Do you know that there is an oriental herb that has a stimulating effect on the brain? I am referring to gotu kola, a creeping plant that grows in our country as well as in other countries like India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, South Africa, Japan, China, Indonesia and the South Pacific. 

Do you know that entrepreneurs also suffer from a loss of interest in their business at one time or another? Commonly referred to as entrepreneurial burnout. It is a time when the entrepreneurs have lost enthusiasm in their businesses. Explaining why some entrepreneurs sometimes say: “It’s just not exciting anymore.”

Many of us love to eat boiled duck egg called balut as well as use fish sauce (called bagoong in the native parlance) to add flavor to our food.

Many of us are familiar with the story of the barefoot doctors. Way back in the 1940’s, China under the then leadership of Chairman Mao Tse Tung introduced the concept of barefoot doctors when there was an urgent need to render basic medical services in the remote rural areas in China. 

As a public service, I am reproducing some health tips on cell phone radiation which I researched from the Internet.

Some people are gifted with a rare trait.

My favorite fruit is bananas – especially the “latundan” and the “saba” kinds. 

Steve Goodier, a motivational speaker and writer once said: “Pay attention! To the things of life; to people, to events, to your senses.

Do you ever wonder how the street vendors manage to make both ends meet – despite the unstable daily earnings they make?

To many of us, we associate the word Reynolds with ballpoint pen. Many of us are of the impression that Reynolds is the inventor of the ballpoint pen.

Are there business opportunities in South Africa? While many of us remember the apartheid policy dominating the life in South Africa and other places of Africa for many years – there is more to South Africa than this apartheid policy which was a discriminatory race and color policy of the African white immigrants (Africaners) against the native Africans.

So often asked: “Is it possible to have a blunder-free management?”

Let me share with you the story of one of the most lovable personalities in American history and probably of world history. A dropout in school who loved to read books.

Somebody once said that “people are the greatest assets in a company. There is no “us” and “them” attitude here; everyone is important.”

Now and then in the past twenty-three (23) years, I have been sharing with the readers of this column the business struggles of our brothers and sisters in the underworld economy… to survive.

At one time or another, we are under stress. Although, there are some people who appear stressed all the time.

Today, a new generation of professionally-minded and often Western-trained family members are now taking over by inheritance business control and leadership.

Mainland China, the most populous country in the world and constituting one-fifth of the world population with its over 1.3 billion people is a huge market for a variety of export products from different countries.

Export Action Line By NELLY FAVIS VILLAFUERTE

Export Action Line NELLY FAVIS-VILLAFUERTE

Export Action Line By NELLY FAVIS-VILLAFUERTE

Export Action Line By NELLY FAVIS-VILLAFUERTE

Export Action Line By NELLY FAVIS-VILLAFUERTE

Export Action Line By NELLY FAVIS-VILLAFUERTE

 Many readers of this column have been inquiring now and then for some information about greeting gestures on international business.

Export Action Line By NELLY FAVIS-VILLAFUERTE

Go natural… go herbal… go organic. This is now the battlecry of many people of different cultures; of different races; of different ages; of different lifestyle; and of different professions.

In many countries today, the handshake takes precedence over any other greeting. A good handshake is a mirror of our charm and self-confidence. We should develop our handshake as part of our body language and an integral part of our lifestyle.

Many of us, at one time or another, have unpleasant reaction to something that we eat. And more often than not, we conclude it is a food allergy. But is it always a food allergy – whenever we experience an adverse reaction to something we eat.

Many of us are familiar with the condition known as anorexia nervosa which is an abnormal dislike to eating.

For the past four (4) years, I have written in this column no less than sixteen (16) articles about healthcare tips on the use of cell phones.

It is often said that encouragement is the oxygen of the soul. As one Hollywood actress once said: “We live by encouragement, and we die without it – slowly, sadly, and angrily.” Simply because the deepest need of human nature is the need to be appreciated, encouraged, praised and recognized. Not known to many is that while there are billions of people in this world who go to bed every night hungry – there are probably more people who go to bed every night – not hungry for food but hungry for a simple word of encouragement.

I got interested to know more about napping (short sleep usually during daylight hours as differentiated from the usual hours of sleep at night) when I read a story some months about a doctor who dozed off while standing at a podium and giving his lecture at a conference. In short, he fell asleep mid-speech, his body slouching over the podium as he tilted forward. After a while, he woke up and continued his speech as if nothing happened. The good news is that nobody in the audience seemed to mind the pause due to the snoozing of the lecturer. A friend of the lecturer later revealed that the lecturer normally takes a nap or two regularly everyday.

Do you know that abaca jeans goes to New York? Recently, on May 21 to 25, 2012, the abaca fabric for jeans was displayed in the Philippine Consulate in Fifth Avenue, New York. This is historic indeed. Both for our textile and export industry.

Many Filipinos are regular drinkers of banaba tea. I am one of them. Whenever my stomach feels heavy after a meal, I take banaba tea. Five (5) minutes after I take the banaba tea, the heaviness in my stomach is gone. This is the reason why I have been drinking banaba tea regularly for more than six (6) years now .

It is not only the foreign buyers’ product preferences that the Filipino exporters should know but also the eccentricities and peculiarities of the foreign buyers.

Nowadays, many people are asking questions about the so-called bank fees being imposed on dormant savings and/or demand deposit accounts.

Different countries have different policies/rules on the use of genetic engineering techniques in agriculture and food production. 

I have yet to meet a person who never had common cold in his life. That’s why it is called common because it is an infectious disease that hits everyone – all races – young or old, male or female, healthy or not healthy, or rich or poor.

Many of us are familiar with the world-wide Precious Moments characters that have been immortalized in porcelain figurines, greeting cards, children’s clothing, stuffed animals, dolls and even bibles. 

For many decades now, physicians, food experts, nutritionists, heart/health associations have been divided in their opinions as to whether eggs are healthy or unhealthy foods. 

Many of us wonder why many of us despite the lapse of many years look young while others look old. Remember our class reunions? Some classmates whom we have not seen since our graduation 20 or 30 years ago looked the same as we remember them during our school days.

Export correspondence diplomacy is an area in export business that is not given importance by many of our exporters – and yet the consequences of not practising export correspondence diplomacy may sometimes result in losing foreign buyers.

A lady once capsulized the empowerment of women in business this way: “Energy is now coming from women and not men.”

There are many businessmen who act funny, think funny, and look funny. On the other hand, there are businessmen who act serious, look serious, and think serious. Guess who are more approachable, more caring and who are more patient in listening to their subordinates.

So often said that the measure of life is not its duration but its donation. Especially if we have done something for someone who will never be able to repay us. This holiday season is an occasion to experience the joy of giving.

I recently read a short article titled “Hearing Isn’t Listening.” Immediately I related this article to the reaction of managers of exporting entities when their workers go to them to unload their problems or discuss some company concerns and issues.

One writer observed that the term “senior citizen” has worn thin. The new phrase is “chronologically gifted.”

Many export managers are now realizing that they cannot depend mainly on the so-called reward and punishment to inspire their personnel/staff/workers to maximize their performance. Stated otherwise, motivating people goes beyond “stick and carrot.”

Many Filipinos love to argue on many topics under the sun. Filipino exporters are no exception. Many times this behavior (or shall we call it obsession) of Filipinos to engage in endless arguments is displayed while negotiating with foreign buyers.

Sometime in 2002, I wrote in this column about the business culture of Israel.

Many of us here and in other countries often wonder how presidents spend their time off from their official responsibilities and what are their interests, hobbies, diversions, and attitudes in life. 

One of my interesting encounters during my 2-week stay in Bicol (I am still in Bicol) is with Antonio (Tony to his friends) Anson Hernandez, a 71-year old bamboo specialist and organic farming specialist from Sagrada, Pili in Camarines Sur. 

Someone once said that “Operation Appreciation” is something anyone can do and everyone needs. A compliment or encouraging word can help dreams and ambitions become reality.” True indeed.

For decades, people never tire of asking: What’s the secret of living long and staying young? Many answers based on thousands of authoritative research indicate that the answer lies simply on what we eat. 

For the past 28 years, Manila FAME International, a project of CITEM has introduced thousands of local entrepreneurs who have practically no experience in the export business into the international trade fair circuit.

This is the sixteenth (16th) article that I have written in this column on the health effects on the use of cell phones… as a public service to remind cell phone users of the harmful effects of the excessive use of cell phones because of the radiation exposure.

One of my favorite authors is John C. Maxwell. His books on leadership are best sellers

Nowadays, exporters are asking: Has the US-GSP program that expired on December 31, 2010 been extended by the US Congress?

On September 21-25, 2011, the OTOP National Trade Fair/Expo to be participated by 272 SMEs (small and medium enterprises) coming from all the 16 regions all over the country will be held at the Megamall Halls 1 and 2, 5th Level, Building B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. 

I’ll never forget the advice of a friend, a white-haired 83-year-old widow who said: “let’s forget our age and admire our wrinkles.” She lived her life with zest. Active, energetic and friendly up to the end; she enjoyed interacting with people; giving comforting words to her friends and relatives.

Every country nowadays is challenged to be globally competitive. One area of special concern of our businessmen especially exporters and others involved in international trade is the culture, the history, the customs, and the traditions of the countries of foreigners doing business with other nationals.

It is a subject that is seldom talked about. But many of us have felt it at one time or another. I’m referring to loneliness. Even great and famous people are victims of loneliness.

 Last May 9, 2011, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board National Capital Region (RTWPB – NCR) came out with Wage Order No. NCR-16 mandating the grant to all private sector minimum wage workers and employees in the National Capital Region to receive a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) in the amount of Twenty-two (P22.00) pesos per day.

An American writer once said that “of all the things God created, I am often most grateful He created laughter.”

Someone once said that “it is those who endure the stinging words and actions of others and who press on, again and again taking a running charge at their goals, who will score accomplishments.

Many people are sick with cancer of various kinds – like colon cancer, breast cancer, cancer of the liver, cancer of the pancreas, intestinal cancer, cancer of the spleen, stomach cancer and other types of cancer.

From the earliest times of recorded history, people depended on the coconut tree to satisfy many of their needs.

Many of us love to take papaya for breakfast. The ripe fresh pear-shaped papaya with rich orange or bright yellowish color. For its sweetness and for its vitamin C content.

The world today is reaping the rewards of the technological wonders of the computer as well as suffering the effects of various computer crimes.

 Laughter in the face of crisis. Seems impossible but it can happen.

 Before January 6, 2011, it is a common practice of credit card companies to endorse to collection agencies long over-due accounts without any prior advice/notification to the credit cardholders.

 The medical tourism industry is now fast becoming a global multi-billion dollar industry.

 Every taxpayer needs to have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

 Many of us are not aware that there are some documents, agreements and instruments that we enter into with others that require the payment of the so-called documentary stamp tax (DST).

 Many people are familiar with the so-called Community Tax Certificate more popularly known as the Cedula. But while this is so, many of us need to know more about the cedula.

Nowadays, people are talking about coconut flour. Especially health-conscious people.

Nowadays, many of us are getting more health conscious and want to feel and look young and healthy to enjoy longer life.

To this day, many of us are still wondering if the so-called Fountain of Eternal Youth is just a myth, a fiction, and a fantasy.

 On December 15, 2010, Circular No. 702, the latest regulation of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on credit card transactions was promulgated.

There’s a new book in town about natural gardening. It’s a beginner’s guide actually. Simply written, with colorful attractive design on each page – the 56-page easy reading book titled “The Secret is in the Soil” conveys the basic message that the soil is the source of life.

 Economic growth through MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) is the battlecry of many nations not only those located in the Asia but in other places like in Europe as well.

 It is heartening to note that more and more readers of this column are getting interested to know more about the health benefits of the so-called Transdermal (or topical) magnesium treatment – which means applying magnesium through the skin (spray-type) without passing through the gastrointestinal tract.

 Germany is a country we cannot ignore.

Last August 7, 2010, I wrote in this column an article entitled “The Magnesium Story.”

In the interest of public service, let me now summarize the salient points that were discussed in the above-mentioned series of articles, as follows:

What – one may ask is credit information system that is being contemplated in the so-called Credit Information System Act (CISA) that was signed into law by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on October 31, 2008 (Republic Act No. 9510).

In Part IV of this series that appeared in this column last October 16, 2010 – I mentioned three (3) Senate bills on the proposed reduction of interest rates charged by credit card companies filed be Senators Manuel Villar Jr., Francis Escudero, and Ramon Revilla Jr.

To date, there are a total of three (3) Senate Bills on the subject of reimposing the usury law and on the proposed reduction of interest charged by credit card companies.

I went through some moments of discomfort as I was surrounded by hundreds of war veterans from the Korean War.

After Macalinao’s motion for reconsideration was denied by the Court of Appeals, Macalinao elevated her case to the Supreme Court.

This series of articles on the subject, “What credit cardholders should know about interest and penalties on credit card transactions” is a public service to enlighten credit cardholders on the subject of interests and penalties relating to their credit card transactions.

Camote (kamote), sweet potato, yam. They’re one and the same.

Our Filipino exporters are realizing now that to be globally competitive it is not enough to know the latest preferences of the foreign buyers.

As you read this article, I hope that you will take time in your busy schedule to carefully scrutinize your credit card monthly statements.

If the story of virgin coconut oil and trans-fatty acids were the subject of a movie, the storyboard would depict the virgin coconut oil as the hero while trans-fatty acids would be the villain.

We are in the age of supergerms, and our environment is teeming with microorganisms.

The do’s and don’ts in the use, care, handling, and display of our Philippine flag should be known to every Filipino.

Many people are now getting more curious about one of the more than forty (40) essential nutrients in our human bodies. I am referring to Magnesium. Many people nowadays are calling magnesium… the beautiful mineral.

South Korea is among the Philippines’ biggest trading partners.

Today, there is a growing use of herbal products – herbal foods, herbal cosmetics and herbal medicines.

Other privileges accorded senior citizens under the provisions of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003 are as follows:

The discount shall be for the utilization of services in the form of fees, charges and rental for sports facilities or equipment, including golfcart rentals and green fees, or venues for ballroom dancing, yoga, badminton courts, bowling lanes, table or lawn tennis, workout gyms, martial arts facilities.

Other privileges accorded to senior citizens under the provisions of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003 are as follows:

The implementation of Republic Act No. 9257 otherwise known as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003” will finally take place on July 6, 2010.

Not many know that an Executive Order was promulgated on May 14, 2010 to prioritize the product development, promotion, and market access of our bamboo products.

Today, Jamii Bora has sixty-one (61) branches serving about 170,000 members.

Let me now share some of the stories of Jamii Bora as narrated by Ingrid Munro at the Global Microcredit Summit in Canada. Stories about love and endurance.

Jamii Bora, the largest and fastest growing microfinance institution (MFI) in Kenya was founded by Ingrid Munro, a Swedish lady.

Today, microfinance has slowly developed to be a worldwide movement.

I guess this is a good time to share with you how the first President of the United States, George Washington, spent his leisure hours when he is off from his work.

Two days before election day… many of us are wondering: What will happen to our country after the May 10th elections?

As a public service to the readers of this column, let me share some salient features of the historic automated voting on May 10, 2010.

To date, I have written (excluding this article) twelve (12) articles on cell phone radiation and how to minimize health risks on its usage.

To date, I have written (excluding this article) twelve (12) articles on cell phone radiation and how to minimize health risks on its usage.

So often said that the three of life’s most difficult words to say are, “I was wrong.”

While Brazil is new in the global market for non-cosmetic procedures, it has long been known as a destination for cosmetic surgery.

Today, thousands of patients from different places around the world cross continents and countries to obtain medical, dental and surgical care while vacationing and touring the attractions of the countries that they are visiting.

What is medical tourism?

Nowadays, exporters and businessmen, including the provincial-based entrepreneurs are getting more health-conscious.

Do you know that there is an oriental herb that has a stimulating effect on the brain?

So often has it been said that the deepest craving of human nature is the need to feel appreciated. In fact, the high spots in our lives come about through encouragement from someone else.

When we wake up in the morning, the daily miracle begins to unfold.

Nature has been providing man with thousands of herb plants with health benefits and medicinal properties.

Do you know that we all need sunlight to stay healthy?

Do you know that entrepreneurs also suffer from a loss of interest in their business at one time or another?

Many times we are asked: If you had your life to live over and could be anybody you’ve ever known, who would you want to be?

Many of us fear failure, without realizing that many successful people are not afraid to fail and in fact failed before success came their way.

An American writer once said that “of all the things God created, I am often most grateful he created laughter.”

It is often said that “no matter how busy we are, we must take time to make the other person feel important.”

Many of us have the rude habit of looking at the time in our wristwatch when we are bored, annoyed or irritated by somebody delivering a speech or just plain conversing with us.

A few days ago, my good friend 85-year-old Aling Eming came to visit me in my office.

As a public service, I have written 12 (including this article) articles in the past few months about cell phones and our health.

Ever heard of the ‘mirror test’?

John Maxwell, a world-famous speaker and author on leadership once said “being a leader is more than just wanting to lead.

My association with Filipino inventors dates back many years ago.

Today, there is a growing concern for environmental protection and conservation.

Nowadays, many people are talking about medical tourism. Not just talking about medical tourism though.

In export, it is not enough to know about one’s particular export product/s.

We are a resilient people.

While we can no longer do without cell phones in today’s lifestyle, we should limit our use of cell phones to minimize our exposure to radiation and reduce the potential side effects and consequences on our health.

Sometime ago, I read a short article titled “Hearing Isn’t Listening.”

In our culture, advertisements regularly bombard us with all kinds of promotions for ready-packed processed food – especially fast food.

Go natural… go herbal… go organic.

Correspondence diplomacy is an area in export business that is not given importance by many of our exporters.

The 2009 Green Book Festival is an annual competition honoring books that contribute to greater understanding, respect and positive action on the changing worldwide environment.

All of us know that water is good for the body. But not many know what happens to the body if it does not receive its daily need of water.

Since April 4, 2009, when my article under this column came out titled Moringa (Malunggay) Philippines – I have been receiving numerous requests to write more about moringa.

It is bad enough to be ordered deported when you know about the hearing.

Since I was young, I have been exposed to the so-called “fountain of youth” mystery.

So often has it been said that the world has a tale of two economies – the big-company economy and the entrepreneurial economy.

As a public service, I have written no less than 9 articles in the past few months about cell phones and our health.

“Coconut oil is the healthiest oil on earth.” - Dr. Bruce Fife

“People have a way of becoming what you encourage them to be – not what you nag them to be.”

Nowadays, many people are talking about prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs that do not need doctors’ prescriptions, and drug interactions.

Is eating eggs unhealthy? This is a topic that has continuously been debated from a health standpoint.

Not many know that the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) is conducting free livelihood training programs.

A local trade fair featured a lounge chair that has no screws or nails. The chair is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and knocked-down; it uses corrugated board as a back support instead of traditional wood, and is contoured like the body of a dinosaur.

Today, numerous government and/or private, local and international groups, organizations, councils, commissions, and institutions are working to maximize the health, nutritional, economic, environmental, therapeutic and medicinal benefits of the moringa (malunggay) plant.

Everywhere – inside houses, inside buildings (like in grocery stores, in drugstores, in doctors’ clinics, and in hospitals ),  in moving vehicles ( like  cars and buses), and even in elevators we see  people of various ages and sex using their cell phones for talking and messaging.

Everywhere – inside houses, inside buildings (like in grocery stores, in drugstores, in doctors’ clinics, and in hospitals ), in moving vehicles ( like cars and buses), and even in elevators we see people of various ages and sex using their cell phones for talking and messaging. Even a nanny (called yaya in Tagalog) while carrying or holding an infant or a young child in her arms is using a cell phone to talk to someone or to send a text message. One time while in a building I was observing a nanny talking over her cell phone with someone while carrying a 3-month old baby for fifteen (15) straight minutes without interruption. We also see everyday young children below the age of fourteen (14) years talking or sending text messages.

To many of us, we associate the word Reynolds with ballpoint pen. Many of us are of the impression that Reynolds is the inventor of the ballpoint pen. This is not the case, though. There were persons other than Reynolds who invented the ballpoint pen. Way back in 1888, somebody already thought of the idea although the idea never went into the production stage. Later, the 1930’s, a Czech invented a different kind of ballpoint pen and in fact manufactured the product. Again, in the early 1940’s, a Hungarian journalist invented another version of the ballpoint pen.

How can we prevent our heads from getting swollen due to pride and arrogance? How can we disassociate ourselves from the so-called "greatness" syndrome? How can we control our obsession to be always number one and be happy to play second fiddle? How can we make ourselves believe that the "mighty pedestal" built on conceit and egotism can crumble anytime? Here’s how one great president did it. The late US President Theodore Roosevelt usually took a walk at night with a friend and explored the vastness of the darkened universe. President Roosevelt would then break the silence of the night and say: "Now, I think we are small enough. Let’s call it a night."

In many countries today, the handshake takes precedence over any other greeting. Handshake is being widely used around the world, not only as a form of greeting but on other occasions as well – like in expressing gratitude, in extending congratulations, as a parting gesture, as a sign of good sportsmanship and even in concluding an agreement. The handshake is initiated when two hands touch immediately. A handshake is made using bare hands and not while wearing gloves. In traditional American etiquette, good behavior requires a man to remove his right glove to shake hands with a lady. However, ushers at a wedding keep their gloves on.