7.6 Magnitude Earthquake hit the Philippines

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked the Philippines at 8:47PM, Friday, August 31, 2012, with a depth of 212.7 miles (34.9 kilometers) and was centered 66 miles (106 kilometers) east of Samar Island, confirmed by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhilVocs) and reported by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Credits: GraphicsMaps.com and JNTC Articles

It was reported that the quake knocked out power in several towns and cities across surrounding Samar Island, Philippines. Varying levels of after shocks are being felt across Visayas and Mindanao islands. One person, a 54 yrs old woman died, when her house collapsed, in Cagayan de Oro. The grandson of the person who died survived and was being treated at a nearby hospital in the city. Many experienced damages in their homes. "You talk to God, when an earthquake occurs" - Bemruel Noel, a member of the Philippine House of Representatives said.

Intensity 7 was recorded in Giuan, Oras, Sulat, Borongan City, Eastern Samar; Intensity 6 in Siargao, Surigao Del Norte; Tacloban City, Palo, Leyte; Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte; Intensity 5 in Mati City, Compostela, Legaspi, Iloilo City, Bislig City, Iligan City; Intensity 4 in Butuan City, Catbalogan City, Cagayan De Oro City; Intensity 3 in Cotabato City, Mambjao, Camiguin, General Santos City; and Intensity 2 in Marawi City.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii) has lifted all tsunami alerts that was issued earlier for the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Belau, Taiwan, Guam, Papua New Guinea and other Pacific islands as far away as the Northern Marianas.  

The Island of the Philippines is within the "Pacific Ring of Fire" where common earthquake activity occurs. However, in 1990 the 7.7 Magnitude earthquake that occurred in Northern Luzon have killed approximately 2,000 residents.

In the morning of Saturday, September 1, 2012 - we will know how many more people have been affected.

Reference Source:

1. Manila Standard Today

2. Manila Bulletin

3. Associated Press

The Philippines - Becoming an Expat's Favorite Destination

Credit: Magellan & maps.com

The Philippines is catching up with its counterparts in the Pacific rim. It is currently the hotbed for growing interest of investors like Donald Trump, Paris Hilton and Versace.

It the last quarter of 2012, the economic growth climbed to 6.4 percent and Manila Stock Exchange is riding up to 20 per cent. Many western-based organizations have been settling-in at this Pacific island, the Philippines.

Tourism has increased tremendously and it is projected to increase. The Philippine government is working competitively in many areas to attract travelers and investors to the country. The likes of  personalities and investors such as Trump. Hilton and Versace started building their empires in Manila. 

With this trend, qualified expats will be approaching the island as a great destination for their employment or temporary assignments. Many qualified individuals will also plan to migrate there for permanent residency due to the cheaper cost of living in addition to the paradise amenities of many islands outside Manila. 

The Philippines is also being targeted by many Baby boomers as a retirement place. The American and Philippine government are establishing relationship that will foster an opportunity for many Americans to retire to such a paradise island. This remains to be seen, however. 

We like to hear about your views and perspectives.  You can email them to: info@jntconsulting.com

Global: International Updates: What's Happening?

Australia: International Trade
Recently, the Australian Business International Trade Services outlined several items to be considered when setting up a business in China.

Ms. Sara Cheng, Manager for Greater China, Australian Business International Trade Services identified that "Business set-up in China is a big project by itself, which requires financial and time commitments, business management knowledge and China expertise. Identifying a competent agent to manage the complex process will be a cost and time effective way to avoid potential pitfalls." Details about the Article is available at this link.

On another article, it illustrated the requirements about registering a company in China.
Ref: NSW Business Center, http://www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au/


Brazil: Experiencing Economic Growth
More and more international companies are opening their operations in the many cities of Brazil. This means that young professionals who would have planned to go abroad and search their international employment opportunities are staying in country.


There were indications as well that Brazilans who were living abroad are now returning to Brazil as there are employment opportunities that require their professional experience and qualifications.


Canada: Relaxed Visas and Opportunities for Permanent Residency
Recently, Diane Finley, Immigration Minister of Canada announced that "International students and skilled workers would be more likely to choose Canada if they knew their time and contribution to Canadian Society would assist in their eligibility to apply to stay permanently".

The Canadian government is in progress of establishing a programme that will facilitate the permanent residency of international skilled workers and students. It is hoped that this programme will come into effect in October.

Requirements for candidacy are: Professional experience, past education, English and or French Speaking Proficiency.


Strategic Observation: This initiative will surely increase human capital assets of Canada and will contribute to economic sustainability of the country.


China: Post Olympic
The logistical operations in Beijing are now returning to normal after the completion of the Olympics that was hosted by Beijing in the past weeks. However, the guidelines that were implemented prior to the Olympics are still in forced up to September 20th 2008.


Any inbound and outbound shipment in Beijing are still in strict and mandatory customs inspections. Deliveries of shipments are using shuttles and shuttle fees apply. These restrictions to operate trucks in the areas identified have caused backlog in Tianjin which most likely increased demurrage fees. It was initially announced that everything will resume normal after September 20th 2008.


Strategic Observations: If you have shipments that are anticipated to arrive or being delivered sooner than September 20th - don't panic as they will reach your destination a little longer that the normal calendar days. Most likely it will get delivered after Sept 20th or so.


Georgia: Cargo Delays and Travels
As an effect of the recent attacks in Georgia, there is a big disruption of cargo shipments deliveries. The international airport in Tbilisi has been temporarily avoided by international airlines. Officials are hopeful that it will only last for a week.

Jebel Ali, UAE - Delays Caused by Traffic
The Post in Jebel Ali in UAE is currently experiencing great delays of loading and offloading cargos due near full capacity operation. The delays affected ships from Asia and Europe that were meant to offload in Dubai Port. This port is the gateway access to the internal routes of the country such as air and sea transportation network.


Larger ships that can carry 8,000 containers at a time has to wait 24 to 30 hours in the queue in order to offload. Smaller ships has a longer waiting time as much as 90 hours.

Strategic Observations: You might consider the time element as an impact to the above consequences when shipping to any location that will pass through Dubai Port.

 Kazakhstan: Foreign Citizens Registration
It is important that foreign citizens arriving in this country must register with the Police or with a License Hotel within 5 calendar days of arrival.


Foreign labor market and economic quota requirements will become available in December 2008.


Suggestions: Before you travel to Kasakhtan you will need to verify whether your hotel is Licensed for Registration of Foreign Citizens. In that way, you will strategically plan your time ahead.

Philippines: Angara at the Forum by Global Leadership for Climate Action
In Denver, Colorado, USA – Sen. Edgardo J. Angara told a forum here that fresh initiatives to combat climate change should likewise deal with the food shortages and poverty in developing countries, two grave problems in the developing world that are aggravated by extreme climatic shifts.

Angara made the call at a forum jointly hosted by the Club de Madrid, which is chaired by former US President Bill Clinton, and the Global Leadership for Climate Action, a United Nations Foundation founded by CNN founder Ted Turner. Angara was the only Filipino leader in that forum.


Angara said; "that violent typhoons and record-breaking monsoon rains have crippled rice and corn production in Southeast Asia. Extreme weather events have also turned rice production deltas in the region into watery graveyards for those killed by savage flooding."

To read the details of the Article, please click this link:

Ref: Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/ ), Aug 28, 2008.

United Kingdom: EU fund for the Integration of Third Country Nationals (EIF) 2007
"The European Integration Fund is aimed at newly-arrived legal migrants (that is migrants who have arrived within the last 5 years) who are not asylum seekers, refugees, EU or EEA nationals and who have not come to the United Kingdom in a short-term visa category such as students."


The whole publication about EIF is available at EU Fund Link:
Ref: UK Border Agency, http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/

USA: Labor Day Holiday
The United States is approaching the Labor Day Weekend Holiday. The Holiday which is officially on Monday, September 1, 2008. It is a customary practice among businesses in both private and public to close operations during this Holiday. There are some businesses however that remains open for public access.

Suggestion: Review your appointments on that day (September 1st 2008) as you may find that the office you will be transacting business will not be opened on that day.

For more inquiries about the above, please send an email to: info@jntconsulting.com

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