“FILMFEST AND A LAUNDRY SHOP”

THE heat is getting into everyone’s nerves lately and revisiting the relatively new school calendar (August-June) is fashionable.

But before some could even complete writing their online posts, the weather bureau began issuing bulletins about LPAs (low pressure areas) within the PAR (Philippine Area of Responsibility).

Eventually, the complaints were no longer about the high temperature bugging the schoolchildren but the need for rain boots and lifeboats to evacuate people living in low-lying areas. I guess we don’t have any choice but to continue to adapt to the changing environment. For ancients like me, I remember wading through knee-deep

flooded streets on my way home from school every time there was a heavy downpour.

Were we made of sterner stuff that we didn’t get Leptospirosis?

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Lest we totally take no notice of it, the 2023 Tan-ok ni IlocanoFilm Fest was held recently. Some mainstream news outlets did not cover the event. The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) spearheaded the artistic endeavor; the best picture plum went to Melver Ritz Gomez’s “Karkarma”. There were other materials featured and critically acclaimed. The colorful ceremonies were held at the ultramodern Ferdinand E. Marcos Stadium during the colorful Festival of Festivals.

The inabel, a form of Ilocano weaving, blended seamlessly during the show.

I suggest INTO forges partnerships with the country’s cable TV associations to feature the films in their local community channels. It’s such a cultural disservice if the artworks are not accorded the exposure they richly deserve.

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The United Nations International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia finally got underway a few weeks ago. This year’s theme: “Together Always: United in Diversity” is certainly apt. Universalizing this advocacy advances the equality rights across borders. I am not sure whether the local LGBTQ+ had an affirmation rally to celebrate this; it should have in view of the fact that among ASEAN countries, the Philippines has always been in the forefront of fighting against HBT.

The community lost the battle in Uganda when parliament passed recently the Anti-homosexuality law. According to AlJazeera, the former hub of Idi Amin is among 30 other African countries banning same sex relationships. It looks like Uganda has yet to emerge from the savanna.

While I am at it, I am still waiting for local reviews of “Knock at the Cabin” from the community.

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Have you done the math for a 6-combo machine laundry shop? Anyone wanting to go into this business must go over the numbers a couple of times. Aside from setting aside a huge amount of your capital to purchase the equipment, six, I said, watch your monthly salaries and wages (pay yourself!), rent, and power (LPG) expenses. Although you buy the machine in cash, I suggest you amortize this in your books from 18 – 20 months. I bet you will start hearing “funny” noises coming from the motors after a year. Go for preventive maintenance. It’s cheaper than repairs. Do not exceed the maximum load limit; I recommend a load of 1 kilo less at a time.

Where’s the best place to situate the laundry shop? The good ones include very near subdivision gates, medical schools, boarding houses, and condominium buildings. Don’t ever set up one inside a condominium building, unless it’s just a “receiving and releasing” hole in the wall. The rent expense will wipe you out faster than you get to dry the clothes!

Okay, for the sales. During bad days (Monday to Friday), your gross sales will be anywhere between PHP1,300.00 – PHP1,500.00 a day. Your weekend (Saturday and Sunday) bad days can go from PHP2,200.00 to PHP3,000.00 a day. Rainy days bring higher sales.

To promote the business, explore “Morning IN, Afternoon Out” service with the customer adding PHP60.00.

Have an eye for pick-up and delivery service, too. Call it “Sunday Special”. Use online payment options; it’s more convenient for your customers. Additionally, “less cash in the till plugs leaks.”

Close the shop on Mondays. Spend time to carefully go over your income and expenses for the past week. Check how far or near the business is from its monthly projections. Adjust as you must!

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Something New for An Old Dog: When a text message begins with “Can I ask (you) a favor?” Ignore it. The next line would almost certainly be: “Can you lend me some money?