Manila F.A.M.E. International 2010 Unfolds New Beginning

Re-inventing and transforming, Manila Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers Exchange (Manila F.A.M.E.) International begins a new chapter in its 27-year history, as it evolves into Asia’s Boutique Show on April 22-25, 2010 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

More than just an exhibition for home and fashion lifestyle products, Manila F.A.M.E. provides its visitors and buyers a unique experience with more than the usual product selections.

This bi-annual trade show, organized by Center For International Trade Expositions And Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, expands into 4 co-located shows featuring Home Living for design-driven furniture and houseware; FashioNation for fashion forward collections of inspired fashion complements, garments, and textile; BIO-Search, a promotion of health and wellness that offers natural personal care and spa products; and ART:MNL, a sampling of Filipino contemporary paintings and sculptures.

Sticking to the show’s tradition of excellence, Manila F.A.M.E. boasts of top-notch craftsmanship with premium quality and design innovations unique to the country. As Asia’s Boutique Show, buyers are given further personalized customer service that is an extension of the world-renowned Filipino warmth and hospitality where both buyers and exhibitors are provided a venue to conduct business and build lasting relationships

In the Philippines, Manila F.A.M.E. International raises the bar for international exhibitions by being the only trade fair accredited by Union des Foires Internationales (UFI), a Paris-based association of trade fair organizers. And, as one of the longest-running trade shows for home lifestyle products in the Asia Pacific, it is a favorite sourcing destination of well-known brands such as Neiman Marcus, Jonathan Adler, Armani Casa, Ralph Lauren, Harrods, and Gucci among others.

“Through the years, Manila F.A.M.E. has never failed to give our buyers only the best that the Philippines can offer as we continuously seek new ways, new styles, and new approaches for a seamless buying experience. As we welcome our guests this April, we hope to inspire them with our expanded product offerings under 4 co-located shows: Home Living, FashioNation, BIO-Search, and ART:MNL, as I personally extend this invitation to our buyers and exhibitors alike. Be part of the evolution. See you this April,” said CITEM Deputy Executive Director and Manila F.A.M.E. Over-all Project Director, Thelma Dumpit-Murillo.

In its October 2009 edition, close to 2,000 buyers from Japan, Germany, Australia, France, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States, visited the show where 439 world-class companies exhibited.

“We keep visiting Manila whenever Manila F.A.M.E. International is there because we like the originality; the designs are nice, there are new concepts and the standard is high. We come here for Christmas items and pottery. It is extraordinary all the time here,” enthused a buyer from Belgium.

A first time visitor from India says, “…The handicraft [in the show] is good. The quality and design are nice.”

Likewise, a buyer from Australia had good words for the show saying, “We import from all over the world and the products you have here seem to be of better quality than all the other products we have seen. We are quite impressed with it.”

This April 2010, visitors can likewise look forward to new show components such as Switch, which highlights designers’ crossing over design disciplines to show versatility, Icons, which features forerunners of Philippine design who have made it big internationally as well as daily fashion shows and design competitions.

For more information about the event, contact the Manila F.A.M.E. International Secretariat at (632) 833-1258, 831-2201 Local 240/243 (Home Lifestyle), 831.1265, 8312201 Local 203 / 226 (Fashion Lifestyle) e-mail manilafame@citem.com.ph or visit the event website at http://www.manilafame.com

WORLDBEX 2010 Goes Green

WORLDBEX 2010 has turned green into more than just a color—it has become a goal, a statement and a mission.

In its 15th year anniversary and its grandest show to date, WORLDBEX (Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition), the first and foremost international construction trade show in the country, has adapted the theme “Constructing the Future Green Communities through Efficient Technologies and Materials.” Here, the latest building materials and technology will be showcased from March 17 to 21, 2010 at the World Trade Center, and Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City to aid architects, engineers, contractors and interior designers in making better structures that will stand up to the elements.

While this annual world-renowned expo has become the source of the most premium local and international products and services in the construction industry, local architects and building specialists are also looking forward to it because it has become an indispensable source of information for the latest construction trends and developments. This is all because of the highly anticipated WORLDBEX Seminars.

Acclaimed speakers from different parts of the globe who will grace the event include Engr. Sipco de Jonge (Netherlands); Arch. Timothy Wong (Singapore); Arch. Tai Lee Siang (Singapore); Ken Witherell (USA); and Terry Waterhouse (UK).

Meanwhile, local green advocates and experts will tackle a variety of topics: from living stylishly and efficiently in small spaces (by interior design guru Leo Almeria), to proper urban planning that will avert possible disasters (Arch. Felino Palafox, Jr.). Each day from March 18 to 20 will feature four different speakers who will share their expertise.

Who says the Philippines cannot go green? The country’s top architecture practitioners such as Arch. Jun Palafox, Arch. Albert Yu, and Arch. Philip Recto as well as leading interior designers Leo Almeria, Natalia Benitez, Suzet Cocuaco, Lot Hilvano, Wilmer Lopez, Chat Fores Lozano, Roland Laurena, Michael Pizarro, Tessa Prieto Valdez, Maritess Magcase & Rosalie Si, and Hubilla Design Group will show a uniquely local twist to sustainable design at the WORLDBEX’s Architects and Interior Designers Gallery.

Another facet of WORLDBEX 2010 that proves that sustainable development is now a global concern and responsibility is its Grand Embassy Pavilion. With about 28 countries represented, the Grand Embassy Pavilion will include United States of America, Turkey, Thailand, Finland, Syria, Indonesia, Korea, and Malaysia, among others.

WORLDBEX 2010 is sponsored by Boysen Paint, Davies Paint, Hunter Douglas, HCG, Lepanto Tiles, Mariwasa Tiles, WilsonArt, Puyat Steel, Puyat Flooring, and Cubes International.

For more information about the event, contact the Worldbex Services International at (632) 531-6374; 531-6350; 531-5044; 533-6988, fax (632) 533-2026, email: info@worldbex.com or visit their website at www.worldbex.com

Most Anticipated Food and Beverage Expo Slated this March

The 3^rd Philippine International Food and Beverage Expo (PIFBEX 2010), most anticipated food and beverage expo in the country providing the supply solution in this industry will be staged from March 4 - 6, 2010 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Organized by Trade Advertising Exhibitions & Conventions International, Inc. (Tradecon, Inc), the three-day event will bring together food and beverage industry players and professionals from all over the Philippine and the world to interact, transact, and explore limited business opportunities among themselves. Since its inception, the event continues its advocacy to bringing together the Food and Beverage industry players from the Philippines and around the globe to explore unlimited business opportunities.

PIFBEX 2010 also aims to open the gateway to further trade expansion and reach by offering innovative business opportunities to decision-makers and new potential customers on the latest machinery, equipment and technology related to food processing, handling and packaging.

“The expo will feature programs and activities that offer a timely opportunity to create consumer awareness on new developments on food and beverages and directly promote them in the market and among shoppers, inspired food buyers and enthusiasts,” said Tradecon, Inc. president Mildred Caballero.

Among the highlights of PIFBEX 2010 is its dessert-making competition with the theme “Filipino Desserts” where students from different culinary schools in the country will take part in.

PIFBEX 2010 targets over 18,000 trade buyers and guests who are expected to the fair that will showcase everything on food and beverages, as well as food franchising and business systems.

For inquiries and updates on PIFBEX 2010, contact Tradecon, Inc., at (632) 482-5318, 395-5009, e-mail tradecon.inc@gmail.com or visit the event website at www.pifbex.com.

PSC Celebrates 20th Anniversary with All in Sports Expo 2010

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Philippine Sports Commission, players, coaches, and sports enthusiasts are invited to take part in the country’s newest sports and fitness expo: the 1st Philippine Sporting Goods and Facilities, Fitness Equipment, Apparel and Footwear, Hobbies, Recreation and Health-Related Products and Services Exhibition (All in Sports Expo 2010) scheduled on February 25 – 28, 2010 at the newly-renovated Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.

Organized by the Philippine Sports Commission in partnership with Global-Link MP Events International, Inc., the event will be an exhibit of the latest in the sports and fitness industry, featuring products, services, and technology form top local as well as foreign companies.

All In Sports Expo 2010 will coincide with the Commission on Higher Education - Private Schools Athletic Association - State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (CHED-PRISAA-SCUAA) National Games - the biggest sports competition among private and state colleges and universities in the country. The games will showcase young athletes from 17 regions across the Philippine battle it out to become achieve high honors in their respective sports, including judo, badminton, tennis, swimming, athletics, and baseball.

Aside from display of sporting goods and items sold at discounted prices, other activities have been lined up for the four-day sports expo. There will be an inter-school tournament and exhibition on the country’s National Sport, Arnis. Philippine Taekwondo's best athletes will compete for the Metro Manila Open Championship. Philippine Grandmasters will face-off in a chess tournament. Other activities include bodybuilding exhibition, international dance competition for the youth in multiple subjects and styles including hip-hop, jazz, and ballroom, Tennis Exhibition Match between top athletes in men's and women's divisions, and a Sports photo exhibit featuring the greatest moments in Philippine sports from 1990 to present.

For more information about the event, contact Global-Link MP Events International Inc. at (632) 750-8588, 887-1304; fax (632) 750-8585; email: info@globallinkmp.com, or visit their website at www.globallinkph.com.

Ballooning Goes To New Heights at 15th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Hot air balloons paint the sky once again for the 15^th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF). This dazzling event will be staged at the Clarkfield Economic Zone in Pampanga on February 11-14, 2010.

The PIHABF is an annual event featuring balloons from all over the world. Over the years, it has become a convention of sorts including aerosports and other aviation-related pursuits.

Tagged as the “Weekend of Everything That Flies”, viewers will be treated to a spectacular air show featuring regular and special-shaped hot air balloons coming from all over the world. Other activities include skydiving exhibitions, paragliding, aerobatics, airplane and helicopter flybys, balloon-bursting competitions, professional kite flying, remote control aircraft displays and a whole lot more! There will also be ground activities like food courts and fly markets, car exhibitions, army aircraft and gear displays, aviation schools exhibits, photo contests and other exciting events. It’s definitely a treat for the whole family.

The 15th PIHABF will also stage the 2010 Aviation Awards, which aims to recognize several outstanding people who exemplify the highest standards of flying and service, or have made extraordinary contributions to the aerospace industry in the year 2009. The recipients of the 2010 Aviation Awards will be honored at the awards ceremony and dinner scheduled on February 13, 2010.

The 15th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is sponsored by United Parcel Service (UPS), Krukspec Tactical Gear, Marquee Mall, Asian Air Safari, Angeles City Four Wheelers Club http://216.55.144.142/ac, DSV Logistics, Caltex, Cebu Pacific Air, Circus Aircraft, Global Gateway Logistics City, Yellow Cab Pizza, Ayala Malls, Recreational Outdoor Exchange (R.O.X.), Clark Development Corporation, Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, Air Force City, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Philippine National Police.

For more information and a detailed schedule of activities, contact Asian Air Safari at (632) 384-0085, (63927) 340-4994 or visit the event website at http://www.philballoonfest.net.

2009 Visayas Island Invention Exhibit Festival Winners Announced

The Department of Science and Technology together with the Technology Application and Promotion and Institute (TAPI) and the Visayas Inventors Association (VIA) formally announced the winners of the 2009 Visayas Island Invention Exhibit Festival last October 4, 2009 at the Ayala Activity Center in Cebu City.

With the theme “Inventions: Responding to Global Challenges”, the event aims to promote the innovativeness and creativity of Visayan inventors.

Four entries won among the seventeen (17) official entries coming from the different parts of the Visayas regions. First and second prize was awarded to Engr. Noro S. Camomot for “Joyski-The Motorcycle Driven Jet Ski” and “NJ8-The Noro Wave Power Barge” while Mr. Jesselito V. Baring’s “Cyclonic Grease Stripping Column” got the third place for the Creative Research Category (Likha Award).

For the Student Creative Research Category (Sibol Award), first prize was given to Mr. Mark Jay Rivas from the University of San Carlos for “Sagassum as a Ceramic Flux in Conserving Energy”.

Prizes include P15000, P10000, and P5000 for the first, second, and third with certificates of recognition plus the chance to qualify for the upcoming 2009 National Invention Contest in November 16-20, 2009 at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

Other qualifying entries for the 2009 National Invention Contest include: Cyclone 5-The Multi Stage Package Type Smokestack, NJ6-The Floating Cottage with Wave Power Generator, Modular Furniture Segment, and Plastic Biodiesel Home Brewer.

For more information contact the DOST Region 7 office at (6332) 232-86-32 or visit their website at www.ro7.dost.gov.ph

Three New Shows Co-locate at 50th Manila F.A.M.E. International

On its 50th edition, Asia’s Best Design Destination, the Manila Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers Exchange International (Manila F.A.M.E.) will be held October 15-18, 2009 in two venues— SMX Convention Center and World Trade Center— offering three new shows that put the spotlight on Filipino creativity with its design and quality-driven products that meet global standards.

Ever growing and ever expanding, the bi-annual trade show for home and lifestyle products has always been at the forefront of innovation. Attuned to the international market trends as well as consumer demands, the show continues to evolve in order to meet these demands and open doors to more local manufacturers further strengthening the Philippines’ position as a source of high-quality products and services.

“This Golden Edition of Manila F.A.M.E. International is extra special. It opens in two venues to accommodate [our growing number of] exhibitors and to answer the clamor of our buyers asking for more of the unique and new products from the Philippines,” said Ms. Thelma Dumpit-Murillo, Over-all Project Director of Manila F.A.M.E. and Deputy Executive Director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry. Aside from holding the 50th Manila F.A.M.E. in two separate venues, three new shows have been created within the said event.

Fashion revolution at FashioNation
Philippine fashion has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade with young designers armed with fresh ideas and diverse design aesthetic leading the revolution.

Manila F.A.M.E., in its bid to invigorate and fortify the fashion industry, is launching a new show. Dubbed FashioNation, the show will house manufacturers of garments, textile, footwear, and fashion complements such as accessories and bags all export products with exceptional design and craftsmanship.

Also among the highlights of FashioNation include the daily fashion shows that will feature, among others, designer collections and eco-chic apparel. See new collections of established as well as up-and-coming local fashion designers that have wowed international design communities worldwide in the show’s Designer Lane.

Students of fashion schools and colleges will have a chance to show off their talents as well in a design competition with a theme, “The Green Scene: Eco-Pinoy Fashion.” The contest requires a modern yet timeless interpretation of the Philippines— it’s culture, heritage, and people— using recycled, natural, and indigenous materials.

Art and Soul at ART:MNL
ART:MNL is the first-ever venue to internationally showcase the artworks of Filipino contemporary artists. Leading art galleries as well as renowned and emerging artists come together to make available masterful pieces to interested local and foreign buyers.

Aside from this stimulating visual display, the show will also hold seminars and workshops that aim to expand participants’ knowledge on the arts, cultivate an eye for beauty, gather information on art conservation, and serve as a venue to meet the masters. Chosen artists will also get the chance to participate in a close door nude sketching session; their masterpieces put up for sale afterwards.

ART:MNL is a preview to the Philippine International Art Fair 2010. The show is done in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Committee on Visual Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Metropolitan Museum of the Philippines, National Museum, Intellectual Property Office, Bonafide Art Galleries Association, Contemporary Art Philippines, and Art Association of the Philippines.

Go Natural at the Philippine Health and Wellness Show
Wellness has been among almost everyone’s priority list, and Manila F.A.M.E. answers this demand for the body’s well being with the Philippine Health and Wellness Show which offers natural, herbal, and organic personal care products. Lemon grass essences and massage oils, VCO-based soaps and balms, and soy-based aromatherapy candles are only some of the all-natural, eco-lifestyle products offered in the show. Also featured are spa services, alternative healing modalities, centers for specialized healthcare, and retirement destinations.

For more information on Manila F.A.M.E. International, visit www.manilafame.com, or contact Manila F.A.M.E. Secretariat at (632) 833-1258, 831-1265 or email manilafame@citem.com.ph.

Philippine Tourism Boosted at 20th Philippine Travel Mart

Spearheaded by Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the biggest association of tour operators and allied members, the 20th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) was held last September 4-6, 2009 at the MegaTrade Hall of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

PTM, the premiere and biggest travel, tourism and trade show in the country, has the most extensive coverage of the tourism and travel industry in the Philippines. It has a solid track record of bringing in thousands of local corporate buyers and consumers in a single venue for travel and tourism. It has also carved a niche in the international market as a prime venue for foreign buyers as a must-see, must-be event held in collaboration with the Department of Tourism.

PHILTOA, the main proponent behind the PTM, is the biggest association of tour operators and agencies that promote exclusively domestic and inbound tourism. It has a nationwide membership and has been at the frontier of Domestic tourism promotion, partnering with DOT, and its regional offices.

With “Beyond the Usual… Experience IT Here” as conference/exhibition theme, the main highlight of this year’s PTM was the Grand Vacation Sale ng Bayan, where exhibitors and participants offered beyond the usual, attractive discounts and special offers to consumers during the 3-day event. Reservations for travel and tour, hotel, transport (sea and air) were available to be purchased at lower rates but should be availed of or completed on or before November 15, 2009.

BPI credit card holders were entitled to 12-month instalment term promos inclusive of 3 day-2 night packages, complete with airfare, land transfers, hotel accomodations plus beyond the usual activities.

Aside from individual buyers, programs were also available for small and medium businesses to big corporations. The Corporate Buyers Program offered options for trips, tours and adventures geared towards corporate outings or even as company incentives to its employees.

Eco-tourism is one of the main pillars of this year’s efforts of showcasing beyond the usual in Philippine tourism and encouraging consumers to experience the Philippines in unusual ways. For this year, PTM has partnered with ABS CBN Foundation for their Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig project in launching another new innovation in Philippine tourism –thru the Pasig river travel cruise. The intent is to promote the Pasig river cruise as a tourism vehicle that ends in Escolta, tying it in with a walking tour of Binondo, cuisines galore from street foods to fine dining and tiangge shopping.

Entrance to the PTM exhibit was Php 50.00, while for senior citizens and students it was only Php 40.00.

An exciting line-up of special crowd-drawing events were conducted to ensure patronage from the different provinces as well as the greater Manila area consumers. Among this year’s events were the traditional Bituin ng Kasuotang Filipino, the traditional Best Cultural Presentation, Tourism Quiz Bee, seminar for students and practitioners in the travel industry entitled Biyahe-info, one-on-one corporate business meeting between sellers and corporate buyers entitled BiyahExhange, and an Eco-Chorale Competition which had two divisions, High School level and College level. A thanksgiving mass was given on the last day of the exhibit, and also the awarding of winners was done on the same day. The theme for the 21st PTM was also unveiled before the last day of the event ended.

The 20th PTM was sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Philippine Tourism Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Philippine Airlines, PAGCOR, CLARK Freeport, Primer Group of Companies, Chase Technologies Corporation, Jeepney Tours, BPI Express Credit, Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig, ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN Foundation, Manila Bulletin, ANC, Expat Travel & Lifestyle Magazine, Travel Update Philippines, The Foreign Post, Travel Plus, Travelife, Good News Pilipinas!, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Homestyle Magazine, and Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission.

For more information on Philippine Travel Mart, contact the Philippine Tour Operators Association at info@philtoa.org, secgen@philtoa.org or visit the event website at http://www.philtravelmart.com.

Philippine Biodiversity Highlighted at PIFGEX 2009

The conservation and protection of the country's endemic plants and animals was highlighted during the 2^nd Philippine International Flora and Fauna Garden Expo (PIFGEX 2009) held last July 16 – 19, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Organized by RPN Flora and Fauna, Inc., managed by Ideas, Concepts and Events Inc., (ICE, Inc.,) and co-presented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the event carried the theme “Protecting and Sustaining Nature”. PIFGEX 2009 aims to promote the concern of Philippine Biodiversity among the youth. Furthermore, the event aims to showcase the Philippine plants and animals to the world, their uses, their conservation status, and the protection of their habitat.

DENR Secretary Jose 'Lito' Atienza, Ms. Philippines Eco-Tourism 2009 and Ms. PAGCOR Adie Adelantar, ICE, Inc., Event Manager Mr. Bon Reyes, RPN Flora & Fauna, Inc. Representative Mr. Stephen Kamphuis, and Las Pinas City Representative Congw. Cynthia Villar, were among the personalities who graced the opening of PIFGEX 2009.

In his speech, Secretary Atienza stated that the knowledge shared through the event will help boost efforts to protect Philippine biodiversity, particularly as it continues to face threats from habitat destruction, over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution as well as weak enforcement of environmental laws. In addition, he urged people nationwide to increase their knowledge about the country's biodiversity so they can protect and sustainably use this resource.

An array of live domesticated Philippine and exotic birds, small mammals, snakes, lizards, butterflies, and fishes were displayed during PIFGEX 2009. Daily lectures were conducted throughout the three-day event. Topics discussed include global warming, roof gardening, banana farming, organic farming, bee keeping, hydroponics, orchid and mushroom growing, cactus cultivation, wheat grass benefits, flower arrangement, landscaping, backyard vegetable gardening and more. Notable representatives from various environment and plant organizations spearheaded the two-day Conference on Flora and Fauna.

The 2^nd Philippine International Flora and Fauna Garden Expo is in cooperation with the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Department of Tourism, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Plant Industry, and Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau.

The event is sponsored by Pepsi Cola Products Philippines, Inc., Sony Philippines, Scandinavian Woodworks Corp., Brother International Philippines Corp., Sterling Paper Products Ent., Inc., Schering-Plough Corp., East-West Seed Company, Inc., Ramgo International Corp., EDSA Garden House, Zoobic Safari, King Loius Flower and Plant, Inc., Philippine Orchid Society, Pentel, Philippine Association of Landscape Architects, World Flower Council, Flower Club Philippines, Philippine Horticultural Society, Cactus and Succulent Society of the Philippines, Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society, Rizal Technological University – Research and Development Center, Animal House Pet Clinic and Grooming Center, Philippine Canine Club, Inc., Paradizoo Theme Farm, Philippine Arowana and Luo Han Society, EWK Aviaries, Red Ostrich Farm, and the following media partners: Manila Bulletin (Animal Scene and Agriculture Magazine), Business Mirror, Business World, Marid Agribusiness Digest, Philstar.com, and HerWord.com.

For more information about the event, contact ICE, Inc. at (632) 584-5321, (632) 584-5316, (632) 727-2151, email ice.incorporated@yahoo.com, info@ice.com.ph or visit the event website at www.philippinefloraandfauna.org.

MAFBEX 2009 Set as RP's Largest Food Expo

Over 480 local booths and 60 international booths participated in the 3^rd Manila Food and Beverage Expo (MAFBEX) 2009 held last June 17 – 21, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Organized by Worldbex Services International, in cooperation with De la Salle – College of St. Benilde (DLS-CSB) - School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM), Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP), and Department of Tourism, the event was the biggest and most comprehensive food show of the year. MAFBEX 2009 serves as an avenue of small-scale and large-scale food businesses to attract potential buyers and promote local and international food business.

Philippine food legend Chef Nora Guanzon Villanueva – Daza with son Sandy and popular television show World Cafe Asia host and chef Bobby Chinn graced MAFBEX 2009. Chef Chinn held a special cooking demo, serving lobster paella and a Vietnamese dish.

The 5^th ASEAN Bartending Championship served as one of the highlights of MAFBEX 2009, which was held last June 19. The international competition was jointly organized by HRAP and ASEAN Hotel and Restaurant Association. During the competition, young skilled professional bartenders from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines presented unique concoctions while exhibiting their flairtending and bartending moves. The competition aims to promote and improve the standards of ASEAN bartending in the hotel and restaurant industry.

SHRIM also staged inter-school competitions on table setup, cake decoration, mocktail punch, and travel poster design during the four-day event.

The 3^rd Manila Food and Beverage Expo is supported by the Association of Food Cart Owners and Suppliers Philippines, Inc., (AFO) Food Caterers Association of the Philippines (FCAP), Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA), United Coconut Associations of the Philippines (UCAP), Flaming Olives Mobile Bar, and Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association, Inc.,(PAGASA), and the following media partners: DWRR 101.9 For Life, ABS-CBN Publishing Inc., Apetite Magazine, Business Mirror, Business World, Buy and Sell Philippines, Celebrity Recipes Plus Home and Gardens Magazine, China Business Philippines, Cook Magazine, DZMM Radyo Patrol 630kHz, DZMM Teleradyo, Filbars, Food Magazine, Franchise Today , Manila Bulletin, Philippine Graphic, The Philippine Star, Seniors Magazine, Jam 88.3, Killer Bee FM, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, and 103.5 Max FM. MAFBEX 2009 is for the benefit of ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.,

For more information about the event, contact Worldbex Services International at (632) 531-6374; 531-6350; 531-5044; 533-6988, fax (632) 533 2026, email info@worldbex.com or visit their website at www.worldbex.com

Discover More Than 7,100 Tastes at IFEX Philippines 2009

Thousands of international buyers from huge supermarket chain stores, wholesale and retail shops, hotel and restaurant owners, and specialty trading houses are expected to attend the sixth edition of the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines show set on May 15 – 17, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Business Park Bay City in Pasay City.

More than a sourcing hub, IFEX Philippines is distinguished for the exciting food ideas it presents every year. Agrimarine Division Chief and lead proponent of the IFEX Philippines Project Secretariat Team Mr. Jose M. Mulato shared that food importers in the know say that IFEX Philippines’ comprehensive product selection presented by more than 300 exhibitors showcase “strong international flavors.” “I think this is an edge of the country’s food products over that of the others in the global market.”

Indeed, the country’s abundant fresh produce and processed foods have secured a niche in the global food market. “There is a myriad selection of products in the market right now that are enjoying the loyal patronage of the foreign market: mango jams, biscuits, the Luzon mango, and sardines, for example, are preferred by a great number of buyers abroad”, Chief Mulato asserts. “I believe, however, that we can go beyond these as we have more to offer: the exotic and mouthwatering array of specialties from our 17 regions is a delectable mix of flavors that may be foreign, yes, but with a familiar, universal appeal”, he further stated.

He emphasized his team’s continuous and keen preparations to reinforce IFEX Philippines’ distinction as a reliable source of compliance-ready export food products. “We intend to surpass last year’s recorded export sales of US$83 million, and aim to strengthen our quality business partnerships with more thousands of highly regarded buyers from over 40 countries.“

Highlighting various lines of quality beverages, fine food and regional specialties, and organic and natural products, IFEX will also showcase certified (Kosher, Halal, cGMP, ISO, organic, and HACCP-accredited) products, meat and poultry items, marine products, and fresh and processed fruits and vegetables. Snacks, biscuits, and confectionery items will also be exhibited, together with food-related products and services from here and abroad.

The product categories highlighted in IFEX Philippines will be complemented by the Partner Region Program featuring Northern Mindanao; the One Town, One Product (OTOP); Fair Trade Zone; and Natural Herbal and Organic Zone (also known as the Health and Wellness Zone) supported by BIO-Search.

Other highlights of the event include the 12-country Embassy Row; Retailers’ Zone, and the simultaneous cooking and food tasting activities by Cook Magazine in Kusinarya which will be held during the three-day show. A post-fair two-day symposium regarding issues on food regulatory requirements and market access on May 18 – 19, 2009 concludes the Show.

The first two days of the show, May 15 – 16, 2009, are open only to registered buyers and trade visitors. The general public is admitted on the last day of the event. Visitors’ admission fee is Php100.00.

For more information, contact the IFEX Philippines Project Management Team at (632) 831-1282 and 831-2201 extension 204 and 238 or e-mail agrimarine@citem.com.ph.

UP Centennial Artists Held “Festival” Exhibit

The distinguished University of the Philippines (UP) Centennial Artists group held a painting exhibition at the Trade Hall of the Gateway Mall at the Araneta Center in Quezon City last April 23 to June 5, 2009.

Entitled “Festival”, the exhibit had for its theme the various festivities all over the country, given the Filipinos’ innate love for celebrations, and showcased the works of several outstanding UP alumni painters.

“Festival” is their first exhibition 2009 and fourth in a series since the UP Centennial Artists were formed as a group in June 2008, during the year-long celebration of the University of the Philippines’ one hundredth year anniversary. The series began with highly successful “100 Years/100 Nudes” in August, followed by a multi-themed exhibit in November, and climaxed with a “Mother and Child” exhibition last December 18, 2008 at the Trade Hall of the Gateway Mall.

The continuing series is organized by UP Centennial Artist Romy Carlos as a project of the UP Alumni Association in cooperation with fellow-UP alumnus, Mr. Jorge Araneta, proprietor of the Araneta Center in Quezon City.

Participating artists were: National Artist Jose Joya, Jess Abrera, Mar Bongalon, Angel Cacnio, Ferdie Cacnio, Michael Cacnio, Alfred Capiral, Romy Carlos, Carlos Castro, Cris Cruz, Denis Dasco, Raul Dayao, Neil Doloricon, Bert Duldulao, Tessie Duldulao, Nonoy Gamboa, Ding Hidalgo, Pete Jimenez, Aileen Lanuza, Herman Lazo, Bing Changco-Libatique, Manolo Lozada, Romi Mananquil, Norlito Miemban, Gig De Pio, Symkin De Pio, Vincent De Pio, Myrna Reyes, Tito Roy, Jonahmar Salvosa, Pyt Santos, Lenore Raquel-Santos, Nanding Sena, Randy Solon, Boy Valino, Ana Vergel and Rick De Villa.

For more information about the event, contact the UP Alumni Association at (632) 929-8327, 920-6868, 920-6871, email upalum@yahoo.com.ph, info@upalumni.ph or visit their website at http://www.upalumni.ph/.

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.