Several industries have shaped the past and present business culture of Negros. The prominence of plantations in the island is evidence of the agricultural heritage of the province. In the past, many families struck it rich with their profitable sugar plantations, many of which are still in operation today. Other plantations, like those of coconut and rice, also exist in the province. Banana and corn are also cultivated in the island.

Next to sugar, fishing is a large part of Negrense life. Fishing sustains many people as a source of livelihood. This comes as no surprise, as the entire province is surrounded by water. Fishing, indeed, sustains many citizens in the Philippines, which is an archipelago that consists of thousands of islands.

Mining is another income-generating activity in the land. Negros is known to have rich deposits of minerals, both metallic and non-metallic. Its gold ore and copper reserves are predominantly targeted by many firms. Nickel and silver are also found in the land. Molybdenum is abundant in Negros, too. In fact, the province has the largest amount of molybdenum reserves in the entire Philippines. Molybdenum is used in industrial motors and aeroplanes.

Many travellers have always been interested in Negros, and this is evident in the province’s growing tourism industry. The province, after all, is home to many natural wonders. It also has interesting architectural sights. The region, in fact, is known by many to be the country’s seat of arts.

These days, the BPO industry is also gaining ground in Negros. Call centres have begun putting up bases in Bacolod, and many other foreign companies are expected to follow. This is because Negros has a fairly lower cost of business operations compared to Manila. It also has a lower cost of living compared to that of Cebu.

The island of Negros is located near the middle of the Philippine archipelago. It lies to the south of Metro Manila and to the west of Cebu City. Negros Oriental is part of Central Visayas while Negros Occidental belongs to the Western Visayas region. With its favourable location, there are plenty of ways to reach the province.

By air, one can find daily flights that lead to Negros Occidental. Its capital city, Bacolod, is only 50 minutes from Manila and 30 minutes from Cebu when travelling by air. Flights coming from either Manila or Cebu land in the New Bacolod-Silay International Airport. On the other hand, Negros Oriental’s capital, Dumaguete City, is considered as the gateway to the eastern side of the province and is near to Cebu. Dumaguete Airport also receives multiple flights a day from both Manila and Cebu.

Negros can be reached by sea, too. Different shipping companies serve the ports of both sides of the island. From Manila, a big ferry is required and usually entails a two-day trip. From Cebu, one can board a fast craft to get to the island in no time.

Due to the fact that Negros is elongated, though it also has a wide, bulky portion, it can take hours to travel from one part of the island to the other side. There are buses that run routes throughout the province. There are also “jeepneys,” which are the most popular – but truly interesting – form of public transportation in the Philippines. Still, the best way to get around Negros is by hiring a private vehicle. You can check with car rental companies in advance so you can arrange for transportation and chauffeur services during your trip.

Negros is a booming province that promises much revenue for businesses. This island has all the recipes for business potential. Its natural beauty, the locals’ natural gentility and a proper pace of development have made the island ideal for those wish to invest. Natural resources abound in Negros, which is known for its sugar plantations and mineral reserves. BPO industries have been rising in the area, too. Negros is also home to one of the Philippines’ acclaimed universities.

Foreigners who wish to set up a business in the Philippines must be aware that they are not allowed to completely own any company in the country. They need to have a business partner. A foreigner can only own 40 percent of any corporation in the Philippines.

Diplomacy is important when trying to establish good business ties with Filipinos. After all, this is a country where politeness is appreciated and small talk is customary. Good manners are especially expected in Negros, with its various cities being known as “the city of smiles” and “the city of gentle people.” Even if you have to be guarded and cautious in making your decisions, it is always good to establish rapport with your Filipino partner. For example, in a business meeting, it is normal for Filipinos to begin with several minutes of small talk. They usually inquire of one another’s well-being and ask about mutual friends or relatives. Partners only delve into the topic once the host or chairperson does so. If you are in a business lunch or dinner, small talk usually lasts all the way through soup and salad, with the main business concern being discussed only when the main dish arrives.

Various properties in the Philippine islands, such as those in Negros, can be used for different reasons. In a place as naturally rich and properly developed as Negros, one can find a piece of property that has multiple potentials. A single lot can have the necessary features and proper location to be turned into a nature park, a plantation, a commercial area, an industrial site, a residential lot or a seaside hotel.

For foreigners and foreign corporations, there are laws that govern land ownership and property rental. There also rules for Filipinos who are now naturalised citizens of another country and have not availed of a dual citizenship status. Foreigners might find such legal restrictions to be prohibiting and frustrating. However, there are many ways to own real estate on Philippine soil without disobeying the law.

Foreigners are not allowed to completely own properties in the Philippines. At least 51 percent of the property must be owned by a Filipino partner. Many foreigners solve this dilemma by marrying a local and placing the land’s title under their wife’s name. However, the foreigner’s name may still be included in the contract of sale. Those who worry about losing their property in case of a split-up enter into contracts that stipulate that their wife or Filipino partner cannot do anything to the property without the foreigner’s explicit consent. In cases of business properties, a corporation must be 60 percent Filipino-owned. When it comes to houses, condominium units or townhouses, foreigners can only own the structure. The land on which the structure stands must be owned by a Filipino, but it can be leased to the foreigner. Rental of properties by foreigners is good for a 50-year period. The lease agreement can be extended only once for another 25 years.

Natural mineral baths are said to have curative effects. Sulphur springs, in particular, have been connected with improvements in patients suffering from various illnesses, such as skin diseases, locomotive disabilities and respiratory difficulties. Mambukal Mountain Resort in the town of Murcia, Negros Occidental has a wealth of naturally occurring sulphur springs. So, if you want to take a healthy side trip as you explore the business potentials of Negros – or even if you want some good spa ideas – then a trip to some steaming sulphur spas will do you much good.

Even if a good soak of at least 20 minutes can give one a sense of rejuvenation, one must not think that a single immersion will produce the desired healing results. Professional therapists recommend sessions that usually last for two or three weeks. Note that some sulphur spas can be scalding hot. They can be good for a sauna-like therapy, as sulphur fumes have curative qualities, too. To make the water conducive for bathing, hot sulphur spring water is usually diverted through wooden pipes to a cold spring, producing a warm bath.

As soaking in hot sulphur spring can put some strain on the heart and on circulatory functions, it is advisable to take a good rest or nap after a sulphur spring treatment. Of course, it is also good to wash up after immersing in a sulphur bath, as the smell can be pungent. Some even compare the odour to that of rotten eggs. However, once they get over the initial assault on the nose, they are able to adjust and relax in the curative bath. Experiencing such a treatment would be a memorable experience, and it can even give you ideas for putting up a business like a spa resort in Negros.