Businessmen the world over know that an integral part of corporate and financial growth is first-mover advantage˳ With its abundant natural resources, quality white- and blue-collar workers, and spectacular location in the heart of Asia, the Philippines is prime investor and venture capitalist country, and investors and entrepreneurs seeking to enter Asia would do well to investigate the Philippines before the Pearl of the Orient positively explodes with foreign investors˳
This friendly archipelago is perfect for anyone seeking to participate in the Asian economic boom˳ The Philippine peso is quite favorable for most other international currencies, and with Asia recording almost half of the world’s population and an increasing share of the numbers of middle-class to affluent, the Philippines is an ideal stomping grounds for anyone seeking to strike it rich in the Far East˳
When entering the Philippines for business, there is only one real place to go: Makati City˳ The premiere financial district of the Philippine islands, Makati City is bursting with business opportunities, and well ahead of its rivals, Cebu City in the southern district of the country, and the Ortigas district, which, while young, simply does not carry the prestige of Makati City just yet˳ Hotels in Makati are full of traveling businessmen, what with the amenities and facilities available to each Guest, and any smart businessman who does his research online should be able to find a hotel in Makati to stay in with little effort˳
Businessmen who would like to do business in Makati City, Philippines, would do well to take note of the following:
Go in informed˳ One can find significant information on the many business opportunities in the Philippines from the World Wide Web˳ Don’t be shy about visiting websites and emailing their owners, and be sure to cross-check information provided online just to make sure your information is correct and timely˳ For instance, the Philippine government’s Board of Investments (www˳boi˳gov˳ph), as well as the Makati Business Club, provide much information on how to enter the Philippines – specifically Makati City – with investment ideas and possibilities˳ If one were to enter Makati City without knowledge of what specific industries are based there, one would be eaten alive, and it would not be a good use of one’s time, which, as one knows, is worth a lot of money˳
One goes to Makati City if one is interested in pursuing business˳ The Central Business District is the nerve center of several of the nation’s leading companies, all of whom are always interested in discussing the possibility of international linkages and partnerships˳ Pharmaceutical, information technology, real estate, food and beverage, and call center and other human resource provision companies, are only the tip of the iceberg in this friendly Southeast Asian nation˳
Don’t go in cold˳ Now that the World Wide Web has bridged the gap between nations and continents, it has become significantly easier for businessmen from anywhere in the world to transact and potentially tie in with business from the Philippines˳ The warm personalities and genuine friendliness of Filipinos are world-renowned; many Filipino companies welcome the possibility of international distribution, collaboration, and partnership˳ When ready to meet with Filipino-owned companies, remember to:
Provide online information˳ Contrary to popular international opinion, most Filipinos – and all based in Makati City – are online-savvy, and won’t generally entertain inquiries out of nowhere˳ Provide them a website and all information necessary for them to want to set up appointments with you˳
Relax˳ Filipinos are sociable and like to chat – sometimes for hours˳ While the general demeanor of Filipino businessmen warms most international businessman, if they sense that you are uncomfortable with them or out to take them for a ride, you can consider the collaboration pre-terminated˳
Make it personal and personable˳ Filipinos LOVE fellow Filipinos˳ If you know any Filipinos – and Filipinos are among the most widely distributed peoples in the world – having them teach you a few Filipino words will pay off big-time˳
Go in and stay at a good hotel˳ Makati City is full of hotels, running the gamut from international chain hotels that offer five-star Makati accommodations to charming little independent hotels that remind one of home˳ Makati hotels are renowned for providing quality accommodations and service at affordable rates, and businessmen worldwide will appreciate a good hotel in the heart of the city˳
Some independent hotels in Makati, therefore, will stand out for sheer quality of service, accommodations, and location˳ For instance, the Salcedo Suites in Makati City has developed for itself an enviable reputation for its excellent location and quality facilities and services˳ This independent hotel in Makati City is one of the poshest and most well-received hotels in Makati, thanks to its high standard of Makati accommodations and ample selection of top-notch services and facilities essential to the seasoned business traveler˳
Expect a bargain˳ The Philippines is known for its bargain-basement prices, and Makati City is no different˳ From Makati accommodations to restaurants, from flights to entertainment, the Philippines offers a stunning variety of activities and accommodations all at very affordable rates˳ Travelers are encouraged to do their research online, because some of the best deals are available online, including hotel accommodations˳ The Salcedo Suites, for instance, offers the best rates and instant confirmation online when one reserves directly with its official website (http://www˳salcedosuites-makati˳com)˳ Other rooms in hotels in Makati City may also also available, but businessmen will have to book fast, as these hotels’ rooms are not as easily as available online as those at the Salcedo Suites˳
Now that the Philippines is starting to become a real investment possibility for many international businessmen, there is probably no better time than the present to go and base yourself solidly in Makati City˳
====================================================================================================================================================
