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The History Behind The Art Of Philippine Jeepneys And Francisco Motors Corporation

JeD Chan — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:36:16 +0000

I was in Las Piñas with my dad and a friend to test drive Great Wall Motor’s automobiles: Hover, Wingle, Cowry, Florid and GWPeri. We were entertained by Mr. Rosauro “Ross” Francisco, son of the late founder of Francisco Motors Corporation (FMC), Anastacio Francisco.

After test driving, we went to Luk Foo in Puregold Supermarket to have lunch. We were talking about the automotive industry and Francisco Motors. I was quite clueless about what Francisco Motors Corp. is though I knew that they were quite famous not only locally but internationally as well – that was before.

I was quite hesitant to ask question at first because I’m afraid that I might get the “YOU DON’T KNOW WHO FRANCISCO MOTORS IS??” look. But in any case, I just shoot some questions to Mr. Ross:

What do FMC do?

They were building jeepneys, mini-buses, and assembling Isuzu cars which later shifted to Mazda.

How it started?

Mr. Ross said that it all started when his father, (ANFRA) ANastacio FRAncisco, fell from a kalesa (Carriage). He then spent most of his time selling his scenery and landscape paintings in Ermita. But painting seems to be not a very good business for ANFRA, though he was a very good painter according to Ross. So then ANFRA looked for somewhere else where he could apply his passion for painting. (While on some articles ANFRA was a kalesa painter.)

Jeepneys was built by Sarao Motors, but their works at that time were quite rough such as uneven welding. In order to cover these flaws, Sarao Motors hired ANFRA to do his paintings on the interiors and exteriors of the jeepneys. ANFRA then later left Sarao Motors and found his own motor company, Francisco Motors Corporation, who then became Sarao’s competition.

It’s sad that Francisco Motors is no longer (or hardly) visible these days, but the legacy that they left will be part of the Filipino’s image and culture forever.

Wrapping Up The Business Card Series

JeD Chan — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:17:50 +0000

For the past few days I’ve been posting about business cards. This started as I was looking for different concepts for my own card. Now I think I have reached the point that I don’t have anything to share about business cards anymore, so I’m now ending this series.

It’s not actually “ending” it, its just I won’t be posting about business cards as often as I was. I’ll just occasionally post about it as I come across new things.

Thank you for keeping up with this series. I hope that you guys have somehow learned something in anyway, or at least enjoyed this series.

Here’s the summary Business Card Series:

What Every Entrepreneur Should Have: Business Cards

An introduction and basic information about business cards, it also showcases beautiful card designs and concepts.

Profession Concept Business Cards

Showcases great professionalized business cards.

Recycled Business Cards

A little short of budget? This post talks about resourcefulness in making business cards.

Preselling Cards

Draw the first blood by showing off your skills, and give product sampling to your clients through your card.

Squad Cards

Don’t just promote yourself, promote the whole team!

The Future Of Business Cards

Future designs, concepts, and technology.

My Business Card

Don’t expect too much hehehe.

Preselling Cards

JeD Chan — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:41:00 +0000

Don’t waste the precious opportunity to pre-sell your product, or perhaps show off your skills to your clients. Another business card concept that would help you on your first big step towards your clients is to have these Presell Cards. (Well I just made up that term, perhaps there’s a more formal term for these cards.)

In any case, what are these presell cards?

Presell cards (again, this is just how I call these cards) is a business card wherein the concept is either the card is integrated with your product samples, or your a demonstration of your skill.

Here are the samples: (Click to enlarge)

~ Product Sampling:

LUSH PROPERTY ENHANCEMENT

LEGO

MEDICINE

WOOL

~ Skill Demonstration:

PATCHWORK

TINKER

FIBER DESIGNER

3D ARTIST

If you have enough budget to take your business cards to this level, I think you should not hesitate to try it. Let your business card be the ticket to your next big deal.

Hope you enjoyed it!

Squad Cards

JeD Chan — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:07:00 +0000

I want to show you how versatile business cards can be. Business cards are not only limited to an individual. You can also use business cards to promote the whole team of your company by making a portfolio or a squad of business cards for your company.

Here are some of the examples:

These cards are divided by department, and who’s the person in charge of that department.

I like these very cartoonic business cards. Cards are creatively sorted according to their employees’ specialty. This helps clients find who to approach to in the company.

So how can squad business cards (own created term) help your company?

Instead of promoting an individual, it promotes the whole company or the whole team.
Clients knows who’s the best person to talk to.
Serve as a mini-directory of your company.
Gives the impression that your team is pretty solid.

Try to make a squad card and see how will it work for your company.

Recycled Business Cards

JeD Chan — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:46:22 +0000

If you need a business card, but your budget is kind of short, perhaps you could check out these recycled business cards:

You can use some scraps like an index card, and then type in your contact details with a type writer.

If you have an old business card, or perhaps other person’s card, just creatively cross out the old information and update it at the back of the card.

Have a deck of playing cards? Just use a permanent Pentel pen to write your contact details. You can buy a deck of cards (52 pcs) for around 100+ pesos (correct me if I’m wrong, it’s been 5yrs since I last bought a deck of playing cards.

Use another scrap like a corrugated cardboard. Hmm.. I think the print on this one is quite expensive. Well you now know the idea.

So what do you think about these recycled business cards? Is it worth it to cut cost on your business card? Will this kind of creativity won’t compromise your image?

Profession Concept Business Cards

JeD Chan — Mon, 25 May 2009 18:10:31 +0000

Another concept you can do to your business card is to reflect your profession to it. Let your business card do the talking about what you do. If you’re a dentist then let your card say it.

Samples:

This is a great way to brand your card. It will make your business card standout from other generic cards. In addition, your card will serve its purpose more effectively: A memory aid.

[note] Business cards is shared during formal introductions as a convenience and a memory aid.

- Excerpt from Wikipedia [/note]

I hope this short post somehow helps you on your business card.

See more samples: (Click to enlarge)

Basic Business Card Tips

JeD Chan — Sat, 23 May 2009 17:22:34 +0000

What is a Business Card?

According to National Encyclopedia, business card is:

“a small card made of thin carton with the owner’s name and, usually, address.”

Well, business cards today also contains contact information such as: Telephone, fax, mobile numbers, and email. Others also put their websites and services/products as well.

Here’s an example of a basic business card layout:

This is my dad’s business card, FYI.

In my opinion, the more simple, professional and formal your card, the better – unless of course you are a designer, your card should be artistic.

It is also better to not overload your card with information. Basic information will do. Too much information will make your card look unorganized and will be difficult to read. Others even put advertisements on it, which is good if it doesn’t mess up your card.

Use contrasting font colors and be sure that the font size is reader friendly.

Here are some great samples of business cards: (Click to enlarge)