Author: teambam

NBA Finals 2015 Lis7ahan Special Edition

 

 

NBA Finals na! May pambatong team ka na ba? Kung wala pa, ito ang ilan sa mga tingin namin sagot kung bakit mag-cha-champion ang… 

 

By ListAvengers

 

Cleveland Cavaliers

1. Mayroon silang “King.” – Haters gonna hate pero si Lebron James lang naman ang pinakamagaling na basketball player sa mundo ngayon! Ang 4-time MVP na pride ng Cleveland ay 25.3 points per game ang average at 7.4 assists. Siguradong matatakot ang sinumang babangga!

LebronJames

2. Finals? Been there done that! – Kung championship experience lang ang pag-uusapan, lamang ang Cavs dyan. Mayroong mga players ng Cleveland ang nakatuntong na sa NBA finals. May papalag ba sa kasabihang “Experience is the best teacher?”

Cleveland Cavaliers

3. Powerful ang #Hugot. – Hindi lang kay King James makaka-asa ang Cleveland, pati sa kanilang mga role players. Anumang oras humugot si Coach Blatt ng manlalaro, siguradong masisiyahan ang ating mga puso.

cavaliers_bench

4. Sabik Dahil Nagbalik. – Umaasa ang Cleveland na ang tinaguriang “prodigal son” ay dadalhin sila sa Promised Land. Kinaya ni Lebron James na bigyan ng kampeonato ang Miami noon kaya ng magbalik siya sa Cavs, sila naman ang sabik na manalo ngayon.

lebronjamesbacktocavalier

5. Na-Slash ang Splash Brothers – Malakas ang ugong na hindi makakalaro si Thompson sa Game 1 ng Finals dahil sa concussion nang ma-tuhod ni Rockets forward Trevor Ariza sa Game 5 ng Western Conference Finals. Mahigpit pa naman ang rules ng NBA, hindi pwedeng ipilit kung hindi pa fit.

klaythompson

6. David Blatt is DB (Destined for Better). – Bago pumasok sa NBA si Blatt, nagchampion ang kanyang mga team sa Europa. Sa una ay inofferan sya bilang assistant coach ng Golden State pero mukhang mas tinadhana sya sa mas magandang pagkakataong magchampion. Napili syang maging head coach ng Cleveland at sa unang sabak pa lang sa NBA, tinawid lang naman niya ang road to finals na parang walang hirap.

davidblatt

7. Gutom sa Panalo.– Hindi pa nakakatikim ng kampeonato EVER ang Cavs sa NBA kaya di lang sila gutom, they are starving for the win. Tandaan, walang sinasanto ang taong gutom.

CavalierTeam

Golden State Warriors

1. Nasa kanila ang present “MVP”. – Paniguradong si Steph Curry ang magdadala ng laro ng Golden State Warriors sa Finals. Ang average niya ay 23.8 points, 7.7 assists at 4.3 rebound per game. Kailangan lang ng dobleng ingat sa pagiging agresibo, baka maulit ang pagkahulog.

Stephen Curry

2. Sagana sa 3 point area. – Ngayong season, tumataginting na 38 percent ang accuracy ng Golden State sa pagdating sa three-point shot. Ito ang magiging mabisa nilang sandata nila laban sa Cavaliers. Malapit, malayo, kapag tinira ang bola, madalas asintado talaga.

klaythompson_3points

3. Di nagwawagi ang nang-iiwan – Naalala nyo pa ba ang “The Decision” ni James noong 2010? Iniwan nya ang Cavs para sumama sa powerhouse squad na Miami Heat. Sariwa pa rin ito sa karamihan ng LeBron haters kaya dasal nila na hindi magkampeon si James sa Cavs.

lebronjames_miami

4. Green Defense. – Mabisa ring sandata ng Warriors ang power forward na si Draymond Green, na napasama sa All-Defense first team ng NBA ngayong taon. Muntik pa siyang tanghalin na Defensive Player of the Year. Alalahanin natin na di lang nakakasalalay sa puntos ang panalo, sa galing ng depensa rin.

Draymond Green

5. Walang “Love” sa Cavs – Malaking kawalan ang 16.5 pts at 9.7 rebounds per game ni Kevin Love para sa Cleveland dahil sa injury. Malamang ay sasamantalahin ng Warriors ang sitwasyong ito.


 kevinlove

6. Less “Boos,” More “Boost.” – Tinapos ng Golden State ang regular season na may league-best 67-15 record para makuha ang top seed at homecourt advantage sa kabuuan ng playoffs. Dahil sa homecourt sila maglalaro, paniguradong mabo-boost ang confidence nila at mahihiya ang sinuman sa audience na sisigaw ng “Boo” tuwing makakapuntos.

goldenstate

7. Ring? NoWADE! – Hindi pa nakakakuha ng championship ring si LeBron nang hindi kasama si Dwayne Wade. Maaaring may bagong backcourt partner na si James ngayon, si Kyrie Irving, pero iba pa rin ang James-Wade tandem.

 jamesdwaynetandem

 

 

Kung mayroon kayong naiisip na lis7ahan at nais maging miyembro ng Listavengers, mag-e-mail sa team.bamaquino@senado.ph!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEGOSYO, NOW NA!: Bukas na isip

Mga Kanegosyo, sa pagdating ng Hunyo, patapos na tayo sa unang kalahati ng taon. Kumusta na ang ating pinapatakbong negosyo? Sana’y nakatutulong kami sa pagpapalago ng inyong pangkabuhayan sa mga kuwento at tips na tinatalakay natin sa kolum na ito.

Ngayong linggo, pag-usapan natin ang kahalagahan ng isang bukas na isip sa mga pagbabagong nangyayari sa ating mundo sa kasalukuyan.

Mga Kanegosyo, kung sarado ang ating isipan sa mga bago at sariwang ideya, sistema at mga bagay-bagay, tiyak na mapag-iiwanan tayo sa mabilis na takbo ng buhay.

Sa pagnenegosyo, kapag sarado ang ating isip sa mga suhestiyon, bagong ideya o ‘di kaya’y modernong sistema, tiyak na kakain tayo ng alikabok sa mga kakumpitensya sa merkado.

Hindi lang basta nagmamasid sa merkado tayong mga negosyante; naghahanap din tayo ng makabagong ideya upang mapaganda ang negosyo sa pamamagitan ng pagbabasa at pananaliksik.

Maituturing na bukas ang isip ng isang negosyante kung handa tayong tumanggap ng panukala, komento at mga tanong sa produkto at serbisyo natin.

Magandang kumuha ng mga bagong ideya sa kapalirigan, sa ating mga tauhan, pamilya, mga kaibigan, ang ating mga suki at maging ang mga kakumpitensya.

Makakakuha rin ng mga bagong ideya mula sa mga aklat, magazine, video, newsletter, seminar at sa Internet.

***

Kapag galing sa isang bigong pag-ibig, ang iba sa atin ay bumibiyahe sa malalayong lugar upang doon magpalipas ng sama ng loob, makapag-isip-isip at makapagpahinga.

Ganito ang pinagdaanan ni Cathy Brillantes-Turvill. Galing siya sa bigong pag-ibig at naghanap ng paglilibangan para malayo ang isip sa pait na nararamdaman.

Upang makalimot, naging madalas ang pagpunta niya sa isang kumbento sa Tagaytay upang doon magdasal at magmuni-muni.

Sa madalas niyang pagbalik-balik sa Tagaytay, napansin niya na walang spa sa nasabing lugar na makatutulong sa kanyang makapagpahinga.

Nagkataong nakilala ni Cathy ang isang British chemist na si Dr. Mike Turvill, na supplier ng essential oils sa mga spa sa five-star hotel sa Metro Manila.

Nabanggit niya ang ideya kay Mike, na siya namang kumumbinsi sa kanya na ituloy ang pangarap na negosyo, na ngayo’y kilala bilang Nurture Spa.

Sinimulan niya ang bagong negosyo, na mayroon lang dalawang kuwarto. Nang tumagal, lumaki ang spa, na ngayo’y mayroon ng anim na gazebo, siyam na indoor massage rooms, apat na native huts, pitong airconditioned rooms at isang seminar room.

Kahit matagumpay na, bukas pa rin ang isip niya sa mga pagbabago sa industriya. Parati siyang nagsasaliksik at sumasali sa mga conference upang matutunan ang makabagong technique sa pagmamasahe at pagpapatakbo ng spa, bukod sa pakikinig sa mga komento ng kanyang mga customer.

Hindi lang naging naging bukas ang isip niya sa pagnenegosyo. Naging bukas din ang kanyang puso kay Mike, na siyang naging asawa niya.

Kaya mga Kanegosyo, kapag bukas tayo sa mga bagay-bagay, tunay na walang limit ang daan tungo sa tagumpay!

 

 

First Published on Abante Online

 

 

 

SRN-838: Renewable Energy Competitiveness and Strategic Policy Mechanism

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE APPROPRIATE SENATE COMMITTEES TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPETITIVENESS AND STRATEGIC POLICY MECHANISMS TO ATTAIN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND ATTRACT POTENTIAL INVESTORS BY PROMOTING EASE OF DOING BUSINESS IN THE ENERGY SECTOR

Whereas, Republic Act No. 9513, otherwise known as the “Renewable Energy Act of 2008” mandates that the government develop the country’s renewable energy resources to promote a shift to more sustainable, reliable and affordable energy. Under the law, the State recognizes the need to increase the utilization of renewable energy (RE) by institutionalizing the development of national and local capabilities in the use of RE systems, and promoting its efficient and cost-effective commercial application by providing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives;

Whereas, in order to attract more investors by promoting ease of doing business and productivity in the energy sector, the law provides for incentives for RE products and activities such as income tax holiday for the first seven years of its commercial operations, additional income tax exemption on the income attributable to the investment and duty free importation of RE machinery, equipment and materials within the first ten years upon the issuance of a certification of an RE developer. Further, the sale of fuel or power generated from RE sources shall be subject to zero percent value added tax and all sales from the sale of carbon emission credits shall be exempt from any and all taxes;

Whereas, the government developed strategic programs to increase its utilization to establish the framework for the accelerated development· and advancement of REresources. In maximizing the benefits granted to RE investors, it should have helped increase employment by hiring local skilled graduates and provided social and economic opportunities in local investments;

Whereas, after almost six years from the passage of RA 9513, the country has not yet achieved the sustainable energy development needed to reduce the heavy dependence on fossil fuel imports. Though the fiscal and non-fiscal incentives are tools to promote investment in the RE sector, there is a need to review the policy mechanisms for RE development to open the gateway of RE investments. The energy sector is one of the available business opportunities in the country and relative thereto, a favorable business climate should encourage potential investors and developers, both domestic and foreign;

Whereas, the innovative power of a competitive free market in the RE sector is vital to the country’s economy. Not only the RE sector but also other business opportunities such as in agriculture, mining, retail and tourism will benefit from the eradication of bureaucratic procedures and corruption in the government;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved to direct the appropriate Senate Committees to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on renewable energy competitiveness and strategic policy mechanisms to attain sustainable energy development and attract potential investors by promoting ease of doing business in the energy sector.

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SBN-1026: Poverty Reduction Through Social Entrepreneurship

The Social Enterprise (“SE”) Bill provides the framework for the planning and implementation of a National Poverty Reduction Through Social Entrepreneurship (the “PRESENT”) Program. The SE Bill, or the PRESENT Bill provides a nurturing environment for the growth and burgeoning of strong and innovative Social Enterprises as tools to reduce poverty.

A “Social Enterprise” as defined in the proposed Bill, refers to an enterprise with the poor as primary stakeholders. This is an enterprise that explicitly declares and pursues poverty reduction, alleviation, or improving the quality of life of speCific segments of the poor as a principal objective. A Social Enterprise engages and invests in the poor for them to become effective workers, suppliers, clients and/or owners, and ensures that a substantive part of the wealth created by the enterprise is distributed to, or benefits them.

In addition to reinvesting its surplus or profits back to the enterprise to sustain the fulfillment of its social mission, a Social Enterprise also uses its surplus or profits and mobilizes other resources to assist the poor in becoming partners in the value chain management/governance as well as to become partners in community, sectoral and societal transformation.

This is in line with Article XII, Section 1 of the Philippine Constitution which states:
Section 1. The goals of the national economy are a more eqUitable distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth; a sustained increase in the amount of goods and services produced by the nation for the benefit of the people; and an expanding productivity as the key to raising the quality of life for all, especially the under-privileged.

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The challenge for Social Enterprises is how to become an effective poverty reduction tool. In the face of this challenge, government must play a supportive role to ensure that the appropriate systems, structures, and resources needed to support social enterprises are put in place. Government must help these new breed of entrepreneurs to acquire resources, build successful organizations, and achieve significant positive impact.

A nation’s economy is not stagnant – new social investment models, ways of doing business, and impact measurement tools continually arise. These changes at times distort and blur the once clear boundaries among the traditional nonprofit, for-profit, and public sectors. It is time that a “Social Enterprise” deserves to be officially recognized and defined in order for the government to be able to give it adequate support.

Therefore, the legislature is urged to pass measures wherein the government must make a leap forward and take advantage of this potential for the nation’s social change. Such leap forward is through the PRESENT Bill.

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SBN-2150: Electric, Hybrid and Other Alternative Fuel Vehicles Promotions Act of 2014

In a country that ranks among the world’s Top 10 most vulnerable countries to climage change” it is important to mainstream programs that mitigate climate change risks while incentivizing climate change adaptation among the private sector, communities, and individuals.

The use of electric, hybrid, and other alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) among individuals and organizations presents such an opportunity. At present, the Department of Energy (DOE) aims to put. 100,000 electric tricycles on the road by 2017, while the Electric Vehicles Association of the Philippines (EVAP) hopes to mainstream 1 million electric vehicles by 2020.

In a study released by international consulting firm Grant Thornton in 2012, “Asia is currently the largest market for hybirds/electrics (56%).'” Further: “The trend toward alternative fuels is visible in global sales of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), projected to reach 5.4 million vehicles by 2021 (more than 6% of the automotive market), up from 810,000 vehicles in 2010 (approximately 2% of market share).”

The same report states that, “Around a quarter of global companies (24%) have introduced or are considering vehicles that run on alternative fuels for their businesses … Companies in the ASEAN region (31%) were most likely to use or consider alternative-fuel vehicles.'”

Among the top reasons cited for ASEAN users to consider switching to AFVs are the following: the “price of oil” (88%); “saving the planet” (88%), “cost management” (81%), and “tax relief’ (77%).

The study summarizes its findings this way: Rising oil prices and increasing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional fuels make alternative-fuel vehicles attractive to owners of commercial/business fleets. Government incentives and regulations are also pushing executives to explore alternative fuels. Indeed, many countries and states/provinces already offer significant incentives for buying or converting to alternative-fuel vehicles; in some regions regulations will eventually force the use of alternative fuels.”6 In the 15th Congress, both the Upper and Lower Houses of Congress passed on Third Reading . similar measures entitled, “An Act Providing Incentives For The Manufacture, Assembly, Conversion And Importation Of Electric, Hybrid And Other Alternative Fuel Vehicles, And For Other Purposes.” Clearly, Congress recognizes that the emerging industry of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) can significantly contribute to investment generation, job creation, poverty reduction, and climate change mitigation.

To follow through on this, this representation proposes stronger policy support in order to promote adoption of and drive consumer demand for electric, hybrid, and other alternative fuel vehicles, In this regard, this Act provides non-fiscal incentives to drive consumer demand, including the following:

a. Priority in registration and issuance of plate number;
b. Priority in franchise application;
c. Exemption from Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or Number-Coding Scheme; and
d. Provision for free parking spaces in new establishments

It is recognized that while the costs of electric and hybrid vehicles are higher compared to those of regular vehicles, these non-fiscal incentives will make the acquisition and conversion of vehicles more attractive to consumers and manufacturers alike. As the world braces itself for stronger impacts of climate change while adapting to swift changes in technology, it is imperative that Filipinos are not left behind in the waves of change. Early adaptation to and promotion of AFVs will help the country mitigate the risks associated with climate change, while opening up potential investment and job opportunities that will ultimately benefit more Filipinos.

In view of the foregoing, the passage and enactment of this bill is earnestly sought.

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SBN-2364: Amending Sec. 11009, Tariff and Customs Code (Carriage of Container Vans)

As a response to the call of the President and key stakeholders, this measure seeks to amend Section 1009 of the Presidential Decree No. 1464, otherwise known as the Tariff and Customs Code of 1978 to introduce reform in the shipping industry.

Given that the Philippines is an archipelago composed of more than 7,100 islands, the transport of goods relies heavily on sea routes interconnecting the islands. Shipping is the means of transporting goods between islands and even in and out of the country. Shipping cost impacts the movement and price of traded goods.

Facilitating inter-island trade in the country has become costly and cumbersome for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Currently, inter-island shipping is exclusively reserved for ships bearing the Philippine flag. While this helps the domestic shipping industry, the cost of shipping is hampering trade especially for the MSMEs.

This measure seeks to allow foreign ships to call in multiple ports provided that their cargoes are intended for import or export and duly cleared by the Commissioner of Customs. This would allow importers and exporters to co-load in foreign ships going in or out of the Philippine jurisdiction.

Moreover, this bill gives clarification on the definition of common carriers and public service in the shipping industry. With this bill, foreign cargoes shall not be subjected to the law concerning common carriers and public services as defined in the Civil Code and the Domestic Shipping Development Act, respectively.

MSMEs who are importing or exporting goods will be able to access a cheaper alternative in transporting their goods through co-loading in foreign ships. Ultimately, this leads to lower prices of goods for the Filipino public.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

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Bam: SSS Coverage for Working Poor

The working poor will now be covered by the government’s social protection program through the Social Security System (SSS) once Sen. Bam Aquino’s bill is enacted into law.

Sen. Bam has filed Senate Bill No. 2746, seeking to provide the farmers, fishermen, market and street vendors, tricycle drivers and millions of micro business owners the social protection they need.

“As they earn below P100,000.00 annually, the working poor’s contributions, unfortunately, are not regular, thus depriving them of a chance to enjoy social protection from the SSS,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship. “The proposed measure seeks to provide the working poor the much-needed help in order for them to grow,” said Sen. Bam.

While the poorest of the poor are covered by the government’s social protection programs, Sen. Bam said only 6.5 percent of the 12 million self-employed Filipinos are paying their SSS contributions.

Under the Working Poor Protection Act of 2015, the government will match every contribution of the working poor to SSS, the same way an employer matches the contribution of their employees.

This will enable the working poor to access loans and other benefits from SSS, giving them the opportunity to get out of poverty and succeed on their own.

In addition, they will also be given a chance to avail of social protection packages that SSS provides, such as disability, sickness, maternity, old age, and death benefits.

“Let us ensure that the Filipino dream is realized – that all Filipinos are being provided with the right opportunity, the break that they need to succeed on their own and the environment where they are able to help themselves,” said Sen. Bam, who worked with micro businesses before he became a senator.

“Wala dapat maiiwan tungo sa tinatamasa nating kaunlaran,” he added.

SBN-2369: Students’ Rights and Welfare Act of 2014

As education plays a vital role in shaping any nation, it provides young citizens the key knowledge, skills and attitudes to be able to participate and contribute meaningfully to the growth of society.

While there is an effort to improve the technical content and curriculum, and the delivery and instruction, there is also a need to reform the non-academic side of education.

This bill proposes to broaden the focus of education institutions towards a more holistic formation of students. By providing a national framework for students’ rights and welfare, this measure seeks to create a conducive atmosphere to maximize their learning and growth.

Service-learning modules provide the chance for students to learn about empathy and compassion; volunteer organizations present the world outside the four walls of the classroom and show the faces of poverty and injustice.

Student-governments and campus publications are spaces where students are able to strengthen values of leadership, integrity, transparency and accountability. Dialogues and consultations with school administrations further enhance the value for respect and critical thinking among future leaders of the country.

Students are no longer just the future of the country. We count on them to be leaders in tneir communities in the here and now.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

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SBN-2713: Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities

Filipino Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have been actively participating in shaping our history and contributing to the advancement of good governance.

We go back to as early as the 1896 Spanish Revolution era, where Apolinario Mabini, a sublime paralytic, wrote subversive manifestos against Spain and became the brains of the revolution1 . Moreover, he eventually drafted the framework of the revolutionary government in 1899.

In recent history, Art Borjal, who moved with leg braces and crutches, was a popular columnist and worked for the rights of the PWDs in the early 1990s2 , while polio-survivor Grace Padaca, a former Isabela governor and Ramon Magsaysay awardee, is a staunch advocate of governance and election reforms todal.

Furthermore, the National Federation of Cooperatives of Persons with Disability (NFCPWD) has worked with the Department of Education (DepEd) in producing public school chairs4. The organization has generated P80 million in the past twelve years for workers and staff with disabilities.

Still, our country’s challenge is to be truly inclusive to serve the needs of the marginalized, particularly the PWD sector. PWDs have found it difficult to gain employment and earn income for themselves and for their families. Families with PWDs have also had to worry about their daily expenses for medicine and rehabilitation.

Hence, the PWDs Tax Exemption Act of 2015 seeks to give reprieve to the plight of our PWDs and their families and be able to support them in their daily challenges.

This measure proposes for families with PWD dependents to have a yearly uniform P25,OOO tax exemption, in addition to the regular personal deductions, in order to augment their expenses – wheelchairs, hearing aids, nurses and caregivers, and learning disability tutors, among others. In addition, the act seeks to exempt PWDs from value add taxes (VAT).

Such accommodation for our PWD sector is part of our larger reform efforts in pushing for a society that is inclusive for the poor and most vulnerable sectors. It is one of our courses in our journey towards achieving a fully-abled nation.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly south.
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SBN-2729: Ameding Sec. 150, NIRC (Non-essential Goods)

Whether young or old, ingrained in the Filipino psyche and in our daily hygiene is the use of baby cologne.

In a survey of Filipino consumers, baby colognes ranked second only to shampoo in regular usage, placing it above powder, lotion, and hand sanitizers.

Further, 98% of the splash cologne consumers are from the economic classes C, D, and E with Class D taking up 54% of the market share.

This Act aims to recognize splash cologne as an essential good, setting it apart from perfumes and other luxury fragrances by ascertaining the concentration of the essential oils or perfume in the product.

The proposed amendment is in line with the legal definition already set by Revenue Regulations No.8 to 84.

By aligning and streamlining the definition for baby cologne or “toilet water” and recognizing such as an essential good and taxing them accordingly, we will be able to protect our low-income households from unnecessary surges in prices of their inexpensive, but fragrant cologne, and at the same time, provide appropriate support to the baby cologne industry.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
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