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Friday, April 27, 2018

DOE Reaches Out to Players, Consumers to Promote Smart Energy Use


Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy is reaching out to players in the energy industry and the consumers to aggressively promote energy efficiency.

“We endeavor to keep everyone abreast about the fast-evolving developments in the sector by highlighting governance and resiliency as important components of our policy directions on energy,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi explained.

The DOE’s Information, Education and Communication campaign for the Cordillera Region dubbed as “E-Power Mo” will be held in Baguio City on April 24, 2018 at the Hotel Supreme Convention Plaza with the theme: “Communicating Efficiency Across the Energy Sector.”

“As the theme suggests, we seek to explain the various DOE programs and projects to impart to the Filipino energy consumers the importance of spreading efficiency across all the sectors of economy,” Cusi said.

The conference seeks to address the specific energy efficiency strategies, regulations and programs of the DOE for each sector of the industry, including the downstream oil and natural gas sector, the upstream sector, the renewable energy sector, the power sector, the alternative fuels and energy efficiency sector and the consumer sector.

For the downstream oil and natural gas sectors, the discussions will include the development plans, the Philippine National Standards and the regulatory frameworks concerning the LPG and liquid fuels industry.

For the upstream sector, the conference will focus not only on efficiency strategies but also on programs, contracting processes and guidelines about conventional energy such as petroleum and coal.

Likewise, the presentations will revolve around efficiency in the Renewable Energy sector as part of empowering the electricity end-users to choose and manage their supply of electricity that impacts on their electricity bills.

The RE presentations will be aimed at discussing the policies and guidelines that will enable the end-users to render an informed decision on the kind of electricity supply and services that meet their choices and requirements.

Policies and guidelines on distribution and pricing mechanisms will also be taken up.

In addition, the conference will cite ways on how to improve the Alternative Fuels and Energy Efficiency sector, including the introduction of new and emerging technologies.

An avenue by which DOE reaches out to consumers is through its programs on Gender and Development.

Consumers will also learn more about the energy supply chain and the safety practices to guide them on the smart use of energy.

Key players in the energy sector, government officials, policy-makers, representatives from various economic sectors, the academe, the media and civil society organizations will participate in the E-Power Mo event.

The DOE E-Power Mo campaign is conducted in partnership with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

ONE Championship and Grab Team Up to Offer Exclusive Training and Backstage Experience with Angela Lee


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ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee to defend title against Mei Yamaguchi in rematch on 18 May


The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), is partnering with Grab Singapore ahead of ONE: UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS, set to take place on Friday, 18 May at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. In the main event, reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee of Singapore will defend her title in a rematch against Japanese martial arts veteran Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi.

As part of the partnership, ONE and Grab Singapore will be holding two local contests inviting all in Singapore including Grab passengers, drivers and merchants to pledge their support for Angela Lee for a chance to meet-and-greet the champion as well as to participate in an exclusive training session with her.

Leading the charge in supporting Angela Lee is Grab's CEO and Co-Founder, Anthony Tan. "Angela is truly a role model for all of us at Grab - the focus, determination, tenacity, and courage it takes to pick yourself up after a fall and face a formidable opponent, is something we can certainly resonate with and greatly respect. As she faces this epic battle ahead, we're excited to rally the nation behind her as she gears up to defend her title, and at the same time, delight our customers with more exciting and rewarding experiences via GrabRewards,” he said.

The two local contests are as follow:

How Far will You Go to Help Angela Win?
From 23 April to 6 May 2018, show your support for Angela by making a personal pledge on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #GrabForAngela. Tell us what you will do if Angela wins -- whether it’s dyeing your hair green or walking around Orchard Road in your pyjamas -- we want to hear all about it.

Angela will personally pick her three favourite pledges, and their contributors will get to meet her backstage on her big fight night against Mei Yamaguchi.

In addition, for every pledge created, Anthony Tan, will also be donating a dollar to a charity of Angela’s choice.

Exclusive Workout Session with Angela
If you prefer breaking a sweat, log on to GrabRewards between 23 April and 6 May 2018 to redeem the ONE Championship reward for 100 points, to win an exclusive training session with Angela Lee. The top three participants with the most number of redemptions will win a pair of passes for an exclusive workout session with Angela Lee, two VIP tickets to the ONE Championship battle and a pair of signed gloves. The next ten participants will win a pair of Gold tickets to the fight and a signed ONE Championship cap.




For more information on the two competitions, visit grb.to/ONE.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “ONE Championship has chosen to partner with Grab Singapore, one of the largest online-to-offline mobile platforms in Southeast Asia, ahead of ONE: UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS which will take place right here at home in Singapore. Headlining the event is Asia’s biggest martial arts star, ‘Unstoppable’ Angela Lee as she continues to embody the true warrior spirit of martial arts, returning to the ONE Championship cage this May to resume her incredible career. Mei Yamaguchi is ready to give her a tough challenge however, and the two have danced inside the cage once before. Fans will be treated to a rematch of epic proportions when Lee and Yamaguchi meet once again inside the ONE Championship cage.”

21-year-old “Unstoppable” Angela Lee of Singapore is considered one of ONE Championship’s most outstanding athletes. She captured the inaugural ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship with an awe-inspiring victory over Mei Yamaguchi in 2016, and has since then defended the title successfully on two occasions. Lee’s beautiful combination of elite striking and grappling has proven to be a potent formula for success, as she has remained unbeaten in her career. In the most recent bout of an impressive run, Lee dominated top contender Istela Nunes, showcasing her wide array of skills. She is widely-considered on a global scale to be one of the biggest names actively competing in the sport. She is set to defend her title next against Mei Yamaguchi in a rematch at ONE: UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS.

35-year-old Japanese martial arts veteran Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi is a female atomweight standout and a former ONE world title challenger from Tokyo. She is the DEEP Jewels Featherweight Champion, and owns seven submissions and two knockouts in her 28-bout professional career. In 2016, Yamaguchi challenged Angela Lee for the inaugural ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship in an epic showdown that would later win multiple ‘Bout of the Year’ honors from international media publications. In her last bout, Yamaguchi thoroughly defeated Gina Iniong of the Philippines to win impressively by unanimous decision after three rounds. Yamaguchi is now set to take on champion Angela Lee in a highly-anticipated rematch.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

DOTr – LTO Inaugurates Plate Making Plant for Production of own Vehicle Plates


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In order to address the backlog and ensure more efficient delivery of vehicle license plates, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Land Transportation Office (LTO), inaugurated its very own Plate Making Plant on 24 April 2018 at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City
 
The Plate Making Plant will enable the LTO to manufacture vehicle plates in a manner that is fast and efficient. 
 
The plant’s inauguration will coincide with the LTO’s 106th Founding Anniversary.
 
“The LTO had a lot on its plate when we took over. There was a huge backlog in license cards, while the court stopped the distribution of plates. Isa-isa nating sinolusyunan ‘yan. Ngayon, may lisensya na at five years pa ang validity. Ngayon, hindi lang basta na-distribute ang mga plaka. Gagawa pa tayo ng sariling plaka,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.
 
DOTr and LTO will be inaugurating seven Manual Embossing Machines, which at full production, can produce up to 22,000 plates per day. These machines are already calibrated and operational, with one (1) Automated Embossing Machine arriving in July, and will be operational by August 2018.
 
Earlier this month, Secretary Tugade, along with LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra and other road sector officials of the DOTr, inspected the plate making machines, which were delivered last 26 February 2018. 

The plate-making machines were part of the contract of Trojan Computer Forms Manufacturing Corporation and JH. Tonnjes E.A.S.T. GmbH Joint Venture, who won the contract for the procurement of motor vehicle and motorcycle license plates to address the backlog from July 2016 onwards.

Petron Partners with Marvel Studios’ Avengers Infinity War


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In partnership with Marvel Studios’ Avengers Infinity War,  market leader Petron Corporation is offering avid collectors the opportunity to start another collection with their Avengers Infinity War Desk Collectibles. Made from high-quality die-cast metal, these collectibles are also highly functional and very affordable.

There are six items included in the Desk Collectibles set: (1) an Iron Man lamp, (2) a Black Widow USB hub, (3) a Hulk mini organizer, (4) a Thor multi-charger, (5) a Doctor Strange glowing memo, and (6) a Captain America phone holder.

Premium die-cast action toys usually command a high price online or at mall specialty shops. At participating Petron stations, from April 15 to May 15, 2018, every Php 500 single or accumulated purchase of Petron Blaze 100, Petron XCS, Petron Xtra Advance, Petron Turbo Diesel, Petron Diesel Max, Petron Blaze Racing, Petron HTP, Petron Rev X, or Petron Sprint 4T entitles the customer to buy one Marvel Studios’ Avengers Infinity War Desk Collectible for only Php 450. Every Php 500-worth of fuel or engine oil purchase corresponds to one desk collectible redemption at Php 450.

Eligible customers may present the receipt to the pump attendant to avail of the promo. Once the receipt has been “redeemed” for the promo, any excess amount on the receipt will be void and cannot be used for another redemption.

Desk Collectibles can only be bought from the participating Petron station where the customer loaded fuel or bought engine oil. The promotion is valid for cash and credit transactions; bulk purchase orders and wholesale transactions are also qualified to participate in the promo. Only receipts from the promo period—April 15 to May 15, 2018—are eligible for redemption, which is will be allowed until 60 days from the end of the promo period. For the list of participating Petron stations, visit www.petron.com.

Marvel Studios’ Avengers Infinity War opens in Philippine theaters on April 25, 2018.

Alex Silva Eyes Encore Performance in Rematch Against Japanese Rival


Wazzup Pilipinas!
After fireworks erupted at the state-of-the-art SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines nearly a week ago, ONE Championship shifts focus immediately to its next blockbuster event in Jakarta, Indonesia on 12 May.
Taking place at the Jakarta Convention Center, ONE: GRIT AND GLORY features a highly-anticipated strawweight championship rematch between newly-minted division kingpin Alex Silva and Yoshitaka Naito as its headliner.
Both men initially crossed paths this past December when Silva shocked the world by dethroning Naito for the ONE Strawweight World Championship by unanimous decision.
“I was very emotional and excited. I talked to my cornermen after every round, and they said I was doing okay and doing good, so I was pretty confident I would be the winner. I was very emotional and happy by the time they announced my name as the winner,” Silva recalled.
Silva wrapped the coveted gold-plated strap around his waist following a dominant striking performance, unveiling a new dimension to his evolving skillset by putting together dynamic combinations.
Figuring in an offensive clinic against his Japanese counterpart, Silva overwhelmed Naito from the beginning of the bout, peppering his opponent with lashing leg kicks and rocking right hands.
Although Silva had the upper hand in the first three rounds of the championship clash, he had to overcome a spirited performance from Naito, who did his best effort to wear down the Brazilian challenger in the last two periods of the contest.
Relying on his exquisite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background, Silva managed to defend Naito’s grappling advances to walk out of the Impact Arena with the unanimous decision victory and the prestigious ONE Strawweight World Championship in his possession.
“I am very happy about my performance because people usually see me as a grappling guy. I know my skills, and I know I can strike. Because I was competing in Thailand, I wanted to put on a good show for people, so I came up with this plan to strike with him,” Silva bared.
“I was having fun with my striking. I would just keep all the rounds striking. I wanted to show I could strike. I think it is going to be good for my future. I want people to see I am more than just a grappler. I want people to see I am a complete martial artist,” he added.
The 35-year-old submission specialist from Brazil seeks to accomplish an encore performance against Naito, who has been handed a golden opportunity to win back the title he once called his and against the only man to ever defeat him.
“He was the champion for a good reason. He is tough as nails. Giving up is not his style. But with all due respect, I am determined to keep my belt. I am confident of my skills. My martial arts, my grappling, my conditioning – all of that makes me confident,” Silva stated.
Silva respects his opponent’s skillset and is quick to offer that Natio’s ground game remains as his best attribute.
“I can’t be complacent against Yoshitaka Naito. He has a great ground game. Plus, he has a big heart. Even I if I won the first encounter, this match on May 12th is going to be a tough one,” he explained.”
As he expects another tough encounter with Naito at ONE: GRIT AND GLORY, Silva seeks to take his championship stature to the next level.
“I do not want to just be the world champion. I want to be the best ever in this division. I work hard, I have the discipline, and I have everything on my side to do it. I have a good team around me, I have the dedication, I have the skills, and I am hungry. So that is my new goal, to become the best athlete to ever compete in this division,” he ended.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Etihad Launches Loungewear Collection at the Iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi


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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways leveraged its sponsorships of global fashion weeks and its Platinum Partner status of Louvre Abu Dhabi to launch a new Emirati designed loungewear collection at an exclusive reception held at the iconic cultural institution. The stylish new line by Emirati brand A Friend of Mine by Xpoze will be offered to the airline’s guests on all First Class flights, and also to those staying in The Residence on board the Airbus A380 fleet.

The ‘Night at the Museum’ event was jointly hosted by Etihad Airways and influential fashion luminary Lauren Santo Domingo, co-founder of online luxury fashion retailer, Moda Operandi, and attended by leading figures from the world of fashion including models Halima Aden and Eric Rutherford, as well as global fashion and lifestyle media.

The loungewear collection was designed by A Friend of Mine by Xpoze following an extensive brief from the airline, which was seeking innovative and striking designs for inflight apparel which would be comfortable, functional, and would follow the same attention to detail and design principles held by Etihad Airways. Importantly, the creations would have to be high-quality, wearable onboard for relaxing and sleeping, yet be simple and stylish enough to be worn outdoors or matched with other items of clothing.

Linda Celestino, Etihad Airways Vice President Guest Experience and Delivery, said: “We are thrilled to be launching the new Etihad loungewear collection here at Louvre Abu Dhabi. This is after all an Abu Dhabi story. What the ladies at a Friend of Mine have managed to deliver is a testament to the tremendous talent and creativity which has become synonymous with our home city.

“In today’s throw-away culture, it has never been more important for us to challenge the norms and to create clothing which can be enjoyed inflight, yet be strong and trendy enough to be kept and worn again as a bespoke item, whether relaxing at home or out with friends. By doing so we also present our guests with a long-lasting and valuable memento of their experience with us. This is something uniquely Etihad and reinforces our position as the airline of innovation and choice.”

The new loungewear is inspired by the simplicity, clean lines and timeless elegance of traditional Emirati dress, cleverly combined with current global trends to create an aesthetic unique to Etihad. Simple, earthy colours have been used to ensure that the pieces in the collection complement all skin tones, and can be easily matched with other items of clothing for everyday wear. Made of anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic Modal, the loungewear is free of unnecessary stitching and embellishments and is crease-resistant and breathable.

A Friend of Mine by Xpoze was founded by Rawdha Al Shaffar, Buthaina Al Marri and Fatma Al Muddhareb. In November 2017, the young Emirati brand was announced as the winner of a major competition launched by Etihad Airways in partnership with leading UAE fashion magazine Zahrat Al Khaleej to identify the best local talent to create the new designs. The competition drew almost 71,000 votes via the publication’s social media channels.

The launch of the loungewear coincides with the debut of Moda Operandi’s Ramadan collection. Both Etihad Airways and Moda Operandi share a commitment to fashion’s expansion in the Middle East through the support of local designers. Moda Operandi is currently exploring e-commerce opportunities with young Emirati brands, offering them access to its global luxury retail platform.

This is the second time Etihad Airways has collaborated with Moda Operandi. In February 2017, the airline co-hosted a star-studded dinner with Lauren Santo Domingo at New York Fashion Week: The Shows to mark the launch of ‘Runway to Runway’, its unique rewards program specially designed to support the fashion community’s international travel requirements.

3 Awesome Awesome Reasons Why Your Why Kids Should Join a Vacation Bible School This Summer


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Summer i’s hereout and this is the perfect time for kids to enjoy, relax and have fun after a busy school year!

Aside from beach getaways and outdoor activities with the family, summer is also a time for kids to meet new friends, try new things and improve their skills by enrolling in summer workshops, and (yes!) to know more about God!

Around this time, Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) for kids are being held in local churches near you. VBS are usually held for 5-7 days and are filled with fun Bible games and activities, and with lots of singing and dancing! What’s more? Enrollment is usually free of charge!


Here are 3 awesome reasons why you should send your kids to VBS this year:

Your kids will learn while having fun.
VBS is a perfect place for kids to understand learn important Bible lessons that will help build their character as they grow up.

Your kids will learn how to relate to with others and build friendships.
VBS also gives an opportunity for your kids to meet new friends!As th ey interact with each other and , gain “new experiences” and go through games and activities as a team, VBS kids will “provide fertile ground for bonding,” with their peers.

Learn how to value each other and work well with one another.
This is a skill that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

They’ll grow.
Your kids will grow in their relationship with and knowledge of God. Teaching kids the ways of God and about God’s Word and sharing with them the love of God. Letting them know how much He loves them is the most precious learning that they can get in a VBS. It is a precious gift that you can give.

With the songs and materials lessons that are call centered on God and the goodness of God, the kids will have the at opportunity during VBS to really know who the Lord is in a very personal level way—as young as they are.

Discovering these through VBS classes are packed with  exciting and creative activities and games that makes learning fun and even more interesting and memorable.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” (NLT)

Now, who wouldn’t love to be a part of that?

So if you are a parent, consider sending your kids to a Vacation Bible School near your place! Ask your local church.

If however, if you are church admin, church pastor or leader who thinks of organizing a VBS in your local church, give it a go using Superbook’s the Superbook KampEON VBS kit!

The kit contains a Director’s Guide, a Teacher’s Guide, music videos, printables and 5 Superbook episodes on DVD!

To avail Superbook ’s KampEON VBS Kit, just go to the nearest Philippine Bible Society (PBS) branch near you. You may also call  or call 663-4700 loc 410 or 440 for more details!

Those who will purchase before April 30 will get 2 Superbook Coloring books for free!

For more details, please visit Batang Superbook or Cconnect with us through Superbook’s Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Pinterest, and Twitter pages to keep updated with the latest Superbook VBS updates!.

Hurry and Avail TravelBook.ph’s B1G1 (Buy 1 Get 1) Promo


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This summer season, TravelBook.ph, one of the country’s leading online travel agencies, lets you experience the best in fitness and leisure.

More than being the cheapest online reservations portal for hotel accommodations, TravelBook.ph has its tours and activities platform ranging from theme parks and museums, outdoor activities, tours and sightseeing to beauty and wellness, sports and recreation, and restaurants and dining.

For a limited time only, TravelBook.ph offers the following buy one, get one promos:


Climb Central (Buy 1 Get 1, Central Adult Day Pass for Php 560 only)

Inclusions:
Adult day pass to Climb Central for two (2) pax
Equipment set for 2

Location: The Portal, Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City

Booking Period: April 25 to 30, 2018

Redemption Period: Three (3) months after booking date



Beyond Yoga (Buy 1 Get 1, 2 Weeks Unlimited Pass for Php 2,000)

Inclusions:
2 weeks unlimited access to all classes for 2 pax
Free use of yoga mats for non-heated yoga classes and anti-gravity classes
Free use of hammocks for anti-gravity yoga classes
Free use of lockers
Free use of shower facilities

Location: Quezon City, Serendra, Rockwell, Alabang, and Greenhills

Booking Period: April 25, to 30, 2018

Redemption Period: 3 months after booking date



Inflatable Island (Buy 1 Get 1, Inflatable Island Spray Pass for Php 1,400 only)

Inclusions:
Four (4) hours non-exclusive access to Inflatable and Unicorn Islands good for 2 pax
Whole day entry to Samba Beach
Access to the Floating Zoo
Exclusive access to Bali-inspired lounge
Free parking on a first come, first served basis

Location: Samba Bluewater Resort, Subic Bay Waters, National Highway, Lower Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Zambales

Booking Period: April 25 to 30, 2018

Redemption Period: 4 months after booking date

To avail these promos, just download TravelBook.ph’s mobile app (available in iOS and Android) or visit www.travelbook.ph/tours.

Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s “Moral" Gets European Premiere in Udine Film Fest


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Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is bringing two restored classics, Ishmael Bernal's “Himala” and Marilou Diaz Abaya’s “Moral”, to be showcased in the special restored classics featured of the Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy this April 26-27, 2018. This is in celebration of the Philippines as the Country of Focus this year’s Festival and the One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema.

The FDCP is leading the Philippine delegation this year which will also feature “Si Chedeng at Si Apple,” “Smaller and Smaller Circles” and “Ang Larawan" in competition whose filmmakers were also supported through the Agency's Internationa Film Festival Assistance Program (IFFAP). 

Furthermore, in celebration of the One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema, the Festival will also feature Sandaan: Philippine Cinema Centennial Talks. Speakers include Mr. Ed Lajano, Festival Director of QCinema, Bianca Balbuena, CEO of EpicMedia, renowned actress Elizabeth Oropesa for Filipino Popular Cinema to be moderated by Mr. Max Tessier on April 26.


Film Historian and documentarist Mr. Nick Deocampo will also host a panel entitled Discovering the Past: Asian Film History - Filipino Cinema during WWII, to be introduced by Mr. Roger Garcia, Festival Director of Hong Kong International Film Festival on April 27.

“I am pleased to say that The Sandaan: Philippine Centennial Talks is our way of sharing our history and our way of filmmaking to the world as we celebrate this important milestone ,” said Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

“Through FDCP’s IFFAP, we were able to bridge Filipino filmmakers in International Film Festivals. These are a few of the opportunities that we are proud that we were able to provide to level the playing field when it comes to the Global Arena, because these films can actually deliver and can compete head on given the proper support from the government,” she added.

The Far East Film Festival runs from April 20 to 29, 2018.

Advance Commission Shows the Way to Run Real Estate Business Without Depending on Loans


Wazzup Pilipinas!

The methods of business financing are not only different, but some can also be very special and applicable only to a specific industry category. Loans and lines of credit are the traditional methods of providing money to business, whether during startup or for sustaining it on an ongoing basis. The majority of business categories enjoy the financing facility that is most widely practiced.

Business is always unpredictable, and the uncertainty affects liquidity or cash flow. Since business scenarios keep changing very fast and many extraneous factors affect cash flow, the strains become unavoidable.

There will be situations when you experience big gaps in the supply of money and would need an immediate infusion of cash to steady the boat. No matter how well you budget or forecast the requirement for money, it becomes almost inevitable to seek funds, and you must stay prepared. The easiest way is to use the lines of credit and or loans for tiding over the crisis.  Some would even cash out the sale bills for goods before the term of payment matures by way of selling to some companies or banks for a discount so that they can access quick money.  Therefore, even if they face cash crisis, they have some ready solution to it.


The exceptional business category

The financial models for pumping cash into business as explained above does not include all kinds of business but excludes some types especially those related to the service industry. The real estate brokers offer services only and belong to this category. No financial institution or bank is willing to provide finance to real estate brokers who are professionals engaged in running their own business. Since the financial requirements of brokers are no different from any other business, they are unable to avail the traditional methods of business financing. This puts them into serious problems as they find it very difficult to cope with cash crisis that crops up now and then.

The real estate business is high risk in the eyes of the financiers because of the extreme volatility of the market and uncertainty of earning by brokers.  Since any lender would like to work with the least risk exposure, the real estate industry does not fit the bill.

The payment cycle for brokers is to blame
Real estate brokers suffer from irregular earning for two reasons. The volatility of the market does not allow steady business to happen. Some months may experience high transactions while some other months may run completely dry.  Brokers have to spread out their earnings throughout the year taking into account the lean periods that they have to face. However, the problem is that the delay in cash available from the earning puts brokers in a tight spot. The delay happens because brokers earn from commissions only and have to wait for a few months before the money reach their banks. Signing the agreement confirms the earning, but the disbursal of funds takes place only after deal completion. The delay in availability of funds puts stress on the cash flow, and it becomes difficult to sustain the business.


Speeding up payment

On analyzing the problem, you would find that the only way that brokers could find relief is to ensure the money from their earning reach them speedily. Also, if they can market aggressively, they could maintain steady earning that would put an end to their financial woes. Some financial companies interested in funding real estate brokers have created a special arrangement for payment known as commission advance that ensures speedy cash availability from assured commissions.


The process explained

 In this method, the broker has to submit the documents to the financial company to prove that they have earned a legitimate commission but waiting for payment. The company would pay a major portion of the commission to the broker after deducting some fees for the service, and the broker would receive the cash almost immediately. In the process, the delay in receiving payment, which was the cause of the problem, vanishes and brokers are happy to enjoy their earning that gives them an opportunity to use their own money for the business.  The arrangement paves the way for easing the financial difficulties of brokers who are unable to avail the traditional financial support that other businesses enjoy.

By looking at the arrangement, you would find striking similarities with the method of bill discounting in which the sale invoice is sold to some financier for payment.  In bill discounting, the finance company receives the payment according to the credit terms of the seller and for brokers; they get about a month’s time to pay back the advance they receive from the financial company.
That the scheme focuses on advance payment and not loan with high interest makes a difference to brokers.
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