Anvil Participates in the Joint Meeting of Business Councils

The current Taiwanese government’s Southbound policy greatly coincides and matches with the current Philippine government’s foreign policy of friendlier and closer economic cooperation with its Asian neighbours.

Last October 28, 2016, Anvil Business Club participated in the 23rd Joint Meeting of the Chinese-Philippine Business Council (CPBC) and the Philippine-Chinese Business Council (PCBC) in Taipei, Taiwan. The joint meeting included the participation of various business organisations namely: Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA), Makati Business Club (MBC), Taiwan Economic Cultural Office (TECO), Chinese Filipino Business Club (CFBC), New Taipei City Industrial Association, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Taiwan Chamber of Commerce & Industry in the Philippines, Inc.

The meeting was the climax of the four day event which featured visits and plenary sessions on renewable energy, E-commerce and new energy technology. Leading the way was CPBC and CIECA Chairman, Clement Yang, Ambassador Dr. Gary Song-Huannn Lin, Philippines’ Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, PCBC Chairman George Siy and PCCI President George Barcelon. The momentous event was aimed at promoting more active economic cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines. Numerous companies from both countries arrived and attended the event, mostly from the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector.

Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s push to pivot to south was aimed at expanding its investment opportunities to its Asian neighbours. Visa application to several ASEAN countries has been simplified, requirements and fees have been waived, encouraging more tourists to explore Taiwan. The trade ministry of Taiwan has encouraged trade associations to actively organise joint meetings with its ASEAN neighbours particularly the Philippines.

Taiwan’s E Commerce and Energy Technology

Taiwan’s strength lies in its advancement in technology in information, agriculture and renewable energy particularly for the SME sector. The plenary sessions featured extensive discussions on the development of E-commerce, new energy saving technology adopted by Sharp Solar Solution, technology sophistication in agriculture and fishery by Grobest Group.

The Philippines as Investment Destination

The Philippines on the other hand, led by DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and PCCI President George Barcelon, showcased why investors should consider the Philippines. With an average GDP growth of 5.5 to 6.6% for the past 8 years, the rising tiger in Southeast Asia is just about to enter its golden age of infrastructure development. The Duterte administration is firmly resolved in restoring peace and order in the country, increase spending on infrastructures and streamline the cost and process of doing business in the country.

Infrastructure, Tourism and Investment Incentives

The Duterte government is set on increasing the budget for infrastructure spending from 5% to 7% of GDP or about 7 trillion for the next 6 years. Railroads, bridges, airport upgrades and major roads will be developed all over the country that will alleviate the worsening traffic situation and speed up transport of goods and services. The implementation and completion of the projects will encourage tourism development nationwide.

Aside from the focus on eradicating criminality and developing infrastructure, the government has taken bold steps in improving investment climate by reducing corporate income tax and streamlining bureaucracy in business processing for investors. The Philippines can become a solid alternative for industrial locators.

The joint meeting of business councils from both nations provided opportunities for SMEs of both nations to consider expanding trade relations and business partnership with companies in their neighbouring country.

ANVIL EXTENDS A HELPING HAND TO TYPHOON LAWIN VICTIMS

The Anvil Business Club, represented by its officers, turned over cash donation to the Cagayan Valley government for the immediate rehabilitation of Cagayan which was badly hit by Super Typhoon Lawin (International Name: Typhoon Haima). The typhoon caused massive disruption of electricity and more than one billion pesos damage in agriculture. The Club's donation was formally received by Ms. Mabel Mamba on behalf of his husband, Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba. Special thanks to the Socio-civic Director Henry Kho for spearheading the project, Honorary Chairman Reginald Yu who helped intermediate with the Cagayan government and the members who generously donated to the noble cause.

Market Your Business Like a Pro: Lessons from the Philippines’ Top Marketing Gurus

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It was an exciting evening of learning as more than 100 of Anvil’s members and their guests poured into the Astoria Plaza’s Hampton Room to listen to husband and wife duo, Josiah and Chiqui Go, discuss various topics on marketing. Chiqui, author and co-author of 5 books herself and President of the Women’s Business Council of the Philippines, opened the floor for her husband. She presented marketing as the execution of strategy: it is what is put into motion when the gears of value proposition, profit proposition, value chain, and resources and processes are turned. She also offered a framework for execution which dissects a company into 5 parts: structure, system, people, rewards, and leadership. She emphasized the role of HR as the “chief execution officer” when delivering value in terms of coordination, competencies, and commitment. Josiah, the Philippines’ most awarded business educator and sought-after speaker in the areas of marketing and strategy, took the floor. Josiah offered some valuable insights to our members on how to navigate the competitive marketplace:
- Focus on brand relevance before brand differentiation. Brand relevance can be achieved by ensuring that you are satisfying the pain points of existing customers and, more importantly, knowing the pain points of your non-customers.
- Do not think about marketing. Think about value proposition instead: what does your product mean to your consumer?
- Even if you lack the budget, you need to invest in two things: a very compelling value proposition and a very creative campaign. On the latter, you must remember that if the bullet does not kill, save it instead!
- Follow the Logic of Strategy or finding ways to do things differently instead of the Logic of Industry in order to stand out in the marketplace when everyone else is killing each other.
- Once you have a very compelling value proposition, you just need to communicate it. You cannot sell if you do not have awareness.

We are said to be in the Knowledge Age where knowledge and ideas are the main sources of our economic growth; being able to apply knowledge is said to be at the crux of success. This night was indeed an opportunity for Anvil members to obtain that knowledge and be able to apply it to their respective industries and companies. Thank you Josiah and Chiqui for making us all the richer for imparting your wisdom in marketing and business!

Cheers to Becoming Better Speakers and Business Leaders!

Following the success of the first chapter of Anvil’s Espress Me series last May 19 and the clamor for a second chapter came ESPRESS ME 2, an event that was all about learning public speaking secrets in making the right impression to business partners, investors, clients and friends. Tucked away in Paseo De Roxas, the beautiful Accelera8 Coworking space, with its minimalist wooden interiors, set a warm, inviting atmosphere for Anvil members and the distinguished guests, Ortigas Center Toastmasters Club members. To the delight of caffeine junkies and non-coffee enthusiasts alike, delectable cocktails and single origin coffee from Kuppa Roastery & Café were served as energy boosters. It was a propitious evening for the members of both clubs as everyone got pumped up for a night of learning, networking, and fun. The lively chatter died down as veteran Toastmaster trainor Wilson T. Lee walked out onto the stage. Having founded two local toastmasters clubs with over 15 years of public speaking experience, his very presence demanded attention. The past Toastmaster District Governor, who represented the Philippines in international Toastmaster engagements, shared how critical effective communication and good leadership are in business. These can be achieved by cultivating the 5 qualities every Rockstar has—that is, a leader who inspires such that people go out of their way to follow him: Credibility, Expertise, Concern, Passion, and Vision. The keynote speaker then encouraged the crowd to commit to improve and to conquer their fear of public speaking as the professional and personal rewards of becoming a better speaker are tremendous. Members of the Ortigas Center Toastmasters Club then took on the stage to demonstrate what happens during Toastmasters meetings. Anvil member and the evening’s lovely host, Katherine Chua, acted as the Toastmaster of the Evening and introduced the Technical Teams (Ah-Counter, Grammarian, and Timer) who were tasked to evaluate the speakers for the night. First up was the ever-charming Director of Membership, Lorina Tan, who delivered her “Notes to My 18-Year-Old Self” with much style and finesse. A naturally excellent speaker, Lorina captivated the entire room as she spoke about her insightful personal journey so far, marked by her love for coffee, relatable boy stresses, and career goals and aspirations. Dynamic new member Paul Erik Tiu inspired the audience with his version of the famed Shakespearean soliloquy, “To Be Or Not To Be.” Chronicling his winding career path, Paul shared anecdotes of his dreams as a kid, his constantly changing interests as a teen, and the opportunities and difficulties he encountered as he graduated onto the real world. Now with four businesses in his hands, Paul motivated both Anvil and Toastmasters members to always rise above life’s challenges. Last but not the least, Anvil’s resident branding expert Lexter Ang brought the house down with a demonstration speech on “Mapping Out Your Talk.” He orated with utmost clarity and confidence his practical, ingenious tips on mastering the art of good conversation in different social groups and settings. Complete with a masterfully done presentation that emphasized always having an objective in mind and profiling the person you are talking to, Lexter left the audience better equipped in navigating through any conversation with anyone. Many Anvil audience members also had the opportunity to speak on stage during the exciting Table Topics session. Members were invited to give short, impromptu speeches to thought-provoking questions such as, “If you could add a new face on Mount Rushmore, who would it be?” and “If you were given the chance to name 7 man-made attractions as the 7 Wonders of the World, which would they be?” It was definitely a treat for the members to be able showcase their lightning-quick thinking skills and public speaking prowess. Kudos to the Anvil Espress Me Team for once again putting together a successful demo-and-workshop event! For anyone interested to join the Anvil Toastmasters Group, hats off to you for having the courage to improve! Simply contact Dir. Lorina Tan to get signed up. Project Chair Katherine Rose Chua, Event Director JR Co, Creatives Lexter Ang, Logistics Harvey Co and Paul Tiu, Photographers Mike Sia and Ryan Yuquico, Documentation/PR Hillary Ang, Consultants Lorina Tan, Sherwin Diu and Lexter Ang