segment in the local market,” IPC President Nobuo Izumina said. “Over the years, the performance of the Isuzu D-MAX 4×4 contributed to this popularity, and the all-new version of the pickup model will certainly push the growth to new heights. I invite one and all to experience the D-MAX 4×4’s known strengths of durability and unparalleled prowess over tough terrain in the 2014 Isuzu D-MAX 4×4 Drive Series.”

The series-opening leg in Pampanga will tackle a track that features numerous slopes and hills to climb up and descend from, demonstrating the D-MAX’s power and traction. Other obstacles and trails will also highlight the capability of the pickup’s Limited Slip Differential and the suspension system’s articulation over varying surfaces, heights and angles.

After the Pampanga leg, the 2014 Isuzu D-MAX 4×4 Drive Series moves to Mandaue, Cebu on May 9 to 11; then to Bacolod City on May 23 to 25; travels to Cagayan de Oro City on June 6 to 8; and culminates in Lanang, Davao City on June 20 to 22.

JESSIE J to visit Manila, set to perform at the Smart Araneta Coliseum

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After numerous number one singles and a debut album that headed straight for the top, selling millions worldwide, show-stopping performances in front of a global audience of billions at the Olympics and extraordinary acts for charity that hit the headlines, London-born songstress Jessie J shakes up Manila in “Jessie J Live in Manila on July 14, 2014 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum presented by Midas Promotions in cooperation with Futuretainment, Inc.

The 26-year-old pop star burst onto the scene in 2011 with the explosive single, “Do It Like A Dude” in a feisty performance with a video so strong there was certainly no ignoring this talented new singer-songwriter, surfing between tough RnB and rap. That was followed by “Price Tag”, the anti-materialistic anthem of its year, and an album that sold in its millions going platinum several times over. But that was just the beginning of a journey that would see Jessie become the first British woman in history to take six top ten singles from one album and never mind that it was her first outing.

To add to those achievements are some pretty impressive statistics: coming up for 15 million sales, a Brit, the BBC Sound of 2011 award, two number one singles in the UK, number ones in no fewer than 19 countries, a number six hit in the US with “Domino”. There are many more. We could go on. And that’s not to mention her part in The Voice UK, the highly-rated BBC1 Saturday night prime-time show where she has mentored hopefuls alongside legends like Sir Tom Jones and will.i.am.

The former Voice UK coach also released her second studio album Alive in September and shaved off her trademark bob for Comic Relief, donating the hair to be woven into wigs for children who had lost their hair during cancer treatment. “I wrote my first album when I was 18. This is definitely more mature,” she said of her new record on which she wrote and worked on with the likes of Rodney Jerkins, Claude Kelly and Stargate.

Witness as Jessie J delivers an evening of hits, dance tunes, trendsetter waysand show-stopping vocals which alters from jump-up and rave anthems made for nightclubs to soft ballad highlights including Domino, Laserlight, Thunder, Excuse My Rude, Do It Like A Dude, Wild, Who You Are, Price Tag, and It’s My Party.

Tickets will go on sale on April 8, 2014 at 9:00am at www.ticketnet.com.ph and Ticketnet outlets. For inquiries, call 911-5555.

Luxury is changing: Volvo Philippines introduces 2014 line

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Volvo Philippines redefines luxury as it launches the 2014 range of Volvos. Hinged on Smart Luxury, the stable of modern, spirited and technologically-advanced Volvos take luxury to a new level as it meshes cutting-edge innovations that Volvo is known for with the world-class sophistication and elegance of Scandinavia.

From the sleek, clean lines to the intricate craftsmanship of the interiors and down to the powerful hum of its engines, a new reVOLVOlution has come.

Smart Luxury is a new way of thinking and a fresher take of making driving a Volvo more pleasurable. Designed around people, the new breed of Volvos will always try to make life less complicated. Form follows function, and when you a car is designed inside and out with people in mind, it looks and feels naturally beautiful. Luxury, for Volvo, is not just wasteful extravagance or meaningless excess; it is the emotion that you feel when you are inside (or even outside) our cars. It is about making informed decisions that give you the most value for money. The priceless values — like peace of mind and security — that come with driving a car that is one of the safest in the world.

As 2014 sees the introduction of the redesigned Volvo S60, V60 and XC60, dynamic features such as the Adaptive Digital Display as well as an enhanced City Safety that is now active up to 50kph. Standard in the Volvo Sensus – Volvo’s in-car intuitive control module that makes all instruments and controls easy to use – the high-res Active Crystal TFT Display or Adaptive Digital Display gives all the needed information you without overwhelming the driver. Plus, it has three driving modes to choose from: Eco, Sport or Elegance. The new gearshift paddles also makes driving more fun coupled with the supple Sport seats that hug and supports from thighs to shoulders.

Volvo is more than just about safety. While continuing to lead in that area — with world-first technologies such as the Driver Alert Control, Pedestrian Detection, Cyclist Detection and many more – it also offers utmost enjoyment with its wide variety of engines to choose from. Soon to arrive are the 8-speed engines that contribute to a refined drive and excellent fuel economy. Pumping up a Volvo’s visual volume is also possible with personal customization options such as adding R-Design elements and powered with Polestar engine optimization. Owning a Volvo is also made easier with tailor-made ownership packages and flexible financing options.

Know more about Volvo’s smart luxury features in the 2014 model line-up and discover the difference of driving a car that has people in mind by visiting www.volvocars.ph. Designed to have style and substance, form and function, and beautiful practicality, a Volvo is truly one rewarding investment.

Volvo Car Distributor Scandinavian Motors Corporation.

Authorized Volvo Car Dealers

Volvo Alabang: 104-105 Westgate Center, Filinvest, Alabang, Muntinlupa City Contact Numbers: 09178060779, 771 1343 Customer Service Number 771 1208

Volvo Cebu: A.S. Fortuna Street, Banilad, Mandaue City, Cebu Contact Numbers: (032) 346 3322, 09173223232, 09228356324

Volvo Makati: 2272 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City Contact Numbers: 09157916391, 8171984, 8936621 to 22, 26 to 27

Volvo North EDSA: Showroom: Two Cyberpod, Eton Centris EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, Quezon City Contact Numbers: 376 4943, 376 4947, 376 4965

Volvo North EDSA Service Center: 1250 EDSA, Brgy. Apolonio, Balintawak, Quezon City.

2014 Volvo Range

All-New Volvo V40

All-New Volvo V40 Cross Country

Redesigned Volvo S60

Redesigned Volvo V60

Volvo S80

Redesigned Volvo XC60

Volvo XC90