Lighting the future - Planters Development Bank

PUBLISHER’SMESSAGEThe years of steeringPlantersbank towards “TripleBottomline Banking” showthat making Corporate SocialResponsibility the heart of theenterprise is clearly possible. Also,combining social developmentgoals and respect for the planetwith investment objectives isgood business sense. Happily,Plantersbank is not alone in thispursuit.We are proud that SME clientsare themselves enjoying successat the helm of companies withsocially-relevant and sustainabledevelopment goals. Like husbandand wife entrepreneurial team ofJoel T. Alegre and Ann Margerie,whose company United PowerSystems Philippines, Inc. ispaving the way for earth-friendlyenergy systems design. In thisissue, we learn why the Alegresare particularly passionate aboutmainstreaming the applicationof Light Emitting Diode (LED)SMEs and Social Responsibilityillumination, the cooler, clean andcarbon-friendly technology that westarted to adopt for Plantersbankbranches.Another exemplar is propertydeveloper Graciela B. Eleazar,whose Lifestyle Integration of WellKept Affordable Shelter (L.I.K.A.S.)model is a fusion of mid-risecondom i n iu m conven ience,dormitory affordability and hotelambience and security for workingclass families. Her companyPhoen i x Su n Inter nat iona lCorporation is the moving forcebehind the Mexican-themed ElPueblo Condormitel, the recipientof the prestigious ManagementAssociation of the Philippines CSRLeadership Award for SustainableCommunity Development Award.We are sure that readers will findthe SME Roundtable of particularinterest. It is our privilege to havenewly appointed Socio-economicPlanning secretary CayetanoPaderanga share his frank viewswith other SME experts in thesepages. Their conclusion showsa positive inclination in theeconomic perspective of the newadministration.This issue also provides more“food for thought,” includingincisive commentary on the artof prospect hunting, communityrelations, and dealing with thetaxman when he comes knockingat the door.With our focus not only on thesocial and environmental dilemmasbut more on practical successesand unfolding opportunities, wehope you will find this issue ofSME Magazine a most inspiring,insightful read.Ambassador Jesus P. TambuntingChairman and PresidentPlanters Development Bank1

World’s entrepreneur elite meet in monacoThe world’s top entrepreneurs convergedin Monaco in Monte Carlo for the WorldEntrepreneur Of the Year (WEOY) 2010Awards. More than 50 entrepreneursfrom around the globe who have wonthe “Entrepreneur Of the Year” title intheir home countries all gathered in thescenic Mediterranean city on the Rivierawhere they were inducted to the WEOYAcademy and vied for the prestigious titleof “World Entrepreneur Of The Year”.As the world’s most prestigious awardfor entrepreneurs, the WEOY recognizesbusiness leaders who inspire others withtheir vision, leadership and achievement.The award giving body aptly describesan exceptional entrepreneur as “someonewho sees the paths out of problems. He isunconventional and challenges the statusquo. He has the courage to continuetaking risks while others shy away, andis willing to try new approaches in theface of hard times, not afraid to seek theopportunities that appear in adversity.The Philippines’ finalist at the2010 WEOY was Ambassador Jesus P.Tambunting, chairman and presidentof Plantersbank—the country’s leadbank for small and medium enterprises(SMEs). “It was an overwhelmingexperience to belong and be in thecompany of 50 of the most outstandingentrepreneurs in the world. I knew I wasup against very stiff competition butwhat makes me most proud is to be ableto represent the country and make theworld take notice of the critical role thatSMEs play in economic developmentand nation building.” says AmbassadorTambunting.The WEOY 2010 went to MichaelSpencer, group CEO of the UK’s ICAPplc., the world’s leading inter-dealerbroker and provider of post-tradeservices.The Entrepreneur Of the Year isfounded and produced globally byErnst and Young and is the world’s mostprestigious award for entrepreneurs. In2003, the SGV Foundation establishedthe Entrepreneur Of The Year in thePhilippines.The search for the Entrepreneur Ofthe year Philippines 2010 is now ongoingand the finalists will be announced inSeptember.WEOY jury member and chairman and CEO of Middleby Corporation Selim Bassoul,Philippines’ WEOY finalist Ambassador Jesus P. Tambuting and Ernst & Young chairman andCEO Jim Turley during the WEOY induction.World EOY winner Michael Spencer,CEO of UK’s ICAP plc.H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco (3rd from left) with Ernst &Young chairman and CEO Jim Turley, Mrs. Marge Tambunting andPhilippines’ WEOY finalist Ambassador Jesus P. Tambunting.WEOY finalists PT Citra Tubindo Tbk.president and director Kris Taener Wiluanof Indonesia and The Mahindra Group vicechairman and managing director AnandMahindra of IndiaUnited StatesWEOY finalist TomAdams of RosettaStone, Inc.WEOY finalistBrunello Cucinelli ofBrunello CucinelliS.pA – Italy5

smefocroundtableBetter times ahead forbusinessMANAGEMENTYour own CSR in 7 stepsTAXationBIR Guidelines for TaxInvestigationSALES TRAININGFive ways of winning back a prospectroundtable: Optimism Staysby es telle c u s t o d i o-pien cenav es8Go visit parts of the United Statesand Europe and you would surelyfeel the dark cloud that still hoversabove their heads. Yes, the worldis still in recession. Many peopleremain jobless and belt-tighteningis the fashionable way of coping forthe time being.It’s a different scenario, however,for the Philippines. Bracingfor the worst, businesses got off toa slow start in 2009. But after a yearand a half, the performance byvarious sectors proved better thanexpected. The franchising sector,which has a heavy concentration ofsmall entrepreneurs, entered 2010with a positive outlook. Accordingto the Philippine FranchisingAssociation, a number of membercompanies were successful withexpansion plans in 2009, owing toFilipinos who opted for franchisingas a secure investment for theirfunds.So what is there to expect fromthe economy in the remainingmonths of 2010? The World Bank,the Asian Development Bank andthe International Monetary Fundare optimistic. These institutionsupgraded projections for thePhilippine economy from 3.1 to3.6 percent, expecting growth tobe driven by domestic demand,exports and remittances fromFilipinos working abroad.Dr. Cayetano Paderanga,socio-economic planning chief;Eduard Robleza, research directorof forecast firm Institute forDevelopment and EconometricAnalysis, and PlantersbankAllan Borreocorporate planning officer AllanBorreo trade views on where thePhilippine economy stands andwhere it is possibly headed.What is the general prospectfor our economy this year uptill early next year?pa d e r a n g a: The prospects (for theeconomy) are even better thisyear because of the promise ofbetter governance.Eduard Robleza

usr o b l e z a: The Philippine economyappears to be on its way towardsrecovery, given the better-thanexpectedgrowth figures in thefirst quarter.pa d e r a n g a : The comfort is thatlong-term investments of theserious kind may finally come,although that may take sometime.r o b l e z a : While 1st-quartergrowth had been attributed toheavy election spending and thetimely up tick in manufacturingoutput, the prospect for the restof the year and early next yearis positive (or at least betterthan they were for 2009). Asignificant source of optimismis the sustained inflow of OFWremittances, which will continueto buoy consumer spendingand, hence, consumptiondrivenindustries such as retail,telecoms, and other services.b o r r e o : We expect economicrecovery to pick up steamfollowing the national electionsCayetano PaderangaChange the government ethos aboutbusiness activity from regulatoryto facilitative to foster growth andemployment generation.— Cayetano Paderanga, socio-economic planning chiefin May, which made business ingeneral take a “wait and see”attitude early in the year.p a d e r a n g a : (Businesses) willhave a wait and see attitudefirst, checking to see if the newgovernment is serious aboutreforms.What are the areas of growthfor SMEs in the remainingmonths of the year?b o r r e o: The SME sector, beingthe leading growth driver of theeconomy, will continue to playits role as the catalyst of businessactivity.r o b l e z a : Improved marketconditions should rejuvenatetourism, real estate, and trade,which should be a good sign forSMEs in retail, transportation,hotels, and restaurants.pa d e r a n g a : The clear openingsfor SME’s as usual will be thebasics. Food and entertainment,services, garments, retailing,etc. i.e. those based on basicneeds. Also coming up areopportunities in tourism andeven small-scale BPO if they canhave the contacts.r o b l e z a: On the other hand, SMEsand businesses in general willcontinue to face the challengesposed by globalization: for one,concerns over Europe continueto weigh down the peso, andit remains to be seen howexporters/manufacturers willbe able to cope, given the risingcosts of doing business in thecountry. Economies abroad arealso starting to recover, albeitcautiously, exerting upwardpressures on oil prices andinflation.Under the new leadership ofPresident Aquino, what areincluded in your wishlist forSMEs?pa d e r a n g a: That would be along list. I would start withunclogging of governmentprocedures. Streamline andthen standardize the timerequired to do these things.Change the ethos in governmentabout business and privatesector activity from regulatory tofacilitative. We need it for growthand employment generation.r o b l e z a : The new governmentpresents a timely opportunity toaddress the persistent challengesthat SMEs face—the lack ofaccess to financing and capital,poor state of infrastructureespecially outside key businesscenters and NCR, and even redtape. The SME DevelopmentPlan 2004 to 2010 of the Arroyoadministration is drawing to aclose (if it hasn’t already), andit would be interesting to notehow the new government wouldrespond and continue to supportSMEs.b o r r e o : We are hopeful thatthe new administration willprovide more comprehensiveand sustainable support systemsfor SME development in closeconsultation with the privatesector.9

HEMEsme focusmanagementThe CSR Factor in BusinessPay it Forwardpromotion campaign series involvingthe trade and consumer should rampup volume turnover and be ahead ofcompetition.Herbert M. Sancianco hasHerbert over 20 M. years Sancianco of experience has over in 20 years ofexperience advertising, in marketing advertising, and marketing sales andsales operations. operations. He owns He owns and and manages managesMarket Market Bridges, Bridges, Phils. Phils. Inc., Inc., a full a marketingservicesfull marketingcompany,serviceswith officescompany,at 11-0Burgundy Corporate Plaza, 252 Sen. Gilwith offices at 11-0 BurgundyPuyat Avenue, Makati City. The author canCorporate Plaza, 252 Sen. Gilbe reached at mbpidmbc@i-manila.com.phPuyat Avenue, Makati City.or at Tel: (63-2) 886-4122 to 23.The author can be reached atmbpidmbc@i-manila.com.ph or atTel: (63-2) 886-4122 to 23.CONSUMERNON-ESSENTIALSendinges notng bigCONSUMER DURABLESd willto buy Demand will be dictated by the need. Since to replace such items lost during theInvolvingcommunityard toleadersstormsandlike appliances, audio electronicsorganizations isronger key and to effective furniture. It will be a buyers market.CSR program.een by Hence, low and medium priced goodsheaper will be most likely sought after justitarian so that a semblance Each year, thousands of many of Filipinos formerlose their homes and livelihood tolifestyles can typhoons, be recreated, drought, earthquakes or newwill be ones developed. and fires. Conduct The big as media many networks saleare often quickest to respondrketing events as possible to these to emergencies, attract purchase thanksattention. to special groups inside theirorganizations. That they areable to mobilize supplies of basicnecessities until local governmentscan provide long-term relief is trulyheartwarming. When typhoonOndoy caused unprecedentedflooding last year, media networksserved as conduits for those whowanted HEALTH to help CARE our unfortunatecompatriots.verageBut why wait for a disaster to doa good turn when your companyphoon The clamor for over-the-counter genericcan be implementing projects thats will labels will grow positively stronger. impact Higher the community pointof-salevisibility will be a key factor forin your business mission? Whetherer dueof the success. Pharma manufacturers and10these import indentors should invest in anpricing aggressive and sustainable mediumtermdistribution program to theirachieveDirect marketing will be the bestmarketing strategy to bring such itemslike cosmetics and beauty care brandscloser to the end user. This will augmentif not add on to the sales volume beinggenerated at the traditional saleschannels such as the department storesor specialty retail outlets.your company is large or small, it SELECT YOUR PURPOSEowes commercial success not only The basic concerns of anyto its general target market, but community where you can beRETAIL SERVICES involved are any of the following:also to its surrounding community.Developing the communitywhere a company is based shouldhappen Now is naturally. the time Such to look activities into developingChildren’s educationshould focus on concerns that will – remember CNN Hero of theendear a very the good company customer and build service its program Year and street children’sbrand that will equity set in the you community. apart from For your advocate direct Efren Peñaflorida?example, a company can volunteer Adult educationlabor rivals. on a Developing weekend to spruce a stronger up – skill bond or academica with neighborhood your customers daycare center. Healthcarewill result intoTime and expenses in this case – kids and senior citizens inare a higher clearly measurable. customer This loyalty is the base particular andbasic a more principle stable of Corporate business Social Spiritual developmentperformance.Responsibility or CSR.Disaster preparednessMore Sounds sale difficult events or expensive supported by Food your securityto fund? Not really. You just have Peace and ordersuppliers are encouraged to exploit theto figure out what you can do to Environmental sanitationimprove limited the disposable social welfare income of your of the targetcommunity.consumer.19Read the signs of the times and seehow your product can best fit in throughthe appropriate marketing strategywhich should be adequately funded forVOL. NO. 0

IDENTIFY YOUR BENEFICIARYThe beneficiary of your CSRprogram can be the immediatebarangay where your companyis located. Or, depending on thecompany business mode—as aproduct manufacturer or serviceprovider—your target beneficiariesmight be spread across a largergeographic area. The choice ofbeneficiary should match thepurpose of your program and thelevel of commitment in terms oftime, money and labor that yourcompany is willing to put into theeffort.DISCUSS THE IDEA WITH LOCALLEADERS AND GET THEM INVOLVEDHaving identified the CSR recipientand your choice of activity, it isa good idea to officially inform thelocal government unit or parishpriest of your intentions and tosolicit their participation. At localgovernment level, the barangaychairmen or district councilors arethe people to seek out.SET A BUDGETTo succeed or even exceed the goalsyou have set, your CSR should beadequately funded. In a small firmlacking formal organization, thefunds for the CSR project shouldbe an amount you, as its owner,are willing to allocate from yourcompany’s projected annual grossrevenue. In some cases, whencompanies donate equipmentor materials for the CSR project,the cost of these items may be taxdeductible. Your external auditorshould be able to help you in thisregard.SET A TIME OF COMMITMENTUnless your intent is related to anadvocacy, CSR projects are notexclusive to one locality or intendedto last throughout the lifetime ofyour company. If the CSR goal fora given area has been already met,then the company should move onto the next beneficiary or concern.GET YOUR EMPLOYEES INVOLVEDA CSR project should not just be thebrainchild of the company owners,but draw ideas from the staff aswell. After all, your employeesmight belong to or have kinfolk inthe community that will benefitfrom the company CSR project.A CSR project should notbe seen as “work”. Employeeinvolvement must be wholeheartedand voluntary. Social engagementby the staff in CSR projects helpsbuild team spirit. People derive alot of personal satisfaction from theresults of their common effort.GET AS MUCH PUBLIC RELATIONSVALUE OUT OF ITDocument the work-in-progressand its results. Get press mileageout of it so when other companies inthe area learn about it, they will beable to mount activities that addressother social concerns in the area—the corporate bayanihan spiritmultiplied exponentially. Just asimportant, communicate the effortwithin the company, for example,through the internal newsletter.This way the staff will feel greatabout their achievements and geta memorable keepsake about theactivity. The company can likewisegive credit to employees relativeto their 201 file which shouldhave a positive effect in their nextperformance appraisal.Not very many companies,particularly the very large oneswith a nationwide business interesthave a CSR program in place on acontinuing basis. CSR for some ishelping out only during disasterswith money and goods, and in othercases it is helping their own people.This is short term and might nothave as much impact, sometimes.The true CSR comes from theheart and not from a look-goodcorporate image goal which inessence defeats the very principleof CSR. Every company who hasbeen continually blessed withgood fortune should do somethingto humanity—to ‘pay it forward’.The rewards are always reaped inheaven.MABUHAY ANG NEGOSYANTE!Getting youremployeesinvolved helpsdevelop a senseof ownership forthe CSR project.11

sme focustaxation© Baburkina5 (Anna Baburkina) | Dreamstime.comwhen the taxman comethby alfr ed o q. m e r t oTaxpayers dread a subpoena ducestecum (SDT) from the Bureauof Internal Revenue. Failure tocomply with the SDT may lead tothe filing of a criminal case by theBureau. Taxpayers should be wellpreparedwhen BIR requests fordocuments in an investigation.Under the Tax Code, theCom m i ssioner of I nter na lRevenue (CIR) may authorize theexamination of a taxpayer’s booksand assess the correct amount oftaxes owed to the government.The CIR exercises this powerthrough the Revenue Officers, whoinspect the taxpayer’s records anddocuments.An examination begins witha Letter of Authority issued tothe taxpayer by the BIR. The BIRalso presents the taxpayer witha list of documents that have tobe presented to facilitate the taxaudit, such as books of accounts,tax returns, accounting schedulesand records, etc. Taxpayers shouldbe aware that their failure to submitrequired documents does not getthem off the hook and can expect to12

e seriously dealt with by the BIR.The recent Revenue MemorandumOrder (RMO) No. 45-2010prescribes these procedures andguidelines in the issuance of subpoenaduces tecum to compel thecooperation of taxpayers.» If the taxpayer disregards theLetter of Authority (LA) andthe checklist of requirementsfor the audit, or refuses the BIRaccess to requested records, theRevenue Officer (RO) shall sendthe taxpayer the first noticedemanding compliance withthe requirements. This noticewill be issued ten calendardays from taxpayer’s receiptof the LA and checklist ofrequirements/access to recordsrequest.» If the taxpayer ignores thefirst notice and continues todisregard the demand for thesubmission of documents, theRO shall issue a second andfinal notice ten calendar daysfrom receipt of the first one.» If the taxpayer still refusesto comply after ten days fromreceipt of the second and finalnotice, the RO shall request theissue of a subpoena duces tecumfrom the BIR Legal Service(national office), its LegalDivision (regional office), or anyauthorized BIR office. Withinfive calendar days of receipt ofthe request, the authorized BIRoffice shall issue the subpoenaduces tecum, which the ROmust immediately serve to thetaxpayer.» If the taxpayer refuses tocomply with the subpoenaduces tecum, the concernedBIR legal office shall file acriminal case against thetaxpayer for violation of Section5 in relation to Sections 14 and266 of the National InternalRevenue Code; and/or initiate aproceeding to cite the taxpayerfor contempt under the RevisedRules of Court.» If the taxpayer subsequentlyrequests for the dismissalof the cases filed in courtand submits the requestedinformation, the concerned BIRoffice shall concur with suchrequest for dismissal upon thesubmission of the document/sand the taxpayer’s payment ofpenalty of P10,000 for delayedcompliance and violation ofpertinent provisions of therevenue regulations.In previous BIR guidelinesregarding subpoena duces tecum,the first notice is issued if thetaxpayer, after a reasonable lengthof time, fails to respond. Althoughthe BIR indicates in the requestthe number of days within whichdocuments or schedules should besubmitted, taxpayers sometimesignore this and delay until thesecond or third notice.With RMO 45-2010, the processleading to issuance of subpoenaduces tecum is put on a fast-track.This enables Revenue Officersto expedite tax investigationsby compelling taxpayers tosubmit the requested documentsor information. In a relateddevelopment, the BIR announcedthat it will strictly implement theprescribed period for the completionof the audits, as indicated in theLetters of Authority.In some cases, however,taxpayers might have valid reasonfor failure to submit requireddocuments. Take for exampletaxpayers who lost books ofaccount and/or records duringTyphoon Ondoy. Would the BIR, inline with RMO 45-2010, proceedwith the issuance of a subpoenaduces tecum and file a case againstthe taxpayer?Unfortunately, RMO 45-2010does not address this particularsituation. It would be most welcomeif the RMO could provide additionalguidelines, courses of actions,or possibly exceptions where theprocedures shall not apply.Alternatively, should the BIR—instead of filing a case against thetaxpayer under RMO 45-2010—proceed with the assessment basedon the “best evidence obtainablerule” under Revenue MemorandumCircular (RMC) 23-00?It should be noted that underSection 6(B) of the Tax Code, theCommissioner of Internal Revenuehas the authority to assess theproper tax based on “best evidenceobtainable.” Assessment basedon best evidence obtainable© Sergeypete (Sergey Peterman) | Dreamstime.comapplies when the report or recordsrequested from the taxpayer arenot forthcoming. For example, therecords are lost, the taxpayer refusesto submit the records, or the reportssubmitted are false, incompleteor erroneous. In cases where thetaxpayer has valid reasons forthe non-submission of requireddocuments, the BIR should proceedwith the tax assessment basedon “best evidence obtainable”without resorting to the issuanceof subpoena duces tecum and thefiling of a criminal case against thetaxpayer.RMO 45-2010 emphasizes theBIR’s seriousness in its effort toadminister tax audits. This shouldserve as a reminder for taxpayersto be diligent in complying withtheir obligations to preservetheir books of accounts and otheraccounting records, and keep themintact and available during BIR taxinvestigations.The author is a senior manager with the Tax Advisory &Compliance Division of leading auditing firm Punongbayan& Araullo (P&A).13

sme focussales trainingBased in New York, Adrian Miller is thepresident of Adrian Miller Direct Marketing,a sales training and consulting companythat provides customized, results-driventraining programs to companies worldwide.AMDM’s programs focus on the techniquesand skills needed for building new businessand retaining existing business, resulting inincreased ‘ROA’ (Return on attention). She canbe reached at amiller@adrianmiller.com.Are Prospects just Not That into you?We’ve all had these infuriatingcustomers. They don’t return yourcalls. They don’t reply to youremails. They seem interested atfirst. Maybe, they even met youfor coffee. Hmmm, but then theyslipped away.But, you qualified them. Youdid a killer sales presentation,and you followed up diligently.You did everything right. Whathappened? Yes, it’s time for areality check. They’re just notthat into you! No doubt, it can bedisheartening. However, beforeyou get discouraged, it still mightbe worth pursuing. Here’s whatyou should do.Find Out the Reasonfor Their AvoidanceThere are three main reasons whya prospect/customer disappears.Perhaps, their situation may havechanged, and your solution is nolonger viable. It’s possible that thedecision-maker has changed, andyou haven’t yet identified the newone. You could have also beendumped for the competition.Attempt to Securea MeetingBe assertive. Before you give up allhope, try to meet with them so thatyou can find out what happened.You have nothing to lose. Heck! Youhave nothing at all, and everythingto possibly gain!Probe for New DecisionMakers and InfluencersIf the problem has to do with a shiftin decision makers, find out whoyou need to be contacting. Listenclosely. Through a conversationwith a former prospect who hasproven not to be that into you, youmight be able to determine the realinfluencers. If you play your cardsright, you might still have a chancefor a sale with these individuals.Differentiate Yourselffrom the CompetitionIf you get a chance to meet, youhave the opportunity to show whatmakes you different from yourcompetition. Maybe, you didn’t dosuch a good job in the first placeof clearly communicating yourspecific value proposition. If you doget some face-to-face time, use itto your best advantage by spellingout how your difference equals animprovement.Be Persistent!When someone dumps you withouta clear reason, it can be a blow tothe ego. Your natural reaction maybe to scamper off without followingup. Yet, there still may be a saleif you’re persistent. Make it yourmission to find out what happenedand attempt to get the sales processback on track. Your prospect mightjust be impressed and appreciativeby your diligence and effort.© Otnaydur | Dreamstime.com © Otnaydur | Dreamstime.com14

Save Mother earthEnvironment-friendly bags empower a community of women.Rula Bagsdesigned for the earthby c a m i l l e d a n t e s | p h o t o s c o u r t e s y o f r u l a b a g sAs a corporate training specialist,Leah Galisim always emphasizedthe values of innovation, teamwork,patience and passion among hertrainees. She was happy with herprofession, yet she felt she coulddo more than teach values inside aclassroom by promoting communitydevelopment and environmentalsustainability projects.This advocacy combined withGalisim’s early fascination forpaper helped inspire her homebasedbusiness Rula Paper BayongBags, which recycles the stuff inwastebaskets and weaves theminto fashionable totes and noveltycarry-alls.Initially, these items werethe result of a workplace wastemanagement program. Whileencouraging business ownersto adopt environmentally-soundpractices, the workplace programgot employees to think outside thebox and enrich their creativity.The onslaught of typhoonOndoy last year deepenedGalisim’s resolve to out her ideas toaction. She made the waste paperrecycling project the basis for abusiness that produces and marketsa line of uniquely-crafted, varicolored,durable and waterproofbayong bags.Designer bags, Galisim sayscan be extremely expensive orunselective about raw materialsources. Rula brand paper bayongs,on the other hand, are patientlyhand-woven from earth-friendlymaterials. She says the companyalso accepts special commissionsfor more intricate designs.She took her bag-weavingskills out of the office and sharedthem with housewives in hercommunity. By teaching thesewomen a new skill and providingthem with livelihood, Galisim gavethe weavers a sense of purpose andself-confidence.Galisim dreams that one dayRula would be found in the companyof lady CEOs as a documentcarrier; as a favoured summer bagamong young ladies; as interestingevening totes in the party set; oramong fashion enthusiasts eager tomake a statement.Although Galisim has not yettaken major steps to promote herbrand, the reputation of Rula bagsis spreading by word of mouth. Itsmarket, mostly women and expats,has responded fairly. Rula bayongbags also get around as companygiveaways, whose recipients haveexpressed admiration for the itemsthat make a statement in favour ofenvironmental sustainability andwomen’s empowerment.The rise to success is sweeterwith a values-driven enterprise.And we have Leah Galisim and theRula brand to prove it.For more information aboutthe company and its products,contact Rula Paper Bayong Bags atpaperbayongs@yahoo.com.15

cover storyLIGHTINGTHE FUTURELby m i k k o d a v i d, c h i e l i t iat c o -a c o s ta a n d d e n n i s p. l i ua g16The evolution of lighting systems is only oneexample of how new and “bright” ideas thatchallenge the status quo can have profoundeffects on our lives. A new set of entrepreneurshas emerged to promote Solid State Lighting as anenvironment-friendly and literally “cooler” alternativeto existing illumination technology.

UPSPI president and general manager Joel T. Alegre MSEMand UPSPI vice president Ann Margerie Perea-Alegre17

The new UPSPIhead office inMuntinlupa isa showcase ofenergy efficienttechnologies anddesign.United Power Systems Philippines,Inc. (UPSPI) in MuntinlupaCity is a pioneer and advocateof the new technology in thePhilippine market. This eightyearold brainchild of husbandand wife team Joel T. Alegreand Ann Margerie P. Alegre, hasalready made a mark as a systemsintegrator delivering electricaland construction products,services and solutions. UPSPI hasprovided electro-mechanical andlighting solutions for industrialand commercial establishments inMetro Manila, Subic, Pangasinan,Dagupan, Ilocos Sur, Bulacan andLaguna.With a lighting industrycurrently dominated by foreignplayers, they decided to bringin Solid State Lighting (SSL)and Light-Emitting Diode (LED)technology with a new businessmodel in mind.A mechanical engineer byprofession, Joel explained that anumber of companies wanting tocapture a share of the new marketsimply import and market LEDlighting fixtures without onlythe barest understanding of theprinciples of the new technology.UPSPI is a full service providerof lighting needs, explains Joel.They are not just in the businessof pushing the new technologyon prospective customers. Thecompany designs, manufactures,installs and provides maintenanceservices for SSL systems.Safe and RecyclableJoel’s company has a partnershipwith US-based OPTILED, anindustry leader in LED technology.At the same time, UPSPI is workingwith research organizations andacademic institutions to developthe technology for the massmarket. This collaborative effort,according to Joel will ultimatelydeliver substantial energy savingsfor all lighting users.Consider the facts: Anincandescent bulb has a useful lifeof 2,000 hours. During this periodof use, the bulb would have usedup electricity produced by burning227 kilos of coal with its attendant18

greenhouse gases. LED lights,on the other hand, might seemexpensive at the onset. However,a LED lamp will be in optimumservice for 50,000 hours and cutcarbon emissions by two-thirds.Joel estimates that corporateclients can bring down lightingbills with the new technology byas much as 80 percent. Companiesfurther cut back on power costsfor air-conditioning because LEDfixtures generate very little heatcompared with other industrialillumination“Our products comply withinternational standards andare the safe, environmentallysound option,” Joel said. Unlikefluorescent lamps, including thenow popular Compact FluorescentLamps (CFLs), the LED fixturescontain no mercury, whichindustrialized countries havebeen removing from products. Henotes the dangerous practice ofcompanies to simply dump usedfluorescent lamps within theirpremises. This puts employees andthe community at risk of exposureto the toxic element.LED lamps contain recyclablealuminum, which has intrinsicvalue. A flourescent lamp, on theother hand, costs P30.00 to disposesafely.Challenges AplentyDespite the obvious benefits of thenew technology, UPSPI continuesto face challenges in its productmarketing efforts.Ann Alegre, UPSPI vicepresident, says LED technologyfaces much resistance in themarket, which is understandable. Itwas only recently that homeownersin the Philippines switched toCFLs. The resistance can onlybe overcome through consumereducation and advocacy.In this period UPSPI is pursuinga niche marketing approach. JoelAlegre describes their targetcustomers as “people who are wellinformedabout the benefits of LEDtechnology.”Ann says UPSPI is “slowlyintroducing” LEDs to their targetmarket among industrial andcommercial users. She admitsthat given the economic mood, theretail price of LED fixtures is stillhigh for most homeowners. “Wetry to be more planet-friendly byintegrating our LED technologyinto the designs,” says Joel.Because of the substantialinvestment involved, customers arenot yet keen about the technology.So, UPSPI helps customers makeinformed decisions. “We providecost-and-benefits analysis forcustomers so the return on theirinvestment is plain to see,” Joelexplains. “Our customers wouldacknowledge that comparativelythe price of LED is not steep after alland this helps in decisions whetherto stick to traditional illuminationor to adopt the new technology.”It all depends on what thecustomer sees their companydoing in the future. One suchcustomer is the CSI Group ofCompanies, which owns achain of department stores andsupermarkets in Northern Luzon.CSI was able to save between 40 to70 percent when they switched toLED illumination,” Joel is pleasedto report. As a result, the owners ofthe retail chain opted to adopt LEDtechnology for two new projects.Closer to the Dream“We want to become a companywell-known in the Philippines andAsia-Pacific for delivering the bestservice and products,” declaresJoel Alegre. And, UPSPI is movingcloser to the dream.UPSPI is in the process ofacquiring ISO cer tificationpart of which is environmentalcompliance. “We monitor everyproject closely and involve all 200employees in ensuring compliancewith environmental standards,”he says.In response to the diverserequirements of its market, UPSPIhas spun off affiliates: UnitedServices Corporation (USC) fortechnical services and SolidState Lighting Philippines, Inc.(Solatronics) for manufacturingand distribution of innovative,planet-friendly lighting fixtures.Plantersbank has been a closepartner of UPSPI during thisexpansion period. “We put upour own facility with the help ofPlantersbank,” shares Joel. Hereveals, “In a short period of time,we’ve managed our resourcesefficiently. Hindi kami nagingmagastos, may pinuntahan talagapinaghirapan namin for severalyears.”With the unveiling of thePlantersbank-financed UPSPICenter, a state-of-the-art five-storyoffice building in MuntinlupaCity, the company stands out as atrailblazer for new lighting servicesand technologies in the localmarket. UPSPI is the showcase ofthe astute entrepreneurial spirit ofits founders. Much like light bulbinventor Thomas Alva Edison acentury past.UNITED POWER SYSTEMS PHILIPPINES, INC.Interior East Service Road, Sucat, Muntinlupa CityTel. nos.: (02) 668-8435 to 36Website: www.upspi.comLED light bulbswill be in optimumservice for 50,000hours and cutcarbon emissionsby two-thirds19

HOMEsme profileCOMGraciela B. Eleazar, visionary and social entrepreneur.20

E TRUE“Keep your face to the sunshine, and youcannot see the shadow.” The words ofHelen Keller describe how the optimismof El Pueblo One owner Graciela B. Eleazarhas given birth to a unique and holistichousing development.by t i c h o t s a n pa b l o | p h o t o s by r i c k l o p e zIn 1988, Eleazar steered her realestate company, Phoenix SunInternational Corp., to becoming atop 1000 corporation. The companywas engaged in developing highendprojects such as PhoenixSubdivision and Phoenix Heightsin Pasig City and Phoenix BusinessPark in Libis, Quezon City.A few years ago she shiftedto affordable housing for officeworkers, against the advice of herbusiness peers. What contributedto this shift in business strategy?Eleazar explains, “I would alwayscatch one of my employeessleeping on the job, so I asked him,‘Why are you always sleeping onthe job?’ Then he told me, Ma’am,ang layo layo ng inuuwian ko.” Hewas spending five to six hours aday traveling from home to officeand back. Right then, Eleazarformulated the idea of constructingaffordable, fully furnished homesclose to the working place.Residential unitsrange from the9 sq.m. Bonitoto the 50 sq.m.Casa GrandeCondormihome.21

Eleazar firmly believes thateverything in life is connected.She was fortunate enough to haveundergone comprehensive trainingunder a guru on the ‘science ofthe mind.’ She knew that heremployee’s problem was replicatedall over the country’s urban centers,and she realized that she had tobring workers closer to their placeof work. After much study, she cameup with the idea of building whatshe calls a ‘condormitel,’ whichare medium-rise condominiumsconsisting of small, dormitorysizedunits, but fully furnished,similar to a hotel. Market demandwas overwhelming, and thus bornwas El Pueblo One.El Pueblo One is located inNovaliches, a mere five kilometersfrom SM North Edsa and Trinoma.The University of the PhilippinesDiliman campus is only sevenkilometers away. There is amplepublic transportation to the MRTNorth Edsa station, cutting traveltime for residents to any office inMetro Manila.The L.I.K.A.S. designconcept centers onrespect for nature,lifefstyle integration,and understanding ofhuman needs.L.I.K.A.S. HousingThe project is based on another ideaof Eleazar—L.I.K.A.S. housing—an acronym she coined to meanLifestyle Integration for Well-Keptand Affordable Shelter. L.I.K.A.S.is a design concept centered onthree basic philosophies: respectfor nature, lifestyle integration,and an understanding of humanneeds. Its main objective is toprovide the urban work forcewith ‘environmentally sound’dwellings conducive to upliftingtheir lifestyles. In partnership withPlantersbank, which impressed heras being a very customer-orientedbank, Ms. Eleazar has been able toexpand El Pueblo One.Walking through El PuebloOne’s pathways is quite aninvigorating experience. Thesoft breeze and rustling leavesin the surroundings softens thesun’s warm rays. Noticeable ata glance is how fruit trees havebeen left untouched and eventurned into integral centerpiecesof the development. The buildingsthemselves seem to flow, curvingsmoothly around the main accessways. Beside the paths are plantsof many varieties, including rootcrops and medicinal herbs, whichare labeled with both common andscientific names. A sandlot hasbeen turned into a playground forsmall kids.At present, there are fourbuildings, each with a spaciouslobby complete with both functionaland decorative furniture, whereresidents can entertain theirguests. In one lobby there is apiano, which is used by residentssince El Pueblo offers free pianolessons to children. Adding to thecalm environment is piped in softL.I.K.A.S. — afusion of mid-risecondominiumconvenience,dormitoryaffordability andhotel ambienceand security forworking classfamilies.22

A. MexicanthemedEl Pueblocondormitelcomplex inNovaliches.B. Spacious lobbyfor residents.C. Communityday-carecenter.music, at times classical, to soothethe listener.For more active residents,there is a basketball court and abadminton court. Health seminarson nutritional healing and propernutrition are conducted regularly,and arts and crafts workshopsare on tap for residents. El Puebloeven offers academic scholarshipsto deserving children. For thecommunity, a multi-purpose hallis available, and residents can sellwares and home-made productsat a common commercial space,free of rent! Each building also hasparking spaces for its residents.All these contribute to a secure,comfortable and constructivelifestyle.Affordable homesResidential units range from the 9square-meter Bonito, which sellsfor P585,000 to the 50 square-meterCasa Grande Condormihome,priced at P3,640,000. All unitsare ergonomically designed tomaximize space. They come fullyequipped with amenities that arecommonly available in high-endresidential developments, such asbeds, electric stoves, TV sets, fans,cabinets, tables and chairs, kitchensink, a toilet and bath, curtains,bed covers, and lampshades.Large storage spaces are built in toencourage a more organized homeand a waste segregation disposalsystem is in place to promote amore sanitary living space.The El Pueblo project issanctioned by the National HousingAuthority and various governmenthousing agencies. Because of this,extended PAG-IBIG terms areavailable for buyers, up to 30 yearpayment terms, making monthlyinstallments very affordablefor office workers. For example,the Bonito studio unit’s monthlyinstallment is only P2,724.41 thruPAG-IBIG financing. Terms arealso available for the 30 percentequity. Aside from PAG-IBIGfinancing, the buyer can also availof in-house financing schemesor thru direct bank financing,making an El Pueblo unit easy toown.Eleazar, who is also a publishedpoet, wrote in one of her poems:A good homeis the prerequisitefor individual success.There is so much within us…somuch to give…so much to share,To hold out our hand to someonewhose life he can’t seem to bear.Eleazar believes that her ElPueblo Condormitel project is aperfect example of a CorporateSocial Responsibility endeavorbecause it revolves around creatinga better life for office workers, andbecause it is a truly sustainableCSR venture. She believes that apositive outlook is a prerequisiteto success. She believes that agood home is basic to improvingthe workers’ lifestyle, and that thisleads to improved productivity,which in turn, contributes to abetter economy.EL PUEBLO MARKETING CORPORATION3rd Floor, Gold Building, No. 15 Annapolis StreetGreenhills, San Juan, Metro ManilaTel. nos.: (02) 491-0144 / 491-6119Website: www.elpueblocondormitel.com23

lifestyleDiscover culture, entertainment and luxurious accommodations rightat the heart of Angeles City.A GRAND WEEKEND HOTELp h o t o c o u r t e s y o f l e w i s g r a n d h o t e lBusiness travelers arriving viathe Diosdado Macapagal (Clark)International Airport will be pleasedto discover at the heart of AngelesCity this gem of a hotel, the LewisGrand.Considered the best in the wholePampanga province, the LewisGrand Hotel also makes a relaxinggetaway for urbanites seekingsuperb weekend accommodations,mixed cultures and a wide choice ofleisure activities.In websites that give vacationadvice, many seasoned travelershave rated this hotel with perfectscores for value, rooms, location,cleanliness and service. Adjacentthe world renowned golf and resortcenters of Angeles City and onlyhalf an hour’s drive from the beachesand nature parks of Subic, LewisGrand will certainly tempt businesstravelers to extend their visit to thispart of the country.Luxury you can affordGuests can choose from 70 wellappointedguest rooms and suitesthat offer breath-taking vistas ofmystical Mount Arayat or an eagle’sperspective of the hotel’s free-formpool and lush tropical garden. Eachsuite comes furnished with the finestbed linens and luxurious bathtubs,as well as LCD television screens andhigh-speed internet connection.D e s i g n e d t o s u i t t h ediscriminating taste of a businesstraveler are the Deluxe Suites while asmall family can comfortably stay inthe Double Occupancy or ExecutiveSuites. The leisure traveler can enjoythe majestic view of the mountainfrom the Poolside Jacuzzi Suite or apanoramic view of the pool whilesipping tea from the balcony of theExecutive Jacuzzi Suite. Their top ofthe line, aptly called the PresidentialSuite, features a huge Jacuzzi and aspacious living room that converts toa board meeting room or a functionroom for intimate parties. Each roomhas a digital safety deposit box andelectronic key cards to ensure utmostsecurity.“Luxury doesn’t have to beextremely expensive,” says theLewis Grand’s Swiss managerJames Bush. With competitive ratesand its international standards, theLewis Grand has attracted a loyalfollowing among businessmen andprofessionals.World-class amenitiesLewis Grand Hotel takes pride onits elegant Estrellita Ballroom that isideal for engagements seating up to250 guests. For a small conference, atheatre-style room can accommodate50 guests. The hotel also offersfine dining at the Angelou Café,an alfresco style, round the clockrestaurant and bar, serving exquisiteAsian and International fusioncuisine.The Lewis Grand Hotel is ownedand managed by the YakuichCuizon Corporation, whose ownershad grown up in the United Statesuntil nostalgia for their Filipinoroots led them back to Pampanga.Since then, the Lewis Grand hasprovided tourists with a home awayfrom home and numerous economicopportunities for Kapampangans.Lewis Grand HotelDon Juico Avenue, Clarkview, Angeles CityTelephone Number: 63 045 625 3947Website: www.lewisgrand.comEmail: reservations@lewisgrand.com24

ooksSurvival, a must-readfor tough times.techNeo Laptops and HP Printers,revieWBeyondtools for the entrepreneurBOOKBeyond Survival: The Crisis Handbookby j o e l pa b l o s a l u dAny book that opens its first pagewith the note “Welcome to Crisis!”will surely be as compelling a readas, perhaps, the Egyptian’s Bookof the Dead—that is, if you’re anarcheologist. But one doesn’t haveto be a rocket scientist to know thatcrisis has become the byword sincethe turn of the century. The worldhas been buffeted by one crisisafter another, from HurricaneKatrina to the current globaleconomic slump. More than welike to admit, the catastrophesvisited on civilization have moreto do with poor judgment (or lackthereof) than wayward lightningbolts thrown by Zeus or bad fengshui.The book, the author RogerCollantes said, came to him“at the height of the US subprime mortgage crisis and thesubsequent global financialmeltdown of 2008-2009.” In short,he was in the middle of a “crisis ofconfidence’ hurled upon the globalbanking industry. The book, aproduct of “rocking the boat,” isall about “mastering the attitudes,habits and behavior that successfulpeople demonstrate in times ofcrisis—whether it’s personal,organizational, economic,environmental or political crisis.”The secret, as the bookstrongly suggests, is to have adifferent world-view. “Reality No.1: Crisis is the new normal.” Weare living in extraordinary timesdemanding extraordinary ways ofthriving. “We cannot afford to staycomplacent because old tricks nolonger work.” Crisis has becomethe new norm, and vigilance coverseverything.Scarcely reaching secondchapter and the reader will findhimself dealing with lessons ofsurvival. Easier said than done, forsurvival in itself is now a feat fortitans. Apparently, as the authorsuggests, one can leap from zero tohero if one possesses a set of steadynerves. The three steps to survival,he says, are: (1) stay focused; (2)stay calm; (3) stay alive. If there isanything that will get your sweetbehinds out of a sure catastrophe,these are it.The book Beyond Survival isa handy codex of colorful designsand attractive presentation oftext; the designers, it seems, wentthrough all the trouble to make thevolume as readable as possible.And why not? As a scripturalreference on how to stay alive, theleast one can do is make this biblefor survivors and victors readable.Catastrophe is as real today as,perhaps, the day Vesuvius spewedmolten sulfur on the inhabitantsof Pompeii. Not that this codexcould’ve have saved their lives,being in the worst place and time,but who knows? If they stayed calm,maintained their focus, and movedheaven and earth just to stay alive,then perhaps their stories mayhave been written differently.Beyond Survival by RogerCollantes is available in allbookstores.25

techneo laptops and HP printersby e d o n g m e n d o z aNEO Basic laptopswww.neo.com.phWhen it comes to bringing value to themasses, nothing beats homegrownbrands and no other company can offeras much bang for your hard-earned pesothan our very own NEO.Their latest Basic offers are by far,among the fastest and versatile laptopsavailable in the market today. For lessthan the usual selling price, you alreadyget a full-fledged laptop equipped withIntel’s latest Celeron, Pentium, Core i3,and Core i5 processors.Physically, there’s nothing ostentatiousabout the Basic laptops, hence themoniker. They’re straight-up performersthat don’t intimidate even though theirspecs have the ability to surprise.Neo Basic laptops come loaded withthe latest Microsoft operating system,Windows 7, making them faster thanprevious models driven by the “wreck”that was Windows Vista. And with suchpowerful CPU and RAM combos underthe hood, you could edit photos andcreate professional-looking movies withease.Built-in DVD burners comes standard,a device that’s quickly becoming rare inthe advent of high capacity flash drivesand memory cards. With this, you canpreserve creations and share them withfamily, friends, and co-workers withouthaving to worry about computer viruses.Whether you’re getting a low-end ora high-end model, the Basics are sureworth every peso. They’re cost-effectivesolutions that can match the performanceoutput of similar models offered by“premium” brands. NEO Basic Models:B4105, B2300, B2245N, B3230, B3233HP LaserJet Pro M1132www.hp.comOne-hit wonders just won’t cut it in the21st century. For anybody (or anything) toexcel, one needs a wide array of talents toget the attention of people. HP’s LaserJetPro M1132 is one such printer: it’s a jackof-all-tradesgadget that also happens tobe a master at everything it does, which isto print, copy and scan documents.For starters, it’s an excellent model andwe all know HP is no stranger to makingprinters. The M1132 can churn out printsat up to a whopping 19 pages per minuteletting you save precious time. This modelboasts the energy-saving automatic on/off and convenient instant-on featuresthat we always wished were included inearlier generation laser printers.The M1132 may look like a meanmachine but it’s hassle-free to set up. Ittakes plug-and-play technology to thenext level with what HP calls “SmartInstall”. As the feature’s name suggests,Smart Install lets you use your printerout of the box without the need for aninstallation CD. In as little as 2 minutes,the M1132 can be up and running.All in all, the M1132 is a great piece ofoffice equipment for budding businessesespecially those with limited officespace.26

tax calendarSeptember 20102 Thursday – LAST DAY OFFILING· Engagement letters andrenewals or subsequentagreements for financialaudit by independent CPAsfor FY beginning November20106 Monday – LAST DAYOF e-FILING/FILING &e-PAYMENT/PAYMENT· 2000 - DST for August 2010SUBMISSion· Summary report ofcertifications issued by thePresident of NHMFC (RA7279) for August 20108 Wednesday – LAST DAY OFSUBMISSION· Transcript sheets of ORBfor distilled spirits, wines,fermented liquor, tobaccoproducts, oil, automobiles,and cigarette paper forAugust 201010 Friday – LAST DAYOF e-FILING/FILING &e-PAYMENT/PAYMENT/REMITTANCE· 1600 - Withholding VAT/PTfor August 2010FILING & REMITTANCE· 1601C, 1601E, 1601F and1602 - Withholding returnon compensation, EWT andFWT for August 2010 (noneFPStaxpayers)· 1606 - Withholding ontransfer of real property otherthan capital assets for August2010DISTRIBUTION· 2306 - Certificate of VAT/PTwithheld for August 2010· 2307 - Certificate ofcreditable PT withheld forAugust 2010REMITTANCE· PhilHealth - ME-5contributions for August 2010· SSS - R-5 contributions forAugust 2010SUBMISSION· Transcript sheets of ORB formineral products for August2010· A sugar cooperative’s list ofbuyers of sugar for August2010, together with a copyof certificate of advancepayment of VAT made byeach buyer appearing on thelist· Information return onreleases of refined sugar bythe proprietor or operator ofa sugar refinery or mill forAugust 201013 Monday – LAST DAY OFe-FILING· 1601C, 1601E, 1601F and1602 - Withholding returnon compensation, EWTand FWT for August 2010(Groups C, D and E)FILING· SEC - AFS for FY ended May2010 by corporations whosesecurities are registeredunder RSA or SRC14 Tuesday – LAST DAY OFe-filing· 1601C, 1601E, 1601F and1602 - Withholding returnon compensation, EWT andFWT for August 2010 (GroupB)REMITTANCE· HDMF - M1-1 contributionsby employers whose namesstart with letters A to D forAugust 201015 Wednesday – LAST DAYOF e-FILING/FILING &e-PAYMENT/PAYMENT· 1704 - IAET for FY endedAugust 2009· 1702 and 1702-AIF - AnnualITR and AIF by corporationsand partnerships for FYended May 2010e-PAYMENT· 1601C, 1601E, 1601F and1602 - Withholding returnon compensation, EWT andFWT for August 2010 (alleFPS groups)e-FILING· 1601C, 1601E, 1601F and1602 - Withholding returnon compensation, EWT andFWT for August 2010 (GroupA)FILING & PAYMENT· 1707A - Consolidated CGTreturn for shares not tradedin the stock exchange for FYended May 2010REGISTRATION· Bound computer-generated/loose-leaf books of accountsand other accounting recordsfor FY ended August 2010e-SUBMISSION· Summary list of machines(CRM-POS) sold by machinedistributors/dealers/vendors/suppliers for the TQ endedAugust 2010SUBMISSION· PEZA - AFS filed with theBIR on August 16, 2010 byPEZA-registered enterprisesfor FY ended April 2010· PhilHealth - RF-1 remittancereport for August 201020 Monday – LAST DAY OFe-FILING/FILING &e-PAYMENT/PAYMENT· 2551Q - PT for TQ endedAugust 2010FILING & PAYMENT· 2550M and 2551M - VAT andPT for August 2010 (noneFPStaxpayers)DISTRIBUTION· 2307 - Certificate of EWT forTQ ended August 2010REMITTANCE· HDMF - M1-1 contributionsby employers whose namesstart with letters E to L forAugust 201021 Tuesday – LAST DAY OFe-FILING· 2550M and 2551M - VAT andPT for August 2010 (Group E)22 Wednesday – LAST DAY OFe-FILING· 2550M and 2551M - VAT andPT for August 2010 (GroupD)23 Thursday – LAST DAY OFe-FILING· 2550M and 2551M - VAT andPT for August 2010 (GroupC)24 Friday – LAST DAY OFe-FILING/FILING &e-PAYMENT/PAYMENT· 2550Q - VAT for TQ endedAugust 2010e-PAYMENT· 2550M and 2551M - VAT andPT for August 2010 (all eFPSgroups)e-FILING· 2550M and 2551M - VAT andPT for August 2010 (GroupsA and B)REMITTANCE· HDMF - M1-1 contributionsby employers whose namesstart with letters M to Q forAugust 201027 Monday – LAST DAY OFSUBMISSION· Summary list of sales/purchases by VAT registeredtaxpayers (non-eFPStaxpayers) for TQ endedAugust 2010· Sworn statement ofmanufacturers or importerson the volume of sales perbrand of alcohol and tobaccoproducts for June to August201028 Tuesday – LAST DAY OFFILING· SEC - AFS for FY ended May2010 by corporations whosesecurities are not registeredunder RSA or SRC29 Wednesday – LAST DAY OFe-FILING/FILING &e-PAYMENT/PAYMENT· 1702Q - Quarterly ITR for TQended July 201030 Thursday – LAST DAY OFREGISTRATION· Computerized booksof accounts and otheraccounting records in CD-R,DVD-R or other opticalmedia, and affidavit on thepost-reporting requirementsfor CAS for FY ended August2010· Manual books of accountsand other accounting recordsfor FY beginning October 1,2010e-SUBMISSION· Summary list of sales/purchases by VAT-registeredtaxpayers (all eFPS groups)for TQ ended August 2010SUBMISSION· Inventory list for FY endedAugust 2010· BOI - Transcript sheets ofORB by qualified jewelryenterprises for FY endedAugust 2010· PEZA - ITR filed with the BIRon September 15, 2010 byPEZA-registered enterprisesfor FY ended May 2010PAYMENT· LGU - Payment of realproperty tax third installmentfor CY 2010REMITTANCE· HDMF - M1-1 contributionsby employers whose namesstart with letters R to Z forAugust 2010October 20104 Monday – LAST DAY OFFILING· Engagement letters andrenewals or subsequentagreements for financialaudit by independent CPAsfor FY beginning December20105 Tuesday – LAST DAY OFe-FILING/FILING &e-PAYMENT/PAYMENT· 2000 - DST for September2010SUBMISSION· Summary report ofcertifications issued by thePresident of NHMFC (RA7279) for September 20108 Friday – LAST DAY OFSUBMISSION· Transcript sheets of ORBfor distilled spirits, wines,fermented liquor, tobaccoproducts, oil, automobiles,and cigarette paper forSeptember 201011 Monday – LAST DAYOF e-FILING/FILING &e-PAYMENT/PAYMENT/REMITTANCE· 1600 - Withholding VAT/PTfor September 2010e-FILING· 1601C, 1601E, 1601F and1602 - Withholding returnon compensation, EWT andFWT for September 2010(Group E)FILING & REMITTANCE· 1601C, 1601E, 1601F and1602 - Withholding returnon compensation, EWT andFWT for September 2010(non-eFPS taxpayers)· 1603 - FBT for CQ endedSeptember 2010 (non-eFPStaxpayers)· 1606 - Withholding ontransfer of real propertyother than capital assets forSeptember 2010DISTRIBUTION· 2306 - Certificate of VAT/PTwithheld for September 2010· 2307 - Certificate ofcreditable PT withheld forSeptember 2010REMITTANCE· PhilHealth - ME-5contributions for September2010· SSS - R-5 contributions forSeptember 2010SUBMISSION· Transcript sheets of ORBfor mineral products forSeptember 2010· A sugar cooperative’slist of buyers of sugar forSeptember 2010, togetherwith a copy of certificateof advance payment ofVAT made by each buyerappearing on the list· Information return onreleases of refined sugar bythe proprietor or operator ofa sugar refinery or mill forSeptember 201012 Tuesday – LAST DAY OFe-FILING· 1601C, 1601E, 1601F and1602 - Withholding returnon compensation, EWT andFWT for September 2010(Group D)13 Wednesday – LAST DAY OFe-FILING· 1601C, 1601E, 1601F and1602 - Withholding returnon compensation, EWT andFWT for September 2010(Group C)SUBMISSION· SEC - AFS for FY endedJune 2010 by corporationswhose securities areregistered under RSA or SRC14 Thursday – LAST DAY OFe-FILING· 1601C, 1601E, 1601F and1602 - Withholding returnon compensation, EWT andFWT for September 2010(Group B)REMITTANCE· HDMF - M1-1 contributionsby employers whose namesstart with letters A to D forSeptember 201015 Friday – LAST DAYOF e-FILING/FILING &e-PAYMENT/PAYMENT· 2200M - Excise tax formineral products for CQended September 2010· 1702 and 1702-AIF - AnnualITR and AIF by corporationsand partnerships for FYended June 2010· 1704 - IAET for FY endedSeptember 2009e-FILING/FILING &e-PAYMENT/REMITTANCE· 1603 - FBT for CQ endedSeptember 2010 (all EFPSgroups)e-PAYMENT· 1601C, 1601E, 1601F and1602 - Withholding returnon compensation, EWT andFWT for September 2010 (allEFPS groups)e-FILING· 1601C, 1601E, 1601F and1602 - Withholding returnon compensation, EWT andFWT for September 2010(Group A)FILING & PAYMENT· 1707A - Consolidated CGTreturn for shares not tradedin the stock exchange for FYended June 2010REGISTRATION· Bound computer-generated/loose-leaf books of accountsand other accounting recordsfor FY ended September2010e-SUBMISSION· Summary list of machines(CRM-POS) sold by machinedistributors/dealers/vendors/suppliers for TQ endedSeptember 2010SUBMISSION· List of medical practitionersof hospitals and clinics forTQ September 2010· PEZA - AFS filed withthe BIR on September 15,2010 by PEZA-registeredenterprises for FY endedMay 2010· PhilHealth - RF-1 remittancereport for September 201019 Tuesday – LAST DAY OFREMITTANCE· HDMF - M1-1 contributionsby employers whose namesstart with letters E to L forSeptember 201020 Wednesday – LAST DAYOF e-FILING/FILING &e-PAYMENT/PAYMENT· 2551Q - PT for TQ endedSeptember 2010FILING & PAYMENT· 2550M and 2551M - VAT andPT for September 2010 (noneFPStaxpayers)DISTRIBUTION· 2307 - Certificate of EWT forTQ ended September 2010PAYMENT· LGU - LBT fourth installmentfor CY 201021 Thursday – LAST DAY OFe-FILING· 2550M and 2551M - VATand PT for September 2010(Group E)22 Friday – LAST DAY OFe-FILING· 2550M and 2551M - VATand PT for September 2010(Group D)25 Monday – LAST DAY OFe-FILING/FILING &e-PAYMENT/PAYMENT· 2550Q - VAT for TQ endedSeptember 2010e-PAYMENT· 2550M and 2551M - VAT andPT for September 2010 (alleFPS groups)e-FILING· 2550M and 2551M - VATand PT for September 2010(Groups A, B, and C)SUBMISSION· Summary list of sales/purchases by VAT-registeredtaxpayers (non-eFPS) for TQended September 2010· Sworn statement ofmanufacturers or importerson the volume of salesper brand of alcohol andtobacco products for July toSeptember 2010REMITTANCE· HDMF - M1-1 contributionsby employers whose namesstart with letters M to Q forSeptember 201028 Thursday – LAST DAYoffiling· SEC - AFS for FY endedJune 2010 by corporationswhose securities are notregistered under RSA or SRC29 Friday – LAST DAY OFREGISTRATION· Manual books of accountsand other accounting recordsfor FY beginning November1, 2010REMITTANCE· HDMF - M1-1 contributionsby employers whose namesstart with letters R to Z forSeptember 2010Courtesy of Punongbayanand Araullo, the Philippine memberfirm of Grant Thornton International, a leading internationalorganization of independently owned and managed accountingand consulting firms. For more information log on to:www.punongbayan-araullo.com27

inspirationalDO BUSINESS HONOR ABLYLots of folks confuse bad business ethics with destiny.b y fr a n c i s j. k o n gThe world belongs to the smart and the wise. It’s a highlycompetitive world of business we are all living in today and so,in order to survive this rat race, only the fittest, the smartest, thefastest and the wisest will win in this game called life. Theseare words we hear these days.Back in my grade school days, we used to hear of thingslike, “Honesty is the best policy.” Or “Work hard, live a simplelife and be frugal.” Frankly, you don’t get around to hearthings like these in this so-called modern day twenty-firstcentury timeframe of ours. What we hear today are things like,“Winning is not everything, it is the only thing.” We watch TV,read books and watch countless titles of movies with almost allof them depicting the same theme: To win at all cost. To be thesmartest in order to survive, so forth and so on.Somehow we forget the saying that even if we win the ratrace, the winner is still a rat!Allow me to tell a story:At times, we are not as smart as we think. For instance, thisbig city lawyer was called in on a case between a farmer and alarge railroad company. A farmer noticed that his prized cowwas missing from the field through which the railroad passed.He filed a suit against the railroad company for the value ofthe cow. The case was to be tried before the justice of the peacein the back room of the general store. The attorney immediatelycornered the farmer and tried to get him to settle out of court.The lawyer did his best selling job and the farmer finally agreedto take half of what he was claiming to settle the case. After thefarmer signed the release and took the check, the young lawyercouldn’t help but gloat a little over his success.He said to the farmer, “You know, I hate to tell you this, butI put one over on you in there. I couldn’t have won the case.The engineer was asleep and the fireman was in the caboosewhen the train went through your farm that morning. I didn’thave one witness to put on the stand.So when you agreed fora settlement, I got you there and I think I’m just too smart for asimple farmer like you.”The old farmer replied, “Well, I’ll tell you, young feller, I wasa little worried about winning that case myself because thatdarned cow came home this morning!”Who seems to be smarter between the two?I don’t know why certain people, whether they beprofessionals or entrepreneurs, take sinister delight in gainingadvantage over someone else. To them, business is like a pokergame. You bluff your way, you keep your hand, and then the guywho’s got the most intelligence coupled with a great stroke ofluck, wins! In other words, winning means someone is smarterand the others, dumber. Winning means outsmarting someoneand achieving an end with whatever means there is.One department store executive is legendary in this area.Every deal you make with him will always result in making youfeel that you’ve been taken for a ride and that you have beenoutsmarted. This guy thinks of business transactions as a gamewherein the best-thinking guy wins.Well, I’ve been tracking him for a couple of years now. Hisbusiness is failing, his supplier friends have left him, and theworst news is that he is suffering from hypertension. Why?Because fooling people takes a lot of mental effort and requiresin protecting turf. The schemer is always on the lookout, afraidthat he might be outsmarted, too. His past victims are nowplaying the same game wanting to get a piece of revenge andso there will never be peace for this “smart” guy throughout hiswhole lifetime.Man, that’s not winning. That’s simply a case of jumpingfrom the frying pan into the fire.People do this because they do not understand the conceptof business. Japan’s legendary and revered business geniushas been able to provide for the right definition for business.Konosuke Matsushita says, “Business does not exist in order tomake a profit. It exists in order to benefit society. Profit is simplysociety’s reward for the job well done.”When you look at business this way, you will now come tothe understanding that business is an art for the nobles, not ascience for the charlatans. Business, therefore, is not to win,it is to achieve a win-win situation. Somebody provides andresponds to a need and he gets rewarded for doing so when heearns a reasonable profit.Maybe it’s high time we brought back nobility in to business.Maybe it’s high time we work within the bounds of decency andethics in the way we conduct business. Maybe it’s high time wefollow the Biblical instruction of doing unto others what we wantothers to do unto us—the Golden Rule, as the world calls it.This is the only way for us to finish the rat race without beinga rat!Taken from Francis J. Kong’s book: Three Little Words on Life, on Love, on Laughs28