I want this book. -->
A MOST welcome addition to the scant material on Philippine architecture is “Arkitekturang Filipino: A History of Architecture and Urbanism in the Philippines,” by Gerard Lico, professor of Architecture and campus architect of the University of the Philippines.
The book is from the collection published by the University of the Philippines Press in celebration of the university’s centennial.
The title of this book, eminent architecture historian Rodrigo D. Perez III writes in the foreword, “may resurrect an old question: Is there such a thing as Filipino architecture?”
For generations the issue keeps arising during academic and architectural discussions, stubbornly refusing to be put to rest.
But Perez resolves the issue, completing his introductory statement: “Anyone who has diligently examined the various types of buildings in this country and has bothered to look into their history will realize that there is such a thing as Filipino architecture.”
“Arkitekturang Filipino” is available at University of the Philippines Press, E. de los Santos St., UP Campus, Diliman, QC; tel. 9253243; fax 9282558; e-mail press@up.edu.ph.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Investing in Davao
These things are something of a dream... a lifetime wish, if you could call it that. But then, I have much of a lifetime to expend, yet!
Then again, there's always the possiblity of a consortium. Makes things easier hehehe =)
Click here for more details of Davao's anticipated developments. But for now, here's a pick of the ones I would like to have a shot at, given the chance...
1. Food Terminal Complex, P 230 Million
The project is being proposed by the National Development Corporation or NDC which owns the property located near the Davao Fishport Complex at Daliao, Toril.
It aims to gain competitive edge among the EAGA countries through the establishment of a modern facility that will serve as consolidation, processing, packaging, storage and distribution center for the farm produce within and coming in to Davao City and to accommodate the growing numbers Mindanao, Philippines, Davao, Tourism, Dabawenyo, Government, Mayor, Information, Business, Corporation, Investment, Company, Proprietorship, Partnership, Disclosure, Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte, Lungsod Ng Davao, Trade, Center, Food, Terminal, Prospectiveof traders and bulk sales of agri-produce in Davao City.
The project will have 7 components (trading center, cold storage facility, food processing center for value adding activities, dry storage warehouse, cargo handling and trucking, commercial or industrial spaces for lease or sale, and common-bonded warehouses for trading activities.
Prospective Locators will have the Following Options for Ownership of the Facilities:
a. Lease to own. Locators will pay a monthly amortization cost to the proponents for a maximum of 25 years to fully own the property in the complex;
b. Outright purchase from proponents. However, the sale to the locators shall be subjected to certain conditions to ensure proper utilization of the complex;
c. Invest in stocks. This is with the assumption that the proponents decide to create a corporation with developers and other prospective stockholders that will manage the complex.
3. Proposed 23-km Coastal road, P 500 – 800 Million
This project is a 23-kilometer road that will start from Toril (a sub-urban area in Southern Davao) down to Cabaguio (a 4-lane road) across the Magsaysay Park. The construction of this coastal roadMindanao, Philippines, Davao, Tourism, Dabawenyo, Government, Mayor, Information, Business, Corporation, Investment, Company, Proprietorship, Partnership, Disclosure, Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte, Lungsod Ng Davao, Trade, Center, Food, Terminal, Prospective will include toll ways and a center median wide enough to accommodate the piers for the Light Rail Transit system. Depending on the cost of lot acquisition since the project covers areas that are privately owned, the project may range from P500m to P800m.
4. Seaport Expansion Facilities
Modern facilities for the city’s seaport are needed with continuous increase in trading. A modern seaport will also complement the growing export-related manufacturing industries in the City.
8. Davao City Sports Complex, P 600 Million
The project aims to create an environment-friendly complex such as indoor / outdoor sports facilities, open space, sports academy (classrooms, auditorium, library, sports laboratory, sports medicine clinic) and quarters for athletes undergoing training and sports officials.
Under the agreement, the University of the Philippines is to make available, from its reservation, 20 hectares for this project and provide professional input in the operation of the sports complex. The city in turn will provide the funding for the infrastructure and the improvement of the access roads leading to the Complex.
Doable, no? With God, all things are possible ^^
Then again, there's always the possiblity of a consortium. Makes things easier hehehe =)
Click here for more details of Davao's anticipated developments. But for now, here's a pick of the ones I would like to have a shot at, given the chance...
1. Food Terminal Complex, P 230 Million
The project is being proposed by the National Development Corporation or NDC which owns the property located near the Davao Fishport Complex at Daliao, Toril.
It aims to gain competitive edge among the EAGA countries through the establishment of a modern facility that will serve as consolidation, processing, packaging, storage and distribution center for the farm produce within and coming in to Davao City and to accommodate the growing numbers Mindanao, Philippines, Davao, Tourism, Dabawenyo, Government, Mayor, Information, Business, Corporation, Investment, Company, Proprietorship, Partnership, Disclosure, Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte, Lungsod Ng Davao, Trade, Center, Food, Terminal, Prospectiveof traders and bulk sales of agri-produce in Davao City.
The project will have 7 components (trading center, cold storage facility, food processing center for value adding activities, dry storage warehouse, cargo handling and trucking, commercial or industrial spaces for lease or sale, and common-bonded warehouses for trading activities.
Prospective Locators will have the Following Options for Ownership of the Facilities:
a. Lease to own. Locators will pay a monthly amortization cost to the proponents for a maximum of 25 years to fully own the property in the complex;
b. Outright purchase from proponents. However, the sale to the locators shall be subjected to certain conditions to ensure proper utilization of the complex;
c. Invest in stocks. This is with the assumption that the proponents decide to create a corporation with developers and other prospective stockholders that will manage the complex.
3. Proposed 23-km Coastal road, P 500 – 800 Million
This project is a 23-kilometer road that will start from Toril (a sub-urban area in Southern Davao) down to Cabaguio (a 4-lane road) across the Magsaysay Park. The construction of this coastal roadMindanao, Philippines, Davao, Tourism, Dabawenyo, Government, Mayor, Information, Business, Corporation, Investment, Company, Proprietorship, Partnership, Disclosure, Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte, Lungsod Ng Davao, Trade, Center, Food, Terminal, Prospective will include toll ways and a center median wide enough to accommodate the piers for the Light Rail Transit system. Depending on the cost of lot acquisition since the project covers areas that are privately owned, the project may range from P500m to P800m.
4. Seaport Expansion Facilities
Modern facilities for the city’s seaport are needed with continuous increase in trading. A modern seaport will also complement the growing export-related manufacturing industries in the City.
8. Davao City Sports Complex, P 600 Million
The project aims to create an environment-friendly complex such as indoor / outdoor sports facilities, open space, sports academy (classrooms, auditorium, library, sports laboratory, sports medicine clinic) and quarters for athletes undergoing training and sports officials.
Under the agreement, the University of the Philippines is to make available, from its reservation, 20 hectares for this project and provide professional input in the operation of the sports complex. The city in turn will provide the funding for the infrastructure and the improvement of the access roads leading to the Complex.
Doable, no? With God, all things are possible ^^
Monday, June 29, 2009
Ergonomics?
Been plaguing my mind how to tie in family commitments and physiotherapy lately. They have about as much contrast as oil and water; the two don't mix, no matter how much you shake them. But I think I may have found an avenue...
Ergonomics physiotherapy is the subdivision that specialises in consulting, design work and policy formulation for organisations with the aim of reducing risks associated with workplace injuries. Rather that intimate dealings with a single client, ergonomics physiotherapy handles discrete populations with the aim of injury prevention, rather than rehabilitation.
It's not my ideal fit, given that the blood, sweat and tears I have invested in my own work experience (Greenslopes, private extracurricular placements, sports first aid) reflect a primarily musculoskeletal tract. It will, however, permit me to pursue design work related to construction work. Fantastic!
Oh, and the pay isn't half bad, either.
Yet another plan to place at God's feet. I hope He doesn't mind the clutter ^^
teDDe~
Ergonomics physiotherapy is the subdivision that specialises in consulting, design work and policy formulation for organisations with the aim of reducing risks associated with workplace injuries. Rather that intimate dealings with a single client, ergonomics physiotherapy handles discrete populations with the aim of injury prevention, rather than rehabilitation.
It's not my ideal fit, given that the blood, sweat and tears I have invested in my own work experience (Greenslopes, private extracurricular placements, sports first aid) reflect a primarily musculoskeletal tract. It will, however, permit me to pursue design work related to construction work. Fantastic!
Oh, and the pay isn't half bad, either.
Yet another plan to place at God's feet. I hope He doesn't mind the clutter ^^
teDDe~
Monday, January 12, 2009
Employment Initiatives
These are some harsh economic times we live in, currently. Certainly the harshest I have ever seen in my miniscule lifetime, and probably not the last time things will dip this low.
In times of great trials, great leaders rise. This adage is normally applied to individuals pushing significant reform, but I wish to extend the context here to organisations promoting alternative career paths that maintain job security despite prevailing conditions. Surely to their employees, these companies would be THE heroes, right?
I was reading today that luxury carmaker, Lambhorghini, has written in several initiatives into its long-term plan in order to cope with the expected downturn in sales brought by the global financial crisis(GFC). Key among these is the introduction of flexible working works which employees have the option of converting into training and qualification projects. A smart move, given that less labour will be required in manufacturing and fabrication in the short term. And prudent as well, given that an upskilled workforce will be the first mover at any hint of a recovery.
After some careful days reacquainting myself with the processes at WeRInn, I have developed a certain level of appreciation for the... haphazard way in which day does things. A common criticism from his siblings and hotel staff is the spontaneity with which he makes decisions, making it exceedingly difficult to account for all the inflows and outflows of the business. While I do agree with them, I recognise that, fundamentally, the more a process is officiated, the greater the inflexibility of the structure. As hotels have a very high turnover, the ethical obligations of administering and enforcing more articulated staff roles and responsibilities can negatively affect the cost-benefit analysis of intervention until management of the hotel no longer becomes sustainable.
Enough with hypothesising - let's try and put some numbers to quantify what i'm talking about. The hotel operation run at roughly 30 staff per day, with each staff working 9 hours for P200 (i'm guessing). The P200, covers all the duties expected of hotel staff, including but not limited to cleaning, cooking and administration. On top of this, a further 10 tradesmen are employed, presumably at the same rates. Their duties encompass the manufacturing or repair of items related to the hotel and commercial business. Therefore, total wages outflow for a single day may be in the range of P8000 (P56,000/week), assuming everything runs to plan.
Ethically, when employed under a certain set of conditions, a staff who is asked to function outside of their area of employment should be entitled to 'pro-rata' rates or at least given a choice of working alternatives should the pay level be the same. Remember, I'm treating this as a business and not relying on a favours/gratitude system. If, for 2 days per week, an increase in hotelling dutie means that the 10 staff who work in trades have to be 'reconfigured' to assist with hotel duties, then their wages should reflect the change of circumstances. Say, a modest P50 per day that these 'additional' duties are placed on them, making that +P1000/week. Also, if for 2 days a week, half the staff are required to work overtime because of increased hotel burden, then assuming (+4 hours x 2 days x 15 staff x P160(P40/hr OT) the previous figures, that makes +P19,200.
So, with a P56,000 wages cost base, we can add up to P20,200 or +36%, accounting for fluctuations inherent to the business. Ouch! And that is for wages alone.
The dynamic nature of running a hotel, which itself is highly dependent on marketing (in competitive conditions), tourism demand and the prvision of essential amenities seems to suggest to me that an efficient hotel is also a hotel withOUT too many rules. I never thought I'd say that, but, for Davao, Philippines at least, that seems to be how it works.
I shall be investigating the situation more.
In times of great trials, great leaders rise. This adage is normally applied to individuals pushing significant reform, but I wish to extend the context here to organisations promoting alternative career paths that maintain job security despite prevailing conditions. Surely to their employees, these companies would be THE heroes, right?
I was reading today that luxury carmaker, Lambhorghini, has written in several initiatives into its long-term plan in order to cope with the expected downturn in sales brought by the global financial crisis(GFC). Key among these is the introduction of flexible working works which employees have the option of converting into training and qualification projects. A smart move, given that less labour will be required in manufacturing and fabrication in the short term. And prudent as well, given that an upskilled workforce will be the first mover at any hint of a recovery.
After some careful days reacquainting myself with the processes at WeRInn, I have developed a certain level of appreciation for the... haphazard way in which day does things. A common criticism from his siblings and hotel staff is the spontaneity with which he makes decisions, making it exceedingly difficult to account for all the inflows and outflows of the business. While I do agree with them, I recognise that, fundamentally, the more a process is officiated, the greater the inflexibility of the structure. As hotels have a very high turnover, the ethical obligations of administering and enforcing more articulated staff roles and responsibilities can negatively affect the cost-benefit analysis of intervention until management of the hotel no longer becomes sustainable.
Enough with hypothesising - let's try and put some numbers to quantify what i'm talking about. The hotel operation run at roughly 30 staff per day, with each staff working 9 hours for P200 (i'm guessing). The P200, covers all the duties expected of hotel staff, including but not limited to cleaning, cooking and administration. On top of this, a further 10 tradesmen are employed, presumably at the same rates. Their duties encompass the manufacturing or repair of items related to the hotel and commercial business. Therefore, total wages outflow for a single day may be in the range of P8000 (P56,000/week), assuming everything runs to plan.
Ethically, when employed under a certain set of conditions, a staff who is asked to function outside of their area of employment should be entitled to 'pro-rata' rates or at least given a choice of working alternatives should the pay level be the same. Remember, I'm treating this as a business and not relying on a favours/gratitude system. If, for 2 days per week, an increase in hotelling dutie means that the 10 staff who work in trades have to be 'reconfigured' to assist with hotel duties, then their wages should reflect the change of circumstances. Say, a modest P50 per day that these 'additional' duties are placed on them, making that +P1000/week. Also, if for 2 days a week, half the staff are required to work overtime because of increased hotel burden, then assuming (+4 hours x 2 days x 15 staff x P160(P40/hr OT) the previous figures, that makes +P19,200.
So, with a P56,000 wages cost base, we can add up to P20,200 or +36%, accounting for fluctuations inherent to the business. Ouch! And that is for wages alone.
The dynamic nature of running a hotel, which itself is highly dependent on marketing (in competitive conditions), tourism demand and the prvision of essential amenities seems to suggest to me that an efficient hotel is also a hotel withOUT too many rules. I never thought I'd say that, but, for Davao, Philippines at least, that seems to be how it works.
I shall be investigating the situation more.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Shelved
After agonising for almost a month now about making the leap into investment property, the intellectual honeymoon has worn off.
In this period I've created no less then three documents detailing various portfolio strategies for exploiting the market, met with two agents regarding their properties and emailed many more. I've spent a conservative 60-80 hours researching housing availability, future growth trends, market conditions and more in order to find and capitalise upon that elusive catch.
But the conclusion has not been so sweet. After such exhaustive input in a short period of time, I have been left with the bittersweet conclusion that, despite market conditions, now is not the most prudent time to invest in property. Indeed, the next 9 months may prove a different story, but... well, I'll let the future worry about itself. And while I am definitely a bit sulky at having to shelve my latest adventure, I recognise that this is just another lesson in the very big playground of life - learning to demonstrate restraint even in the midst of a very rational eagerness.
Instead, I've decided to place my hot money into a more time-tested adventure - shares. Using a compound growth calculator, I estimate that making 30 trades at 10% profit after administration costs will leave me with a fund in excess of $50,000. But while the arithmetic is simple, the reality is always a bit harder.
Making a positive trade is not so difficult - most of the shares in my current portfolio fluctuate over a margin of 15% or more every week or three. Its buying in to a share at the wrong time that will cause the most grief. You see, time is the limiting (hidden factor in this equation - I'm aiming to have achieved this goal in a 30-week period. One successful trade per week. Hmmm.
What about the trades that don't go so well? The ones that make negative profit? The trades that fall stagnant because the prices fail to trend the way I want them to and with the speed they have historically shown? What baout when the greed factor sets in and I hold onto a share for longer than I should? All of these are insults to the goal that I have set myself, Yet, despite the risks, I find myself gravitating towards the challenge of disciplinde share trading like a bee towards flowers. Discipline - that's the key.
I've had to question where God is in all of this? Am I doing it for self gain? Is my life all about me me and more me? What do I hope to achieve by accumulating so much wealth? And at such a young age?
God IS central to all that I do. He granted me this life that it may reflect His character, and I believe that my God, in His embodiment of perfection, IS excellence. So, I do what I do because I can.
Secondly, I trust that money in my hands will be better spent than money in other people's hands. I"m not interested in million-dollar yatchs or having a personal collection of very exclusive airplanes. I don't splurge on exotic food caught from halfway around the globe, buy the latest technology just to feel hip and good, or embark of regular expeditions of therapeutic shopping. No, I'll leave that for the rest of the world to do. So what do I want to do?
I want to set up an orphanage in one of the South-East Asian Nations and link it with a local church so that people from first-world countries can experience a bit of third-world suffering. I want to build a university in Philippines that will be at the forefront of an education revolutaion in that nation. I want to create an institution where broken, marginalised and questioning people can come to have a very human need met: the need to feel loved. And thats just a selection from my dreams.
I have my 5-year plans, my 10-year plans. This goes for my personal growth, as well as for my professional careers. Of course, it can all change overnight, with just a simple thing like a heart attack or a stroke. God can take me and place me where He wills. But, right here and right now, I know what He has given me. I know what tools He has placed in my hands. And I am determined to use tham, that my life may leave a single, lasting legacy.
Most people invest in the business of life. I'd rather invest in the business of love.
teDDe
In this period I've created no less then three documents detailing various portfolio strategies for exploiting the market, met with two agents regarding their properties and emailed many more. I've spent a conservative 60-80 hours researching housing availability, future growth trends, market conditions and more in order to find and capitalise upon that elusive catch.
But the conclusion has not been so sweet. After such exhaustive input in a short period of time, I have been left with the bittersweet conclusion that, despite market conditions, now is not the most prudent time to invest in property. Indeed, the next 9 months may prove a different story, but... well, I'll let the future worry about itself. And while I am definitely a bit sulky at having to shelve my latest adventure, I recognise that this is just another lesson in the very big playground of life - learning to demonstrate restraint even in the midst of a very rational eagerness.
Instead, I've decided to place my hot money into a more time-tested adventure - shares. Using a compound growth calculator, I estimate that making 30 trades at 10% profit after administration costs will leave me with a fund in excess of $50,000. But while the arithmetic is simple, the reality is always a bit harder.
Making a positive trade is not so difficult - most of the shares in my current portfolio fluctuate over a margin of 15% or more every week or three. Its buying in to a share at the wrong time that will cause the most grief. You see, time is the limiting (hidden factor in this equation - I'm aiming to have achieved this goal in a 30-week period. One successful trade per week. Hmmm.
What about the trades that don't go so well? The ones that make negative profit? The trades that fall stagnant because the prices fail to trend the way I want them to and with the speed they have historically shown? What baout when the greed factor sets in and I hold onto a share for longer than I should? All of these are insults to the goal that I have set myself, Yet, despite the risks, I find myself gravitating towards the challenge of disciplinde share trading like a bee towards flowers. Discipline - that's the key.
I've had to question where God is in all of this? Am I doing it for self gain? Is my life all about me me and more me? What do I hope to achieve by accumulating so much wealth? And at such a young age?
God IS central to all that I do. He granted me this life that it may reflect His character, and I believe that my God, in His embodiment of perfection, IS excellence. So, I do what I do because I can.
Secondly, I trust that money in my hands will be better spent than money in other people's hands. I"m not interested in million-dollar yatchs or having a personal collection of very exclusive airplanes. I don't splurge on exotic food caught from halfway around the globe, buy the latest technology just to feel hip and good, or embark of regular expeditions of therapeutic shopping. No, I'll leave that for the rest of the world to do. So what do I want to do?
I want to set up an orphanage in one of the South-East Asian Nations and link it with a local church so that people from first-world countries can experience a bit of third-world suffering. I want to build a university in Philippines that will be at the forefront of an education revolutaion in that nation. I want to create an institution where broken, marginalised and questioning people can come to have a very human need met: the need to feel loved. And thats just a selection from my dreams.
I have my 5-year plans, my 10-year plans. This goes for my personal growth, as well as for my professional careers. Of course, it can all change overnight, with just a simple thing like a heart attack or a stroke. God can take me and place me where He wills. But, right here and right now, I know what He has given me. I know what tools He has placed in my hands. And I am determined to use tham, that my life may leave a single, lasting legacy.
Most people invest in the business of life. I'd rather invest in the business of love.
teDDe
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