International PR Consultant ®

Is Amir Alhaj your first name? What does ASM mean? What title do you use before your name?

Amir is my first name.

Alhaj (Elhawary) is my family name - related to my Arab tribe; Hawwara
ASM is an abbreviation of my full name.

No title please, just call me Amir

Clarification: Online there are dozens around the world with the same name (Amir Alhaj) and there are more than five companies and institutions using the same name (ASM), in addition to scammers and fake accounts - but, there is only one Amir Alhaj - ASM | Registered on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter). Username: @AmirAlhaj_ph ↗️

Why did you choose the Philippines as a center to manage your international services and activities?

I chose the Philippines as a center to manage my international services and activities due to some important reasons but, the main five reasons are:
◾ The Philippines is a developing country and the fourth Largest English speaking country in the world (after the USA, India and Nigeria). More than 90% of its population speaks English, which is its co-official and majority language.
◾ Strategic Location ➔ Map
◾ Quality Of People

◾ Beauty Of Nature

◾ Life Path

About the Philippines Today
🎥 Videos

About Arabs in the Philippines
📜 Article

Does Southeast Asia have a promising future?

Yes, Southeast Asia has a promising future, characterized by strong economic growth, a burgeoning digital economy, and increasing global integration. While challenges like climate change and global economic shifts exist, the region's resilience and adaptability suggest a positive outlook.

Key factors contributing to Southeast Asia's positive future:

◾ Economic Growth

◾ Digital Economy

◾ ASEAN Integration

◾ China + 1" Strategy

◾ Resilience and Adaptability

◾ Human Capital Development

Challenges and Considerations:

◾ Climate Change

◾ Global Economic Shifts

◾ Institutional Reforms

Development of Southeast Asia: Overall, Southeast Asia is poised for continued growth and development, with its strong economic fundamentals, dynamic digital sector, and strategic location positioning it as a key player in the global economy.

Why do you use Google Sites (Domain Name) as a business interface?

Google Sites functionality with system and site-level security controls: With Google Sites you have a full documents security controls built-in system. Your data remain secure and Google has a commitment to respect the privacy of information placed in their systems. As such, Google Sites operating system offers end users the capacity to manage site sharing permissions across the business, and authors can share and revoke file access at anytime that help keep information safe. Google Sites functionality with system and site-level security controls is a Google's security objective is made whole by a multi-layered security strategy that provides controls at multiple levels of data storage, access and transfer. Google values the privacy confidentiality, integrity and availability of data which is key for business sustainability and growth.

What is Joint Venture Unit?

A joint venture (JV) is a business arrangement in which two or more parties agree to pool their resources for the purpose of accomplishing a specific task. This task can be a new project or any other business activity.

Each of the participants in a JV is responsible for profits, losses, and costs associated with it. However, the venture is its own entity, separate from the participants’ other business interests.

Is the Philippines an investment friendly country?

Yes, the Philippines allows up to full foreign ownership of insurance adjustment, lending, financing, or investment companies; however, foreign investors are prohibited from owning stock in such enterprises, unless the investor's home country affords the same reciprocal rights to Filipino investors.

Is the Philippines safe to invest in?

Yes, because the political and security environment in the Philippines is stable and does not present an ongoing concern for most foreign investors.

What are the best types of investments in the Philippines?

- Real Estate

- Cooperative Investments

- Stocks

- Bonds

- Mutual Funds

- Time Deposits

- High Yield Savings Accounts

What are the risks of living in the Philippines?

Violent crime, such as armed robbery in public places, sexual assault, and murder, occur regularly and are a serious problem in the Philippines, including Metro Manila.

However, the violent crime rate in the Philippines is still very low compared to the United States.

The Philippines is ranked 84th in the world for crime index for the past 3 years.

Globally, Venezuela tops the chart, recording the highest crime index.

Despite being one of the world's most developed countries, the United States ranks 52nd.

The US violent crime rate in 2023 (only) was 363.8 cases per 100,000 people.

Is it true that the Philippines has high fraud/scam rates?

Yes, true, it's number 10, after China.

Number 01 - India

Number 02 - Brazil

Number 03 - Pakistan

Number 04 - South Africa

Number 05 - Morocco

Number 06 - Romania

Number 07 - Nigeria

Number 08 - Venezuela

Number 09 - China

Number 10 - Philippines

The Philippines faces ongoing challenges in addressing fraud. The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) playing a crucial role in mitigating these risks. In 2023, the AMLC recorded a surge in suspicious transaction reports, with a significant portion linked to phishing and hacking incidents.

The most prevalent types of fraud include vishing, SMS phishing, business email compromise, and user account hacking. The majority of these fraudulent activities involve inter-account transfers and electronic cash card transactions. AMLC's recent initiatives include enhanced coordination with law enforcement and financial institutions to tackle these issues effectively.

PS: Most of the scams fall under the category of Love Scams.

How to avoid Love Scams in the Philippines?

First Step: Stay away from dating websites, and online dating (in general). Please understand that all dating websites (linked to the Philippines) are not operating inside the Philippines!

Yes, matchmaking is generally legal in the Philippines, but with specific restrictions related to international partnerships. The "Anti-Mail-Order Bride Law" (Republic Act 6955, now superseded by RA 10906) prohibits businesses that specifically target Filipino women for marriage to foreign nationals on a mail-order or similar basis. However, other forms of matchmaking, including local or general matchmaking services, are not explicitly outlawed.
PS: The first date should be a coffee date (only), and it's okay if she wants to bring a friend or family member (one or two maximum). Ask questions and don't focus on her appearance (only). Most girls (and transgenders) in the Philippines are nice, kind and lighthearted.
As a foreigner (newcomer), avoid bar girls. You won't find true love with bar girls.
Please note that before the internet and social media - a country girl (traditional Filipina) was every foreigner's dream, but nowadays, there is not much difference between a country girl and a city girl.
I advise you to build a local network, and find your Filipina through your network.

Second Step: Stay away from under age girls/boys.

Always ask for a proof of identity, to confirm the age.

Third Step: Stay away from your Filipina's family.

I mean do not live in the same city/town/village where your Filipina's family members are living.

Fourth Step: Stay away from greed and/or being cheap!

Stay balanced - between kindness and seriousness.

Important Note: Filipina is family oriented. Which means supporting her family (financially and emotionally) is her priority in life.

If she is working then please understand that all her income will go to her family, but if she is not working of course she will ask you (directly or indirectly) for financial support.

There is nothing wrong with supporting (financially) your Filipina, if that is not the only reason for her being with you!

The best solution is to sign a relationship contract, then live-in with your Filipina for a period of time, till you are sure, then get married (sign a marriage contract), if marriage is your goal.
Big cities mean big risks (to get scammed).
Remember; there is a high % of single mothers in the Philippines, (Why? The law prohibits abortion), of course, single mothers are in need emotionally and financially.

The younger the better, correct, to build memories and experience life together.
Most Filipinos do not use sexual protection products.
Build a strong social network to protect yourself, and hire a legal advisor (Private Attorney) who is worthy of your trust.

Fifth Step: Stay away from stress - and be positive, careful, patient and polite - to get the best of the Philippines.

Is corruption high in the Philippines?

Yes, corruption in the Philippines is generally perceived as high, although there have been some recent improvements in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The Philippines has consistently ranked in the lower half of the CPI, indicating a significant level of perceived corruption in the public sector.

In the watchdog's 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), the Philippines ranked 114th out of 180 countries with a score of 33 out of 100, up a spot from 115th last year. This was the Philippines' best ranking since 2018 when it ranked 99th.

What are the most beautiful things about the Philippines - in general?

The Philippines is known for its stunning natural beauty, including pristine white sand beaches like Boracay, the unique Chocolate Hills, the breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces, the historic walled city of Intramuros, cascading waterfalls like Kawasan Falls, and majestic volcanic landscapes like Mount Pinatubo; alongside its friendly people, rich culture, and diverse cuisine.

Key highlights of the Philippines' beauty:

Beaches
Boracay is famous for its white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Chocolate Hills
A unique geographical formation in Bohol with numerous hills resembling chocolate kisses.
Rice Terraces of Banaue
UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing ancient rice terraces carved into the mountainside.
Intramuros
Manila's historic walled city with Spanish colonial architecture.
Kawasan Falls
A beautiful waterfall in Cebu, popular for swimming and nature activities.
Mount Pinatubo
A volcano with dramatic landscape resulting from a powerful eruption.
Diverse Wildlife
The Philippines boasts a rich variety of wildlife, including exotic species.
Culture and People
Filipinos are known for their warm hospitality and vibrant cultural traditions.

What is a consultant?

Consultants are professionals who offer expert recommendations, advice and opinions to businesses and individuals in order to help that organization or person become more effective and lucrative. Consultants are essentially considered "fixers" and provide an objective opinion on a business or person needs to solve issues and improve overall performance. The exact duties of a consultant will vary based on the industry they specialize in and the company they are working with.

Typically, consulting roles can fit into one of five main categories: strategy consulting, operations consulting, financial consulting, information technology consulting and human resources consulting.

What is public relations?

At its core, PR is about building trust. It often includes creating a strong brand and great reputation to allow you to build relationships with the public (or many publics). For your company, those relationships might be with the general public; consumers – potential customers and clients; investors; employees; government officials, agencies and regulators; and the media. Your relationship with any of those audiences may or may not be mutually beneficial at any given time. Great PR creates mutually beneficial relationships and incites change. Great PR can help you change behaviors and opinions in your favor.

What is media relations?

Media relations is such an important and well-known component of public relations that people often mistakenly believe they're one in the same. I work with members of the media to publicize companies and their products through news media coverage. News media coverage happens when the news features your company, brand, product, service, or spokesperson. Unlike advertising, which sponsors the news, PR uses news media coverage to integrate you into the news content, not leave you as a separate entity from that content. News media coverage appears in print, broadcast, and online media. I can show you how to maximize your media relations efforts.

What is IR? What is ER? What is EPR? What is the difference between IR and PR?

Internal relations are those relations that are intrinsic to the nature of one or more of the relata. They are a kind of essential relation, rather than an essential property.

External relations are not fixed this way and carry characteristics that go beyond the intrinsic features of their relata.

EPR (External Public Relations) deals with how a company interacts with people outside of the organization. Some examples of external PR would be communication with community organizations, local authorities, job centers, and the press.

A central difference between IR and PR is that IR deals with internal relationships while PR is a communication activity between the company and the public. Similarly, IR involves managers and employees, while PR impacts other stakeholders, including customers, communities and business associates.

Why should I use PR instead of advertising?

No one tunes into the news to see who's advertising; people switch to news channels and visit news websites because that's how they ensure they're informed, educated, and entertained. Do you regularly turn to any website, TV show, newspaper, or magazine for the advertisements? Studies show people are far more likely to believe a news story than an advertisement, and the ROI on public relations leaves advertising's ROI in the dust. People have trained themselves to ignore advertising. For less cost than advertising, PR creates a more credible message.

Do PR firms also do reputation management?

When it comes to online reputation management, content is king, and good public relations firms are the kings of positive content about your organization.

What does the term “agency of record” mean?

This term typically means a company has entered into an agreement with a public relations firm, giving the firm exclusive rights to represent the company on all PR matters across its business or service lines. Alternatively, it may also denote a relationship in which a company contracts several PR agencies and retains the majority of work for one. This broader interpretation is really more of a “preferred agency” relationship rather than a true AOR. There are varying reasons why an AOR status may be beneficial to both client and agency, such as an increased understanding of business goals. Most agree there are few – if any – negative consequences of attaining such a committed relationship.

What’s the difference between the AP news wire and services like PR Newswire, Business Wire, and PR Web?

PR news wires contain news releases from PR people and companies that pay a fee to post their company news. There are several companies that provide these services (PR Newswire, Business Wire, PRWeb, and others). Each has its own unique features and benefits. I receive volume pricing from these paid news wire services, and I extend discounted rates to my clients. For example, a $2,000 news wire package may cost $400-800 for my client, depending on current volume and promotional offerings.

The Associated Press news wire contains stories published exclusively by AP correspondents and newspapers that subscribe to the AP service. Companies are unable to pay to have their news placed there. Editors select the content they post to the AP wire based on its overall news value. Other options for major news wires include Reuters and Dow Jones. I have relationships with these unpaid news wires and actively pitches my clients' best stories to my contacts within these organizations.

Should I hire a PR firm or do it myself?

It takes time to develop and execute an effective PR campaign. Weigh the value of the time you'll spend on PR against what you could accomplish in the same time if you focused your efforts on your expertise: your company. I generate news media coverage for my clients full time. I know the ins and outs of pitching stories, writing and distributing news releases, scheduling speaking engagements, and developing contact lists and relationships with the media. Make sure you consider these key points before you decide to handle your public relations in-house.

How do I choose a PR firm?

Hiring a public relations firm is like old-fashioned courting. Spend time researching the best public relations firms for your industry. Look for firms with clients of the same or higher caliber than your company. Check out PR firms that manage the campaigns of your clients or prospective clients. Remember that public relations is all about the relationships, so choose a relationship that will lead you forward – through the door of your next client.

Do I need a PR firm that specializes in my industry?

No. There are many reasons not to hire an industry-specific PR firm, including the inherent conflict of interest that comes with representing companies that compete with one another. Specialized firms are often stale and reuse the same ideas and tactics over and over again. Creativity is transferable between industries; it’s more important to get ideas across industries than within an industry. My experience shows I can be successful in any industry. My diverse industry experience trumps narrow, niche experience and allows me to avoid conflicts of interest. My client diversity helps me see trends and think objectively and horizontally, bringing innovation from one industry to another.

How do I fire my current PR firm?

Your relationship with your public relations firm is critical to your success; a bad relationship with your PR firm can directly impact your sales and earnings.
I always advise - taking a serious decision must be on time to reduce losses.

How much does public relations cost?

Investing in professional public relations is a lot like buying a new car. With so many different models and options available, the costs vary considerably. Monthly public relations campaigns start at $2,000 for small business campaigns, $5,000 for local and single-audience PR solutions, and $10,000-$30,000 for far-reaching comprehensive national programs.

How long is the contract requires?

I offer most of my services on an annual basis. Some clients prefer and negotiate three-year deals with me.

PR is a long-term endeavor.

Do you guarantee results?

No. There are many business, economic, and third-party factors outside of any public relations professional's or firm's control, including product, service, price, demand, market, quality, competition, consumer behavior and preferences, media bias, and major events. Therefore, I offer no guarantees or warranties.
Any individual or organization offering you a guarantee may be in violation of the Public Relations Societies code of ethics, which highly discourages such behavior.

Why should I choose you (Amir Alhaj - ASM) over the other PR consultants?

According to a survey, 9 out of 10 (my clients) are either “highly likely” or “extremely likely” to refer me to their colleagues and friends.

Will I be buying articles, advertising, or space?

No. I'll work to acquire news media placement of stories about your company. With news media, unlike advertising, companies don't pay for placement of news stories. One of the key advantages of public relations over other marketing channels is news media helps establish credibility for a company and its products or services. Although PR is not instant or overnight, it's a powerful way to build your company's brand and reputation.
Never underestimate PR's ability to go viral without buying space or ads.

Do you write news releases? Do you outsource your writing?

- Through a staff of former journalists and professional writers who craft effective, professional news releases for my clients. I also edit and polish news releases for clients who prefer to write their own releases. Press releases are a huge part of your outreach efforts, so make sure you trust the right people to handle them.

- Through a staff of former journalists and professional writers produces most of the writing I use to promote my clients. I also occasionally call on several accomplished writers for special projects or exceptionally heavy workloads. I deal with highly trained writers - understand the importance of a well-crafted press release.

What is the difference between a blogger and a writer?

Blogging is a personal approach. The bloggers post their personal experiences, and thoughts about a product, a public issue, a service, or anything that comes to his/her mind. On the contrary, writers write from their professional prospective. (Exception: now many professionals have their own blogs, but the ones who consider themselves bloggers are the ones who write personal experiences).

There is a saying that all bloggers are writers, but not all writers are bloggers.

In addition, “Vlogging” refers to video blogging and “vlog” refers to video blog. “Vloggers” is short for video bloggers. Vloggers create and share video content online to connect with followers. Vlogging has become increasingly popular, and a larger part of the digital world. Once YouTube was founded in 2005, vlogging was armed with the perfect platform for creators and viewers alike. Co-founder Jawed Karim uploaded YouTube's first vlog in April of 2005, kicking off a wave of amateur vloggers and interesting new content.

Do I need qualifications to work in PR?

There are no set qualifications for becoming a PR officer, but many entrants have a degree or an HND. Entry into the profession is open to all graduates, but the following degree and HND subjects may be particularly helpful: business or management, communication and media studies.

How many people work as a PR consultant - around the world?

Currently, there are more than 250,000 people on this job

Will “Public Relations Consultant” be replaced by Robots?

Based on a professional study, there is an 18% chance of automation (low percentage).

“Public Relations Consultant” will almost certainly not be replaced by robots.

Google Sites

Report abuse