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Petron Corporation, the country's leading oil company, signified its support for safety awareness especially among motorcycle riders by sponsoring the first Biker Meet-Up of Safe-T-Ryders Training Center, held last 18 February 2012 at the Ortigas Home Depot Complex in Pasig City.

Targeted at TODAs, motorcycle clubs and individual riders, the Biker Meet-Up program included an open forum with former LTO chief Alberto Suansing, who is currently the executive director of the Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership (PGRSP). In a lively exchange of ideas, Suansing discussed safety concerns with the biker-participants.

TV-radio host and biker Love-Love Tioseco was the celebrity guest for the Meet-and-Greet portion of the event, and the participants had the opportunity to have their photos taken with her.

Finally, the program concluded with a short presentation on the dangers of riding under the influence of alcohol. In an interactive demonstration using FatalVision goggles, the Safe-T-Ryder team simulated the effects of drinking on visual perception and the damaging consequences that can result in injuries and even death.

The range of Petron Sprint 4T motorcycle oils was also introduced to the participants, with an overview of their specifications and uses. Formulated to meet the different performance requirements of four-stroke motorcycles operating under moderate to severe driving conditions, Petron Sprint 4T is available in three variants—Sprint 4T Enduro for racing, Sprint 4T Rider for riding dependability, and Sprint 4T Extra for reliable performance.

Through its partnership with Safe-T-Ryders Training Center, Petron continues to strengthen its safety riding advocacy, particularly efforts to educate motorcycle riders to become responsible road users.

As part of its safety awareness campaign for motorcycle riders, Safe-T-Ryders Motorcycle Training Center is launching a series of Bikers Meet-Ups, with the first one scheduled on Saturday, 18 February 2012, at the Ortigas Home Depot Complex.

The Bikers Meet-Up program will start with an open forum featuring a well-known safety advocate or a leading personality from a government agency such as the Land Transportation Office or the Metro Manila Development Authority, or from a non-government organization such as the PGRSP (Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership). This open forum is an opportunity for bikers to dialogue on issues related to traffic regulations, safety ordinances, etc.  For February, former LTO Chief and now Executive Director of PGRSP Alberto Suansing will be exchanging opinion with the bikers.

For the Meet-and-Greet portion, a celebrity biker will be invited to participate in the event and personally meet the participants. Views and ideas will be shared, but more importantly, this will give ordinary bikers photo opportunities with a well-known personality in the biking community.  TV host and bike racer Love-Love Tioseco will be appearing in February.

Another key component of the program is a special presentation on the dangers of “Riding Under the Influence of Alcohol”.  Safe-T-Ryders will present educational materials about the very damaging effects of riding under the influence of alcohol, and the severe consequences resulting in serious injuries and even death.

Participants can also expect to take home some exciting raffle prizes and give-aways, courtesy of the Bikers Meet-Ups sponsors.

Clubs, individual riders, TODAs are welcome to join this event, which is free of charge.  The 1st Biker Meet-Up will be from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, 18 February 2012, at the Safe-T-Ryders Training Center at the Ortigas Home Depot complex along J. Vargas Avenue, Pasig City. Confirmed guests will be former LTO chief Alberto Suansing and celebrity rider Love-Love Tioseco.

Corporate sponsors who wish to support the riding safety advocacy are welcomed to pitch in and help in reaching out to as many riders as possible.

Safe-T-Ryders Motorcycle Training Center believes that a sound knowledge base as well as strong riding skills result in safer road users and enhance the enjoyment of motorcycle riders. It is established by Arnel Doria, who was formerly a marketing executive with a leading car brand, and was instrumental in setting up the country’s first integrated vehicle training center.  Safe-T-Ryders is manned by 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. 

For more information, please contact Arnel Doria (Tel No. 208-8035 // CP No. 0932-872-3389).  Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/safetryders) for event updates.

The Vision Petron national student art competition opened its exhibit at the ground floor of the Museum of the Filipino People of the National Museum last 17 January 2012. To run until April 2012, the three-month exhibit will include the winning artworks of students and related images by the judges of the photography category of the 2011 Vision Petron National Student Art Competition.

Themed Lakbay Pinoy: Journeys to Remember, Pathways to Rediscover, the exhibit is divided into three sub-themes that identify life journeys as expressed symbolically by roads, highways and byways. It can be a mountain path representing a journey to success, or a zigzag lane symbolizing seasons of change.  It can be a forest trail sparking childhood memories, or a nostalgic route conjuring reminiscences of student life.

Kapalaran (Destiny) relates to the hopes, dreams and aspirations of Filipinos.  Pathways may be hard—as depicted in Dale Erispe's Lakbaying Walang Katapusan, or rocky like Mark Benitez's Lakbay Aral—but with determination and faith, one can reach one's goals. Other examples are Success Begins Here by Alexis  Gapal; Gareta by Gim Sam Salak; and Joyride by Eden Joy Cruz.

Kaginhawaan (Lightness of Being) expresses the "emotional experience" encountered in a journey such as fun or lessons learned along the way. The happy faces in The Path of Life by Michael Froilan, and Kaya Mo, Kaya Ko, Kaya Natin by Esmeraldo Montero are part of this sub-theme. Other artworks included here are Sa Tamang Destinasyon by Dave Cruz; Yu-Pi, Yumapak sa Pinitak by Amadeo Cristobal; Living on a Prayer by Karl Albais; Juan Ride by Katleen Joy Gonzales; Pamanang Alaala by Meredith Gualberto; Byahero by John Mark Saycon; Promdi by Don Bryan Michael Bunag; Little Help for Mom by Lydel Buenconsejo; and Energy Saver by Reu Dawner Flores.

Katotohanan (Truth) features roads as venues for growth and progress. These roads reveal our character and the values we imbibe as we constantly traverse them everyday. Winning works exhibited here are San Juanico Bridge by Erick Salon; Ing Dalan Ning Visitas Iglesia Queng Palengqui Ning Apu by Neil Bryan Urbano; Dugtungan ng Lahi by Arnold Lalongisip; Ride Under the Rain by Kirk Gideon Buenconsejo; Blur by Mark Henrich Go; Shadows of the Past by Reu Dawner Flores; Pasada by Kiss Thrill John Demetita; Which Way by Mari Rose Angeline Lim; Trip to Happiness by Renz Marrione Bautista; and Lakbay Pinoy! Patungo sa Pag-Unlad by Emil Aldrine Alarcon.

Some of the country's leading photographers who served as Vision Petron judges have contributed two images each of their interpretations of the Lakbay Pinoy theme. The master photographers include Wig Tysman, George Tapan, Romy Vitug, Denise Weldon, Scott "Gutsy" Tuason, Edwin Tuyay, and Sonny Yabao. This interaction between masters and budding artists is a significant dialogue for them and the audience as well. By encouraging students to creatively discover their talents under a master's guidance, Vision Petron is inspired by the belief that free artistic expression is intrinsic to nation-building.

Vision Petron was a most eagerly awaited national student art contest and the Lakbay Pinoy contest theme garnered the biggest number of entries and number of school participation. As an adjunct to this banner year, Petron is sharing these winning works to a wider audience by holding the exhibit at the National Museum until April 2012.

With its coral cover assessed to be in alarmingly poor condition, proponents of the Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP) have undertaken coral reef restoration efforts as part of its coastal resources management program.

Through the initiative of the BBMP-Technical Working Group, reef rehabilitation activities consisting of the establishment of coral nurseries, transplantation of coral nubbins on degraded reefs, and deployment of reef domes, were launched in September 2010. Monitoring reports by the coastal and marine resources team headed by Mike Labatiao have reported encouraging results.

Earlier studies revealed that Boracay's live coral cover had seriously deteriorated to only about 15-20%. In 2009, the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation Inc. (CCEFI) reported that coral conditions on the western side consisted of about 23% live coral, while about 77% were non-living. A Xavier University assessment of the eastern side in 2010 recorded 42% live coral cover, while a 2011 study of the southern side by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) indicated an alarmingly low 9% live coral cover.

Through the initiative of the local government of Malay, Aklan, under the leadership of Mayor John P. Yap, and in close collaboration with Boracay Foundation Inc., Petron Foundation, San Miguel Corporation and other stakeholders, the Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP) focused on coastal resources management as one of its priority areas.

In particular, Petron partnered with Boracay Foundation Inc. to champion the reef rehabilitation program. In September 2010, a coral nursery using PVC nets was established near Crocodile Island.  Another coral nursery, made of biotech screens, was planted at the Balinghai snorkeling area in May 2011. Coral nubbins from the nurseries were then transplanted and attached to dead coral to encourage regrowth and eventually restore live coral cover.

Multi-functional reef domes were deployed about 100-meters from the Boracay shoreline. Aside from serving as nurseries for coral regrowth, they are also fish sanctuaries and help increase fish density. At the same time, they act as wave breakers during the typhoon season. Because of their utility, the BBMP-TWG is building more reef domes to be deployed along Boracay's main beach area.

With its previous experience in the United Nations Development Programme's Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) framework, Petron coordinated the local government initiatives of Mayor Yap to target seven priority areas under the BBMP.  These include coastal resources management, water and waste water management, solid waste management, watershed protection, hazard prevention, local governance, and information, education and communication. With a strong partnership among stakeholders under the leadership of the local government unit, other partner agencies who actively contribute to the BBMP include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local agencies, non-government organizations, youth groups, and the business sector.

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.