AT INQUIRER.net, finding out just how crazy our readers are about Kris Aquino with her Paris Hilton-ic appeal to Pinoys has somewhat become a game. We have long ago realized that even if you bury stories about her in the website, Pinoys will zero in on them like a homing beacon!
Even businessmen (shh they won’t often admit it) read “less serious” pages first too, before they thumb through the business section.
I asked a lot of people why. Their answers ranged from the need to get a break from “serious” stuff, to needing a decoder to understand the business section.
That made me smile. I remember a conversation I had with a wizened, grizzled but kindly taxi driver when I was covering the econ beat for another business paper years ago. He didn’t need a decoder to understand the annual price increases, he felt the impact in the size of the galunggong he brought home for dinner — but somehow just thumbing through the business pages seemed extremely stressful to him.
That’s what So What Chocnut? will try to do. Get you through the business pages and make sure you don’t miss out on the stories that are not just nice to know, but stories that you should understand so you could make the right decisions for your personal financial plan. Well, I hope you don’t mind if we throw in one or two business news that are just “nice to know” 
.
Early this week, Doris Dumlao reported about the government’s streamlining efforts. Think of the government as the country’s biggest corporation, employing the most number of people because it has more than 80 million customers (that’s you and me and everyone else in this country). Any streamlining will have a big impact on everyone. The DBM has been sitting on its blueprint for streamlining the bureaucracy for years and not even other economic agencies could take a peek. You could say this has created some tension.
Similarly, today’s story on Ayala Land’s joint venture with Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud (nicknamed by Time Magazine as the Arabian Warren Buffet – thanks for that info Mr. InvestingBearishMarket!) will have a big impact on employment and the economy, as well as lifestyle. That’s some kind of project (and stock) to watch out for.
If you’re particularly interested in the technology arena, read the article on PLDT’s P8-B budget for the next-generation network. I’m not a fan of PLDT because of its poor service, but it’s a big player that unfortunately cannot be ignored. If it’s spending this much on new technology, it will be worth watching if that kind of money is put to good use.
Two stories related to OFWs came out this week. “OFW remittances seen at $14.7B this year” and “OFWs might not take $1-B bond offer – Treasury.” I remember going to a small town that only had a dirt road but two good looking houses. Someone’s mom, aunt and daughter worked as a nurse abroad. Cash from OFWs is making the real estate industry look really hot and if you are following the economy, this is an important indicator to watch.
Keep reading more of the business section, but if you have tolerance for only five articles, at least don’t miss these stories. Till next week!
September 10th, 2007 at 1:22 am
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March 18th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
Hi Salve
I made it a point to visit the business section of most of newspapers on line, we are base in Saudi Arabia and we are at lost when it comes to investments. When sombody inquiresabout how to invest the explanations most of the time are complicated for simple OFW like us.And most of the explanation are not simple and not direct to the questions being ask. I hope you understand my point. Most of uas are not so familiar with equities funds and stock markets. Help and we need a simple advise and addressses to go to to make a simple investment.. Thanks Norma
March 13th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
hey dennis, way to go! you know, people like you just make me wonder why anyone can lose hope for this country. keep it up and let us know how you are doing with your investments. i don’t know if you agree with me, but sometimes just thinking about trying to manage money wisely creates more money. you are more conscious with your choices and with what you spend on. great to know you through this blog!
March 12th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
hi aneth! thanks for checking out the blog. Will be linking to Citibank’s articles too so that more people can benefit from them.
Alex, that is exactly what we hope for. When people are more capable of handling their finances, they can focus on the more meaningful part of life like family, friends, serving others. Isn’t that great?
March 12th, 2007 at 10:56 pm
Hi Rommel, thanks! I exist to amuse others hehe. Well, OK, I try to be a little informative too from time to time :). Watch this spot, more useful entries coming soon.