Want to be a Millionaire? Think Sante Barley

 Everyone dreams of good health and great wealth.

If you want to know how to live a healthy life and have a chance of attaining a better future for you and your family financially, read the good news Sante Barley brings.

“Is there a 100 percent pure organic supplement?” ask the health conscious. Santé International, Inc., sole resource of organic wellness products in the country not only responds to the question but provides a solution—pure barley grass (hordeumvulgare) in whole food concentrate form.

Santé Barley Pure New Zealand (encapsulated barley) and Santé Pure Barley New Zealand (powdered barley in sachet) are just two of the company’s best products produced using only young barley grass ingredients that are grown and cultivated in the fertile plains of Canterbury, New Zealand where irrigation water is clean and the environment is regarded as one of the world’s least polluted.

“The need to take synthetic supplements just to keep pace over demanding lifestyles should take rest. Resort to products that are certain in quality and freshness and created for numerous health benefits,” says Jesus Joey Marcelo, Chief Executive Officer of Santé International, Inc. 

Barley company as health authority.  All barley products of Santé comply with New Zealand’s leading organic certification agency, BioGro New Zealand, Ltd., which means that its entire product line’s exceptional properties contain no unsafe levels of heavy metal, herbicide, and insecticide residues for its wide array of consumers—from babies to adults.

BioGro is accredited by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and uses a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystem and people. It only relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, thus, no chemicals are utilized to dictate or force the number of harvests.

The young barley grass used in Santé products are guaranteed fresh once harvested in its height of 30 centimeters, which is perfect because this is when nutrients are highly concentrated. It is then immediately transported to the manufacturing plant for drying, milling and packing. The 1-6 hour duration between harvest and drying of fresh barley leaves using a patented process assure preservation of vitamins, mineral, enzymes and amino acids.

With these processing attributes, Santé consumers are confident they are buying only products that meet the highest standards in organic agriculture and health value. “We want our shareholders to have a feel of certainty every time they use, sell or rave about our products,” explains Marcelo.

Above its products’ meticulous manufacturing processes and health benefits, the company also has a competitive advantage with regard to direct marketing. It allows distributors and franchise operators to register using the Internet and transfer rebates to bank accounts through online bonus disbursement, repeat orders, payment of distributors' sales, and disbursement of virtual money (League Wallet) from rebates to buy Santé and various Air Load Products.

“I am thankful to Santé because it has done tremendous things in my life, not only does it protect my health but it does the same for my business,” shares Edwin M. Guevarra, one of the company’s top achievers in its Executive Millionaires Circle (EMC). “Santé helps me live my dreams, it is the greatest company anyone could ever be a part of,” Mr. Guevarra adds.

“Ordinaryong tao lang ako pero dahil sa Santé naranasan ko at ng pamilya ko ang buhay milyonaryo,” Johnny P. Francisco shares in vernacular, also one of the company’s top achievers in EMC.  “Thank God! I’m on grass!”

Just recently, Santé International Inc. introduced its newest campaign where they would want more people to be "High On Grass" and enjoy the outstanding benefits of young barley grass not only for better health but also better business opportunities.

“Santé is focused on enhancing the entrepreneurial spirit of our stakeholders through business development classes, leadership training and teamwork enhancement and we hope our new campaign nets more people to be 'high on grass' for better health and well-being,” expounds Marcelo. “We also encourage students who want to venture into distribution to have an on-the-job training with us in order to hone their business skills and be part of a financially empowered community.”

To know more about Santé International Inc., visit www.santebarley.com.

Chinoy TV launches business reality TV show

CHInoypreneur is an advocacy project of Chinoy TV in cooperation with Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), Go Negosyo, Mansmith and Fielders and the Alliance of Filipino-Chinese Students (AFICS) wherein the primary aim is the promotion of entrepreneurship among the youth and to help improve the current state of Chinoy owned businesses by educating them with different tools, technologies and strategies in the fields of leadership, marketing, finance, information technology, human resources and etc. that would enable them to compete with the bigger and more established companies.  CHInoypreneur is also a movement which aims to foster unity among the Chinoy community in different industries.

To kick-off CHInoypreneur 2012, CHInoypreneur Day which is co-presented by Multiply.com was held last September 1 in Binondo Manila. It was a one-day business event that gathered the most influential business experts in the country today. The business gurus who shared their knowledge and insights were Samie Lim for franchising, Josiah Go for marketing, Randell Tiongson for finance, Paulo Tibig for basics of entrepeneurship and Michaelangelo Lobrin for positive mindset.

CHInoypreneur Challenge 2012 is a business reality show that will be participated by college students from De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, University of Sto. Tomas, Philippine Cultural College, Chang Kai Shek College, University of the Philippines, and University of Asia and the Pacific. The show aims to provide a training venue that would allow them to sharpen their entrepreneurial skills by providing them real life business experiences.

Chinoypreneur will air in Chinoy TV on Net 25 starting this coming October.

“CHInoy TV” is the only Filipino Chinese television show that features Chinese heritage and how it harmonizes with the Filipino culture. It is committed to promote both cultures by featuring Filipino-Chinese lifestyle to its viewers and it is the only show that caters directly to the Filipino-Chinese community.

The show features about successful Chinese personalities, establishments, fashion, travel, entertainment and other happenings surrounding the Filipino-Chinese community.  Chinoy TV airs every Sunday 1030am with replays on Tuesday 11pm and Saturday 1030am.

Conquering the Challenge of Changing Business Landscapes

In a constantly changing marketing landscape subject to unpredictable interactions between market forces, it is necessary to be updated on emerging trends and practices in the field of Marketing. According to a Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) official, it is crucial to be always a step ahead and to always ask “what’s next” in order to maintain competitiveness.

“It’s every marketing professional’s responsibility to be aware of new developments and trends in marketing to be able to grow and sustain the business and even become globally competitive,” explains Gwenn Albarracin, PMA President, adding that practices aren’t always timeless and professionals may be employing strategies that are no longer applicable or may need certain tweaks to be effective.

She shares that there are a lot of promising new theories in the field that may change or re-define marketing practices. Among which are ‘Marketing 3.0’ and ‘New Wave Marketing’ espoused by the Founder and CEO of MarkPlus Inc. – a leading marketing professional service firm (Consulting, Education, Research, Media) based in Indonesia and Malaysia – Hermawan Kartajaya.

“Kartajaya perceives changes in the business landscape as an indication that marketing has turned from vertical to horizontal; that it should no longer be viewed from a top-down perspective but should be seen as a level playing field instead,” adds Albaraccin.

Described as a unique combination of practitioner and theorist, Kartajaya has written several international books and has even co-authored some with the Father of Modern Marketing, Philip Kotler.

His co-authored book, Marketing 3.0: from Products to Customers to the Human Spirit, explains that there are three forces that set forth the birth of Marketing 3.0: The Age of Participation and Collaborative Marketing, The Age of Globalization Paradox and Cultural Marketing, and The Age of Creative Society and Human Spirit Marketing. It also describes Marketing 3.0 as the period by which practices are very much influenced by changes in consumer behavior and attitude.

He will be among the speakers in the upcoming Asian Marketing Conference to be held on July 19-20 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Albaraccin says that Kartajaya’s insights will be helpful in understanding how practitioners and business owners can adjust strategies and practices in response to political, technological, socio-cultural, economic changes in the business scene.

As one of the “50 Gurus Who Have Shaped the Future of Marketing” by the Chartered Institute of Marketing United Kingdom, sharing theories and experiences has been a fact of life for Kartajaya, “I have been speaking in several marketing conferences since 1995 in US, Asia, Europe, and Australia. In fact, I have been in the Philippines several times already for various speaking engagements.”

He claims that global marketing practice has a lot of shortcomings. “There are generally a lot of bad practices that we should slowly do the correction. I hope that the attendees of the upcoming Asian Marketing Conference will be part of correcting these bad practices and become aware that Marketing is shifting from ‘vertical’ to ‘horizontal.’”

Albarracin encourages marketing practitioners and key decision-makers to take part in this opportunity to learn from globally-renowned experts and interact with fellow practitioners. “As marketing professionals, we need to play an active role in advancing our knowledge of the craft and be able to better conquer its challenges,” she concludes.

For more information about the Asian Marketing Conference, kindly visit www.asianmarketingconference.com or call +632 634-5722.

Delightful Goodness that is the Pandesal

Waking up with the wafting aroma of pandesal will surely bring back many fond memories. Who can forget dipping and dunking this soft bun into a fresh cup of coffee or chocolate drink before relishing it? Some even enjoy pandesal with condensed milk, especially when the thick milk starts to ooze out from the bread and the urgent need to catch and lick it before it spills on the floor. Simple yet delicious treat.

Among the breads in the Philippines, pandesal is undoubtedly the king as it is an important part of our tradition and culture. Recognizing the need of Filipino consumers for high quality pandesal, Gardenia has made its own version of pandesal using world-class standards to ensure utmost quality in both taste and appearance.

Aside from bringing back happy memories, enjoying the delightful goodness of Gardenia pandesal is always a pleasurable experience.

So how does the Gardenia Pandesal experience start?

It begins the minute you pull one out of a pack—the smell of deliciousness and freshness. You’d almost instantly want to savor on its delightful flavor. The first bite is another story, experiencing the delectable taste the moment you sink your teeth onto its crusty outside yet blissfully soft inside.

One more distinctive attribute of Gardenia pandesal is it’s delicious hot or not. It’s disappointing when the bread you heated becomes hard as a stone when you take it off from the oven. But with Gardenia, consumers are assured that the pandesal will remain tasty, filling and appetizing even after heating or re-heating it, just like the moment you bought it from the supermarket.

Whether with scrambled eggs, fried spam or hotdog, ham, peanut butter, coconut jam, plain good butter or just by itself, Gardenia pandesal could be consumed during breakfast, merienda in the afternoon or late in the evening since it can stay fresh and soft longer, making Gardenia a sure-fire and practical choice for consumers. Plus, Gardenia Pandesal is packed with vitamins and minerals, a bit of news that would certainly bring a smile to Mommies’ faces since they know that every bite of Gardenia Pandesal is good for their kids’ health and nutritional needs.

Consumers are also assured that Gardenia observed strict quality control in the production of its bread products, giving Mommies peace of mind.

For Mommies who want to whip up something for their kids’ merienda or baon that they can enjoy once they go back to school, try making your own by adding tomato sauce and their favorite toppings to an open-faced pandesal and pop it in the oven for that instant, home-made pizza! For office workers, grab a bottle of your favorite soda—or again with coffee—together with Gardenia pandesal for that quick yet tasty break time treat. Longing for palaman for your pandesal, you could always use any savory left-over food from the refrigerator.

To know more about the delicious Gardenia Pandesal and its other bread products, visit www.gardenia.com.ph.

Cortal SQR Sponsors Fun Run to Benefit Scholars

Cortal SQR, the pain reliever from Pharma-Rex Inc. that gives the safest and quickest relief from body pain through its advanced formulation of Ibuprofen and Paracetamol, recently held its running event, “Cortal SQR Run and Fly Away from Pain”.

In support of the scholars of AMY Foundation, the participants were challenged to a 5k, 10k and 15k long trail along Roxas Boulevard which stretched the cities of Manila and Pasay. Aside from helping the student beneficiaries of AMY Foundation, the runners also got to chance to win two roundtrip tickets from Zest Air, one of the event partners, to prime destinations in the Philippines- Cebu, Puerto Princesa and Boracay via a raffle. Top finishers of the race per category also received cash and other prizes from Cortal SQR and its other event partners.

The AMY Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organization founded by Ambassador Alfredo Yao of the Zest-O Group of Companies. The Foundation aims to implement and sustain socio-economic programs in support of the development and advancement of the less privileged and less fortunate youth sectors of the society.

Image credit: www.amyfoundationph.com

 “We acknowledge the help of Cortal SQR through this fun run to support our various academic programs for the youth.” said Ambassador Alfredo Yao. “With the support of companies such as Cortal SQR, we would be able to reach our goal of supporting our scholars and help them reach their goals and finish their studies.” Ambassador Yao adds.

For more information about Cortal SQR, visit www.cortal.com.ph/ or like their page at www.facebook.com/cortalsqr

YakitoriQ: The Newest Barbecue Concept in Town

(L-R) Ms. Judy King Tecson, Senior Vice President, BPI,Ms. Sapna A.Uttamchandani, Vice President/Treasurer, Esquire International Financing, Inc.,Mr. Ramon Sy, Vice Chairman, Asia United Bank, Cory Quirino (TV/Radio Host) ,Mr. Timmy G. Tan, Chairman SK Techno-lube Corporation,Allied Bank, Mr. Ashok Uttamchandani, Chairman, Esquire International Financing, Inc.,Ms.Tin Patrimonio (Celebrity, Pinoy Big Brother housemate) , Rajan Uttamdanchani (CEO, Esquire Financing Inc.), Mildred Caballero (President, Tradecon)

Attending  business expos and events is one good way to find out what is the current trend of the industry and innovative products and services in store for the consumer in the future.

Last May 12, the 4th Philippine Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and Franchise Expo with the theme “Grow Your Business” was presented by Tradecon Inc. and Esquire Financing Inc. at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

For three days, it brought together various businesses and brands which included franchising, direct selling, retailing and networking. Randell Tiongson, business columnist and financial adviser, and Chinkee Tan, TV and radio host and wealth coach, gave motivational talks on how change in the Filipino mindset can help empower  each one in attaining our financial goals. Esquire Financing, Inc. also presented its service, providing intelligent funding and strategic guidance with its principle that SMEs should never remain SME’s because every business has the brimming capacity to become large. 

One of the highlight of the event was the unveiling of the newest barbecue concept in town: YakitoriQ!

YakitoriQ is the brainchild of entrepreneur-business consultant Mr. Jorge Noel Wieneke III, dubbed “Mr. KaAsenso” of PLDT, and known for his advocacy on entrepreneurial education for those who wish to put up their “mini negosyo” or have plans to expand their business.

Mr. Wieneke was a former advertising guy and was responsible for putting up “Potato Corner,” the country’s first flavored French Fries brand that revolutionized the food cart business. He is also a founding member of the Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc., one of the biggest franchise associations in the Philippines today, and teaches Applied Entrepreneurship at the Ateneo de Manila’s Center for Continuous Education (CCE).

The company infuses a little modification on the popular yakitori food. Yakitori is a barbeque in Japan that even with the modification is still Japanese food--- on stick, on this case.
 
For only P16 per stick, one can enjoy the real-meat YakitoriQ. One stick with rice is already fulfilling at P26 or you may want to taste the original or American version on two separate sticks with rice for P42. They also introduce chicken isaw, pork isaw and pork tenga in yakitori style.

You can find YakitoriQ starting next month in Victory Mall, MCU, Greenhills shopping center, Tutuban Center, in Food Street, St. Francis Square and Robinson’s Ermita.

No Warping and Discolation with Portal East windows

Summer in the Philippines is definitely here. Why so? Temperatures ranging from 33 to almost 35 degrees Celsius have already been recorded—and even hotter days forecasted in the next few weeks.

The sun’s ultra-violet (UV) rays have many effects on our bodies, the most common include “sunburn” or redness of the skin due to prolonged exposure, “tanning” or delayed pigmentation of the skin, or even “premature skin aging,” which often results to dryness, formation of wrinkles, sagging or loss of elasticity. Others include “eye damage,” especially if you’re a regular beach habitué, where UV rays reflect on the sand that causes UV rays exposure to increase. Of course, there is also “skin cancer,” where UV rays will help form damaging cells that will eat the healthy ones, and wherein a “cancerous” condition arises.

But did you know that UV rays have damaging effects not only on our bodies but also on our homes, particularly our windows? Our windows allow us to see the world outside and therefore should also be protected from the harmful rays of the sun. They form part of our line of defense to protect our families from UV rays and therefore, should also be able to withstand it. The best way is to choose a window product that offers better UV protection for itself than anything else.

This is where uPVC windows from Portal East come to the fore.

Aside from its unique and innovative “Multi-point locking system” that makes the house secure and virtually burglar-proof and durable with its high-quality reinforced steel core, especially since most of us are out on our annual summer vacation, Portal East’s windows are manufactured to protect itself from warping or discoloration. They are really durable and do not warp in soaring temperatures, and doesn’t absorb the heat so the heat won’t be transferred into the house.

 “We’ve known for a fact that the Philippines, being a tropical country, is naturally exposed to the sun many times of the year. Our windows bear the brunt of absorbing UV rays to allow us to see outside our houses and should be protected also to make them last longer,” explains Ralph Tanco, Marketing Manager of Portal East, Inc., a leading manufacturer of uPVC doors and windows in the Philippines.

Portal East, Inc. is a pioneering creator, designer, tester, manufacturer and installer of quality uPVC windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and placement applications for both residential and even commercial edifices in the Philippines.

An affiliate of the multi-billion dollar global chemical building materials corporation Shide Group of China, Portal East is renowned for its history of innovation, outstanding products, and impeccable quality customer service that delivers full customer satisfaction.

To know more about Portal East products and how it can help protect your family and your home from harmful UV rays, call 242-2821/242-2721/245-5132, or 242-6906 (fax), email sales@portaleast.com or visit www.portaleast.com. Portal East main office is at 805-807 State Centre Building, 333 Juan Luna Street, Binondo, Manila, while the main plant is at NY Compound, 76 Bisalao Street, Bagbaguin, Caloocan City.

Unique Finds at Tutuban Night Market

 

With almost everything getting expensive these days, it's just wise to find better shopping alternatives.  Looking for new establishments to buy our family's need is a practical thing to do to save money.  And you'll be surprise that some quality products can be found cheaper in tiaange or thrift stores.  One great place to visit is the Tutuban Center in Manila.

Even with similar bazaars sprouting all over the metropolis, the Tutuban Night Market is still the most visited and the one with the widest array of goods on display.

The Tutuban Night Market is conveniently positioned around the clustered malls of the Tutuban Center, which was formerly the Philippine National Railways station. A leisurely stroll around the restored heritage building gives you a glimpse of historical pride.

As the Tutuban Center closes for the day, shoppers need not worry.  Stalls selling your favourite things---and more---are ripe for the browsing. From clothes to decor, from toys to furniture, from food to novelty items, a collection of brightly-lit stalls are ready for the night shopper.

Like the famous markets in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei and Kuala Lumpur, the Tutuban Night Market is dedicated to the discount hunter. Haggling and negotiating over prices is the standard practice, and goods all come at cheaper and reasonable rates.

But Tutuban Center has an added advantage. Because the Philippines is a melting pot of foreign influences, there are merchandise that are gathered at the night market from all over Asia and the world. You don’t need to travel to these places to shop. The items you want may just be at Tutuban!

Fancy a set of delicate dishes? There are ceramic plates from China. Feel a little love of Siam? Wear shirts from Bangkok with interesting details. Want to feel like royalty?  Grab those bejeweled bangles from South Korea.

Or, are you imagining yourself like Kate Middleton? Get those charming straw hats with ribbons and bows and pretend that you’re at Ascot watching a celebrity horse race.

What’s more, because we have a wealth of artisans in the countryside, there are handicrafts, souvenirs and indigenous products that are uniquely and distinctly Pinoy.

Colourful lamp shades made of grass can enliven your home and garden. Wood and stone carvings can take pride of place in your bookshelf or side tables. Purses and wallets created from knits and crochets can be nice gifts.


After a thoroughly enjoyable turn around the stalls, there is Food Bazaar located at parking D that offers a wide variety of snacks quick snacks like burgers, takoyaki, pansit, batchoy, fish balls, squid balls, kikiam paired with sago’t gulaman, buko juice and sodas.

Over at the back and at the parking lot is the Food Street to satisfy your cravings for good, old comfort food. Take a sip of hot soup, a bite of pork barbecue or grilled squid. With extra rice, of course!

All these and more only at Tutuban Center Night Market!

Mansmith Hails Top Young Professional in Philippine Marketing

The 7^th YMMA Awardees (left to right): Ilustre M. Estrada, Procter & Gamble Philippines; Neil Trinidad, Unilever Asia Private Ltd.; Jonathan Yabut, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines; Kristine Tang, Procter & Gamble; Julie Lee, Collins International Trading Corp.; Christian Lim, PLDT and Giovanni Bogasan, GQWEST Inc./Aquabest

Mansmith and Fielders, Inc., the leading training and consultancy firm for marketing and sales, strategy and innovation courses in Asia, once again honored young achievers who exemplify excellence in marketing and entrepreneurship during the 7th Young Market Masters Awards (YMMA) 2012 held recently in Makati City.

For the past 6 years, Mansmith and Fielders, Inc. have honored dozens of individuals 35 years old and below for their exemplary achievements in the field of marketing through the YMMA. This year is no different as Mansmith and Fielders, Inc. marches on with its advocacy to encourage and inspire young individuals of today to be innovative entrepreneurs and outstanding brand builders. 

According to Chiqui Escareal-Go, President and Chief Service Strategist of Mansmith and Fielders, Inc., this year’s awardees were chosen based on specific cases and results of activities, projects and efforts they personally directed during the last 2 years under the award category they were nominated.

“Out of the 60 nominations we received, seven were selected because they were able to showcase their talents and competencies in creating value, which boosted their managed brands and leveraged industry’s standards,” shares Escareal-Go.

Kristine Joanne Tang, Regional Brand Manager of Procter & Gamble, Neil Trinidad, Senior Global Brand Manager of Pond’s-Unilever Asia Private Limited and Jonathan Allen Yabut, Senior Product Manager, Urology Division of GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, all  lived up to expectations as they were declared winners under the Brand Management category.

“One should always believe in what the products stand and worth for,” 25-year old Tang said, adding that “when working in other countries, knowledge-based data is the key to an effective marketing and brand campaign.”

Meanwhile, Ilustre Estrada II, Country Marketing Manager of Procter & Gamble, and Christian Lim, Internet Solutions Category Head of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), shared the honors under the Marketing Management category.

Estrada created various channels and touchpoints to reach consumers instead of following a competitive price cut for their brands “Pampers” and “Whisper.” In addition, he infused investment programs for P&G Philippines’ non-core brands that resulted to 20-30 percent growth. Lim’s strategy and innovation techniques for all Internet Solutions of PLDT for the small-and-medium-enterprise (SME) market, on the other hand, recorded a revenue increase of P1.44 billion from 2008 to 2011 for PLDT’s myDSL Biz portfolio.

Lastly, Julie Lee, Senior Brand Marketing Manager of Collins International Trading Corp., and Giovanni Bogasan, Business Development Manager of GQWEST Inc./Aquabest, were chosen under the Business Development category. Lee worked an awareness campaign that OMRON Healthcare’s digital blood pressure monitor is one of the best alternatives compared to mercury-based devices. Bogasan, on the other hand, developed a 3-in-1 franchise concept called Combostore, a combination of structured water station, laundromat franchise and oxygenated alkaline water brand.

Bogasan explains, “To be a successful marketer, one should take the active role in shaping the market. If the company is not innovating, it’s dying.”

Escareal-Go cites more important values to being a YMMA winner, which include earning the respect of peers in the marketing industry. “Through the accomplishments of our awardees, we expect more nominations for the 2013 search, which is now open, to find out our 8th batch of YMMA awardees,” continues Escareal-Go.

The nominees are thoroughly back-checked by research giant TNS with Kantar Worldpanel and are screened by judges who are distinguished in their respective industries which include, Emily Abrera, Chairman of Children’s Hour and Cultural Center of the Philippines, Tennyson Chen, Chief Executive Officer of Bounty Fresh Group and Perry Morgar, President and Managing Director of Tupperware Brands Philippines, Inc.

The YMMA advocacy project is officially endorsed and supported by the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), and the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA); with Businessworld and Philippine Daily Inquirer as print media partners, Microdata as AV partner and Abenson as platinum sponsor.

How do you make foam?

Image from www.uratex.com.ph

I am a fan of the TV series "How'd They Do That."  The show is about features on how things that we see almost every day were created or processed.  From appliances ovens to talking toys to microchips, they have shown how they were made from scratch.

Here's an interesting post that I hope you'll find interesting.  It's about our favorite companion every night.  Nah! I'm not talking about your spouses. I'm actually referring to our beloved beds and the glorious foams they are made of.

Foam-making in the past may have been a tedious, manual labor-intensive job but the process was made even better, thanks to modern technology. By using state-of-the-art equipment, Multiflex RNC Philippines of the RGC Foam Group, makers of the popular Uratex foam, totally revolutionized foam-making not only in the Philippines but also in South East Asia.

Being one of the largest foam-makers in the region and with advanced foam manufacturing equipment, let us see how a Uratex foam product is made:

• The Research & Development laboratory – Just like cooking, a good foam starts with the perfect recipe, and in foam-making, the R&D facility of the RGC Foam Group, one of the country’s most advanced, is where it all starts. There, Uratex laboratory personnel develop formulations that result to certain types of foam and also conduct tests to ensure that the formulation will meet final product specifications that customers look for. Over the years, this department has developed thousands of formulations that benefited the Philippine industrial history, from the car development program of the 1970s to the footwear, garments and electronics boom in the 1980s and 1990s.  
• Foaming – Once the formulation is finalized, it is entered into the foaming machine’s computer system. There, up to 26 streams of different chemicals are doused using computer-controlled metering pumps for precision.  The liquid will turn into cream within seconds and then into solid state within 1.5-2 minutes, and where the solid foam block may be cut between 1 to 60 meters in length.  At the Muntinlupa plant, the foam is cut in 30-meter lengths. This high-tech machinery is complimented by a quality management system and ran by highly-trained personnel. 
• Curing area – The 30-meter long blocks are then picked up by an overhead crane and transferred to the curing area.  Foam is produced via an exothermic reaction where the center may reach up to 145-165 degrees Celsius within 20-30 minutes. It will not start to cool for another 3-4 hours but will reach room temperature within 24 hours and is “cured”.
• Foam block warehouse – This is the storage area for the foam blocks. From there, the plant’s production department will request for a specific type of block with different sizes as per orders coming from customers. These blocks are then moved to the production area where they will be cut according to the desired sizes.
• Production area – It is from this area where the Uratex products that we all see come from. The foam blocks are cut into the requested size and then “contoured” based on the type of product to be produced, whether a pillow, a mattress, or even a car seat foam. Once cut and contoured, the product goes straight to packaging under strict quality control standards, ready for delivery to the customer.

The RGC Group of Companies revolutionized foam making back in 1987 when they set up the first continuous foaming machine in the country called the “Vertifoam” process. This involves computerized metering of materials to form perfectly-shaped foam with lesser scrap that benefited both the market and the environment because of less wastage.

In 2001, the group further blazed the trail in foam-making when it installed new foaming equipment called “Hennecke.” Tagged as the “Mercedes Benz” of the foam-making industry, this German-manufactured equipment is regarded as the best in the world. On December 2009, the RGC Group invested on another Hennecke machine with the latest technological improvements to serve as back-up to the year 2001 version.

For more details about Uratex, visit www.uratex.com.ph.