Business – FAQ.ph

Why Is Buying a Repossessed Car a Good Move?

July 30, 2019 By FAQ Leave a Comment

In the market for a car and looking to get the most value out of your hard-earned money? Most people tend to think that buying new is the best option, but you can save a good amount of cash by looking at pre-owned cars. If you do the research diligently and aren’t afraid of asking the seller some tough questions, you could get a relatively good deal on something perfectly respectable. Another way of saving on a car purchase is by looking at bank-repossessed cars—these are vehicles that have been taken back by banks because their owners can no longer afford the monthly payments, or cars that have been used as collateral for a different loan that a debtor is no longer able to repay. In any case, buying a repossessed car can be one of the smartest financial choices you’ll ever make. Let’s break down the reasons why:

Repossessed Cars Are Cheaper

Banks typically aren’t looking to turn a profit when they sell cars that have been repossessed. They still have to pay for storage and maintenance costs, and cars sitting idle in a lot are not only useless to them, they also tend to cost the bank extra for keeping them around. As a result of this, you can get a car in like-new or even practically brand-new condition at a discount of 20 to 40%: that can be up to 200,000 pesos or more in savings. The down payment for repossessed units is also much lower than when buying new; a car’s value begins to depreciate almost as soon as it leaves the dealership and will only go lower over time. You’ll still have to pay a down payment of 20 to 30%, but since the car is already cheaper, you won’t have to shell out as much.

Hassle-Free Payment Options

One of the most frustrating things about buying a new car is the sheer amount of paperwork involved before you can drive away with it. Banks know that they lose more money the longer it takes for a repossessed unit to sell, so they cut through the complications and typically offer you the choice of paying for one with cash up front, or enrolling it into an auto loan program. Going with cash means that you won’t have to pay interest over time, but it can be a huge chunk of money to put down all in one go. Auto loans take the pressure off by allowing you to make incremental monthly payments on the car instead, which can be easier on you. Whichever option fits your budget best, it’s nice to be able to take the vehicle home without having to read through too many documents.

Safe and Secure Transactions

When buying a repossessed unit from a bank, you can rest easy knowing that the vehicle was not acquired illegally, and all of its papers and certifications are in good order. You’ll never have to worry about being defrauded, and you can be assured that your payments will always be safe.

Used but Not Abused

When a car seller puts his vehicle on the market, it’s usually because he’s already gotten himself a new one. Most vehicle owners tend to hold off on replacing their cars if they can continue to put up with its issues; the bottom line is that you never really know what condition the car is actually in until you’ve driven it for a while and discovered its problems, and by then it’s usually too late. On the other hand, repossessed cars go to the banks because their previous owners are no longer able to keep them, which means that most of them haven’t been ridden to death or neglected for too long. Of course, you should be a conscientious buyer and check for signs of flooding, accidental damage, or anything that might give you cause to believe that the vehicle is in poorer shape than advertised. Banks typically auction out newer models and have proof of the car’s mileage though, so you could get a car that’s in excellent shape and was released fairly recently for a fraction of the cost of buying from a dealer.

Summary

Buying a repossessed car isn’t without its risks, but if you know what to look for and are willing to put in the legwork, you could drive home with one that you can be proud of. Keep an open mind but arm yourself with as much information as possible, and don’t be afraid to ask questions before reaching for your wallet. Before long, you’ll be driving the car of your dreams.

Profitable Business Ideas in the Philippines in 2019

February 14, 2019 By FAQ Leave a Comment

The year of the Earth Pig is here and it signals the beginning of new and brighter opportunities for the months to come. If you are one of the many Filipinos who believe that they will be among the lucky individuals who will enjoy the benefits of fortune this year, starting a business should be first in your list. However, you have to keep in mind that aside from luck, there are other factors that you should take into consideration before you fully reap the rewards of your first entrepreneurial efforts.

For starters, you need to start with the most important question of all: thinking of a great business idea. While this sounds so simple, it sometimes gets complicated especially if you start to fully realize the bigger picture. Indeed, starting a new business in the Philippines can be challenging but it doesn’t mean you have to give up this early. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about securing a big capital. In fact, would you believe that with just PHP 1,000, you can start your own business? How?

Let this article help you take the first steps.

These are the profitable business ideas in the Philippines in 2019 that you should include in your list.

1. Home-made Desserts Business

Estimated Capital: PHP 500-1,000

This business idea for home-based entrepreneurs has started to rise in popularity since 2018 and this New Year also promises better opportunities for this entrepreneurial venture. Stay-at-home moms, single mothers, and even full-time office workers find this business idea an ideal way to earn extra cash. The great thing about a home-made desserts business is that acquiring a capital won’t be a problem.

Mango float (frozen mango cake), no-bake chocolate cakes, coffee jelly, home-made ice cream, and other desserts like Filipino favorite leche flan are the most in-demand desserts these days. Aside from the fact that they are easy to make, its ingredients are affordable and can be bought at your local supermarkets.

2. Online Beauty Products Business

Estimated Capital: PHP 1,000-5,000

The needed capital for this business idea will depend on the type of beauty products that you are going to sell. This business is ideal for people living in the city as well as for mom-entrepreneurs who live in the provinces. Why is this included in the list? For one, beauty products such as cosmetics, beauty bars, whitening, and skin moisturizing products, are in-demand for many working Filipinas and students who make sure that they always look great. Additionally, these products are consumable, ensuring repeat customers and regular flow of income.

The only challenging part about this business idea is about which type of product you’re going to choose. Seasoned online sellers suggest that you should sell products that you have actually used or you will most likely to use. This adds credibility to your online shop and also helps your customers trust the efficiency of what you are selling. In other words, never sell a product that you, yourself, don’t even want to try.

3. Online and Offline Fashion Apparel Business

Estimated Capital: PHP 3,000-5,000

Just like beauty products, online fashion stores are a hit for today’s Filipino sellers. Many people in the country want to express themselves through fashion, but most of them can also be very practical. That is, they won’t easily buy fashion items especially if it’s not affordable. So what’s the best thing to do if you want to be an online or offline fashion apparel seller? Source your items from the direct supplier.

If you are near Manila, Taytay in Rizal is the place to go. Many fashion sellers know too well that direct suppliers display their goods weekly in a tiange (bazaar) near Taytay’s local market. Here, prices can go as low as PHP 60 per item, with bigger discounts for bigger orders. Fashionable tops of different designs, pants, dresses, and even locally-crafted footwear can be found in this affordable fashion haven.

Online social media sites can help you easily market your products especially for customers within your area. Consider these two marketing tips: one, join Buy and Sell Facebook groups and regularly posts your products there. Two, post your products on a public Facebook account. However, remember not to underestimate the power of word-of-mouth advertising. Be a good seller, gather positive reviews, and success will make its way to you just like that

4. Healthy Meal Plan/ Meal Delivery

Estimated Capital: PHP 5,000- PHP 15,000

Healthy meal plans and packed lunch products are in-demand right now, especially among millennial workers who either don’t have the resources to cook their own meals or they just don’t have the time to prepare them. In many business centers in Metro Manila like Makati, Ortigas, and BGC, professionals rely on ready-to-eat lunch boxes or even pre-planned meals for their everyday food allowances.

The basic meals can be as simple as one cup of rice with a side and the main dish (pork, fish, and vegetables), and most sellers price them at PHP 60- PHP 70. Pre-planned meals cater to the health-conscious markets, allowing them to eat meals according to their specific dietary requirements. The former is perhaps easier and less demanding in manpower and in the capital while the latter requires knowledge in diet and nutrition. Additionally, a bigger operation will require more paper works and permits.

5. Blogging and Online Website Business

Estimated Capital: PHP 5,000 – PHP 10,000

Yes, you can earn from creating a blog and fully developing it into a website. If you are internet savvy and enjoy writing, these two skills can help you be good at this business. Additionally, a simple knowledge in search engine optimization and Google Analytics can go a long way. While it’s essential to learn all these, don’t be intimidated by the unknown world of blogging.

For as low as PHP 5,000, you can create and own your website, and additional effort to work on your page’s content can help you steadily develop it into a fully-earning business idea. In fact, many online entrepreneurs consider blogging as a steady source of passive income. So what should you do to get started? First, choose a particular niche or topic that you want to focus on. Many successful earning blogs are travel blogs, fashion websites, food and cooking, beauty, and even business sites.

Make your content as informative as possible, and don’t forget to keep learning. Read and read as much as you can and you’ll be an expert in no time.

6. Airbnb Hosting/ Rental

Estimated Cost: PHP 0 – an undetermined amount

Do you live in a tourist town or in a place that has access to the Philippines’ best travel destinations? Do you have a property (house, room, real estate) that you don’t use? If both answered “yes” to these questions, then this business idea if perfect for you.

Many Filipinos young and old have started venturing into the outdoors, exploring travel sites and destinations in every corner of the country. While they are willing to spend money on experiences, many travelers always make a practical choice to opt for a reasonably-priced accommodation-and this is where Airbnb comes into the picture.

Airbnb is an online directory for properties (condo units, house, rooms) that travelers can rent out at a much cheaper price compared to booking a hotel. The website is pretty popular among local and foreign travelers so many Airbnb hosts (owners of the properties for rent) just have to wait for a booking, confirm it, and earn.

7. Computer and Smartphone Repair Business

Computers, laptops, and smartphones are expected to require considerable servicing, repair, and maintenance, as people have become increasingly dependent on technology. This small business idea can assure you a steady stream of clients who can’t last a day without their computers or smartphones.

Hopefully, these business ideas will help you get started on your entrepreneurial ventures. Good luck and have a lucky new year!

Black Friday in the Philippines

October 13, 2018 By FAQ Leave a Comment

Black Friday is the biggest sale event of the year, during which online stores from all over the world provide up to 90% discounts. Black Friday, known previously only in the States, has gained a truly worldwide popularity within just a few years. Black-Friday.Global Analysis Team has been closely following this trend for the past several years. In the Philippines – 73% of respondents made it clear that they do know what Black Friday is. The survey suggests that over half of Filipinos will participate in Black Friday this year (over a double increase compared to 2017).

Unsurprisingly, Philippine consumers were buying more actively than usual too. Average Filipino bargain hunter is willing to pay PHP 2800 ($59) in total for his/her Black Friday shopping cart. That is $18 more than Malaysian consumers, and $21 less than Indonesians.

Every year, the world press feeds us with dozens of photos of crowds besieging electronics stores. Surprisingly though, the results of our survey state that clothes, not electronics, are the actual apple of bargain hunters’ eye. Consumer electronics category came second in our ranking. On the other side of the scale books, sports accessories and underwear were the least popular items to buy. When it comes to the most popular shops Shopee, Lazada and Zalora took the three top spots.

Black Friday is well known for its discounts reaching as high as 80-90%. As the average discount in the Philippines online stores reached 61% last year, when forecasting Filipinos’ Black Friday 2018 expenses, it could translate into PHP 4386 of possible average saving.

Black Friday by the Numbers:

This year the Black Friday is November 23;
73% of Filipinos know what Black Friday is;
Almost 55% of Filipinos will participate in Black Friday this year (double increase compared to 2017);
Average Filipino will spend PHP 2800 on Black Friday;
40% of consumers will shop online only;
Traditional offline-only option will be chosen by 4% of consumers (last year—15%);
The average discount in Filipino online stores reached 61% last year;
It could translate into PHP 4286 of possible average savings;
Clothes, electronics and shoes are the most popular items to buy.

How to be prepared for Black Friday?

First, postpone your biggest fall/winter buys to November – this way you can save hundreds of peso!
Do your research on the prices of the products you want to purchase prior to Black Friday so you know exactly how much you are saving!
A few days before Black Friday, check out the announcements of Black Friday deals;
When the Black Friday sales start, do not waste your time, ‘cause the highest discounts and the best prices are only valid for a short period of time!

Top 10 Richest Cities in the Philippines

June 10, 2018 By FAQ Leave a Comment

As an emerging developing country in Asia, the Philippines has been showing its business competencies for the past few years. This can be seen by looking into its wealthiest cities. Consisting of 145 cities, below are the Philippine top ten cities owning the biggest amount of economic assets as of 2017.

1. Makati City (PHP 34,461 billion)

Image Credit: Makeitmakati

Makati’s role as the country’s business center is undeniable. The reason for this is clear: there are a lot of international, regional and local corporations and offices of significance in the city. In fact, the number of business corporations in the city has been known to be the highest in the country.

Due to the lure of the city, its population reaches over 500,000 people, which puts the city in the 17th position in the nationwide biggest city category.

2. Quezon City (PHP 31, 917 billion)

Image Credit: QuezonCityInfos

On the second place is Quezon City, which used to be the capital of the country during the period of 1948 until 1976. Home to the most prestigious universities in the country, University of the Philippines Diliman and Ateneo de Manila, and key government offices, such as the Batasang Pambansa Complex, the city is known to cater a wide range business endeavours.

Its most recent business district is Triangle Park, which lies on 250 ha area. The place is divided into Commons, Downtown Hub, Emporium, Residences at Veterans and Triangle Exchange. This adds to the city’s popular money making areas: Eastwood City with its business district, Araneta Center with its shopping malls and other commercial centers, Tomas Morato and Timog Avenues with their rows of restaurants and entertainment.

In addition, the main Philippine broadcasting networks, like RPN, UNTV, and GMA Network, are headquartered in Quezon City.

3. Pasig City (PHP 20,036 billion)

Image Credit: Vigattin Tourism

Pasig has a renowned business area called the Ortigas Center, where prominent business headquarters, like Meralco and San Miguel, are located. There are also Kapitolyo, Capitol Commons, St. Francis Square, Tiendesitas known to be the food and shopping centers of the city, Metrowalk as the city leasure hub, as well as Mutya ng Pasig, a three storey public market.

The city also used to hold the Guinness World Record for the largest secondary school in the world, with a population of around 20,000 students in Rizal High School from 1993 until 2005.

4. Manila City (PHP 13,131 billion)

Image Credit: Philippines Lifestyle News

Initially named the Spanish City of Manila by the founder, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, in 1571, the city functioned as home to many colonial rulers. No wonder, a lot of historical sites from the 16th century can be found in the city.

Recently listed as a global city by Globalization and World Cities Research Network, Manila is reputed to be one top business and tourism center in the Philippines. With its large business coverage (banking, finances, real estate, etc), the city lures people to come. In fact, Manila is one of the world’s most crowded city with a population of around 1,7 million (based on 2016 census data).

5. Zamboanga City (PHP 10,464 billion)

Known as the Sardines Capital, Zamboanga City is home to major sardine factories in the Philippines. That is indeed one of the reasons that makes it the center of business in Zamboanga Peninsula Region.

Other reasons include the presence of big corporations, such as Beauche International and Globe Telecom, and the local government policy that simplifies bureaucracy and attracts more investment in the city business.

6. Cebu (PHP 7,885 billion)

Image Credit: Travel Daily Media

Located in Visayas region, this city holds an important role in the area. In its main business district, Cebu Business Park, are big corporations, such as Cathay Pacific, Innove Communications, Jinisys Software, as well as financial offices and banks, like Citibank, Chinatrust, Asia United Bank, and HSBC.

Not only is it the city of commerce, but it is also a modern city with premium residential complex, the Alcoves and Avalon Condo Cebu, and a big shopping mall, Ayala Center Cebu.

7. Caloocan City (PHP 6,894 billion)

Image Credit: unTV

This former part of Rizal province has been striving to create conducive environment for investors and provide more job opportunities for its citizens. As a highly urbanized city, Caloocan is equipped with numberous banks and shopping centers, such as Victory Central Mall, Puregold Maypajo and Puregold Monumento.

8. Marikina City (PHP 4,887 billion)

This city is divided into two: the southern part is mostly for business establishments, while the northern for factories. Widely recognized as one of the country’s shoe capital, leather shoe industries are the dominant businesses in the city.

9. Calamba City (PHP 4,690 billion)

Blessed with lots of hot springs, resorts equipped with the natural hot water facility can be found all around the city. For that reason, Calamba is known to be the country’s resort capital. The City is known as the Resort Capital of the Philippines because of its numerous hot spring resorts. It is also the hometown of the Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal.

10. Cagayan de Oro (PHP 4,670 billion)

Image Credit: CDO Encyclopedia

Located in the northern part of Mindanao, this city is the business center in the area. One of the most well known businesses there is related to tourism: services that provide rafting or kayaking adventures.

There you have it! The lists above are just some of the richest cities in the Philippines. I hope you gained knowledge from this article.

How to Improve Your Cash Flow Through These 11 Passive Income Ideas

April 25, 2018 By Amiel Pineda Leave a Comment

As I was writing this article, I realized that we tend to have a negative bias towards the word, “Passive”. Think about the following examples:

“You’re too passive” – Someone lacking action or initiative.

In writing, teachers advise that we switch from “Passive to Active voice” to make our writing more engaging and less dull.

Even being “Passive-Aggressive” sounds like an “even worse” way of being aggressive. It means you’re angry but lack the courage to express it upfront.

But I know of one “Passive” thing that I bet everyone will surely wish they have—you guessed it—”Passive Income”, a.k.a “Making money while you sleep”.

Cash flow that will buy us the freedom to spend more time with our loved ones, travel, and pursue our passions. It’s not easy to get it right, but once you do, it will open up a whole new world of possibilities and freedom in your life. It’s funny how something “Passive” can sound so exciting.

So if you’re ready, here’s our list of top Passive Income Ideas to get your started.

#1 Rental Properties

#2 Cryptocurrency Mining & Masternodes

#3 Build or Buy Websites

#4 Peer-to-Peer Lending

#5 Dividend Investing: Buy Dividend Stocks

#6 Crowdfunded Real Estate & REIT

#7 High-Yield Savings Accounts

#8 Royalties

#9 Sell Digital Products

#10 Become a Silent Business Partner or Buy an Existing Business

#11 Low-Maintenance Business Ideas & Outsourcing

Top 10 Busiest Airports in the Philippines

April 10, 2018 By FAQ Leave a Comment

Creating easy access for foreign tourists to visit the country and its locals to go around the archipelago, the Philippines has now been equipped with more than one hundred airports. The data is according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. Labelled into three different categories: international, principal and community, here is the top ten list of the country’s busiest airports as of 2017.

1. Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Constructed within the first two years after the country gained its independence, this airport was initially named Manila International Airport. However, as a tribute to the late Senator Benigno Ninoy Aquino, the name was changed.

Located in the city border of Pasay and Paranaque, this is the official airport to serve Manila region. With its current four terminals of at least 331,000 sqm, the airport caters both international and domestic flights, serving around 39 million passengers per year. The international destinations include Thailand, Japan, China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Dubai, Netherlands, and Australia.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport

2. Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Starting its operation in 1960s to replace Lahug Airport, MCIA now serves as the popular mobility access point to the southern part of the country and worldwide. Going along with the rapid growth of the mainland, the airport helps almost 9 million passengers to connect with the country’s big cities and foreign ones, such as Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Russia and Dubai.

Mactan Cebu International Airport

3. Francisco Bangoy International Airport

Named after its main benefactor, Don Francisco Bangoy, the airport was established in 1940s. Sometimes also called by the name Davao International Airport, the flights available in the airport take people from and to the Philippine major cities, Singapore and Indonesia via chartered flights. With yearly traffic of around 3,5 million passangers, this airport is known to be the busiest in Mindanao.

Davao International Airport

4. Kalibo International Airport

Located near Boracay, which is one of the country’s top tourism spots, Kalibo International Airport claims its importance regarding its busy international flight schedule. Serving around 2,7 million people in 2016, it provides flights from and to South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia and Singapore in addition to its chartered services to Russia and China.

Kalibo International Airport

5. Iloilo International Airport

Completing its construction in 2007, Iloilo is one of the airports in the Philippines that meets international standards. Replacing Mandurriao Airport, Iloilo is considered the second busiest airport in Western Visayas, right after Kalibo. Mostly connecting its 1,9 million passengers with other cities in the Philippines, like Davao, Puerto Princesa, and Manila, there are also international flights available from and to Singapore and Hong Kong on regular basis.

Iloilo Airport

6. Laguindingan Airport

Officially open for public use in June 2013, this airport serves as a replacement of Lumbia Airport, which was transformed into the Philippines minor air base. Lying three miles away from the downtown area of Cagayan de Oro, Laguindingan is the main airport in northern part of Mindanao region. Despite the fact that this airport is currently accommodating domestic flights only, the number of its passengers in 2016 was around 1,7 million.

Laguindingan Airport

7. Puerto Princesa International Airport

Holding a key access to the famous tourist destination Puerto Princesa River, this airport is regarded as the main one in Palawan. Serving approximately 1,6 million passengers in 2016, Puerto Princesa is one busy airport with domestic flights from and to Manila, Cebu and Iloilo as well as the international one from and to Taiwan.

Puerto Princessa International Airport

8. Bacolod-Silay International Airport

Although mainly serving domestic flights to Davao, Cebu, and Manila, the airport traffic in 2016 showed that there were almost 1,5 million people getting on and off the planes at this 10,075 sqm airport.

Despite its seasonal international flight schedule, the airport is known to be the busiest in Negros Island. Its size is also staggering as it is comprised of 21 buildings with one being the main terminal of 66,600 sqm.

Bacolod Silay Airport

9. Tacloban Airport

Also known by the name Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, who was the House of Representative Speaker, this airport is vital in transporting people to the eastern Visayas region. Although currently providing domestic flights to Manila and Cebu only, the traffic in 2016 was over 1,1 million passengers.

Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport

10. Zamboanga Airport

Previously catering international flights to Malaysia, the airport no longer provides international services due to poor passenger load. Instead, it focuses on providing domestic flights from and to various cities in the Philippines, such as Davao, Ceby, Tawi-Tawi, Manila, and Cagayan de Oro.

With traffic of almost one million passengers in 2016, Zamboanga is in the third position of Mindanao’s busiest airport category.

Zamboanga Airport

10 Top Biggest Shopping Malls in the Philippines

March 13, 2018 By FAQ Leave a Comment

Speaking of shopping malls, did you know that the biggest mall in the world is China’s New South China Mall? This shopping haven in Dongguan, China has a gross floor area (GFA) of 660,000 square meters.

Spending leisure time in shopping centers, especially during weekends and public holidays, is a common phenomena in the Philippines. The locals seem to enjoy going out, hanging out, and shopping. For that reason, shopping malls can be easily spotted across the country. Amongst the long list of shopping malls, here are the top biggest ones.

1. SM North EDSA

Known to be the first mall that introduced the locals to the lifestyle, this mall has been through several transformations since its first public opening in 1985. Currently nominated to be the country’s biggest mall and the world’s third, what started in an area of 125,000 sqm has now expanded to 498,000 sqm. It also houses more than one thousand retail stores and restaurants in addition to its 5,760 rooftop solar panels. This number one shopping mall really lives up to the concept of one stop shop.

Location: Quezon City

Gross Floor Area: 498,000 m²

2. SM Megamall

Notable to the first mall to have ice skating rink in the country, this shopping mall has been through several major expansion since its opening in 1991. The initial size of 330,000 sqm has been expanded to 474,000 sqm. With larger leasable area, it now caters more than one thousand outlets, ranging from fashion to dining. The mall has a maximum capacity of 4 million people.

Location: Mandaluyong City

Gross Floor Area: 474,000 m²

3. SM Seaside City Cebu

Located in the center of SM Seaside Complex is SM Seaside City Cebu. WIth 470,000 sqm floor area, this mall is among the world’s largest. What makes this mall special is the 16 lane bowling arena, Olympic sized ice rink and large screen cinema that can accomodate 350 seats. In addition to those recreational features is the 148 meter Seaside Tower.

Location: Cebu City

Gross Floor Area: 470,490 m²

4. SM Mall of Asia

The mall was crowned as the world’s biggest when it was first introduced to public in 2006. The size of the mall floor area is the stagerring 406,962 sqm and there are four buildings comprising the mall: the main area, the entertainment section, and two car parks.

The availability of more than one thousand retail and dining outlets along with an Olympic sized ice rink and science discovery center called Exploreum has made SM Mall of Asia one unique shopping center.

Location: Bay City, Pasay

Gross Floor Area: 406,962 m²

5. SM City Cebu

Better known as SM Cebu, this is the fourth mall of SM Prime Holdings. Having been through some major development, the 162,000 sqm initial size of the floor area went up to 269,000 in 2007. With the construction of the Northwing new building, the number of shopping and dining outlets has also gone up to almost 700.

Location: Cebu City

Gross Floor Area: 273,804 m²

6. SM Aura Premier

Built as an upscale shopping mall in Metro Manila, SM Aura Premier has the size of 251,000 sqm. Consisting of some high-end stores, restaurants, and bars, the mall connected with the 29 storey SM Aura Office Tower is a convenient place to spend leisure time. Complying with global green standards in terms of efficient use of energy and sustainability, this mall does represent the definition of its name: elegance.

Location: Taguig City

Gross Floor Area: 251,094 m²

7. Glorietta

What was initially planned to be a part Makati Commercial Center has been transformed into a 250,000 sqm shopping mall. Starting its operation in 1992, the mall was then divided into three sections: Glorietta 1, 2 and 3. The mall has been through some changes since then: the addition of Glorietta 4 in 1998 and the stand-alone building of Glorietta 5 away from the other four sections.

Managed by Ayala Malls, this mall provides a complete package of leisure entertainment: cinema, theme park, entertainment hub, etc.

Location: Makati

Gross Floor Area: 250,000 m²

8. Greenbelt Mall

Consisting of five buildings, this mall began its operation in 250,000 sqm floor area in 1989. In 2002, the initial place, however, was reconstructed into the so-called Greenbelt 1, 2, and 3. In two years’ time, Greenbelt 4 was open and three years after that, Greenbelt 5 was launched. Nowadays Greenbelt Mall is dominated by prominent brands and restaurants, although fast food counters and supply stores can still be found in Greenbelt 1. Completing the shopping complex is a park in its open space area.

Location: Makati

Gross Floor Area: 250,000 m²

9. Robinsons Place Manila

Claimed to be the biggest Robinsons mall with the development of its Padre Faura and Midtown wings in years 2000 and 2008, the size of the mall has reached 240,000 sqm. Spread on its seven floors are thousands of both local and international retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment outlets, such as bowling, billiard, and cinema.

Location: Manila

Gross Floor Area: 240,000 m²

10. Robinsons Galleria

Back in the 1990, this was the first launched Robinsons mall. Now it also goes by the name Robinsons Galleria Ortigas due to its location, which is inside a mixed use complex lying on the corner of EDSA Ortigas Avenue. As the flagship of Robinsons Malls, this five storey mall is equipped with hundreds of stores, restaurants, as well as entertainment and service centers.

Location: Quezon City

Gross Floor Area: 216,000 m²

The Anatomy of a Filipino Employee: What Makes Them Worth Investing In

October 26, 2017 By FAQ Leave a Comment

The Philippines that was once a Commonwealth under the United States has risen as one of the top outsourcing destination in the world. All thanks to Filipinos who are known for their skills, talents, and work ethic as well.

Here’s an interesting fact: Filipinos is 3rd in Asia when it comes to english proficiency. No wonder why foreign investors are establishing a business in the Philippines.

In this infographic, we’re going to go over various qualities and facts what makes Filipinos one of the most preferred employees in the world. Here’s what you need to know about Filipinos.

List of Telephone Area Codes in the Philippines

November 4, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

A rotary dial telephone made in 1966. Photo by Holger Ellgaard via Wikimedia Commons

The telephone was the first communication device granted with a United States patent in 1876. It was invented by a Scottish immigrant Alexander Graham Bell and has long been one of the most used communication devices in the world.

Sorry to say, but telephone (landline phone) is not on the list of my most favorite communication device. I usually get confused on what to dial. I am not particular with area codes and I am not just good with memorizing numbers. Unlike the mobile phone where you could talk to your contact with just one click, when using a telephone, you have to dial all the numbers. So, I only use it when necessary.

If you have the same problem of memorizing various area codes here in the Philippines, here is the complete list of the area codes that could help you.

National Capital Region (NCR)

Caloocan City	2
Las Piñas City	2
Makati City	2
Malabon City	2
Mandaluyong City	2
Manila City	2
Marikina City	2
Muntinlupa City	2
Navotas City	2
Parañaque City	2
Pasay City	2
Pasig City	2
Pateros City	2
Quezon City	2
San Juan City	2
Taguig City	2
Valenzuela City	2

Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)

Abra	74
Apayao	78
Benguet	74
Ifugao	74
Kalinga	74
Mt. Province	74

Region I – Ilocos Region

Ilocos Norte	77
Ilocos Sur	77
La Union	72
Pangasinan	75

Region II – Cagayan Valley

Cagayan	78
Batanes	78
Isabela	78
Nueva Vizcaya	78
Quirino	78

Region III – Central Luzon

Aurora	42
Bataan	47
Bulacan	44 (Abangan Bulacan 4422) (Saint Francis 4463)
Nueva Ecija	44
Pampanga	45
Tarlac	45

Region IV-A – Calabarzon

Batangas	43
Cavite	46 (Bacoor 02, 046)
Laguna	49 (Majayjay 49305)(Liliw 043)
Quezon	42
Rizal	2

Region IV-B – Mimaropa

Marinduque	42
Occidental Mindoro	43
Oriental Mindoro	43
Palawan	48
Romblon	54

Region V – Bicol Region

Albay	52
Camarines Norte	54
Camarines Sur	54
Catanduanes	52
Masbate	56
Sorsogon	56

Region VI – Western Visayas

Aklan	36
Antique	36
Capiz	36
Guimaras	33
Iloilo	34
Negros Occidental	34

Region VII – Central Visayas

Bohol	38
Cebu	32
Negros Oriental	35
Siquijor	35

Region VIII – Eastern Visayas

Biliran	53
Eastern Samar	55
Leyte	53
Northern Samar	55
Samar	55
Southern Leyte	53

Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula

Zamboanga del Norte	65
Zamboanga del Sur	62
Zamboanga Sibugay	62

Region X – Northern Mindanao

Bukidnon	88
Camiguin	88
Lanao del Norte	63
Misamis Occidental	88 (Plaridel 88344)
Misamis Oriental	(Cagayan de Oro 8822, Gingoog City 8842, Tagoloan 88)

Region XI – Davao Region

Compostela Valley	84
Davao del Norte	84
Davao del Sur	82
Davao Oriental	87

Region XII – Soccsksargen

North Cotabato	64
Sarangani	83
South Cotabato	83
Sultan Kudarat	64

Region XIII – Caraga

Agusan del Norte	85
Agusan del Sur	85
Dinagat Islands	86
Surigao del Norte	86
Surigao del Sur	86

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)

Basilan	62
Lanao del Sur	64
Maguindanao	64
Sulu	85
Tawi-tawi	68

Important things you need to remember when using a landline phone:

– The international exit code is 00
– The country code of the Philippines is 63
– The Subscriber’s Numbers (without an Area Code) are 7 digits
– When calling from abroad to the Philippines – dial “00” + 63 + Area Code + Subscriber Number
– When calling a landline within the same Area Code – simply dial the Subscriber Number.
– When calling a landline outside an Area Code – you have to dial “0” + Area Code + Subscriber Number.
– When calling any cell phone number – dial “0” + Area Code + Subscriber Number.
*Calling cell phones from landlines used to be considered “long distance” because it does not have a geographical location which means you pay per minute. But now, telecommunication companies offer unlimited calls from landline to cellular phones for a particular service provider.

List of Postal Codes (ZIP codes) in the Philippines

November 3, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

Sample on how to address an envelope.

Before the invention of cellular phones, writing a letter and sending it via air mail was the best way of communicating to our loved ones. People then must be very patient because they would have to wait for a week just for their letter to reach its destination and it would take another week for them to get the reply. Now, people would be aggravated if their text mates would not reply within an hour. And with the fast changing world most of the youths now don’t even know the Postal code or ZIP code of their own town. Why would they when they don’t need to send letter through the post office anymore, right? Instead of going to a post office to send a letter, we could just send it via e-mail, and as for packages, there are now fast cargo companies that are more reliable.

Most of us don’t even know what a ZIP Code is. ZIP actually stands for “Zone Improvement Plan”. It was first used in the U.S and was adopted by the Philippine Postal Corporation (Phlpost). America uses five digits while the Philippines use only four digits. The main purpose of using ZIP code is to simplify the distribution of mails.

If you want to send a letter, greeting cards or packages this Christmas season in an old fashioned way but don’t know the Zip Code to the place where you want to send it to, FAQ.ph got you covered; here is the complete list of Postal Codes (ZIP Codes) in the Philippines: [Read more…]