BUSINESS REVIEW

Hype About Magnum Ice Cream In The Philippines

2012-03-04T18:07:00.004-08:00

I still don't get it.

A few weeks ago, Facebook and Twitter was flooded with discussions about Magnum Ice Cream finally arriving in the Philippines.

ABS-CBN News reports Magnum Ice Cream was officially launched last February 2012, thanks to a collaborative effort between Unilever and RFM.

Covered with a thick layer of belgian chocolate, the vanilla ice cream bar (on stick) is available in three flavors- classic, chocolate truffles, and almond.

Now I have to admit that I am no fan of ice cream so I couldn't give an expert opinion on what makes Magnum Ice Cream different from the rest, so I decided to send an sms to my wife and asked her if she already heard about it. After 5 minutes or so, she replied that she had actually already bought two variants to try, and quoted, "ang mahal! (it's expensive!)" Needless to say, this better be good, considering that the price is (at P60- contrary to what ABS-CBN report reported that price is at P50) like double the price of a regular ice cream on stick.

On my way home, I decided to drop by at 7-11 (ABS-CBN reports that Magnum is initially offered in 7-11 outlets and supermarkets) and bought all three variants.

We were a bit disappointed, as both of us were asking, "so what's different? have you actually forgotten your name after tasting it?"

In summary, I still don't get why there is so much hype on the arrival of Magnum Ice Cream in the Philippines (or maybe just because we have a lot of foreign an local celebrity endorsers saying that it is really good). I don't find anything spectacular, or anything speciall about it-except that fact that it is so costly at P60.

Or maybe just because i'm no expert in knowing.

Chef d' Angelo: Eat All You Can

2012-01-24T06:53:00.001-08:00

We were on a cab going to MRT Magallanes (Mantrade) station when my wife and I agreed have lunch before riding the train. So instead of proceeding directly to the station, we asked the taxi driver to drop us off at the Alphaland Mall.

Our obvious choice would have been Teriyaki Boy (in front of Chowking), but because we have a companion who is a pizza lover, we decided to go for Chef d' Angelo.

There we found out that their Eat-All-You-Can promo is still on the run. If I'm not mistaken, this has promo has been running since early part of 2011. Cost was still P150 per head back then, but now the cost is at P175. The buffet table includes Pizza, Pasta, Salad, Soup, Rice, two sets of viands (last Saturday, the menu was Fried Fish Fillet and vegetables).

It was good for us that there were not a lot of people dining, so we didn't find it hard to line up and wait for our turn to get food in the buffet area.

Overall, the P175 is sulit (worth it). Food tastes great and there are lots of choices (3 diff pizzas, different sauce for the pasta, etc.).

Try Chef d' Angelo's Eat All You Can promo at the following stores- SM Manila, Robinson's Galleria, SM Fairview, Metro East, SM San Lazaro, Glorietta 5, Mall of Asia and Alphaland.

Ciao!

PLDT to Buy DIGITEL Shares

2011-03-28T22:38:00.000-07:00

Telecommunications giant PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company) has announced today that it will be acquiring 51% of Digital Telecommunications, Inc. shares at P69.2 Billion.

This is just one of the many recent other purchases made by the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, founded and chaired by Manuel "Manny" Pangilinan (MVP).

Among the many companies owned by Metro Pacific are PLDT, Smart Communications, Maynilad Water Services, Meralco, Metro Pacific Tollways, Makati Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, and ABC 5.

KFC Double Down Sandwich Review

2011-02-03T22:18:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried the KFC Double Down Sandwich?

Truth is, many people have not yet tried this new offering from KFC because they are either always out of stock, or the cashier crew tells you that you have to wait for 10 to 15 minutes before the elusive sandwich gets delivered on your table.

In fact, I have heard an American customer who complained that he has been returning for two consecutive days and the Double Down Sandwich is always unavailable.

The Double Down Sandwich is an original KFC offering that does not use bread for the buns. Instead, the sandwich uses two chicken breast fillets for buns. The filling consists of thin slices of cheese, bacon, and mayonnaise.

I have ordered twice, and twice I was disappointed.

I don't know with you, but I rather think that the package is way too salty for the human tongue. First off, the chicken buns are already salty (original recipe taste). Then you have two thin slices of cheese. To add up, you also have the bacon which is equally salty. The mayonnaise just couldn't neutralize the taste.

Perhaps, after they review and subsequently relaunch the meal, they can put on some leafy greens inside.

(photo credits: Dailymail)

Starbucks' New Logo

2011-01-06T19:12:00.000-08:00

In a few months, Starbucks fanatics will get to see some changes when they get hold of their next cup of coffee.

Early this 2011, Starbucks has unveiled a new logo which now drops the words "STARBUCKS" & "COFFEE" that encircles the iconic Siren Lady.

Starbucks leaders say the changes to the logo are in some ways a metaphor for the company dropping the boundaries of its own business and growing into new areas, that is to say, that the company will be expanding into some other wider business lines beyond coffee, and going into more international markets.

My Max's Chicken All-you-can Experience

2010-07-11T22:59:00.000-07:00

Chicken Lovers should never miss Max's 65th Anniversary Promo- the Max's Chicken All-You-Can!

Eversince the ads came out in the market, my wife has been constantly reminding me that we should dine and try the promo.

Last July 4, we went out for dinner at the Max's Restaurant, SM Bicutan Branch, and tried on how many quarter chicken servings we can eat.

The promo offering for the Chicken-all-you-can is P165 per person, then you can also add P39 if you want to avail of any bottomless Pepsi Products.

Chicken are served on quarters, then you get a refill after finishing off with your serving. Of course, the usual "no leftovers", and "no sharing" applies.

Promo period runs from June 17 to July 17, at 6pm to 10 pm daily on all Max's branches nationwide.

For more info, you may visit the Max's website.

Sino Si Pepito Manaloto?

2010-02-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

If you are a frequent viewer of the GMA 7 Kapuso Station, you may have noticed that they are now running an advertisement whereby different people are asking the same question:

"Sino Si Pepito Manaloto?"

The ad is a teaser for the talented singer/rapper/comedian Michael V.'s upcoming sitcom this coming March 2010. If the rumors circulating the internet are true, this newest sitcom will replace Michael V.'s current talent reality show: Bitoy's Showwwtime every Saturday night.

Despite some impressive changes in the setup, and the addition of new talents (Cookie and Belly), Bitoy's Showwtime failed to improve its ratings against the currently number 1 Talentadong Pinoy hosted by Ryan Agoncillo on TV5.

Rumors also say that aside from Michael V., Carmina Villaroel and Eugene Domingo will spearhead the cast for this newest sitcom.

Well, let us all wait this coming November and let us all find the answer to the question:

Sino nga ba si Pepito Manaloto?

Shop At Ease

2010-02-18T01:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the internet- our life has become tons easier since it has been introduced to mankind.

Nowadays, it is very easy to communicate, reconnect from old friends, gain new acquaintances, do research, and even shop at ease. All you've got to have is your desktop computer , and an internet connection! As soon as you're connected, some few taps from your keyboard and a few clicks from your mouse will allow you to purchase (almost) anything and everything that you need in an instant.

To further illustrate, my former employer has once asked me if I could try searching online regarding the price of laptop computers because he was then planning on buying one for his personal use. Our supplier actually gave an initial quotation, however, my employer would like to make sure how much is the price when you buy online, instead.

To our surprise, the price online is significantly lower than what was quoted by our supplier. He therefore decided to purchase online, and because of the savings, he was also able to acquire a new computer speaker. The rationale behind this is because there are more options in the internet rather than when we just shop in stores, or deal with our suppliers.

It is not really hard to try shopping online. There are specialized sites that you can visit which cater to people like us who want the best options and the best purchase for our money. Of course, the basic tips would be: 1) look for those shops that offer free delivery of purchase, and 2) consider buying on installment terms with zero or small interest rates.

So whether you are planning to buy a new printer or a new computer monitor for your house or for your office, consider shopping online and get the best value for your money.

Coke Is Most Trusted Brand

2009-09-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

"A brand includes all the elements of a product or service from its design, ingredients and manufacture to its marketing, advertising and logo."

Interbrands, a branding agency, has realeased its study which reveals that Coca-Cola is the world's most valuable brand. Softdrink giant Coca-Cola retains its top slot (which it occupies since year 2000), and has been continuously releasing new products in the market as it hopes to woo a larger amount of market which has started to shift to healthier options such as juices and teas.

The other brands who made it to the top 5 are:

2. IBM

3. Microsoft

4. General Electric

5. Nokia

“Innovation is the bedrock of any successful company in the future. Nobody can stand still nowadays.” - Jez Frampton, CEO-Interbrands

Review: Trekpay

2009-09-18T08:35:00.001-07:00

I want to give you an update regarding this new program in the net whereby you are being paid just by going to advertisers' sites, visit and view their articles.

I entered into Trek Pay about two weeks ago and I am very glad to see upon checking on My Account that I have already a $0.43 account balance. Must have been a small amount, but as I learn and understand more about Trek Pay, I am sure I will be able to master what they do and what they can do to bring about money in my pocket.

Here's the simple steps in order for you to enter and register into this program called Trek Pay and Earn Dollars!

1. First, you must have a Paypal Account. A Paypal Account is where your Dollar payment from the program is being creditted, so be sure that you have a Paypal Account before you register in Trek Pay.

2. Register an account at Trek Pay. There isn't registration fee so you can be sure that you wouldn't have to pay anything.

3. Start making money! Click the Browse/Search Button and view the listed links. The system will display a list of links (advertisers' sites) that you can click and visit. There are items that will only require you to visit their sites, while some will require you to visit their sites and click on ads in their sites.

Be mindful that the more you visit sites, the more credits you get.

Credits are being translated into Dollars every Tuesdays to Thursdays.

Important: You can only transfer your Dollar Credits from your Trek Pay account to your Paypal account when your dollar reaches $5.50.

I'll let you know as soon as I get something out of this program.

Starting Your Own Business

2009-09-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a good buy to all of you who are looking for some reading materials on how to help you start your business.

GoNegosyo has launched a new book entitled, "21 Steps On How To Start Your Own Business" (by Dean Pax Lapid and Ping Sotto).

Joey Concepcion (Founding Trustee of GoNegosyo) shares that the book will help aspiring entrepreneurs to build and reinforce their level of confidence in starting their own business. He adds, "the challenge for people who want to start a business is the ‘getting started’ part. They have the fear, the so many questions on ‘how to’, and the usual questions on government red tape. This book will help you take that step and shrug of that fear".

The 21 Steps On How To Start Your Own Business is now available at various National Bookstore outlets.

Review: Blogsvertise

2009-09-03T22:38:00.000-07:00

As I have previously noted, I will be making this blog as a chronicle to attempt to find the sure ways on how to make money using the online money-making.

Of course you can always rely on adding google adsense on your blog, however, since adsense revenues rely on clicks-per-ads appearing on your site, one must definitely look for better ways to maximize his potentials on how to make money using his blog.

There are programs that invite bloggers to do a review of advertisers and/or write articles and linking keywords to the advertisers' sites; and these programs are what I am looking for at the moment.

I have successfully started blogging for Blogsvertise and earned a couple of dollars already. But before you do register for an account, be sure that you have an existing Paypal account because Blogsvertise only pay thru Paypal (a business or premier account is of course the most preferred to use for Paypal).

You may start the Blogsvertise by clicking on the image on the left.

Once you are registered, you can enroll as many blogs as you can. It is best, of course, if your blogs have good rankings in google because the higher the page rank, the better opportunities available for you to write reviews.

The Rivalry Continues

2009-07-08T01:20:00.001-07:00

Interesting how the two fastfood giants, Jollibee and Mc Donald's, continue to outdo one another in the hope of getting more patrons (needless to say- more patrons = more sales).

Jollibee is, of course, the undisputed leader in the fastfood industry in the Philippines. McDonald's, on the other hand, plays better in the International Market.

So good has the competition between these two that they almost cater identical food to the public, with both serving the best-selling Chicken, Spaghetti, Burgers, and Fries.

In an effort to entice children, Mc Donald's introduced the Happy Meal to the market, while Jollibee presented their Jolly Kiddie Meal. Both packages include meals, drinks, and a set of toys.

This July, Mc Donald's offers the Happy Meal with toys inspired by the movie Ice Age 3: Return of the Dinosaurs, while

Jollibee offers collectibles from the movie, Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen.

On a side note, Ice Age 3 and Transformers 2 conduct their own rivalry for the Box Office Hit.

Inquirer.net reports:

LOS ANGELES—Animated romp "Ice Age: Return of the Dinosaurs" shot to the top of the North American box office in its first week in theaters, but had to share the spot with "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," according to earnings estimates released Sunday.

The kid-friendly "Ice Age," featuring the voices of Queen Latifah and Dennis Leary as prehistoric animals who discover a lost jungle inhabited by dinosaurs, took $42.5 million in box office receipts over the three-day weekend.

That was exact same amount earned over that period by Michael Bay's "Transformers," according to box office tracker Exhibitor Relations.

No matter how far the rivalry between Jollibee and Mc Donald's goes in terms of customer service and products, one thing is for sure:

Consumer Wins.

Christmas Everyday

2009-07-06T04:12:00.000-07:00

It's July, and we are half-way thru 2009, so to say a Merry Christmas would be a bit uncomfortable as we still have about 5 months more before the Christmas Season begins.

It is to be noted however, that Christmas Season in the Philippines begins on September 01 and ends on January when we celebrate the Three Kings. :)

Having been raised in the province, it was customary for us to attend the Simbang Gabi (the catholic mass which is held from December 16 to 24, and are usually conducted in the early morning). To complete the whole 9 days would mean that your wish would come true, as the old folks say.

During then, we look forward to hearing mass not only because we want to complete the whole 9 days but because we all know that right after we hear mass, we would be buying special bibingka (rice cake) before going home. Thus, our old folks jokingly tell us that we are just Simbang Bibingka (that we only hear mass because we want to buy bibingka afterwards).

Back then, the bibingkas were sold only during Christmas season. It is to my pleasant surprise, therefore, when I saw lately in the malls, that there are stalls and carts selling our favorite Bibingka- in and out of the Season!

One fine example is the Bibingkinitan, a cart business that sells freshly baked mini bibingkas for an affordable price.

Fell in love with the idea (and the taste) because it brings back good childhood memories in me. The delightful bibingka is at reach when we long for it.

After all, everyday must be Christams Day.

Cart Business

2009-07-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the saying "Small but Terrible" would be an understatement in describing FOOD CART BUSINESS in the Philippines.

For many years now, we have seen an emergence of successful food cart businesses swarming all over the malls and various MRT stations, some of which are Waffle Time (hotdogs wrapped in waffle bread), Bibingkinitan (fresh and hot small bibingkas, a Filipino delicacy), and Sisig Hooray (delicious pork, beef, and bangus sisig, another local delicacy).

Compared to other big businesses, the capital needed to set-up and/or buy a franchise for Cart Business is much lower. Franchise Fees range from 30,000 to 300,000. Additionally, franchisors usually offer free trainings, ready-made carts, and other services for new franchisees.

Why, even big food business players, like Pizza Hut and Red Ribbon has also established their Food Carts within selected malls!

The ROI, or Return on Investment is pretty fast, according to franchisees. Well, of course, a good location and the right business to invest into play very important roles.

--------------------

Catch other valuable insights about cart business and other businees tips on the GoNegosyo website.

Online Money Making Begins

2009-07-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't want money, anyway?

Let's admit it. We need and we want money. However, it must be noticed that money isn't just a ready resource that we can get anytime. We have to toil and earn it from our labor.

So in an attempt to pursue a new way of earning money, I am launching BUSINESS REVIEW, a blog that seeks to discover the sure way to do money-making online.

(image source: visual.merriam-webster.com)