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Davao City is a growing metropolis that holds good promises for commercial establishments and business enterprises. At the turn of the millennium, thousands of businesses started to flourish in the city. The commercial advancement of the Davao region continues to soar high today as more and more infrastructures are being constructed for the convenience of the people and the business sector.

A business venture in the city of Davao is a wise investment. Compared to other places, the cost of doing business in Davao is considerably cheaper and very cost-effective. Other necessary expenditures such as public utilities and transportation means costs lesser as compared to other major cities in the Philippines.

The peaceful environment provides security for establishments as well as the businessmen who transact and do business here. Despite the negative image of the Southern Philippine Region as a whole, Davao City takes pride in being one of the most peaceful cities in the Philippines. To add up, it has the most commendable Police Force and the city itself is in fact one of the most livable cities in Asia.

Government agencies regulating and assisting commercial and industrial concerns in the city and business organizations are collaborating to maintain the ideal business atmosphere of the city. City Laws and Ordinances are also provided to assist businessmen within the region in their different concerns and issues.

The sub-urban mode of the metropolis and the fast-paced advancement of modern living give good grounds for healthy business market and dynamics. Though competitions are stiff among business of the same kind, the growing population continues to provide enough market demand for products to be purchased and consumed. The competition also results to high-quality products and services that are delivered to the people.

The Davao Work Force

Another thing that makes business venture favorable in the city is its work force. Davao City is a pool of talented men and women—both in the fields of professional and manual labor.

Colleges and universities in the city boast of quality education and their highly-skilled graduates. Those in skilled-jobs and manual labor were also proven effective and their population continues to rise as more training centers and schools are being erected. In fact, the city is cited as the one of the next BPO industry hubs in the country and has generated thousands of jobs from the locals for many years now.

For people, especially foreigners and expats who are planning to have a business venture here in the city of Davao, here are some information that you might find useful.

(This is the first part of a two-part series of articles on the Cost of Doing Business in Davao.)

Minimum Wage and Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)

Davao City’s minimum wage with Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) rate for non agricultural businesses ranges from Php 248.00 to Php 250.00. For agricultural businesses: plantations no more than 24 hectares wide with a maximum of 20 workers pays from Php 238- Php 240.00, while non-plantation agricultural businesses pay ranges from Php 219- Php 217.00. Those who are employed in the retail/service business (with an employment population of more than 10 employees) receives a daily pay of Php 248.00- Php 250.00 Those who are employed in the same industry whose enterprise employs less than 10 people receives Php 217- 219.00.

Watch out for the Part 2 of this series. In the next part, we’ll discuss Power Rates, Hotel Rate, Commercial Spaces Rental, Transport Cost and others.

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This article on The Cost Of Doing Business in Davao is written by Matt Regis.

“The Celebrations and Traditions That Make It Colorful”

When the “-ber” months take their turn in every Filipino home’s calendar, almost everything around transforms into something that would represent, symbolize, and stand for Christmas. This is true here in the Philippines, where Christmas is said to be celebrated longer and merrier compared to almost everywhere in the world. When the first day of September comes, things that are seen, heard, felt, sniffed and even tasted suddenly turns Christmas-like.

When fancy and glittering Christmas lights start to line up and glow in public places (some of which also display, gigantic and amusing Christmas trees, Santa Claus models, man-made Nativity models and other Christmas decorations) like malls, stores, parks and even private and government offices, one can easily feel the beginning of the holidays. This is accompanied by Christmas songs over the radio, caroling children, Christmas bazzars and sales promotions and people heading to and from stores to buy things from their Christmas list. Somehow this gives the feeling of merriment head on.

While all of these seem to describe a modern Christmas celebration and some that are “copied” from the Western culture, there are still many Filipino Christmas and New Years traditions that are still being observed that stood the test of time even after centuries of change in the people’s way of living.

Misa de Gallo (Early-morning Mass)

Literally, it means midnight mass like its Tagalog term Simbang Gabi. The Misa de Gallo is actually held during early dawn usually starting from 3:00 – 4:00 in the morning from December 16-24. The tradition started during the Spanish-colonial time when priests celebrate masses early in the morning instead of having it in the evening for farmers to be able to attend without staying up late. Today, the tradition is still observed anywhere in the country and in every parish, and continues to attract younger and younger generations, most of which aim to complete the “nine mornings” in the belief that their wishes will be fulfilled.

This tradition always goes with the selling of Filipino delicacies — bibingka and puto bungbong, which have always been a favorite among the mass attendees.

Kris Kringle and Christmas Parties

It is also a tradition in the Philippines that, companies, schools and other institutions hold a Christmas party before the Christmas break. The traditional Filipino version of Kris Kringle called “Monito-Monita” or easily understood as exchanging of gifts usually happen during these parties. Food, games and other fun activities are also held.

Christmas Eve Mass

Filipinos, especially those that are Catholic devotees believe that the celebration of Christmas would never be substantial unless they attend the Christmas Eve Mass. Usually starts around 8:00-10:00 in the evening of December 24 with the last mass undergoing until the first hour of December 25.

Noche Buena

Noche Buena or the Christmas Eve dinner follows shortly after the mass, this is held in every home where members of the family gather together to share a sumptuous meal. Commonly shared during this midnight feast are roasted pig (lechon baboy), queso de bola, ham, cakes (western and Filipino), barbeque and other Filipino delicacies which often goes with wine, beer, and other liquor. This usually lasts for more than an hour or until morning depending on the plans of the family. It is also here that some families take the time to exchange Christmas gifts.

Family Reunion

Indeed, Christmas time, is usually the time where families and other relatives gather together mostly in the house of their elders. Christmas seems to be the best time of the year to hold such activities because of the Christmas break being enjoyed by students and workers. This is ideal for those who want to make their Noche Buena more festive and merrier. There are even those that make this an annual tradition for the whole family.

Christmas Day

Mostly spent with friends after having shared the Christmas Eve with their families, this is also the time where most Christmas parties and outings among friends are held. In the morning, many flock the Misa de Aguinaldo or the mass of Thanksgiving for the Birth of Christ. This is usually held around 9:00 or 10:00 am to 11:00 or 12:00 noon. Throughout the day, families take time to visit relatives or children visit their godparents for their aguinaldos (Christmas presents).

Panunuluyan

In some areas in the country, the “Panunuluyan” is still observed. Panunuluyan is the reenactment of the journey of Mary and Joseph to find a place where Mary could give birth to Jesus. This is usually done in the streets with people clad in early Jewish clothing while chanting songs that retell the story of the nativity. In some places, this is done in houses of well-off families.

Niños de Innocentes

Through time, this tradition is converted into the December version of April Fools, but actually this commemorated the many innocent children which were killed by Herod during Christ’s time.

New Years Eve Feast

The celebration of New Year’s Eve goes along Filipino’s belief of making a good start. Families gather in their houses, with all the faith that this will make the family intact for the rest of the year. The family shares a midnight meal similar to that of the Noche Buena while fireworks conquer the evening silence. The New Year celebration oftentimes comes with the beliefs of starting lucky. This is when polka-dots are “in” and 12 round fruits served at the table are believed to bring good luck — beliefs which are derived from the Chinese.

The feast of the Three Kings

Ending the long Christmas celebration is the Feast of the Three Kings or the Epiphany, this is observed every first Sunday of January.

All Filipino Christmas traditions being observed only reflect how the Pinoys value and uphold the relationship of the family. Every tradition also tells of the Filipino’s devotion to their religion and their love for festivities evident in its color, sounds and sights.

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Christmas in the Philippines is written by Matt Regis.