DOT Opens MICECon 2010 to all Business, Industry Sector

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano has virtually opened the forthcoming conference on meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) to the entire business community as he invites all members of the corporate and entrepreneurial sectors to join the Philippine MICE Conference (MICECon) 2010 slated at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Feb. 4 - 7, 2010.

Sec. Durano said MICECON 2010 would orient corporate executives and entrepreneurs on the latest trends in this field, provide them with a lineup of competent foreign and local service providers, present to them the best practices worldwide, and acquaint them with the global network of MICE experts whom they could tap, thus enabling them to optimize the benefits they could derive from staging their own MICE-related activities anywhere in the world.

“MICECON is not just for the MICE sector of the tourism industry, but for the entire business community since it revolves around a marketing tool that is now being used extensively worldwide in pursuit of corporate and entrepreneurial objectives,” Sec. Durano explained.

This is the first time that a MICE event will be held north of Manila. Previous MICE events were staged in Cebu, Boracay, Davao, Bacolod and Batangas. The staging of this event in Subic is intended to develop and market the North as another MICE destination outside Manila. This is also the first time that the country’s two major MICE-related events – the Philippine Incentive Marketing Conference (Phil-Incentive) and the Philippine Asia MICE Forum – are brought together to form MICECON 2010.

Organized by the DOT and its marketing arm, the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp. (PCVC), MICECON 2010 includes an Amazing MICE Race, MICE Leaders Forum, Educational Tracks for MICE Mates, MICE market seminars, business networking, and bid presentations of future MICECON hosts.

Aside from the seminars, workshops and business networking activities, MICECON 2010 also includes special events in three key northern destinations – Balanga for bird watching, Subic for the main conference, and Clark for the post-tour.

MICECON 2010 is supported by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Philippine Airlines, Philippine Tourism Authority, Provincial Government of Cebu, City Government of Balanga, Bataan, Provincial Government of Bohol, Victory Liner, Islands Philippines, Primer Group of Companies, Recreational Outdoor Exchange (ROX), WOW Jeepney Tours, Clark Development Corp., Clark International Airport Corp., Coltrans, Marriott Hotel, Travellers International Hotel Group, Annset Holidays, Inc., INTAS Destinations, Yellowbird Tours, Abacus International, Smart Communications, Inc., TTG Asia, Manila North Tollways Corp., Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS), Movement of Incentive Travel Executives (MITE), Hotel Sales & Marketing Association (HSMA), National Association of Independent Travel Agencies Inc. (NAITAS), and Travel Café Philippines.

For more information on MICECON 2010, contact the MICECON Secretariat at (632) 525-9318 local 233 or 525-6110, email phil.MICEconference@gmail.com, cit@dotpcvc.gov.ph, or visit www.dotpcvc.gov.ph.

The Philippine Historical Association Annual Conference: The Facets of Filipino Heroism

In line with the celebration of the National History Week (Sept. 15–19, 2009), the Philippine Historical Association (PHA), in cooperation with the National Historical Institute (NHI), held its annual conference at the National Museum last Sept. 18.

With its theme “Kabayanihang Pilipino: Ang Mukha ng Bayani sa Agos ng Kasaysayan” (Filipino Heroism: The Facet of a Hero in the Flow of History), the conference was geared toward the analysis of the ever-changing concepts of a hero and the provision of a venue for sharing different methods in teaching the lives of the heroes and imparting heroism in the classroom. Several other topics were also discussed in the conference, including “Mga Limot nang Bayani sa Kasaysayan” (History’s Forgotten Heroes), “The Filipino Soldier in History,” “Ang mga OFWs: Mga Bagong Bayani” (The OFWs: The Modern-Day Heroes), “Ang Kabayanihan ng mga Kababaihan” (The Heroism of Women), and “Pagtuturo ng Kabayanihan sa Silid-Aralan” (Teaching Heroism in the Classroom).

A tour to various historical spots in Cavite was scheduled on Sept. 19. Dubbed “Lakbay Aral sa Cavite,” the tour circuited a few of the most famous historical sites in the province such as the Battle of the Binakayan Shrine and the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, the Site of the Tejeros Convention in Rosario, Casa Hacienda de Naic, and the Bonifacio Trial House and Mt. Nagpatong in Maragondon. The province of Cavite is one of the richest places in Philippine History because of several significant events, among which is the declaration of Philippine Independence at the Aguinaldo Shrine.

The PHA is professional association of historians in the Philippines, founded on Sept. 18, 1955. It is affiliated with the National Commission for the Culture and Arts, the NHI, and the Philippine Social Science Council.

For more details regarding the conference and the Cavite tour, please visit http://pha1955.blogspot.com/2009/08/2009-annual-conference-of-philippine.html or email jobal_kasaysayan@yahoo.com.

Local and International F & B Firms All Set for WOFEX 2009

The finest food and beverage (F & B) industry players, as well as representatives of allied services from here and abroad will again showcase their latest products and services at the 9^th International Exposition on Worldwide Food and Beverage, Technology, and Machinery (WOFEX 2009) to be held on August 5 – 8, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Dubbed as “The Ultimate Food Show Experience”, WOFEX 2009, organized by Premier Events Plus Group, Inc., will showcase the newest technologies, trends, products, and services in food preparation, storage and packaging, presentation and more. The annual event continues to co-locate events that bring together all segments of the food and beverage industry and allied industries.

Baker's Fair showcases different baked products, confectionaries, ingredients, and bakery equipment. Baking demonstrations are lined-up to provide this growth market up-to-date know how of the latest technologies and techniques.

Foodmatch Expo, on the other hand, brings in the various process and manufacturing machinery, providing solutions to the needs of the food & beverage industry. At Foodmatch Expo, the latest technologies in manufacturing, processing, packaging, handling, kitchen equipment, and other food service equipment will be on display for both commercial and industrial applications.

Taste Expo will highlight the culinary skills of the Filipino chefs and big prizes are at stake plus the prestige of being adjudged as the best by some of the most prominent experts in the field.

And last, the World Food Summit is a series of seminars and workshops that serves as forum for the dissemination of cutting-edge technologies and industry trends. The summit offers well-conceptualized seminars on different sectors of the F & B industry such as restaurants, manufacturing, supermarket, bakery, catering, and others.

The four-day event will be filled with numerous activities such cooking and baking demos, cake decoration competition, product demonstration, barista competition, flare tending exhibition, and seminars to help restauranteurs, managers, and aspiring entrepreneurs know how to improve and expand their business.

WOFEX 2009 is sponsored by Petron Gasul, Sun Cellular, KLG International, Inc., Foodservice Division, Gomeco Metal Corporation, Multi-Mach International, Inc., Cosmic Chemical Corporation, Ajinomoto, Molina Sunbest, Vesmach, Minami Tsushow Co. Ltd., Tefal, JIMAC, Inc., Joe Kuan Food Corporation, The Philippine Star, Business Mirror, Cook Magazine, Flavors Magazine, Philippine Graphic, F & B World Magazine , Appetite Mgazine, and Q11 (The Sweet Life and Events Incorporated)

For more information about the World Food Expo 2009, contact Premier Events Plus Group, Inc., at (632) 9297963, 9297993, 4269603, 4364209, 4364898, email info@pepgroup.com, or visit their website, http://www.pepgroup.com

Systems Integration Philippines 2009 Showcases Latest Gadgets

The most innovative technologies, products, and services in digital media, audio and video equipment, home theater systems, electronics, and gadgets will be presented at the Systems Integration Philippines 2009 to be held on August 20 – 22, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Systems Integration Philippines 2009 is the only trade show in the country which covers today’s shift toward business integration and convergence in its entirety. The event incoporates the

• 7^th International Telecommunications, Broadcasting, Electronics, Gadgets, Information Technology and E-Commerce Exhibition (COMMWORLD '09)
• 3^rd Total Digital Media, Audio and Video Systems, Home Theater and Entertainment, Personal Electronics, Gadgets and Lifestyle IT, Technology, Products and Services Exhibition (Digital Electronics 2009)
• 9^th International Pro Audio and Video, Lighting, Music and Movie Technology, Concept Designs, Visual Communications, Multimedia and Commercial Electronics Products and Services Exhibition (PALMM Philippines 2009)
• 7^th International Business IT Solutions, Audio and Visual Communications, Digital Printing, Graphic Design and Office Automation Technology, Products and Services Exhibition (The T.O.P.S. Show 2009), and the
• 7^th Corporate Giveaways, Office Supplies, Stationery, Incentives, Premiums and Souvenir Exhibition (Corporate Gifts Expo 2009)
  

The show aims to provide insights into new business opportunities in audio/video systems, computer hardware and software, copying and duplicating machines, digital audio systems and equipment, home theater and entertainment systems, and web based learning systems, among others.

A seminar about proper audio and acoustics for institutions will be held during the event. The seminar is specifically designed to equip businesses as well as other institutions with the skills and knowhow in getting the best entertainment and sound systems. Another seminar, called O.P.E.N. For Business, is a sales and marketing training program that will teach owners and management level employees techniques to address the various challenges facing businesses today. Special discount and packages are available to registrants on both seminars.

There will also be discounts on on-site purchases, and attendees can watch product presentation by leading brands, technical seminars, new product showcase, and a whole lot more.

Entrance is free to all pre-registered guests and trade buyers. Pre-register online at http://www.globallinkph.com For more information about the event, contact Global-Link MP Events International, Inc. at (632) 750-8588 or email sip@gesi.com.ph

Systems Integration Philippines 2009 is sponsored by Sanyo, Agility Logistics, Amazing Philippines Theater, BusyTrade, Big Pix Graphic Systems, Centrex Corporation, Chase Technologies Corporation, EVI Distribution Inc., FocalCast Network, Inquirer.net, JIMAC Inc., Microdata Systems and Management, Inc., Multistiq, Inc., PowerSpeak Inc., SMX Convention Center, Stage Craft International, Tamayo's Catering Yehey.com, Zamony Venture Corporation, and the following media partners: Business World, DaigdigPinoy.com, Fair News Media, Inc., Gadgets Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin PC World Philippines, The Philippine Star, Speed Magazine, Home Radio 97dot9, Mellow 94.7, XFM 92.3, and Jam 88.3. Official Hotel Sponsors are Bayview Park Hotel Manila, Century Park Hotel, The Heritage Hotel, and Manila Pavillion. Official Internet Provider is PLDT MyDSL.

Integrative Medicine Highlighted at UP Conference

Local and international doctors highlighted the benefits and effects of integrative medicine during the Conference on Integrative Medicine for Physicians and Medical Students held last March 14-15, 2009 at Basic Science Lecture Room-East, University of the Philippines (UP) College of Medicine in UP Manila.

The event, carrying the theme, “Integrative Medicine: Collaborating to Address Changing Illness Patterns” was organized by the UP College of Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, and UP Medicine Class '80 in collaboration with Clinica Blumea and the Invitation to Health Medical Center in Australia and France. The conference was created to serve as an avenue for Philippine doctors to learn from the experiences of doctors and practitioners working in two integrative medical centers located in Australia and France and encourage medical practitioners in the Philippines to work in an integrative manner together.

During the event, local and foreign medical practitioners shared their expertise with the conference participants. Dr. Jaime Galves Tan guided the audience back to their roots and grounding to identify the “Filipino Medicine Concept”. Dr. Isidro Sia talked on the “Evidence-based Guide to the Use of Medicinal Plants”. Dr. Penelope Caldicott from Australia presented about "Biochemistry of Mental Illness and Other Disorders". Dr. Nicole Avard from Australia discussed "Treating the Current Childhood Epidemics-Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Asthma and Allergies". Dr. Richard Plet presented his experience treating autistic children through bone alignment therapies.

On the second day, Dr. Susan Ballinger, PhD of Australia, presented the first published, peer-reviewed study on “Harmonization”, showing its effects on heart rate variability, respiratory rate and brain waves (electroencephalograph). Dr. Paulita V. Baclig discussed about Chronobiology and Chronomedicine. Dr. Beatrice Milbert from France enlightened the participants on “Quantum Medicine'. Lastly, Dr. Catherine De Bartha, a Neurological Rehabilitation Medicine specialist from France, shared her experiences in providing holistic care of patients with degenerative neurological disorders.

Later, eleven workshops were conducted for the delegates for practical applications of the lectures presented during the two-day event. Aside from practical applications, additional workshop provided learning experiences to serve as reinforcement. Workshop topics include nursing home remedies, art therapy, speech and breath therapy for asthmatics, preparing healthy meals, stress management in a holistic way, and new clinic models of management in integrative medicine.

For more information about the Conference on Integrative Medicine for Physicians and Medical Students, contact Clinica Blumea at (632) 474-8208 or 396-5386.

RP Furniture Makers Took Center Stage at Manila Now 2009

Despite the global economic downturn, the Philippine furniture industry showed that they can keep up with the times and continue to penetrate the global market during the Manila Now 2009: Philippine International Furniture Show held last March 5-8, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Organized by the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), and managed by Global-Link Exhibitions Specialist Inc., the event gathered over 50 exhibitors from the furniture and manufacturing industry that showcased their ingenuity and creativity using imported and indigenous materials. The event aims to serve as a venue for local furniture manufacturers to introduce and offer their unique creations to the local and global market.

The event also hopes to produce more global stars like Kenneth Cobonpue, whose designs are featured in international magazines, and Clayton Tugonon, a craftsman whose work has gained rave reviews in Japan, Slovak Republic and Singapore.

Vice President Noli ‘Kabayan’ De Castro graced the opening ceremony of Manila Now 2009. Vice President De Castro lauded the participants for their craftsmanship in turning ordinary materials like cogon grass and driftwood to useful and world-class furniture. The first two days were open to trade visitors. It was opened to public from March 7-8.

Manila Now 2009 also served as a venue for this year’s Likhang Pilipino Awards. The winners of the Likhang Pilipino Awards 2009 are:

• Best in Furniture Design - Passad
• Best in Furnishing Design - Asia Embroideries
• Best in Furnishing Design - Kalikasan Crafts
  
• Bagong Sibol Award – Evolve Designs
  
• Best in Visual Merchandising - Azcor

The Manila Now 2009: Philippine International Furniture Show is sponsored by Metrobank Foundation Inc., MADE, Furniture Shanghai, Manila Bulletin, Business World, The Philippine Star, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, AREA, SMX Convention Center, Centrex, Uratex Philippines, Inc., JIMAC, Inc., Chase Technologies Corp., Agility Logistics, Coltrans, Global POS, Makati-Shangri-La Manila, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Century Park Hotel Manila, The Heritage Hotel Manila, and Bayview Park Hotel Manila.

Manila Now 2010 is scheduled on March 3-7, 2010 at the SMX Convention Center. For more information about the event, contact CFIP at (632) 631-2834, 632-9007, 631-2977, fax (632) 637-2743, email info@cfip.ph, or visit the event website at www.manilanow.ph.