• Santerra Naga by Vista Estates

  • Nissan Navara and Nissan Livina Up Close

    Calagaus Island Escapade

  • Travel Guide to Calaguas Islands

.

Sunday, March 19, 2023

JT's Manukan Grille now Grilling in Naga City

JT's Manukan Grille started grilling in Naga City last March 15, 2023 beside Hino, at Concepcion Grande, #NagaCity! JT’s is the brainchild of veteran actor Joel Torre and his wife, Cristy. From a hole in the wall to now a 20+ year-old experienced brand in the food industry it really does says a lot. 30+ branches nationwide and now here in Bicol! The brand continuously grows and improves with consistency in food quality and promised value-for-money food.

š—š—§'š˜€ š—µš—®š˜€ š˜š—µš—¶š˜€ šŸ°š— š˜€ š—®š˜€ š—® š—½š—æš—¼š—ŗš—¶š˜€š—², š— š—®š—¹š—¶š—»š—¶š˜€, š— š—®š˜€š—®š˜†š—®, š— š˜‚š—æš—®, š— š—®š˜€š—®š—æš—®š—½. JT’s is beyond grilled chicken, other grilled meats are available plus Bicolano specialties to complete an Ilonggo/Bacolod plus Oragon experience. What are you waiting for? Kaon ta!






Location: 

39 Concepcion Grande, Naga City

Beside Hino Naga and Casa Soriano 

OPEN DAILY from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM




Location: 

39 Concepcion Grande, Naga City

Beside Hino Naga and Casa Soriano 

OPEN DAILY from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Lambretta, now available at Ropali Classics Naga

One fine Classic Day! Ropali Classics is now in Naga! 

Bicolano Classic enthusiasts just got their dream closer to owning one of the internationally known brand of motor scooters first manufactured in Milan, Italy, the Lambretta.

Ropali is the š—²š˜…š—°š—¹š˜‚š˜€š—¶š˜ƒš—² š—±š—¶š˜€š˜š—æš—¶š—Æš˜‚š˜š—¼š—æ š—¼š—³ š—Ÿš—®š—ŗš—Æš—æš—²š˜š˜š—® in the PH since 2017. This means that you are in the right hands! They also cater to classic brands like Norton, Ural, Triumph and other Classics products not present in the other stores.

We have seen Ropali branches around here in Bicol (here in Naga it’s in Panganiban Drive) offering genuine š—›š—¼š—»š—±š—®, š—žš—®š˜„š—®š˜€š—®š—øš—¶, š—¦š˜‚š˜‡š˜‚š—øš—¶ š—®š—»š—± š—¬š—®š—ŗš—®š—µš—® motorcycles, spare parts and accessories and now the Ropali Classics the fourth in the Philippines after Pasig, Angeles and Davao.

Eco-friendly Trikes of DECC, Developer of Electric Conveyances Corporation is available at core #Ropali branches and here at #RopaliClassics. DECC aims to produce and provide a better, economical and safe rife to all Filipinos.
DECC Units Photo from Ropali Classics Naga FB Page

Core Ropali Branches and Ropali Classics offers equal, hassle free and quality customer service right from guiding you to choose which one to own for your needs and budget, MC loan application, up until you have successfully paid the loan off. Walang iwanan sa Ropali!
Keep posted for other updates regarding promos and events of Ropali Classics!
Location: ANR Business Center (former RoyalAn), Concepcion Grande, #NagaCity
Open from Mondays to Saturdays
Contact No. 09054188059 / 09511660976







Friday, March 17, 2023

BDO champions renewable energy financing


Isabela Biomass Energy Corporation’s biomass plant generates power day and night.


BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development as it continues to support the growth and expansion of clients’ renewable energy projects which the Bank considers as a priority sector in financing.  


 

BDO financed the first renewable energy biomass power plant of Isabela Biomass Energy Corporation (IBEC), a Filipino-owned corporation which uses rice mill waste to generate and supply electricity in the community through alternative sources of energy. The abundance of rice husk in Isabela allows IBEC to utilize renewable energy and produce clean fuel as a sustainable source of power for the country.  The company also provides livelihood to the locals by giving value to agricultural residues which include rice husks, coconut and corn waste, utilized as fuel sources to maintain the power plant’s operations.

 

BDO also funded IBEC’s succeeding expansion projects. This is aligned with the Bank’s commitment in transitioning to a low carbon economy by providing access to capital to contribute to the reduction and avoidance of greenhouse gas (GhG) emissions through renewable energy alternatives. 

 

“It is financially challenging to expand our business without BDO’s funding. They continue to trust and accommodate us by providing assistance on our operational needs and lease lines. We are grateful to BDO for being supportive not only in our power generation companies but also in our agriculture trading and milling factories,” said Leoncio Tan, President of IBEC.

 

IBEC’s decade-long partnership with BDO continues with the Bank’s support in building a second biomass power plant, Cagayan Biomass Energy Corporation (CBEC). IBEC hopes to further increase its power plant capacity to be more self-sufficient in power generation using local resources while helping the local community with more affordable electricity.



 

Biomass is a high potential renewable energy source for the Philippines given that 40% of the population is engaged in agriculture and the country has an abundance of organic agricultural waste.  BDO has the leading expertise for biomass energy financing, having funded the first biomass power plant in 2013 and with 15 biomass projects in its portfolio with a total installed capacity of 164 megawatts. This total installed capacity supplies 230,131 households with renewable energy, supports 170,915 farmers, and is equivalent to avoiding emissions of 103,451 passenger vehicles in a year.   

BDO continues to offer financial support to eco-friendly companies and renewable energy projects to create opportunities, uplift the lives of Filipinos and help drive national development while transitioning to a low carbon, environmentally responsible, and socially inclusive economy.

 

Technically speaking, trend is your friend



For an investment instrument as volatile as stocks, is it still possible to predict how stock prices will move at a given time?

 

Veteran market pundits say this is very much in play, stressing that there is science behind the controlled chaos that is the stock market.

 

During the TradeTalks Tutorial Series hosted by BDO Securities on the basics of technical analysis and understanding market trends titled "Trending Patterns", BDO Securities Chief Operating Officer, Bernhard Tsai, said market prices form patterns that create trends, and people almost always tend to react the same way when they see the patterns that had similarly formed in the past.

 

But a more viable game plan, however, is to identify the type of trends that are formed, and riding on them until such trend is reversed.

 

"Trends are confirmed by presence of volume. Volume has to be present so you'll know there's a demand for this stock," Tsai said.

 

“Human psychology plays a key role in the stock market," he added. "Whether it's positive or negative news, the market discounts everything. As long as it's already public information, it's already reflected in the (share) price."

 

How can novice market investors find a good entry in buying stocks using technical analysis? Tsai advised to buy at the breakout point. A breakout refers to the price of a stock when it moves above a resistance area. Breakouts indicate the potential for the share price to start trending in an upward direction.

 

"One of the common pitfalls for investors is they don't have a good exit strategy," Tsai said. "When things go right, we tend to be too greedy and don't know when to get out. Knowing how to identify patterns to buy is as good as knowing when to exit."

 

To know the tips on how to have a good exit strategy, identifying market trends, and appreciating the advantages of having a sound technical analysis, Tsai advised first-time investors to open an account with BDO Securities and take advantage of the different technical analysis-based resources such as the Technically Speaking commentaries and tutorial videos. 

Thursday, March 2, 2023

PeƱafrancia Festival 2023

 On this page you will see the PeƱafrancia Festival 2023 Schedule of Events (Religious and Civic)

Dates to Remember

September 8, 2023 (Friday) - Traslacion Procession

September 16, 2023 (Saturday) - Fluvial Procession

September 17, 2023 (Sunday) - Feast Day of Our Lady of PeƱafrancia 


Traslacion 2022


BDO net income reaches ₱57.1 billion in 2022

 


BDO Unibank, Inc.’s (BDO) net income increased to P57.1 billion for the full year 2022 vs. P42.8 billion in 2021, driven by robust growth across its core businesses. This led to Return on Average Common Equity (ROCE) of 13.0% for the year improving to 15.3% for the fourth quarter, from 10.5% in 2021 and 12.8% in pre-COVID pandemic 2019.

 

Gross customer loans went up by 9% year-on-year on broad-based growth due to the economic re-opening. Total deposits rose by 14%, with Net interest income growing by 14% to P149.2 billion.

 

Non-interest income climbed by 17% to P71.5 billion bolstered by strong performance of our fee income, FX and fixed income client-flow businesses. 

 

Positive operating jaws continued with revenues up 15% for the year, versus operating expenses up 9% on back of new branches in underserved/rural areas and continued Information Technology spend for digital initiatives. 

 

Asset quality improved further, with Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio dipping to 1.95% and NPL coverage strengthening to 167%.  

 

Total capital expanded to ₱461.5 billion, with Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Ratio both comfortably above regulatory minimum levels at 14.5% and 13.4%, respectively. Book value per share rose by 9% to Php 86.20 YoY.

 

While macroeconomic challenges remain with persistent inflation and foreign exchange and interest rate volatility, BDO believes that its established business franchise and strong balance sheet will allow the Bank to surmount near-term risks and capitalize on structural growth opportunities to attain long-term sustainable growth. 

BDO Capital encourages more Pinoys to invest in RTBs

 


BDO Capital & Investment Corp. (BDO Capital) encourages more Filipinos to continue supporting government-issued bonds following the rousing participation of local investors in the 29th tranche of Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs). 

 

BDO Capital President Eduardo V. Francisco said RTBs are safe, reliable and a convenient form of investment, which also helps finance the government's various undertakings across different sectors.

 

"We hope (Filipino investors) will invest again. It's a chance for them to also help the government finance its projects," he said.

 

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) was able to raise P283.71 billion from the issuance of the 5.5-year, 6.125% coupon rate RTB 29, allowing the BTr to shorten the nine-day offer period by two days. The overwhelming demand for RTB 29 fully affirms the investing public’s confidence in Philippine paper. On average, orders reached P130 billion per day, according to the BTr, during the offer period. RTB 29 will mature 5.5 years after the issue date, or on August 22, 2028.

 

After the offer period, investors can still purchase RTBs in the secondary market at prevailing market rates.

 

Gabriel Lim, Corporate Finance head of BDO Capital, echoed Francisco's stance underlining that the benefits of RTB investments are two-pronged.

 

"For every P5,000 (minimum) investment that you put in, not only will you earn interest income for yourself and your family, but you also become an active participant in government projects that benefit Filipinos," he said.

 

Proceeds from RTB 29 will help finance various government projects in agriculture, infrastructure, education, and healthcare sectors.

 

Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines were the joint lead issue managers of the offer. On the other hand, aside from BDO Capital, the other joint issue managers of RTB 29 include BPI Capital Corp., China Bank Corp., First Metro Investment Corp., PNB Capital and Investment Corp., SB Capital Investment Corp., and Union Bank of the Philippines. 

Friday, February 24, 2023

Vista Land Launches its First state development in Bicol

On February 25, 2023, the country's leading integrated property developer, Vista Land, unveiled its first estate development in the Bicol Region, Santerra by Vista Estates.


Santerra sits on a vast 64-hectare prime expanse along the Pan-Philippine Highway in Brgy. Del Roasario,
Naga City.


Held at Vista Mall Naga, the grand launch was graciously hosted by 2019's Miss Kaogma Tourism, and 2018's Miss Bicolandia first runner-up, Krystel Sales. Fittingly entitled, FLOW, an acronym for Fascinating Lifescapes in an Oasis of Wellness, the event perfectly captured all facets of estate living in Santerra, a master planned community envisioned to become a city within a city, surrounded by nature allowing its denizens achieve a well-balanced lifestyle.


Heading the toast to the successful inauguration of Santerra by Vista Estates was Vista Land's Chief Operating officer, Jerylle Luz C. Quismundo, joined by Naga City Mayor, Hon. Nelson Legacion, Vista Estates Division Head for South Luzon, Teresa P. Tumbaga, and Santerra's Marketing Head, Jeremiah E. Pelicano. Revealing the grand master plan for the estate were Vista Land's Concept Development Officer, Engr. Lamar L. Lucena, and Vista Land's MRB Planning Head, Ar. Marga Torres.




Breathing life into the concept for Santerra through powerful production numbers was the award-winning company of D'Mag Dancers, and delighting the guests with a sumptuous banquet was Antigua Restaurant.


Taking its name from the words "sani" meaning "health" or "wellness," and "terra" which means "land," Santerra quite literally means, "a land of wellness." Comprised of horizontal and vertical residences, office buildings, retail and commercial establishments, convention centers, leisure hubs, and other institutions that cater to every modern-day need, Santerra is poised to become Naga City's nature and central lifestyle district.


Santerra is poised to become a central lifestyle district where urban living perfectly intertwines with nature’s best, allowing one to live a well-balanced life.


Wellness is a key theme that is embedded in Santerra's blueprint. Realizing the need for greener, more open spaces, that support a holistic way of living, Vista Land took it upon its shoulders to create these amazing lifescapes in Naga, that not only make everyday living convenient and comfortable, but also nurture a kind of life that nourishes one's mind, body, and spirit, allowing life to flow through every person in a seamless fashion.


Envision yourself escaping a stressful commute to work and, instead, being able to just walk or ride a bike to your workplace, all while breathing in the clean air that surrounds you. Imagine spending an active day with your kids at the parks and playgrounds within the community. Picture yourself enjoying a night out with your family and friends in Santerra’s wide array of healthy gastronomic concepts. Or imagine yourself simply waking up to the sounds of birds chirping and the feel of the gentle breeze emanating from the greenscapes within Santerra. 


Santerra Residences will feature amenities for residents' overall well-being such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, play areas, and so much more.

Allowing people to become the best versions of themselves, Santerra undoubtedly lives up to its name – it is indeed a land of wellness.


Born out of the grand vision of no less than Vista Land’s Chairman, Manny B. Villar, Vista Estates is a collection of prime masterplanned megacities offering unique, premium and sustainable lifescapes, all within a single expansive development. 


Santerra will also become the setting for a world-class civic center where people can converge, and forge links and partnerships.

Ready to aspire for amazing? Visit vistaestates.vistaland.com.ph or follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/VistaLandAndLifescapesOfficial



Saturday, February 4, 2023

Nissan Navara, Nissan Livina Specs and the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour Naga

Nissan Philippines Inc. brings to Bicol the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour #NIMTour from February 3 to 5, 2023 at SM City Naga with a one of a kind venue to share to Bicolanos that Nissan is more than just the air-conditioning. Nissan has set up interactive monitors for us to fully understand and imagine what the Nissan Intelligent Mobility features are all about. 

The #NIMtour was also an opportunity for us to test drive not just one but three Nissan units and share to you our experience here just in case you were not able to visit the 3-day activity. There's a whole fleet of Nissan available at the tour such as from the executive and mighty Nissan Patrol, Nissan Terra, Nissan Almera, Nissan Navarra Pro-4X, Navara Calibre-X and the all new Nissan Kicks E-Power

More photos of the event HERE 

Test Drive available: Nissan Patrol, Nissan Navara, Nissan Livina, Nissan Terra, Nissan Kicks E-Power

First off with Nissan's ultimate pickup truck but with a ride full of comfort and safety features. If your journey always calls for adventure at any kind of terrain the PRO-4X (4X4) best fits for you. It's fully boxed and fully capable, ride with confidence and take charge with full strength in any road conditions because you get All Terrain Tires or this unit. 

NAVARA PRO-4X (4X4)

2.5 L Turbo Diesel Engine

Multi-Link Rear Suspension with Dual Rate Coil Spring (this provides a smoother ride even in severe conditions, provides more comfortable ride even for those seated at the back)

190HP Max Power, 450NM Max Torque

All Terrain Tires

1 Ton Payload Capacity*


NISSAN INITELLIGENT MOBILITY FEATURES*

Intelligent 360 Round View Monitor with Off-Road Monitor

Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Emergency Braking

Blind Spot Warning

Lane Departure Warning

Zero Gravity Front Seats

Apple Carplay / Android Auto


Interior Design

Enjoy premium comfort with black leather and orange accent stitching.




NAVARA CALIBRE-X (4X2)

Aggressive Grille

Quad LED Projector Headlights with DRL

LED Tail Lamps

17" Gloss Black Alloy Wheels


With 5-Year Warranty or 150,000KM which ever comes first



The Nissan Calibre-X on other hand has the same exact features except that it’s only 4X2, but same Nissan Intelligent Mobility is in your pickup which can also carry 1 TON payload capacity for your business or family needs. The Zero Gravity leather front seats is definitely a game changer and yes both for the PRO-4X and Calibre-X. The price differences of these two units is just because of the 4X2 and 4X4 capability of the units. Up to you guys!


Now let's go to the latest addition to the Nissan fleet which is the 7-Seater Nissan Livina which is very ideal for families. If you are a car enthusiast you'll automatically notice Livina's resemblance to that of the Mitsubishi Xpander. Well, it's a public knowledge that Nissan now owns 34% of Mitsubishi, so it does make sense that they share the same blood by this time. As I have mentioned that we are really looking into considering a 7-Seater Car for our family for quite a few months now. From among the available units in the market in this segment, it was the Xpander that has grown so much into me because I have driven and used it also for quite some time. I have also driven once a Toyota Rush just to get a feels of it and an old Avanza just for reference of which is also a big competitor. I have also seen the new Honda BR-V but no test drive experience yet.


With that said, it's between the Xpander and the Livina VL. Everything is almost the same for these two, and I will say it in Bicol, nakalamang na gayo si Livina VL variant sa 5-year Warranty or 150,000KM (which ever comes first) because Mitsubishi only has a 3-year warranty or 100,000km. Plus PMS of Nissan is only TWICE A YEAR or every 10,000km. That's the better advantage of Nissan this time. Just to add despite this advantage, I just wished that the top of the line variant of Livina has an available roof rail already. Luggages in our roof rack is a feat that comes in handy especially for our family who do a lot of long drives as we want a comfortable seat inside the cabin.


Livina is a reliable partner for any of your activities.


Ideal for families

Multiple Storage Spaces (plus an under-seat shoe tray) 

Large Cargo Space 

Fordable Rear seats with multiple charging ports

Exceptionally cool air-conditioning

Entertainment on-the-go 7" touchscreen display audio with phone link and Bluetooth connectivity




SAFETY FEATURES

Vehicle Dynamic Control

Hill Start Assist

Traction Control

ISO-Fix System

SRS Airbags

Anti-lock Brake System

Parking Sensors

Rear View Camera


Under-seat Shoe Tray


Just in case you missed the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour just visit the showroom


Nissan CamSur

Maharlika Highway, San Agustin Pili, Camarines Sur


I'll be doing a separate post about the Nissan Kicks-Epower but as a quick description as to how does this unit work? This vehicle is 100% electric motor-driven but gas-charged, so you don't plug it in get power from the grid. The e-POWER system offers full electric motor drive, meaning that the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. e-POWER is comprised of a high-output battery and the powertrain which is integrated with gasoline engine, power generator, inverter and a motor. 


This car may not be solar-powered but I can relate so much into it because we live in a solar-powered home where there is an inverter and a battery. So the Nissan Kicks really got me so interested to learn more about it.