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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)

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)

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)

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.

4. Manila City (PHP 13,131 billion)

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)

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 (PHP 6,894 billion)

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 (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 (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.

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

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 33
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…]

Top 10 Richest People in the Philippines

October 18, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido 2 Comments

Henry Sy remains to be the richest person in the Philippines as of October 2015. Image by JC John Cuneta via Flickr

Even if the Philippines is a poor country, there are still a few people here who excelled in the world of business and became billionaires. You want to find out who those people are and how much they are worth?

Here is the list of this year’s Top 10 richest people in the Philippines: [Read more…]

6 Things in the Philippines that You Probably Don’t Know are Fatal

August 27, 2015 By Rig Man 7 Comments

Traffic starts to build up at EDSA in Makati City. Photo by Scandi via Wikimedia Commons

Health is wealth. A wealthy nation should also have healthy people. It should be free from stress, hypertension, depression, malnutrition and other sickness that ruin the well-being of its people.

The Filipinos may be one of the friendliest and most cheerful people in the world but behind those smiling faces are hidden problems that our government should realize. There are things that keep us unhealthy no matter how we try our best to ignore them and strive to be happy.

In my opinion, the Department of Health, which is responsible to keep the Filipinos sound and healthy, should also be concerned about the following things that we probably don’t know are fatal. [Read more…]

8 Presidentiables Who Shouldn’t be Elected in the 2016 Philippine Election

July 27, 2015 By Rig Man 25 Comments

Your vote does have a power to change the future of our country. That power is your privilege as a Filipino. It’s a privilege you inherited from our heroes in the past who sacrificed their lives to ensure that our generation can enjoy the freedom of choice, especially the freedom to choose the people who will lead our country.

A wise vote could bring peace and prosperity to our country. On the other hand, a wrong vote could bring poverty, corruption, conflict, and layers of layers of man-made disasters to our nation.

Living in a country which is led by an incompetent and corrupt president is a nightmare.

If you want to see a better change in our country and wake up from a nightmare, don’t let these 8 types of Presidentiables be elected as president of the Philippines in the coming 2016 Presidential Election. [Read more…]