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.

Manila Night Sky to Brighten Up during First Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

Every Sunday starting February 14, 2010, Valentines Day and Chinese New Year, the Manila night sky will brighten up as the best pyrotechnic experts take part in the First Philippine International Pyromusical Competition, scheduled from February 14 – March 14, 2010 at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds in Pasay City.

Present by SM Mall of Asia this annual event will put on a never-before-seen spectacle of lights and colors where the night sky and sea meet as staged by the world’s leading pyrotechnic experts from nine countries – Australia, United Kingdom, China, France, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, United States of America, and the Philippines.

This competition will not only pain the Manila sky with brilliant bursts of vivid colors, but will also be the venue to showcase the emerging artistry and evolving sophistication of Filipino fireworks technology. The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition will be imbued with the awesome fanfare and delightful displays of the world's leading pyrotechnic events, but done with that distinct Filipino flourish that will surely bring together eager audience from all over the region.

The Philippines will fire up the opening salvo of pyrotechnic artistry on February 14. As host country, the Philippines will not take part in the competition but will showcase its unique pyrotechnic presentation during the opening and closing ceremonies. Other countries will show off their entries during the following days:

• February 14 - Australia
• February 21 – United Kingdom and China
• February 28 – France and China
• March 7 – Singapore and Malaysia
• March 14 – USA

The 1st Philippine International Pyromusical Competition is in cooperation with Platinum Fireworks, Inc., and Department of Tourism. Official Residence is Traders Hotel Manila.

For ticket inquiries, call Ticketnet at (632) 911-5555 and Ticketworld at (632) 891-999. For more information about the event, contact Platinim Fireworks, Inc., at (63917) 926-4625, (63939) 317-5476, email platinumfireworks@gmail.com or visit the event website at www.pyrophilippines.com/.

World’s Best Ballroom Dancers Face-Off at 3rd Philippine StarBall

The country’s biggest, grandest and most anticipated ballroom dance competition is set to take center stage once again at the 3^rd Philippine StarBall to be held on February 13, 2010 at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City.

Organized by the Council of United Professional Dance Teachers of the Philippines (CUPDTP), the event aims to bring the best in the world of ballroom dancing to the Filipino audience. The event is spearheaded by organizing committee chairman Michaela “Pinky” Puno, wife of Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who personally invited the top competitors she saw at the Blackpool Festival and the Internationals competition in London.

Top professional and amateur ballroom dancers from around the world will show their skills in what is to be the most celebrated dance competition in this part of the globe. About 80 international, high caliber dancers will participate in this year’s Philippine StarBall. They will be coming from all over the world—USA, Italy, Denmark, Russia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Poland, Australia, Germany, Serbia, England, Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, Canada, Norway, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Austria, as well as our Asian countries—Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Japan.

This event, recognized by the Games and Amusement Board, is supported by the Department of Tourism and First Gentleman’s Foundation. The 3^rd Philippine StarBall is for the benefit of Kythe Foundation, which helps children with cancer.

For more information, contact the Philippine StarBall Secretariat. Ms.Marissa Manese at (632)812-8464, email Ms. Pinky Puno mpuno@aol.com, michaela.puno@gmail.com or Mr. Jose "Jojo" Cariño, CUPDTP President at jojocarino@gmail.com or visit the official website at http://www.philippinestarball.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.

Local, International Musicians Take Part in San Agustin International Music Festival

The finest musicians from here and abroad will once again grace the San Agustin International Music Festival, the premiere musical event in Intramuros, Manila, scheduled on November 25 to 27, 2009 at the San Agustin Church.

Now on its eleventh edition, guests will be treated to the majestic sound of the 18th-century pipe organ, the country’s biggest Filipino-Spanish baroque organ which was restored in 1998 and premiered in the inaugural San Agustin music fest in 1999.

Taking center stage in this year’s concert are Spanish lady organist Ana Aguado Rojo and Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra principal clarinetist Ariel Sta. Ana who will both perform in the three evening concerts.

According to San Agustin Museum director Fr. Pedro Galende, this year’s concert series is doubly special because it marks the festival’s 10^th anniversary and the first time to feature a lady organist.

The concert opens on November 25 with Ms. Rojo’s rendition of rare 16^th-century Spanish organ pieces, Mr. Sta. Ana’s Concerto No. 3 by Carl Stamitz, and the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers under choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio interpreting classical well-loved choral works.

Ms. Rojo and Mr. Sta. Ana return on November 26 with mostly Baroque organ and clarinet music, to be followed by the award-winning Kilyawan Boys Choir, singing under the baton of Mark Anthony Carpio.

The Festival draws to a close on November 27 with a powerhouse performance of Beethoven’s regal Ninth Symphony (Ode to Joy) by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under Maestro Ruggero Barbieri. Featured soloists are soprano Rachelle Gerodias, New York-based Filipino baritone Andrew Fernando, Italian tenor Gian Luca Pasolini and Italian alto Simona Forni. Joining the Philippine Madrigal Singers, are other Madz et. al choirs - Coro de Sta. Cecilia, Coro Animo, College of the Immaculate Conception Chorale, and Maryknoll Sanctuary Choir.

The 11th San Agustin International Music Festival is sponsored by the Embassy of Spain, Agencia Española Cooperación Internaciónal para el Desarollo, Instituto Cervantes, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Embassy of the Republic of Italy in the Philippines, DZFE 98.7 The Master’s Touch, Traders Hotel Manila, Philippine Italian Association, L’Incontro Ristorante Italiano, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Department of Tourism, and the Friends of San Agustín Museum.

For more information about the event, contact San Agustin Museum at (632) 526-6793 to 94 or 527-4060 to 61, or email samuseum@zpdee.net.

11th Cinemanila International Film Festival Showcases Local and International Film Masterpieces

Local and international films enthusiasts took part in celebrating the best of Philippine and world cinema at the 11^th Cinemanila International Film Festival which began last October 15 and will run until October 25, 2009 at Bonifacio Global City and Market! Market! Cinemas in Taguig City.

Around 100 international and local films will be screened in a span of 10 days – from the current toasts of the local indie scene to the award-winners and favorites at prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Rotterdam, Sundance, and Pusan. The festival will also feature workshops, seminars and master classes.

For its opening film, Cinemanila 2009 showcased Director Brillante Mendoza’s latest work, Lola (Grandmother). Director Mendoza’s latest work, Lola, was preceded by his film Kinatay (The Execution of P), which earned him the prestigious Best Director Award at the 62^nd Cannes Film Festival last May 2009. Lola is slated as the Philippine surprise entry in the 66^th Venice Film Festival, (Main Competition) which counts acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee as Chairman of this year’ jury.

Closing the curtain for this year’s festival is the much-anticipated Himpapawid (Manila Skies) from award-winning independent filmmaker Director Raymond Red.

For this year, Cinemanila introduced a brand new component that will give credit to Philippine Machinima or “machine-animation” or “machine-cinema. The 2009 Cinemanila Machinima Film Festival aims to unearth machinimators and machinima talents in the region and to recognize this growing film making movement. The Machinima Film Festival will be held on October 20, 2009

The 2009 Cinemanila is presented by the City of Taguig, Cinemanila International Film Festival Foundation, Bonifacio Global City, and sponsored by Business World, Manila Bulletin, Solid Video Corporation, TWBA\Santiago Mangada Puno, Chana, Microdata Systems and Mangement, Inc., ClicktheCity.com, Philippine Entertainment Portal, Web Philippines, Inc., The Philippine Star, Spot.ph, UR105.9 Underground Radio, 99.5RT, Mellow 947, and World Cinema Fund.

For more info, contact Cinemanila Secretariat at (632) 392-7935, email cinemanila@gmail.com or visit their website at www.cinemanila.org.

Manansala To Represent RP in Mister International 2009

Mister International Philippines 2009 winner Michael Manansala will represent the country in the upcoming Mister International 2009 to be held tomorrow, December 19, 2009 at the Plaza International Hotel in Taichung, Taiwan ROC (Republic of China).

Mr. Manansala, a 23-year-old freelanced model from Quezon City, was crowned Mister International Philippines 2009 last October 14, 2009 at the A. Venue Events Mall in Makati City. He bested 16 other contenders who competed for the chance to represent the country in the upcoming Mister International 2009 and Php. 50,000.00 and a round-trip ticket to Taiwan.

Other winners in the contest were Mr. Thomas Anthony Malko (1st runner up), Mr. Farzam Nasirian (2nd runner up) and Mr. Abdul Wallace (3rd runner up). Special awards were also handed out during the event. People’s Choice Award went to Mr. Alvin de Joya while Mr. Personality was given to Mr. Manansala.

Mr. Manansala was actually a last-minute substitute to another contestant, Mr. Francis Soo, who had to withdraw from the competition due to a personal family emergency.

The event doubled as a menswear fashion show featuring the collection of M (Manuel Soler) Barretto, Mr. Jerome Lorico and Mr. Jeffrey Rogador The contestants showed off their physique in swimwear made by off their physique in swimwear by Mr. Ricky Abad. The contestants wore intricately designed Barong Tagalogs made by Mr. Barge Ramos during the question and answer portion.

Part of the proceeds of the pageant was donated to the Philippine National Red Cross Makati City Branch.

Mister International Philippines 2009 is presented by The Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa and sponsored by Three Sixty Resto Bar, Freego Jeans, Uno Pizzeria, Graffi TEE, Maxcore Technologies, and Philosophy For Men.

For more information about the event, contact Mr. Mike Lim at (63917) 828-2588, email mikesylim@yahoo.com or visit the event website at http://www.misterphilippines.net.

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.

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

Five Teams Squared Off at First International Ice Hockey Tournament

Ice hockey teams from China, Thailand, Japan, Philippines and Qatar took part in the First International Ice Hockey Championship held last July 16 – 18, 2009 at the SM Mall of Asia International Ice Skating Rink in Pasay City.

Organized by First Philippine Ice Events Organization (PIE.Org), the tournament aims to promote ice hockey in the country and to introduce the Philippines as one of the ice hockey destinations in Asia. It also serves as a convention to gather ice hockey teams all over the world to encourage camaraderie among players.

Five teams, including two representatives from the Philippines participated in the sporting event. In the end, the undefeated Tokyo Canadians/Bangkok Flying Farangs won the inaugural tournament, defeating the Shanghai Red Guard, 3-0. Philippine ice hockey team Label 5 took the third place after defeating the Qatar Qanucks, 2-1.

The First Philippine International Ice Hockey Championship is sponsored by and Kizz Me Energy Drink, Aqua Star Purified Drinking Water and the following media partner: Business Mirror, Manila Bulletin, The Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Action and Fitness Magazine http://www.actionfitnessmag.com/, GMA-7, and Magic 89.9.

For more information about the event, contact Ms. Sharm Miguel-Macalua, President of First PIE Org. at (63917) 804-1377, email sharm@philippineicehockey.com or visit their website at www.philippineicehockey.com

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

RP Celebrates International Dance Day thru Dance Xchange

Philippine dance troupes, together with international dance groups, celebrated the International Dance Day with seminars, workshops, and cultural presentations during the Dance Xchange: 1st Philippine International Dance Workshop and Festival held last April 28 – May 1, 2009 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

Organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the annual national dance congress aims to provide a venue for interaction and to facilitate learning among dancers, directors, choreographers as well as t tourism and cultural officers. The event is designed to provide new ideas and inspiration to encourage creativity of dance educators, directors, and choreographers.

Dance Xchange is also intended to showcase the unique dances of each country to promote cultural understanding and to strengthen network among dance organizations and diplomatic relations of the participating countries.

International delegations included Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Dance Troupe, the Dance Academy of Kuching Malaysia, Persadaku Seni Dancers of Singapore, Spanish Dance Troupe, Chinese Dance Company, Beijing Dance Academy, Japanese Dancers, Aswara Dancers of Malaysia, Korea, and Macau Dancers.

Local performing groups also joined the celebration, which included the Philippine National Folkdance Company (Bayanihan) Leyte Dance Theater, Philippine National University Kislap ng Sining Dance Troupe, Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe, Sinukwan Performing Arts, Douglas Nierras Powerdance, Halili-Cruz Dance Company, ADS Performing Arts, University of San Carlos Dance Troupe, Helobung Community Dance Troupe, Inc., Bohol Punta Cruz Cultural Collective, Kahayag of South Cotabato, Professional Dance Teachers Association, Hwa Yi Ethnic Dance Troupe, Jambangan Dance Troupe, Sinanduloy Dance Troupe, and MEV Dance Troupe.

For more information about the event, contact the NCCA-Public Affairs and Information Office (PAIO) at (632) 527-5529, 527-2192 loc. 508, 612 to 615, email at ncca.paio@gmail.com, public_affairs@ncca.gov.ph or visit their website www.ncca.gov.ph

FCBAI Gathered Bakers, Confectionery Suppliers at Bakery Fair 2009

Numerous companies involved in bakery, confectionery, food service, and allied industries gathered under one roof for the 5^th International Exhibition on Bakery, Confectionery and Food Service Equipment and Supplies (Bakery Fair 2009) held last February 19 – 21, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Organized by the Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. (FCBAI), the biannual event aims to showcase the best in the bakery, confectionery, and food industries of the Philippines. It also continues to improve the quality of its exhibitors and enhance the learning experiences for bakery and bakery operations of its visitors.

Bakery Fair 2009 filled up over 400 booths and attracted more than 25,000 visitors. In the three day event, participating companies showcased a wide range of products and recipe applications to meet the needs of growing as well as starting bakeries. Other companies also shared some business opportunities and marketing ideas to assist clients in expanding their operations.

Renowned Chef Heny Sison graced Bakery Fair 2009 and gave baking and pastry decorating demonstration. Other activities during the fair included cake decorating competition, bartending contest, seminars and baking demonstrations.

Bakery Fair 2009 is supported by Bakels Philippines, Inc., Besterm International Corporation, Asia Cold Storage Corporation, Sonlie International, Inc., Ferna Corporation, Puratos Philippines, Mix Plant, Inc., Middleby Worldwide Philippines, Inc., Kerry Ingredients Asia, Handyware Philippines, Inc., San Miguel Mills, Corman Professional, Unicomm Ingredients Phils., Inc., ADSIA Eurobakers Marketing Corporation, Sinmag Bakery Machine Corporation, Eagle Wings International Corporation, Universal Robina Corporation (Flour Division), Ab Mauri Philippines, Inc., Unity Marketing Corporation, U.S. Wheat Associates, Association of Foodcart Owners and Suppliers Philippines, Inc., 3A System Machinery Philippines Corporation, Jismar Equipment Trading and Services, Inc., Chocolate World, Optima Display Systems Company, Zebra Thailand (Satien Stainless Steel Public Co. Ltd.), Alatone Plastics, Inc., Sun-Maid Raisins, Torani, Conlins Coffee World, KLG International, Inc., Foodservice Division, Wills International Sales Corporation, Novozymes, RM Boxes, General Milling Corporation, California Raisins, Sanko Plastics Philippines, Inc., Foodie Magazine, Cook Magazine, Julie's Bakeshop, French Baker, Gardenia Bakeries (Phils.) Inc., and Walter Bread.

For more information about the Bakery Fair 2009, contact the Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association, Inc., at (632) 2542518, 2542526, email fcbai_phils@yahoo.com.ph, info@fcbai.org, or visit their website at http://www.fcbai.org/