Philippine Economic Society Hosts Power Outlook Forum

Monday, June 28, 2010 10:36 AM ADBM Resources
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The Power Outlook
A forum on the impending power crisis
1:30pm, Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Romulo Hall, G/F NEDA sa Makati Bldg., 
106 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City

please call (02) 332 4005 / (02) 215 5367 for more details 
or send an email to pes.eaea@gmail.com

Fees:
PES Members - Free admission
Students (with School IDs) - Free admission
General Public - P1,000.00 inclusive of snacks

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Philippine Economic Society Hosts Power Outlook Forum

The Philippine Economic Society (PES) is hosting The Power Outlook: A Forum on the Impending Power Crisis from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm on Tuesday, 29 June 2010, at the Romulo Hall, NEDA Building, Amorsolo St., Makati City.

Under the EPIRA, the government is no longer supposed to put up power plants.  Private sector power generation companies are expected to supply new generation capacity, but there is a perception that private sector players are reluctant to commit to new investments.  The forum will try to address the following questions:  What are some of the perceived barriers to putting up additional capacity?  What is the actual supply and demand balance in the power sector?  What are some of the key issues on electricity pricing?  Is the country facing another impending power crisis in the short-  or medium-term?

Lined up as panelists are Commissioner Rauf Tan of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC); Dr. Alan Ortiz, former president and chief executive officer of Transco, Inc.; and Victor Santos, Jr., a senior vice president of First Gen Corporation.  The moderator will be Peter Wallace, president of The Wallace Business Forum.

Commenting on the current power situation, Dr. Ortiz notes: “Mindanao will continue to suffer shortfalls in power supply in the next three years until new capacity is brought onstream thru private sector investment.  The Visayas will have a brief respite next year when 400 new megawatts of electricity become commercially available.  But this new capacity will not last long as demand for power surges in Cebu and elsewhere.  Luzon will enter supply demand equilibrium next year, resulting in intermittent brownouts until new supply comes in by 2012.  The real challenge is to build new capacity in the next five years to address surging demand.”

Further, he points out that “the situation is not hopeless if we act immediately to close the supply gap. At this point, only the private sector can provide the much-needed financing for about 8,000 new megawatts in Luzon alone.  At US$1.6 million per megawatt, this amounts to about US$12.8 billion or  602-billion pesos. With a budget deficit of  300-billion pesos, it is hard to imagine where government can raise the funds for Luzon's new power requirements alone.”

“And government shouldn’t,” adds Peter Wallace.  “One of our goals in this power forum is to arouse interest within the private sector in building power plants.  And for companies to be aware of what to expect if this doesn’t happen”.

The Philippine Economic Society (PES) is the professional organization of Filipino economists and, over the years, has served as one of the strongest networks of economists in the academe, government and business sector.  The PES continuously provides a venue for open and free discussions on a wide range of policy issues through its conferences and symposia. 

The Power Outlook forum is supported by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), which is dedicated to the belief that a functioning democracy needs politically informed and educated citizens.  The FNF promotes individual freedom and liberalism.

Attendance to The Power Outlook forum is open to the public for a minimal registration fee.  Registration is free for PES members and qualified students.  As seats are limited, interested participants are requested to pre-register with the PES Secretariat (email:  pes.eaea@gmail.com or telefax 332 4005).


Motolite volunteers undertake Brigada Eskwela Plus Caravan

Wednesday, June 2, 2010 2:23 PM ADBM Resources
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Motolite, the country’s leading automotive battery brand, once again demonstrated their strong education advocacy by fielding employee-volunteers for the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela program from May 24-29, 2010.

Motolite’s Brigada Eskwela efforts were focused on a Balik-Baterya adopted school, Payatas Elementary School, located in one of the most depressed urban areas in Quezon City. Contributing a total of 85 man-hours, Motolite volunteers cleaned up and refurbished two  classrooms, fixed up 103 desks and armchairs, and covered 115 Balik-Baterya donated books.

Near its manufacturing facilities in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, Motolite also adopted three schools — Miguel Cruz Elementary School, Jose Juan Serapio Elementary School, and Balasing Elementary School.  A total of 174 employee man-hours contributed to repainting 62 classrooms and cleaning up 6 garden lots and school grounds.

Since 2007, Motolite and its mother company, the Ramcar Group, have supported the Brigada Eskwela Plus, which encourages national community involvement in education initiatives that focus on: (1) year-round school maintenance activities; (2) improvement of student participation and reduction of drop-outs; and (3) improvement of student performance. 

Through its Balik Baterya-LEAP program, Motolite has spearheaded the donation of workbooks, reference and instructional materials to Payatas Elementary School, benefiting more than 3,000 students.

According to corporate social responsibility manager Eman Ragaza, “Motolite believes that we have a corporate social responsibility to contribute to the betterment of society.  We are passionate in finding new ways of enhancing our business and building our nation for a better life, and we would like to give back to our communities by helping improve the quality of education of the Filipino youth.”

Motolite batteries are manufactured by Philippine Batteries, Inc. (PBI), the largest manufacturer, exporter and distributor of automotive, motorcycle and industrial battery products and solutions in the Philippines.  Its fully integrated facility in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, is one of the largest and most modern battery manufacturing facilities in Southeast Asia. It also has the country’s only ISO 14001-certified, environmentally-compliant recycling facility, the second biggest in Asia.  The company exports Motolite batteries to the United States, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and the rest of Asia.

Suzuki Thunder 125 delivers big bike feel and superb fuel efficiency

1:27 PM ADBM Resources
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A trendsetting backbone city-sports bike introduced in the Asean market in mid 2009, the Suzuki Thunder 125 has created a buzz among motorcycle enthusiasts as a small bike that delivers a big bike feel.  Positioned to be a strategic, class-leading model for the region, the Suzuki Thunder 125 is carving out a niche as a backbone city-sports bike, combining the sportiness of a street bike with the durability and comfort of a backbone motorcycle.

Its 125cc engine delivers superb fuel economy courtesy of a patented PAIR (pulsed secondary air injection) system that ensures a well-balanced combination of torque and power, as well as environment-friendly and fuel-efficient performance.  

Defined as an urban champion, the new Suzuki Thunder 125 is geared for unparalleled street action.  A comfortable riding position ensures optimum handling stability and maneuverability for congested urban streets.

The new Suzuki Thunder 125 is designed for solo street riding.  Larger than a standard bike, the Suzuki Thunder 125 is the ideal ride for experienced riders who are looking for something new and exciting, standing out from other motorcycle models in the market.  “A small bike with a big bike feel” is how enthusiasts describe the Suzuki Thunder 125, whose target market is experienced male riders in their mid-30s who wish to level-up their daily ride.  With its relatively larger size, this street bike is best-suited to experienced riders who are capable of handling the Suzuki Thunder. 

In motorcycle markets all over Asia, backbone recreation models and sporty street bikes are the hottest and latest trends.  Top-of-the-line features, sporty styling in a backbone chassis, and a high-torque 125cc engine all combine to make the Suzuki Thunder the epitome of a backbone city-sports bike.

Giving the Suzuki Thunder that extra edge are superlative features such as the passing light as well as on and off engine safety switch common to all Suzuki big bike models, integrated lower engine cowling, dynamic speedometer with gear indicator, lightweight alloy wheels, sporty muffler, electric/kick starter, and dependable front disc brake.  The Suzuki Thunder is the perfect machine for city streets, where riding is an everyday adventure for motorcycle users in the urban setting.

Suzuki Bida Ang Toda campaign reaches out to tricycle drivers

On another note, Suzuki president Satoshi Uchida also announced that with the warm acceptance of the  “Suzuki Mola Bira, Bida ang Toda” campaign among tricycle drivers and operators last year, the company will be going on another roadshow in partnership with its provincial dealers.

During the three-day campaign, tricycle drivers and operators are treated to a fiesta-like celebration which includes a stunt show, fun games, trike-khana challenge, a talent contest dubbed as Talentadong TODA, as well as a safety riding and preventive maintenance seminar.  

Suzuki owners get free engine oil plus snacks and give-aways when they avail of the service campaign which includes free oil change and service check-up.  Several test units of the Suzuki Mola 150 and Suzuki Mola 125 are also available for test rides.

According to Suzuki president Satoshi Uchida, “Because tricycles are the most common means of public transportation, especially in the provincial areas, we would like to reach out to tricycle drivers and operators 

Prepare your Suzuki APV Type II for rainy day driving

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 9:32 AM ADBM Resources
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After suffering through an extremely hot El Niño summer, PAGASA is warning about the onset of the rainy season which is expected to peak in July and August, with at least 10 tropical cyclones entering the country between June and September.

Motoring advise columns list some basic precautions to prepare for rainy day driving, and one of the most basic is to check and replace the front and rear wiper blades of your Suzuki APV Type II.  Old or brittle wiper blades may leave streaks on or even scratch your windshield, seriously limiting visibility during bad weather.  Don’t wait for the rains to start, do a quick wiper check now by turning on your windshield washer and note any streaking, chattering or other obvious problems with your front and rear wipers. Furthermore, the Suzuki APV Type II is equipped with a rear windshield defogger, for improved visibility in extreme weather conditions.

Another basic precaution you can take is to check the condition of the tires on your Suzuki APV Type II. Check that the tire treads are deep enough for good traction.  Bald tires can result in hydroplaning, especially at higher speeds.  Of course, you also need to make sure that your spare tire is properly inflated with the correct tire pressure and ready for use in case of emergencies.

It is also wise to have your brakes checked as you are more likely to need them in bad weather.  The Suzuki APV Type II is equipped with responsive ventilated front disc brakes and rear drum brakes to ensure that you have a safer, more secure ride.  

Road safety experts also recommend turning on your headlights when driving in heavy rains.  In addition to better driver visibility, this also automatically activates the tail lights, making your car more visible to other vehicles behind you.  Never use your hazard lights as these can confuse the cars following you about where you’re going.  The high position of the head and tail lights on the Suzuki APV Type II also ensure better all-around visibility.

You can also consider putting together a roadside emergency kit with essential items to deal with most problem situations on the road.  You can prepare a heavy duty nylon bag containing: 12-foot jumper cables, reflector jacket, blinker lights, a quart of motor oil, blanket, extra fuses, flashlight and extra batteries, screwdriver set (flat head and Philips), pliers, vise grips, adjustable wrench, tire inflator, tire pressure gauge, rags, paper towel roll, duct tape roll, pocket knife, pen and paper, help sign, energy bars and bottled water.  In addition, you will need a first aid kit including bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic cream, instant hot and cold compresses, scissors and aspirin. With the Suzuki APV Type II’s spacious cabin, there is plenty of room to store your basic survival kit.  However, make sure that you stick to the basic essentials and do not overload your vehicle.

Of course, the best precaution that you can take to ensure safe travel through heavy rains and flooded streets is driving the right vehicle, such as the Suzuki APV Type II.  Its air intake is strategically located above the engine, almost at hood level.  This means that the Suzuki APV Type II can safely navigate flooded streets since its engine is protected from sucking in water.  This makes the Suzuki APV Type II the perfect “baha-buster” that can be relied on even in the worst weather conditions.    With minimum ground clearance of 185mm, the Suzuki APV Type II can safely navigate even knee-high flooded areas.   

The Suzuki APV Type II comes in three variants—the GLX 5-speed MT model, priced at P735,000; the SGX 5-speed MT at P775,000; and the SGX 4-speed AT at P810,000.

Suzuki Philippines is the only integrated automotive company in the country, offering passenger cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles in its model line-up. Suzuki automobiles are available through a network of 18 dealers nationwide.

Suzuki SX4 Aero

Wednesday, May 19, 2010 11:20 AM ADBM Resources
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Suzuki Philippines President Satoshi Uchida and Managing Director Lyn Calderon beside the newly launched Suzuki SX4 Aero. The 2010 Suzuki SX4 Aero and Crossover were launched last April 28, 2010 at the Le Pavillon in Pasay City.

Calling all PES Members

Monday, May 17, 2010 4:18 PM ADBM Resources
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Dear PES Members,

Please be informed that ADBM Resources, headed by Ms. Maribelle Alba, has taken over the PES secretariat responsibilities from the former secretariat at the PSSC. ADBM Resources' office is located at 9-B Evening News St., West Triangle, Quezon City and can be reached at tele-fax (02) 332 4005 and email address pes.eaea@gmail.com.

Inline with our efforts to better serve the association, we would like to request the following: 

1. Update personal information.

Please fill up attached form (PES Records Update Form 2010.pdf) and fax / email accomplished form to (02) 332 4005.

2. Help us with our recruitment of new members

Please feel free to forward our membership application form (PES Reg Form 2010.pdf) to family, friends or colleagues who might be interested to join our association. As you will notice in the bottom right part of the form, there is a "Referred by" box. Should you sign this portion of the applicant's form, it will fast track their membership application which usually takes about a month.

3. PES is on Facebook!

We have created a PES group page on Facebook for easier dissemination of information to members. Here's the LINK. It's a closed group, so only verified members shall be accepted. Join us now!

Thank you, and we hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

PES Secretariat
c/0 ADBM Resources

Suzuki honors its Top Dealers of the Year

10:49 AM ADBM Resources
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The country’s only integrated automotive company, Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH), honored its top dealers in simple awarding ceremonies held last April 28, 2010, at Le Pavillion, Pasay City.
For having achieved the highest points on Suzuki’s Balanced Score Card (BSC) in 2009, Suzuki Auto Cebu was declared Dealer of the Year among Suzuki’s 18 automobile dealers nationwide.  In 2008, Suzuki Auto Cebu was the top dealer in the provincial category.
Asked about the secret to their success, Suzuki Auto Cebu General Manager Debbie Chua, notes: “Winning the Dealer of the Year award is a testament to the hard work of our people.  We will be trying very hard to maintain or even improve our sales volume and at the same time focus more on customer service so that we can continue to be the top Suzuki dealer.” Suzuki Auto Cebu is owned by Cebu Autocentrale Corporation, headed by the dynamic husband and wife team of Brian and Debbie Chua.
A consistent high performer for the past two years, Suzuki Auto Laguna earned the 2nd Top Dealer of the Year Award.  They attribute their success to mastery of their territory, thus ensuring strong patronage from their customer base.
Third place in the Dealer of the Year standings went to Suzuki Auto Kalookan, which also garnered the no. 1 spot as Suzuki’s top Metro Manila dealer in retail sales.
Suzuki employs a Balanced Score Card (BSC) system for evaluating and rewarding its dealers in terms of marketing strategy implementation.  The comprehensive rating system evaluates retail sales performance and spare parts sales, as well as service and showroom compliance.  The system also ensures that Suzuki dealers maintain the company’s global standards to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
Now celebrating its 25th year in the country, Suzuki Philippines is committed to introducing more dynamic, value-packed products to meet the mobility needs of Filipino motorists.  Despite their relatively recent entry into the market, Suzuki automobiles enjoy a niche following among local car aficionados and have earned accolades for fuel-efficiency as well as value-for-money.  Currently, the Suzuki automobile line-up consists of the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Suzuki APV Type II, Suzuki Jimny, Suzuki SX4, Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Celerio, and Suzuki Alto.

Suzuki SX4

Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:44 PM ADBM Resources
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CAMPI President Elizabeth Lee and Suzuki Philippines President Satoshi Uchida beside the 2010 Suzuki SX4 Crossover. The 2010 Suzuki SX4 Aero and Crossover were launched last April 28, 2010  at the Le Pavillon in Pasay City.

Motolite-powered electric vehicles join Earth Day motorcade

Thursday, May 6, 2010 3:38 PM ADBM Resources
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Motolite, the country’s leading automotive battery brand, supported the Earth Day pollution-free motorcade held last 22 April 2010, by powering electric vehicles like the REVA, the e-Jeepney, and the e-Trike.  The motorcade, which was themed  “Electric Vehicles, Bicycles, and Miss Earth: Making Waves in the Metro” started off from the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) compound at Visayas Avenue in Quezon City at 7:00 am, traversing EDSA with the early morning traffic to end at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Motivated to discover cleaner and cheaper alternative sources of energy as part of its corporate social responsibility, Motolite is a recognized prime mover behind pollution-free electric vehicles in the country.  By improving on its patented golf cart battery technology, Motolite has been able to produce a stronger, more reliable battery which can endure the extreme demands of public transportation, such as the e-Jeepney. Several local governments have adopted the e-Jeepneys, notably Makati City, Bacolod City, and Puerto Princesa City.

According to Motolite marketing manager Melissa Valdez, “As a Filipino company, Motolite is always happy to support initiatives that will help ensure a cleaner environment for future generations.”  Aside from its support for electric vehicles, Motolite has also been at the forefront of an environmental protection program that encourages proper recycling of used lead acid batteries through its Balik-Baterya advocacy.

Motolite batteries are manufactured by Philippine Batteries, Inc. (PBI), the largest manufacturer, exporter and distributor of automotive, motorcycle and industrial battery products and solutions in the Philippines.  Its fully integrated facility in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, is one of the largest and most modern battery manufacturing facilities in Southeast Asia. It also has the country’s only ISO 14001-certified, environmentally-compliant recycling facility, the second biggest in Asia.

2010 Suzuki SX4 Aero and Crossover models launched 
in spectacular magic show and Vegas style production numbers

3:20 PM ADBM Resources
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Satoshi Uchida, president of Suzuki Philippines, the country’s only integrated motoring company, disappeared onstage and magically reappeared in the 2010 Suzuki SX4 Aero, at the recent product launch held last April 28, 2010, at Le Pavillion, Pasay City.  This was the highlight of a magic show topbilled by master magician Mr. Cris Castro.  Shortly after, the long-awaited SX4 Crossover model was revealed after a rousing Las Vegas style production number by the Club Mwah performers.
Unveiled with accompanying magic and mystery, the new Suzuki SX4 Aero is the sedan version which has been completely restyled with a sportier profile and more aggressive front grille.  A rear spoiler with third brake light,  17” alloy wheels and rear disc brakes make this sedan a looker.
Sharing the same basic specifications as the Suzuki SX4 Crossover, the SX4 Aero now boasts of a more powerful M16A engine, a 1600cc 16-valve DOHC engine with variable-valve timing (VVT).  Mated to a 4-speed gate-type automatic transmission, it is able to deliver maximum output of 110hp at 5,600rpm and maximum torque of 150Nm at 3,800rpm.
Also a Japan-made import, the Suzuki SX4 Aero is offered in snow white pearl, star silver metallic and super black pearl, and retails for P 890,000.
Meanwhile, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover is expected to be an instant hit among Filipino car enthusiasts, carving out a niche as a compact crossover vehicle.  Designed by automotive hall of fame designer Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign studio, the units sold in the Philippines are imported as completely built-up units (CBU) from Japan, ensuring its build quality.
It is equipped with new features such as honeycomb type front grille, fender arch, roof rails, all wheel disc brakes and 16” alloy wheels.  More power and better fuel efficiency are the hallmarks of its new M16A engine, a 1600cc 16-valve DOHC engine with variable-valve timing (VVT).  Mated to a 4-speed gate-type automatic transmission, it is able to deliver maximum output of 110hp at 5,600rpm and maximum torque of 150Nm at 3,800rpm. Likewise, occupant safety is assured by a high rigidity body that utilizes Suzuki’s proprietary TECT (Total Effective Control Technology) as well as dual air bags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and keyless entry.
On the inside, the instrument cluster serves as a virtual information center with a fuel consumption gauge, fuel range and digital clock.  The audio system has also been upgraded to deliver surround sound experience via a 8-speaker system consisting of 4 door speakers and 4 door-mounted tweeters.   External music players can be connected through an auxiliary port, while the in-dash CD player is mp3-compatible.  Audio controls are mounted on the leather-wrapped steering wheel for easy access. 
Plush seat fabric material, all-power features, and chrome inner door handles all add to the luxe-feel.   A spacious cargo area and passenger seat under tray complete the Suzuki SX4 Crossover package.   It is offered in three colors:  sunlight copper metallic, super black pearl, and star silver metallic, and priced competitively at P899,000.

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