Since January of this year, I have been super busy. Sometimes I feel the whole world's burden on my shoulders, but I must say I have learned much much more from my experiences. One thing though is that if I don't stay focused, I will just go crazy. Talking to people is good, to get some perspectives, but listening too much is not wise. Each one has their own opinions, they say what they want you to hear and some even get mad if you don't take their advise. Then of course, you have to deal with the "infamous" crab mentality of people that other expat blogs have been talking about.

It is a continuous learning curve but I have reached some milestones, and I need to achieve more.

1. January - set up temporary office at Linmarr Apartelle; prepare Agreements and Policies for brokers/agents; prepare for launching advertisements and promotions; wait for advertising permit; wait for Permit to Sell approval
2. February - First Orientation and briefing session inviting brokers/agents to join the Linmarr Towers team; organizing move to new admin office; wait for advertising permit; wait for Permit to Sell approval
3. March - move in to new office at the Linmarr Towers site; organize landscaping of entrance; wait for advertising pemit; Pile driving on site started; started the Real Estate Board seminars; planning a booth showing at the SM mall; planning more billboards to the south; dealing with Philippine taxation rules and reporting requirements; dealing with Real Estate legal documents and requirements; the Permit to Sell and Certificate of Registration from the HLURB have been issued; started the process of subdivision for the issuance of the Condominium Certificate of Titles; study for the Real Estate Board exam in May;
4. April - issued and signed my very first Deed of Absolute Sale documents; still waiting for advertising permit; continue organize the booth showing - April 21- 27 14 - 20 at SM.

I just spent 4 hours last night reading (twice) the Revenue Regulations on VAT (Value-added tax). I had read this last year too, but now it is different as I can relate to it with actual experience. The load of paperwork required is just amazing. I still have to read up the regulations on withholding taxes. The parent company is considered one of the top 10,000 companies in the Philippines. This, by the way, is NOT an honor. To me, it means more paper work and more regulations to collect and withhold taxes from our suppliers.

Anyway, this is Philippines and I just have to go with the flow - slowly but surely. For now, let me share with you a youtube presentation of Linmarr Towers. It will still be fine tuned as we go along, but let me know what you think.

target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxM3u5ktNgU