MADE IN PARAGUAY - ¿TE ALCANZA LA PLATA PARA TU CASA PROPIA? CON EL MINISTRO JUAN CARLOS BARUJA.

Introduction to Sheloga Porá and Upcoming Segments

Overview of Sheloga Porá

• Discussion on Sheloga Porá as a beneficial financial instrument for acquiring or renovating homes at low interest rates.

• Mention of a simulator that will be used to explain the process, alongside the Minister of Housing.

Guest Interviews

• Introduction of Cristian Díaz de Bedoya, a prominent location manager known for his work on acclaimed series like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.

• Announcement of an interview with engineer Mercedes Canese, who will provide tips on reducing electricity bills during high usage periods.

Conversation with Minister Juan Carlos Baruja

Personal Connection and Background

• The host engages in light banter with Minister Baruja about their shared roots in Paraguarí.

• Discussion on the growth of tourism in Paraguarí during the pandemic, highlighting its natural beauty and potential.

Housing Initiatives

• Transition into discussing housing initiatives, specifically referencing President's campaign promise regarding 500,000 new homes.

• Clarification from Minister Baruja that the realistic target is 100,000 homes over five years due to previous construction rates.

Realistic Housing Goals

Current Progress and Challenges

• Emphasis on the ambitious nature of housing goals set by the government compared to past achievements.

• Acknowledgment that repatriating citizens from Argentina may be necessary due to labor shortages in construction.

Statistical Insights

• Update on current housing progress: 43,000 homes managed since August 2023, with 28,000 completed.

• Comparison showing that current efforts have surpassed previous administrations' achievements within a shorter timeframe.

Addressing Housing Deficits

Understanding Housing Needs

• Reference to data from INE indicating a significant housing deficit exceeding one million households in Paraguay.

• Breakdown revealing that approximately 90% of this deficit is qualitative—families living in inadequate conditions despite having homes.

Housing Deficit and Improvement Plans

Discussion on Housing Needs

• The speaker emphasizes the urgent need for improvements in housing, highlighting that many people lack basic amenities like bathrooms and roofs.

• A distinction is made between qualitative (80%) and quantitative (20%) aspects of the housing deficit, indicating that many homes require significant structural repairs.

Upcoming Improvement Initiatives

• An announcement was made regarding a plan for 2026 aimed at improving qualitative deficits by adding rooms or bathrooms to existing homes for vulnerable families.

• The Shiroaponá program includes provisions for home expansions and modifications, addressing previously neglected social housing issues.

Historical Context of Housing Policies

• The speaker reflects on past government efforts over the last 20 years, noting a focus on new housing rather than addressing qualitative deficits in existing structures.

• Acknowledgment of the need to provide long-term credit options to working-class individuals who have been overlooked in previous policies.

Financial Accessibility and Credit Options

• Current government initiatives aim to offer low-interest loans (5%-6.5% in guaraníes), contrasting sharply with historical rates of 30%-40%.

• Statistics reveal that around one million Paraguayans are without proper housing, necessitating an increase from an average of 7,000 houses built annually to approximately 50,000.

Simulation Exercise on Housing Affordability

• A practical exercise is proposed using a computer simulation to demonstrate how income affects housing affordability for couples earning minimum wage.

• Participants input various financial data into the simulator to understand monthly expenses related to loans and credit cards while calculating their net income available for housing.

Calculating Loan Affordability and Financial Planning

Understanding Payment Capacity

• The couple's combined payment capacity is calculated at 2,249,048 guaraníes. This figure represents the total amount they can afford to pay together.

• A question arises regarding how personal expenses like clothing and food are factored into financial calculations, particularly concerning credit card minimum payments.

• Financial institutions typically use a simulator based on banking criteria, where 40% of disposable income is allocated for loan repayments while the remaining 60% covers living expenses.

Income Scenarios and Debt Considerations

• An example scenario considers a couple earning 5 million guaraníes each with no debts; this leads to further calculations about their potential loan amounts.

• Introducing various debt scenarios: one partner has a loan of 700,000 guaraníes and a credit card minimum of 500,000 guaraníes while the other has a larger loan of 2 million guaraníes.

Loan Simulation Process

• After factoring in debts, the calculator indicates that their accessible amount could be around 2,400,000 guaraníes when considering both incomes.

• The first step for any citizen is determining how much they can afford based on their income before proceeding to calculate potential loan amounts.

Accessing Loan Amounts Based on Income

• Using an online platform (Sheroga), individuals can simulate different loan amounts based on their income over varying terms (e.g., up to 30 years).

• For instance, with an income level allowing access to loans ranging from 300 million to potentially as high as 350 million depending on the term length.

Maximum Loan Limits and Regional Variations

• In Asunción specifically, maximum loans can reach up to 725 million guaraníes due to higher land values compared to other regions.

• This highlights regional differences in property value which affect borrowing limits; thus encouraging people towards urban areas for better services.

Steps Following Initial Calculations

• If individuals wish for larger loans (e.g., up to 600 million), they must ensure no existing debts impact their eligibility.

• Once individuals understand their financial standing through these exercises, they should approach banks or financial institutions for formal applications.

Finalizing Plans for Construction or Purchase

• After securing financing knowledge and understanding potential costs (like hiring architects), applicants need clarity on what they can afford within set budgets.

• There are numerous banks involved in these programs—22 institutions including cooperatives—offering various options tailored to individual needs.

Housing Loans and Informal Employment Challenges

Overview of Housing Loan Process

• The discussion begins with the role of a reputable bank in facilitating housing loans, emphasizing its leadership in disbursements.

• A scenario is presented where an individual applies for a loan after preparing their project and documents, leading to loan approval and execution of housing construction.

Challenges for Informal Workers

• The speaker highlights the difficulties faced by informal workers (e.g., bakers, hairdressers) who lack formal income documentation necessary for loan qualification.

• Current statistics indicate that 57% of workers are informal, which significantly limits their access to housing loans.

Pathways to Formalization

• The conversation shifts to potential solutions for informal workers, suggesting they can formalize their status as independent workers to demonstrate income over time.

• It is clarified that the discussed loans are indeed mortgage-based, providing security for banks in case of default.

Comparison with Other Countries' Subsidies

• The speaker compares Paraguay's system with those in Chile and Uruguay, noting that these countries offer subsidies based on debt rather than direct financial support.

• In Chile, there is a subsidy structure allowing lower interest rates through state participation; Paraguay’s fixed rate contrasts this model.

Government Programs for Vulnerable Populations

• FONABI is introduced as a program aimed at providing housing for vulnerable families and indigenous communities without cost to them.

• The distinction between FONABI and other programs like Obor is made clear; FONABI focuses specifically on indigenous communities.

Impact on Extreme Poverty

• The discussion emphasizes improvements in living conditions provided by new housing projects compared to previous situations where many lived in single-room environments.

Political Context

• A transition into political discussions reveals concerns about municipal responsibilities regarding public services amidst rising challenges across Paraguay.

Discussion on Political Management and Challenges

Reflections on Decision-Making

• The speaker discusses the importance of effective management, acknowledging that while there may be debates about timing, the positive aspect is that a decision was made.

• A reference is made to Callega La Verna's statement regarding regret over past decisions, highlighting the complexities of political choices.

Electoral Dynamics in Asunción

• The conversation shifts to electoral challenges faced by candidates from the same party, emphasizing how difficult it is to recover from setbacks.

• Despite having a strong voter base in Asunción, there are concerns about clientelism affecting voting patterns across different municipalities.

Voter Behavior and Municipal Elections

• The speaker notes that not all party affiliates vote for their own party during municipal elections, citing examples from their own district experiences.

• There’s an increasing awareness among citizens to focus less on party affiliation and more on individual candidate capabilities.

Analysis of Defeats in Ciudad del Este

• The discussion highlights the unique voting behavior in Ciudad del Este compared to neighboring cities and suggests that poor management contributed to electoral losses.

• It is argued that multiple factors led to these defeats rather than solely blaming individual candidates.

Future Political Aspirations

• Speculation arises regarding potential candidacies for president or vice president; however, the speaker expresses no immediate plans for such roles.

• Polling data indicates high approval ratings for certain politicians within their movement, suggesting favorable public perception.

Evaluating Past Leadership

• The speaker reflects on Mario Abdo Benítez's presidency as having both strengths and weaknesses, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic.

• Positive investments in health infrastructure are acknowledged as part of his legacy despite overall mixed reviews.

Analysis of Political Leadership and Transportation Issues

Critique of President Peña's Administration

• The speaker criticizes President Peña for halting the Metrobus project initiated by former President Cartes, suggesting it was a politically motivated decision rather than based on practical considerations.

• The speaker emphasizes that if the Metro had continued, it could have significantly alleviated transportation issues in the country, which are currently severe, with citizens spending 4 to 5 hours commuting daily.

Political Dynamics and Rivalries

• The speaker expresses concern over what they perceive as a personal vendetta from Abdo against Horacio Cartes, particularly after their internal party competition in 2017.

• There is speculation about Abdo's political maneuvers involving the U.S. embassy to sanction Cartes, indicating a belief that such actions crossed ethical boundaries in electoral politics.

Internal Party Conflicts

• The speaker suggests that Abdo may have also undermined his own vice president to favor another candidate within their party, reflecting deep divisions and strategic conflicts.

• Acknowledgment of internal perceptions regarding candidate favoritism within the party highlights ongoing tensions and potential impacts on future elections.

Future Electoral Strategies

• Discussion shifts towards upcoming municipal elections and how Honor Colorado plans to approach them without harboring resentment from past internal conflicts.

• Emphasis on unity within Honor Colorado despite previous losses indicates a focus on collaboration for future success.

Insights into Party Success Factors

• The speaker references Boxer’s book discussing why the Colorado Party often wins elections, stressing that success is not solely due to state resources but also involves generating enthusiasm among voters.

• It is argued that genuine passion for candidates is crucial; without it, even well-funded campaigns can fail regardless of structural advantages.

Conclusion: Importance of Candidate Appeal

• The discussion concludes with an assertion that winning requires more than just political machinery; candidates must inspire hope and excitement among constituents.

• Acknowledgment of past election losses reinforces the idea that emotional connection with voters is essential for electoral success.

Energy Saving Tips for Home Appliances

General Energy Efficiency Goals

• The primary goal is to consume less electricity while maintaining or improving comfort levels, which benefits both finances and the environment.

Unplugging Devices

• It is recommended to unplug devices when not in use, except for essential appliances like refrigerators and freezers, which should only be unplugged during storms.

• Avoid using overloaded power strips and damaged cables as they pose safety risks and increase energy consumption.

Refrigerator Usage

• Ensure refrigerator doors close properly; inexpensive weather stripping can help maintain temperature. A well-sealed fridge operates more efficiently.

• Avoid placing hot food inside the refrigerator as it forces the compressor to work harder, risking overheating and spoilage of other items. Allow food to cool before storage.

Washing Machine and Ironing Practices

• Use washing machines at full capacity according to manufacturer guidelines; avoid washing small loads that waste water and energy. High-temperature settings should be minimized to save energy.

• Plan ironing sessions by grouping clothes together instead of ironing single items, which optimizes energy use from the iron. Additionally, avoid peak hours for appliance usage to reduce strain on the electrical grid.

Air Conditioning Efficiency

• Set air conditioning units at moderate temperatures, keep doors and windows closed while in use, and consider using timers for efficient operation without excessive running time. Planting trees around homes can also provide natural cooling benefits.

Choosing Energy-Efficient Appliances

• Select appliances with high-efficiency ratings (A or B) indicated on their labels; these consume less electricity compared to lower-rated models including LED lamps which are more efficient than traditional bulbs.

• Inverter technology in appliances like air conditioners can lead to significant savings—up to 40% less electricity usage compared to conventional models despite a higher initial cost.

Precautions During Stormy Weather

• During storms, it's advisable to unplug all devices including refrigerators if safe time limits allow without compromising food safety; this prevents damage from power surges caused by lightning strikes or outages.

• Stay away from metallic objects or wires during storms due to potential hazards associated with electrical surges or fallen lines near your home.

Reporting Electrical Issues

• If equipment fails due to electrical issues potentially caused by utility company faults (not storm-related), users should report incidents through designated channels provided by their utility provider for resolution assistance within specified timelines.

10 días de espera y quejas sobre reparaciones

Quejas sobre el servicio de reparaciones

• Se menciona que en 2024 se pagaron más de 1000 millones de guaraníes en averías, lo cual genera preocupación.

• La duración promedio para reparar o reponer servicios es entre 45 días a 3 meses, lo que ha llevado a muchas quejas por parte de los usuarios.

Introducción a Cristian Díaz Bedoya

• Se presenta a Cristian Díaz Bedoya, jefe de locación en Estados Unidos, conocido por su trabajo en series famosas.

• El presentador compara la experiencia profesional de Cristian con un equipo técnico de fútbol en la Champions League.

El rol del jefe de locaciones

Descripción del trabajo

• Cristian explica que su rol incluye tanto aspectos creativos como logísticos; debe encontrar lugares para filmar y coordinar el movimiento del equipo.

Proceso creativo y logístico

• Su trabajo comienza al recibir un guion, donde debe presentar opciones para los lugares descritos antes de las filmaciones.

• Menciona que tiene acceso anticipado al guion y trabaja con productores y directores para dar forma a la visión del proyecto.

Scouting: Búsqueda de locaciones

Proceso detallado

• Después de leer el guion, realiza "scouts" donde visita físicamente los lugares propuestos junto con el director y otros miembros clave del equipo.

Herramientas modernas

• Utiliza tecnología moderna como websites virtuales e iPads para mostrar opciones visuales a los directores durante las reuniones.

Colaboración con el equipo creativo

Interacción inicial

• Es uno de los primeros contratados en una producción, ayudando a decidir si una ubicación es adecuada para la película o serie.

Reuniones previas

• Las reuniones previas son cruciales; algunos directores prefieren ser específicos sobre lo que buscan mientras otros dejan más libertad creativa.

Breaking Bad and Cult Series Insights

Introduction to Cult Series

• Discusses the concept of cult series, referencing popular shows like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, as well as the upcoming Pluribus which is expected to gain a similar following.

Meeting Vince Gilligan

• The speaker recounts their introduction to Vince Gilligan, creator of Breaking Bad, while working on a short series for an American channel with one of its producers. They had a positive connection that led to further opportunities.

The Role of Trust in Collaboration

• Emphasizes Vince's humility and trust in his team, allowing them creative freedom while providing guidance when necessary. This approach contributes significantly to the success of his series.

Working on Breaking Bad

• The speaker began working on Breaking Bad starting from Season 4, contributing through Season 5 and also participating in the film El Camino. They highlight their involvement in iconic locations such as Walter White's house.

Iconic Locations and Fan Interactions

• Describes how Walter White's house has become a tourist attraction due to its significance in the show, including anecdotes about fans throwing pizzas at it, referencing a memorable scene from the series.

Behind-the-Scenes Experiences

• Shares experiences during location scouting for scenes at Walter White’s house where fans would meet Vince Gilligan unexpectedly, showcasing his approachable nature and willingness to engage with fans.

Negotiating Location Changes

• Discusses negotiations regarding filming locations like "Los Pollos Hermanos," explaining how they adapted real restaurants for authenticity while maintaining operational functionality for business owners.

How is Filming Managed in Business Settings?

Filming Logistics and Business Impact

• The process of filming involves negotiating with businesses, where they are compensated for closing their operations temporarily during the shoot.

• Filming typically requires one to three days of closure, after which the location is restored to its original state, including cleaning and painting.

• If the business likes the changes made (like new paint), they can choose to keep them by signing an agreement, which benefits both parties.

• To avoid complications from filming at various homes, a neighborhood set was constructed specifically for the series "Pluribus."

• The creator had several episodes written before scouting locations; he insisted on building a specific neighborhood that visually represented key themes in the show.

Neighborhood Design and Construction

• The chosen neighborhood is intentionally isolated to enhance narrative tension within the series, reflecting character fears about neighbors causing trouble.

• A cul-de-sac of six houses was built in a desert area; while some houses are merely facades, one house serves as a real living space for a character.

• Most structures were built without plumbing or electricity but designed to look like real homes; interiors are completed as needed for filming scenes.

Cristian Díaz's Journey in Film

Career Transition and Industry Insights

• Cristian Díaz moved to the United States over 30 years ago and transitioned from economics into film almost serendipitously.

• He notes how New Mexico became an attractive location for film production due to incentives compared to traditional hubs like California and Canada.

Working with Stars

• Initially starstruck by working with famous actors like Bryan Cranston, Cristian eventually adapted to seeing them as colleagues rather than celebrities.

• His experiences have led him to develop professional relationships with actors through collaborative projects such as directing episodes alongside them.

Better Call Saul: Behind the Scenes of Season 5, Episode 8

Challenges of Filming in the Desert

• The discussion begins with a focus on the challenges faced during the filming of Season 5, Episode 8 ("Bagman") of Better Call Saul, highlighting the dedication and professionalism of the cast and crew.

• The episode was originally scheduled for 11 to 12 days of filming but extended to 18 days due to various difficulties, including extreme heat and logistical issues related to multiple desert locations.

• Vince Gilligan's preference for wide-angle shots contributed to the complexity, as he aimed to capture expansive desert landscapes throughout the episode.

• Special accommodations were made for actors like Jonathan Banks, who faced physical challenges during intense scenes; notably, a single shooting scene took four days to film.

Recognition and Awards

• The speaker reflects on their own nominations across various series, including Soul and Breaking Bad, expressing pride in their work within these acclaimed productions.

• They mention being nominated for a miniseries titled American Prime Evil, emphasizing its unique qualities compared to traditional westerns.

Acknowledging Cast Achievements

• There is a conversation about actress Rhea Seehorn (Kim Wexler), who finally received recognition with awards after previously being overlooked despite her talent.

• It’s noted that Better Call Saul did not receive any Emmy nominations over its six seasons, which surprises both speakers given its critical acclaim.

Personal Reflections on Series

• The speakers share their personal favorites among the three series (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and others), noting how intertwined they are while expressing nostalgia for past seasons.

• They discuss specific memorable scenes from Breaking Bad, such as Walter White hiding in snow-covered mountains, showcasing their connection to Albuquerque's geography.

Insights into Production Techniques

• Details are shared about filming techniques used in creating sets; outdoor scenes were shot at Sandia Mountain while indoor settings were constructed in studios.

• The importance of set design is highlighted—how external visuals may differ from internal realities due to cinematic magic and production choices.

Controversy Over Casting Choices

• A brief controversy regarding casting decisions is mentioned concerning an actor portraying a Paraguayan character; it reflects discussions around authenticity in representation within media.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Homenaje y Producción: Reflexiones sobre el Proyecto

Homenaje a la Cultura Paraguaya

• El hablante menciona que aún no tiene el "CAS" y que se está preparando un homenaje en su honor, lo cual considera un agradecimiento significativo.

• Se destaca la importancia de incluir al equipo detrás de la producción, mencionando a varios miembros del crew que contribuyen al proyecto.

• La felicidad que genera este homenaje en el pueblo paraguayo es evidente; se reconoce el impacto positivo que tendrá en la comunidad.

Elección del Actor y Representación Cultural

• Se discute la elección de Carlos Manuel Vesga como actor principal, quien interpreta a un personaje colombiano viviendo en Paraguay.

• Se aclara una confusión común: nunca se afirmó que el personaje fuera paraguayo, sino que vive en Paraguay, lo cual cambia la percepción del público.

• El uso de palabras locales como "quilombo" por parte del actor muestra un esfuerzo por integrar elementos culturales auténticos en los diálogos.

Locaciones y Filmación

• Parte de la filmación se realizó en Nuevo México debido a la falta de locaciones adecuadas en Paraguay; esto incluye una bodega específica utilizada para escenas clave.

• Las Islas Canarias también fueron utilizadas para representar diferentes partes de Paraguay, aprovechando incentivos fiscales y recursos disponibles allí.

Proceso Creativo y Futuro del Proyecto

• Se menciona que actualmente están trabajando en la segunda temporada de "Pluribus", con planes para comenzar a filmar en agosto próximo.

• La duración total del rodaje anterior fue aproximadamente un año, incluyendo viajes internacionales y diversas locaciones.

Discussion on Film Production and Immigration Policies

Insights on Film Production

• The conversation touches upon the filming locations, specifically mentioning Las Vegas and a notable suite associated with Elvis Presley, indicating a connection to iconic cultural references in film.

• There is a question about whether the discussed project has completed editing or if it remains in the shooting phase, suggesting an interest in production timelines.

Anticipated Release Timeline

• A prediction is made regarding the release of episodes around 2027, reflecting on the lengthy nature of film production and audience expectations.

• The speaker expresses hope for an earlier release date, highlighting optimism amidst potential delays in production schedules.

Impact of Immigration Policy on Film Industry

• The discussion shifts to how Trump's immigration policies affect immigrant workers within the film industry, particularly in New Mexico due to its proximity to Mexico.

• Despite concerns raised about fear among new workers entering the industry under current political climates, one participant notes that they do not feel any significant impact personally after being established for 30 years.

Personal Experiences and Perspectives

• One speaker reflects on their long-term presence in the U.S. and how it has shaped their identity over time, suggesting a blending into American culture while still acknowledging their roots.