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To feed the nomadic spirit in each one of us, there's a special Christmas offer for the AVT Navigator PN-403, featuring the most advanced GPS map for the Philippines.

A 4-inch widescreen portable navigation system, the AVT Navigator PN-403 is preloaded with an iNav Philippine map that guides you to your destination with turn-by-turn voice direction, lane junction assist, 3D junction view and 3D building landmarks.   The 3D landmark and junction view features provide better visual cues to help you immediately identify landmarks and stay in the correct lane when approaching an intersection. It even has a speed camera warning feature to alert you when you are near a speed radar or speed camera location.

Specifically made for the Philippines, the iNav map contains over 300,000 points of interest and house numbers. Its enhanced route calculation for Philippine road conditions provide accurate, optimized routes to reach your destination. Smart keyword search provides the added convenience of quickly looking up addresses and points of interest by just typing a few characters.

On the hardware side, the AVT Navigator PN-403 has a high-resolution color touch-screen. Its built-in high-sensitivity GPS receiver allows a location fix in about 2-minutes. It has an SD card slot, a high-speed USB 2.0 port for Activesync support, and is powered by a rechargeable 1000mAh lithium-ion battery.  Multi-media functionality includes a photo-viewer, an MP3-player, and a movie player. Unlimited free map updates ensure that your AVT Navigator PN-403 is never going to be outdated.  

Starting 01 December 2011 until 31 January 2012, the AVT Navigator PN-403 is available at participating automotive dealers and shops for just P 7,000.  And to ease the purchasing process, you can charge it to your credit card — BDO, BPI, HSBC, MetroBank, RCBC and Security Bank — at 0% interest for 3, 6 or 12-months installment.

AVT (which stands for Audio-Video Technology) specializes in premium audio-visual entertainment systems for mobile applications.  In addition to navigation systems, the company also markets mobile tracking devices for vehicle and personal security.  AVT offers a wide range of in-car mobile electronics, including display monitors, DVD players, digital and analog terrestrial receivers, sound processor/high-power amplifiers, specialized speakers, and AV controllers and accessories to suit all types of in-vehicle installations.  For the mobile entertainment market, it carries all-in-one LCD DVD players in various screen sizes to meet every budget and application.  Aside from consumer products which retail in car dealer accessories shops, AVT is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for many of the country’s leading car brands.   iNAV is a subsidiary company dedicated to providing mapping support exclusively for AVT navigation devices.  

Generika Drugstore, winner of the Most Promising Filipino Franchise Award for 2011, is strengthening its market presence with a major push for nationwide store expansion.

Founded in 2003, Generika Drugstore is a pioneer in the retail distribution of quality affordable medicines in the country, and has consistently taken the extra step to provide better quality and service.

Compared to other generics outlets, Generika Drugstore is distinguished by its air-conditioned stores that protect the therapeutic value of its medicines while ensuring customer comfort and convenience.  Store personnel are well-trained to offer patient counseling and other value-added services.

The success of Generika's business model was recognized recently when it was named the Most Promising Filipino Franchise by the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Chambers of Commerce & Industry (PCCI), and the Philippines Retailers Association (PRA).  This award was based on a set of carefully-crafted criteria, including the franchise concept, sales and marketing, franchise operating system, corporate social responsibility, ethical practices and reputation, growth and financial performance, and profitability.  

The award is the only latest recognition for Generika. In 2009, it was awarded the Best in Franchise Support and Most Promising Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine. In 2010, its president Teodoro Ferrer became a Finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award administered by SGV Foundation. 

Earlier this year, Generika announced plans to expand its franchising operations nationwide, particularly to key cities in Visayas and Mindanao, as well as untapped areas of Luzon to augment its strong presence in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. 

In line with this plan of accelerating the number of new franchise stores, the company has rolled out affordable investment packages – Satellite, Drugstore Conversion and Small Town – that significantly reduce the capital requirements for opening a Generika outlet. The Satellite package is offered to Generika franchisees who would like to have one more branch near his/her main outlet.  The Drugstore Conversion package applies to existing pharmacies that wish to convert to a Generika Drugstore, while the Small Town package is recommended for Generika outlets to be located in a rural area with a population of less than 50,000.

For all the franchise packages, Generika provides marketing and operations assistance to help new stores in their promotional efforts and revenue-enhancing efforts, especially in areas where Generika is just starting to thrive. 

Starting out with a single outlet in Alabang in 2004, Generika Drugstore expanded to 16 company-owned stores in 2008. Since then, Generika opened up franchising opportunities to Filipino entrepreneurs. With 210 branches nationwide, Generika plans to add at least 180 stores annually.

Its goal is to become a nationwide chain that performs a vital service to the community by providing access to affordable, quality medicines as well as superior service driven by a strong sense of social purpose.

To explore the Generika franchise business, interested entrepreneurs may contact the Generika Franchising Services Corp (GFSC) at 824-4685 / 0922-8984982.  You may also visit the company website at www.generika.com.ph. A dedicated team of Generika Business Development staff will help you understand the business operations as well as support services towards a successful Generika venture.

Petron, the country's leading oil company, recently announced its biggest marketing promotion for the year with the Petron Doble-Panalo promo.  Starting 01 November 2011 to 31 January 2012, Petron customers have two chances to win prizes from  Petron stations nationwide.

First, with every P1,000 single or accumulated purchase of Petron fuels — Petron Xtra, Petron XCS, Petron Blaze, Petron DieselMax and Petron Turbo Diesel — a customer is entitled to "Pick a Raffle Coupon" with an instant prize from the bunot box.  Instant giveaways include: free 1-liter fuel, Petron t-shirt, Petron sticker, San Mig 3-in-1 coffee, and Petron 2012 calendar.

The same Raffle Coupon can then be used to participate in the Doble Grand Draws, which will have separate draws and separate winners of same set of prizes for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.  The First Grand Draw to be held on 20 December 2011, will have the following prizes at stake: Toyota Hi-Lux (3), Honda Civic (3), Yamaha Mio Soul motorcycle (3), 47-inch LG LED TV (6); Samsung Galaxy Tab (6), Apple IPad 2 - 32GB (9), and Petron E-Fuel Card worth P10,000 each (48).

The Second Grand Draw, for entries submitted by 31 January 2011, will be held on 14 February 2012.   Grand prizes include: Mitsubishi Montero Sport (3), Yamaha Mio Soul motorcycle (3), 47-inch LG LED TV (6), Samsung Galaxy Tab (6), Apple IPad 2 - 32GB (9), and Petron E-Fuel Card worth P10,000 each (48). 

Only motorcycle riders can fully appreciate the joys of riding, and you can experience this only when you have confidence that your riding skills will keep you safe and prepared to face the challenges of the open road. 

This is the philosophy behind Safe-T-Ryders Motorcycle Training Center, which offers basic and enrichment riding courses that will give motorcycle riders a sound foundation to be safer road users. By delivering quality training in a controlled and fun environment, Safe-T-Ryders instructors ensure that trainees learn defensive riding as an enjoyable experience. 

Located at the Ortigas Home Depot along Julia Vargas Avenue in Pasig City, Safe-T-Ryders offers training programs that are very affordable to average motorcycle users. The basic and enrichment courses, which include theory inputs and practical riding exercises, are priced at only P750 for each two-day program. For those who want to refresh their knowledge about riding safety, there is also a three-hour lecture for only P200.

Novice riders who want to have a good start will benefit from the Basic Safety Riding Course, a comprehensive introductory program that emphasizes a safety-oriented mindset. The lecture inputs cover (a) respect for traffic rules; (b) consequences of accidents; (c) road usage principles; (d) stopping and following distance; (e) mirrors, signals and blind spots; (f) right of way rules; (g) alcohol and fatigue; and (h) qualities of a good rider. The practical training includes (a) physical exercise, preparation and check-up; (b) riding position; (c) basic operations for moving, stopping and gear-shifting; (d) practice running S-curve and Figure-8; (e) cornering and speed control; and (f) slalom.

For more experienced riders who want to enhance their riding skills, Safe-T-Ryders has two levels of Enrichment Riding Courses. Designed as fast-track programs, these enrichment courses tackle more advanced topics on how to handle difficult road conditions, anticipate risks and avoid accidents. The lecture contents consist of (a) motorcycle inspection; (b) behaviour of various road users; (c) lane changing and overtaking; (d) defensive riding; (e) turning of long wheel base vehicles; and (f) risk forecasting. The practical training covers higher-level riding skills such as (a) balancing and low speed control; (b) blind spot, turning and lane-changing; (c) braking in different conditions; (d) deceleration after acceleration; and (e) vehicle handling with backrider.

Safe-T-Ryders is established by Arnel Doria, a respected marketing executive who played a key role in establishing Honda as a leading car brand in the Philippines and was instrumental in setting up the country’s first integrated vehicle training center, the Honda Safety Driving Center.  

The center manager is Julius Ballesteros, a TESDA-certified instructor, who has just returned from a two-year stint as a safety driving instructor of a large Saudi Arabian company. He is assisted by Sulfikar Guiabel, an experienced LTO-accredited riding/driving instructor.

Those who wish to enrol in any of the Safe-T-Ryder courses may call 208-8035 or (932) 872-3389.  

The Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP), a multi-sectoral initiative for the protection, sustainability and enhancement of the island's coastal and marine resources, celebrated its first anniversary last 24 September 2011, with an impressive list of accomplishments in seven priority areas.

Following a comprehensive strategy, Malay Mayor John P. Yap recognized the importance of dynamic public-private partnership in achieving tangible improvements after just one year of program implementation.  The Boracay Beach Management Council (BBMC) rallied under the call to action, "Para Sa Boracay Ako! For Boracay I Will...", and reported the following achievements:

Local Governance.  With strong leadership and political will, Malay Mayor John P. Yap has pushed for the implementation of the BBMP priority programs. Visitors and residents are reminded to observe municipal ordinances against littering, smoking, extracting sand and pebbles, etc.

Coastal Resources. Regular beach and underwater clean-up drives have been performed by various volunteer groups. Coastal nurseries supply new corals that are transplanted in degraded reef areas.  Artificial reef domes, deployed in strategic areas, have encouraged the reemergence of new coral species and provide excellent breeding grounds for many fish varieties.  Mangrove growth has been closely monitored.

Watershed. A comprehensive reforestation plan for 260-hectares is in place.  For 2011, the target is to reforest 63-hectares with 30,000 seedlings produced from the seedling nursery. During the anniversary celebrations, Mayor Yap launched the Adopt-A-Tree program and distributed some 3,000 seedlings to Boracay students and foresters to be planted in their backyards and school grounds.

Water and Waste Water.  Access to potable water has reached 96% of households, and the sewage treatment plant has been upgraded for environmentally compliant waste water effluent quality.

Solid Waste. New equipment and upgraded facilities have made garbage collection and processing more effective.

Hazard Protection.  A Philippine National Red Cross office is now present in Boracay, and emergency response capabilities have been enhanced with trained personnel, new sea patrol craft and upgraded communications equipment.

Information, Education & Communication.  The "For Boracay I Will" advocacy generated public awareness and cooperation from various stakeholders, and is now ready to reach out to a wider audience with an expanded campaign themed "Sali Ako Dyan!"  For greater social media visibility, a FaceBook page "For Boracay I Will" welcomes posts from the public about their happy memories of Boracay and how to preserve this island paradise for future generations.

With its previous experience in the United Nations Development Programme's Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) framework, Petron played a key role in facilitating the formation of the BBMP.  Starting out with a handful of members from the local government units, national government agencies, community organizations, youth groups and the private sector, the Boracay Beach Management Council (BBMC) now counts about 30 proponents.

These include:  The Municipality of Malay, Aklan; San Miguel Corporation; Petron Corporation; Petron Foundation Inc.; Provincial Government of Aklan; Department of Environment & Natural Resources; Boracay Foundation Inc.; Akelco Boracay; Aklan Provincial Tourism Council; Barangays Balabag, Caticlan, Kabulihan, Manoc-Manoc & Yapak; Boracay Association of Sucba Diving Schools; Boracay Island Hopping Association; Boracay Island Water Company; Boracay Island Special Fire Protection Unit; Boracay Land Transportation Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Boracay Solid Waste Management Team; Boracay Special Tourist Police Office; Boracay Yuppies; Coast Guard Detachment-Boracay; Department of Tourism-Boracay; Islander Boracay; Kiwanis Club of Boracay; Lifeguard Boracay; Malay Auxiliary Police; Malay Farm-C; Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI)-Boracay; Rotary Club of Boracay; YES FM 91.1; 605th MARPSTA (Maritime Police); and 61st 1B 31D PA Task Force Boracay.

Petron Lakbay Alalay, the country's longest running motorist assistance program, is once again ensuring that Filipino travelers will have a worry-free trip during the upcoming "undas" holidays from 28 October to 01 November 2011.  Through the Free Safety Checks offered at participating Petron stations in major highways, those planning road-trips during the long Halloween weekend can prepare for the trip by ensuring that their vehicles are in roadworthy condition.

The extensive Free Safety Check routine covers 38 inspection points, including: (a) TIRES—tire pressure, tire wear, and spare tire; (b) ENGINE—air filter element, fan belt, power steering belt, alternator belt, air conditioner belt, upper and lower radiator hose; (c) FLUIDS—engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, clutch fluid, gear oil, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, and window washer; (d) BATTERY—battery fluid and battery terminals; (e) LIGHTS—headlights, signal lights, brake lights, hazard, fog lights, third brake light and light gauges; (f) UNDERCHASSIS—tie rod ends, upper and lower ball joints, cross joints, shock absorbers and axle boots; and (g) ACCESSORIES—wiper blades, horn, basic tools, jack and early warning device. Just look for the Free Safety Check sign to avail of this service.

Free Safety Motorcycle check-ups will be offered at Petron stations in Libis, Marquinton (Marikina), Sucat, La Loma, and Makati.  There will be also be a doctor and nurse on duty at these stations to offer free medical assistance.  Free towing of Class 1 vehicles will be available at the South Luzon Expressway, while free medical assistance with an ambulance, doctor and nurse will be on call at Petron stations in NLEX Marilao, NLEX Balagtas, NLEX Lakeshore, SLEX San Pedro, Star Toll Batangas, Subic and Tagaytay.  These activities are being undertaken in partnership with Chevrolet Philippines.

Motorists who gas up at participating stations in North and South Luzon, Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao are also in for a special treat with the Free Coffee promo.  Every P500 single or accumulated receipt purchase of Petron Xtra, XCS, Blaze, Diesel Max and Turbo Diesel entitles the customer to a free SanMig Coffee sachet.  This Free Coffee promo will run from 28 October to 3 November 2011, and will be available at Petron service stations displaying the Free Coffee signages.

Now on its 25th year, Petron Lakbay Alalay is the longest-running motorist assistance program in the country.  Run by Petron employee-volunteers as part of the company’s “volunteerism in action” philosophy, the pioneering public service activity has been replicated by other automotive and oil companies.  The term Lakbay Alalay has, in fact, entered daily terminology as a generic term for various motorist assistance activities offering free mechanical help, communications support, medical services, clean restrooms and other services.  Lakbay Alalay is a registered trademark of Petron Corporation.

Quit racing on the streets as Speedlab, with Kotse.com and Gadgets Magazine, takes the high-revving action to the track. Sign up now for Speedlab's Grand EB and Trackday at the 2011 Outdoor Autofest happening onOctober 29 to 30, 2011 at the Clark International Speedway (CIS). 

The 2011 Outdoor Autofest is also host to Ridexhibit and Swapmeet, which will showcase the hottest rides, latest products, and best services all in one big event. For the latest updates, visit the official 2011 Outdoor Autofest Facebook Page.

Grand Prix Weekend

The two-day event gives speed junkies the full-on experience of a grand prix weekend forhalf the price of a regular trackday. Running on the track's short course, Saturday's whole-day open practice session allows drivers to get enough track time to hone in their skill and lets the teams adjust the car's suspension and engine set-up to squeeze out the fastest lap. Each run will consist of a 15-minute session where cars will be released on track in groups of 10. Free practice will begin promptly at 8:00 am and end by 5:00 pm. This lets everyone drive to their heart's content, so we’re all hyped up for racing on Sunday!

On race day, drivers race against the clock in timed solo runs. Competing in different classes according to time brackets, each competitor only gets three laps to put down the fastest lap time, so Saturday's practice and car set-up will surely come into play. Time to put the pedal to the metal as the quickest time in each class wins. 

Big prizes await the winners, with Dynapack Dyno GC's from Speedlab, Kooltec GC's, and Speedlab T-shirts at stake! First 15 registrants will also get Bosch SuperBright Bulbs and Bosch Platinum Fusion Spark Plugs, while all participants get a FREE pair of Kotse.com stickers.

Registration

To join, simply submit the registration form, deposit the corresponding entry fees, and e-mail the deposit slip to outdoor.autofest@gmail.com. Car clubs can avail of a special group rates for up to 15 drivers.

Download the registration form by clicking on the link:

Speedlab Grand EB and Trackday Registration Form

All participants must carry a valid driver's license, and bring with them a copy of registration form and entry fee payment. All competing vehicles must also go through technical inspection for safety and classification. 

Trackday Guidelines

Trackday Schedule

Trackday Entry Fees

Original post can be found >HERE<

Cartridge World Philippines has signed up to support the 2011-2012 Car of the Year-Philippines (COTY-PH). 

The global ink and toner experts, Cartridge World Philippines counts car dealers and manufacturers among its client base.  According to its chair & CEO Babylyn Decena-Newfield, an avowed car enthusiast: "We want to be part of the industry in our own little way by partnering with CAGI.  Our products and services may not be aligned with the industry, but complements the idea behind the value of approved and quality products."  

By offering remanufactured and refilled ink and laser toner cartridges, Cartridge World Philippines also believes it is reducing waste and helping protect the environment. 

Now considered the world leader in inkjet and cartridge refilling, Cartridge World started in Australia in 1997 and currently has about 1,800 branches in 53 countries.  In the Philippines, the franchise has 7 outlets—Pasay Road, Shaw Boulevard, Quezon Avenue, Acropolis, Sucat,  Biñan—and one in Cebu opening very soon.

The Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) is an award-giving body composed of motoring journalists.  Every year since 2004, CAGI invites automotive manufacturers and distributors to submit their new vehicle models for technical and qualitative testing.  Test results are summarized and subjected to external audit.  Awards are given in various categories, with the most prestigious award being the Car of the Year Award.

Boracay residents and tourists joined hands to form a seven-kilometer human chain along its world-renowned white sand beach to celebrate the first anniversary of the Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP) last 23 September 2011. BBMP is a multi-sectoral initiative for the protection, sustainability and enhancement of the island's coastal and marine resources.  

The anniversary program, led by Malay Mayor John P. Yap, was attended by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje, Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection Nereus Acosta, and Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Rico Puno.

DENR Sec. Paje noted that with proper planning and development, Boracay could further evolve to accommodate more tourists while maintaining environmental sustainability. He also lauded the initiative of Mayor Yap in leading the dynamic private-public partnership that has successfully achieved significant improvements in coastal resources management, water and waste water management, solid waste management, watershed protection, hazard prevention, local governance, and information, education and communication.

Aside from the human chain, the anniversary program also included the launch of the Adopt-a-Tree program in Boracay, which aims to plant 30,000 seedlings in the island within one year. To jumpstart it, nearly 2,000 seedlings were distributed to Boracay high school students and foresters who pledeged to plant these trees in their backyards and school grounds. This was followed by a clean-up drive to highlight Boracay's anti-smoking and anti-littering campaign.

One of BBMP's convenors, Petron Corporation, contributed to the environmental protection drive by providing free emission testing for public utility vehicles at the Petron service station. As witnessed by DENR Secretary Ramon Paje and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Director Juan Miguel Cuna, Petron's Carbon Flush product demonstration resulted in a dramatic reduction in smoke emission values from 3.753 to 0.399, or an improvement of almost 90%. Key members of the champion Petron Blaze Booster team, including most valuable player Arwind Santos, were on hand to add star power to this activity and the rest of the anniversary festivities.

Malu Erni, general manager of Petron Foundation, which introduced the globally-recognized Integrated Coastal Management to the BBMP, reaffirmed their organization's commitment to provide resources and expertise for long-term sustainability.  

To encourage the youth sector to strengthen its support for BBMP, San Miguel Corporation (SMC), another staunch supporter, introduced a star-shaped mascot to embody the slogan "Sali Ako Dyan!", paving the way for the next stage of BBMP's advocacy.

Petron and SMC, in partnership with the Province of Aklan, the Municipality of Malay, and the Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) launched the BBMP and the "Para Sa Boracay Ako! For Boracay I Will" advocacy in 2010 to engage the island's various stakeholders in an integrated program that would ensure the island's environmental sustainability.

Like their Facebook page here.