Business Opportunities in Biodiversity International Conference and Exhibition

In the world of business, where does biodiversity fit in? This question was answered at the "Business Opportunities in Biodiversity" international conference and exhibition held at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila. The conference took place last October 8, 2010 while the exhibition was from October 6 to 8. The event aimed to raise the business sector's awareness on the values of biodiversity and encouraged business to raise its stake on biodiversity conservation.

Organized by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) in cooperation with the Philippines' Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the European Union, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Conference featured discussions and presentations on the impact of biodiversity on business sustainability. Media partners were BusinessMirror and the Global News Network.

The conference also focused on the current situation of biodiversity in the ASEAN region. Studies made by international organizations on business and biodiversity and actual business cases by selected corporations from Japan and Southeast Asian nations were presented.

Key speakers included Mr. Rodrigo U. Fuentes, executive director, ACB; Dr. Mario Tabucanon, visiting professor, United Nations University – Institute of Advanced Studies, and advisor, Executive Board, the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park Foundation; Dr. Naoki Adachi, executive director, Japan Business Initiative on Biodiversity ; Atty. Darwin Mariano, public affairs director – Philippines and Asia, CEMEX Asia Pte. Ltd.; Mr. Satoshi Nimura, chairman, Nimura Genetic Solutions, Japan; Mr. Jose Reaño, managing director, Broadchem Corporation; Mr. Atsuhisa Takahashi, president, Corporate Environmental Strategy Unit, Fujitsu Limited, Japan; Mrs. Srisurang Massirikul, social and environment division manager, PTT Public Company Limited, Thailand.

The conference highlighted the clear link between business and biodiversity. "At first glance, people do not recognize the crucial connection between business and biodiversity. Business is perceived to be detached from biodiversity. Biodiversity, however, knows no boundaries, cutting across all sectors – the business sector included," Director Fuentes of the European Union-funded ACB said.

For further inquiry on the event, do contact the Center for Philippine Futuristics Studies and Management, Inc. at (+632) 753-5350 or (+632) 753-1061 or visit http://www.aseanbiodiversity.org/.

Food and Drinks Asia 2010 and Food Franchising 2010

Food and Drinks Asia 2010, the 14th International Exposition on Specialty Foods, Delicatessen, Confectionery, Beverages, Beers, and Wines and Spirits, held last September 2 to 5 in conjunction with Food Franchising 2010, the 14th International Food Franchising and Business Systems Exposition.

Food and Drinks is an international exposition of local and imported foods, delicatessen, fruit preserves, juices and concentrates, specialty foods, pasta and noodles, milk and dairy products, food additives and mixtures, flavorings, spices and condiments, chocolates and confectionery items, wines and liquors, fruit juices, canned and frozen meat products, fresh fruits and vegetables among others.

These events were presented by Software Dimensions, Chase Technologies Corporations, Infinite Labels, Business World, Cook Magazine, Manila Bulletin, Food Magazine, Business Mirror, HerWord.Com, China Food and Beverage Online, ALTA Publishing Company, HK HUIZHAN International. Century Park Hotel, and The Heritage Hotel.

For more information, contact Trade Information Marketing & Exhibitions, Inc. at (632) 834-0085 to 86 - 551-7920 loc. 7420, fax (632) 831-3828, e-mail, tradeinfo@afex.com.ph, or visit http://www.afex.com.ph

First National Zoological Conference

The First National Zoological Conference was held last August 23 to 24, 2010 at the Bulwagang Buhay-llang, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. The two-day event was organized by the PhilZoos Association together with the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB). Its theme is “Zoological Parks: Moving Towards the 21st Century.

PhilZoos is an organization of zoo owners and operators to share notable insights and invaluable knowledge that will revolve on three-pronged” objectives: Promotion of responsible zoological park operations, enhancing awareness of zoological park owners/managers/staff on existing policies and other basic considerations in zoological park establishment and operation; orientation about PhilZoos and to obtain the latter’s support on the agency’s endeavors.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) can promote the country as a must-see destination for foreign tourists not only because of its world-class beaches and resorts, historical and cultural landmarks, world-class products and goods, beautiful sceneries but also zoos where they can view birds and animals in the Philippines.

The Philippines has also rare birds and animals tourists must see because they are now becoming extinct with the loss of their national habitat. These are the tamaraw in Mindoro, the pilandok or Philippine mouse deer, the smallest hoofed animal found only on Balabas Island, Palawan, the kagwang, a unique animal in the wilderness of Bohol, Leyte, Samar, Basilan and some parts of Mindanao, kooka, the largest of flying squirrels found in the Philippines, the malmag, one of the smallest primates in the world, the deer found in the forests of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the tandikan or peacock pheasant, found only in the forests of Palawan, the dalud or imperial pigeon found in the forest bird, and the kalangay, the Philippine cockatoo now restricted in Palawan.

PhilZoos PAWB and conference organizers have laid out the following topics for discussion: Basic Policies on: Zoological Park Development and Operations: Animal Welfare and Ethics Welfare: Evaluation of Non-Human Animals in Philippine Zoos, Role of Zoological Parks in Wildlife conservation; Developing Wildlife Park Operators into a Responsible Organization: The SEAZA Experience. Talks were given by Southeast Asia Zoological Association (SEAZA) president Dr. Jansen Manansang, PAWB director, Dr. Mundita Lim, another of International Animal Welfare and Ethics, Dr. G. Agooramorthy: P2 Rommel Almarzon of PMA Baguio City; Dennis Salvador of Philippine Eagle Foundation.

For further information, contact PAWB at (632) 9246031-35, email planning@pawb.gov.ph or visit http://www.pawb.gov.ph/

First Philippine Hotel Investment Conference

International and domestic tourists continue to swell in number and the upward trend is expected to continue well into the next few years. The demand for more accommodations and facilities is therefore inevitable and widens the prospects for immediate investments.

In response to this clamor, Food and Hospitality Events Specialists Inc. and Y&S 1847, a strategic hotel investment company, pooled together leading local and international executives of the hospitality industry for the first ever Hotel Investment Conference at the SMX Convention Center.

Held last Aug. 20, the confab was especially structured to address emerging industry trends and offer valuable insights regarding the business. Delegates were also treated to round table discussions, exhibits, private appointments, and networking opportunities with the international leaders of the hotel and hospitality industry.

Included in the roster of internationally based panelists were Ms. Serena Lim (Vice President, Starwood Hotels), Mr. Thomas Monahan (Executive Vice President For International Development, Wyndham Hotel Group), Ms. Aiyi Lim (Director Of Development, Wyndham Hotel Group), Mr. Patrick Basset (Vice President For Operations, Accor), Mr. Xerxes Mejer Homji (Executive Vice President And Chief Development Officer, Carlson Hotels Worldwide), Mr. Guy Philips (Vice President For Development In Asia Pacific, Hilton International) And Mr. Simon Pearson (Vice President For Marketing And Development, Marco Polo Hotels).

Locally based panelists Included Ms. Annabelle Wisniewski (President, HSAI-Raintree Partners), Mr. Jose Mari Del Rosario (Chief Executive Officer, Microtel Hotels And Resorts), Mr. Al Legaspi (Chief Operating Officer, Ayala Hotels Inc.), Mr. Rey Villar (Executive Vice President, Federal Land), And Mr. Arthur Gindap (Country General Manager, Philippines Ascott International).

Meanwhile, the roster of moderators included Ms. Narzalina Lim (Former Tourism Secretary, Asia Pacific Projects Inc.), Mr. Fraser Hickox (Hall Of Fame, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals), Ms. Vicky Aldaba (President, Shaping Hospitality Now), Ms. Cyndy Tan Jarabata (President, Tajara Leisure Hospitality Group), Ms. Merril Yu (Former Executive Vice President, SM Hotels; Entertainment Chief Executive, Y&S 1847).

Speakers for the event were Mr. David Young, Managing Director for Colliers International; Mr. Roberto Lim, Former Senior Vice President, Philippine Airlines; And Ms. Monica Au, Managing Director Of Landor Associates.

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.

Systems Integration Philippines 2010

Systems Integration Philippines launched a three-part expo at the SMX Convention Center last August 19 to 21—Signs and Media World Expo, an international signage, multimedia presentation technology, equipment materials and services exhibition; the Total Office Products and Services show, an 8th International Business IT Solutions, Audio and Video Communications, Digital Printing, Graphics Design and Office Automation Technology, Products and Services Exhibition; and Corporate Gifts Expo, the 8th Corporate Giveaways, Office Supplies, Stationery, Incentives, Premiums, and Souvenirs Exhibition.

The event highlighted innovative office supplies to marketing solutions. Moreover, the exhibits showcased free seminars and product presentation from top exhibitors and associations such as: The Value of Corporate Wellness Programs to Corporations by Philippine Kettlebell Corporation; How to Choose the Best Office Supply by Crown Supply; Digital Printing Busienss by Graficad Creation; and Sanus Wallmount Systems: Make Room for Life by Goldway Digital Equipment.

The three-day exhibit will not be a complete success without the help of its partners and sponsors: China Business Philippines, Business World, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Gadgets Magazine, Gadgets Philippines Inc., 88db.com, Agility Logistics, MultisTiQ, ANC, Wave 89.1, Jam 88.3, Resort World Manila, PowerSpeak Inc., Sanyo, SMX Convention Center, Manila Pavilion, TV Style Video, PLDT myDSL, and Panasonic.

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 or www.globallinkmp.com.

HealthCare Information Management Outsourcing Services 2010

In the past few years, the health care information management and outsourcing industry broke through the market and now commands a high-value, world class playing field.

With this trend in mind, the Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Phillippines (HIMOAP)(formerly known as Medical Transcription Industry Association of the Philippines, Inc.), together with DL Media Focus International Inc. organized HealthCare Information Management Outsourcing Services 2010 held last Aug. 10 at the Crowne Plaza Galleria.

Centered on the theme “Bringing the Philippine Workforce to the 21st Century,” the conference gathered healthcare information companies, hospital IT administrators, medical and IT professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners, educators, health maintenance groups, and medical transcription companies to learn about the healthcare information business and its various opportunities, the latest information management systems, skill and industry requirements, and the most current network trends and global perspectives in the industry.

Some of the topics discussed were the market trends and service opportunities in the Philippines, IT systems and protected health information, the value of health informatics, the international classification of diseases and current procedural technology codes in healthcare information management, and career development opportunities in the industry.

HealthCare Information Management Outsourcing Services 2010 was held in cooperation with the Business Processing Association of the Philippines, the Congressional Commission on Science and Technology, and Tholons Advisory, Investments, and Research, co-presented by PLDT Business Solutions, and supported by Bayan Telecommunications. The Philippine Star served as the event’s media partner.

For more information, please visit www.mtiapi.com or www.himoap.com, or contact DL Media Focus International Inc. at telephone numbers (632) 889-7763, 856-4954, 844-8341, or telefax number 886-4407.

One Cebu Business and Sustainability Summit 2010

Last August 9, 2010, Mandaue Business Movement (MBM 2010) celebrated their 2nd Event of their Business Movement One Cebu Business and Sustainability Summit 2010. This happened at Cebu International Convention Center, Mandaue City.

One Cebu Sustainability Summit 2010 was attended by top business executives, with the theme "The Sustainable Business Revolution: A Call to Action". This Special Event brought awareness as to what to do to contribute to sustainable development with a strong commitment to do something about it.

The event is aimed to make delegates LEARN why sustainability is so important and what they need to do to make the transformation in their own business; CONNECT with major business leaders who have made the leap to sustainability and who can help delegates with their own challenges, as well as with other attendees who may provide unique partnership opportunities going forward; COMMIT to specific steps one’s company needs to take to move into the new world of sustainable business; and, ACT on the first of those steps delegates just committed to, so that when they go back to their company afterwards, they are already moving toward their long-term goals.

Varied talks from Environment, Technology, Energy, Business, Social Development and to Advocacy were given by prestigious speakers such as Mr. Alex Lacson, and Mr. Antonio Meloto, Jr.

One Cebu Sustainability Summit 2010 is organized by the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce & Industry and in partnership with the Province of Cebu, Mandaue City and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is just one of the Prestigious Local Events that happened in Cebu.

For more information about the One Cebu Sustainability Summit 2010, contact the Mandaue City Chamber of Commerce and Industry at (63632) 420-2252 or (6332) 420-2232.

Negosyo Power Expo 2010 for All-Time Business Experience

August 20 to 22, 2010 is the date to power up an all-time business experience - the Negosyo Power Expo 2010 to be held at the Activity Area, Trinoma Mall.

Negosyo Power Expo 2010 is an event where the strong and vibrant Small and Medium Enterprises (SME)
industry can be further cultivated and nurtured.

Negosyo Power Expo 2010 will focus on delivering a very unique event experience to support the success and growth of small and medium size businesses in the Philippines. It will serve as a connection to explore business opportunities, to learn the latest SME market trends, establish contacts, explore business opportunities, exchange views & ideas, display products and services, as well as acquire latest technology and promotion tools.

Featured events in the Expo will be the Women Entrepreneurs Congress, Young Entrepreneurs Summit, and the Overseas
Filipino Workers (OFW) Business Congress.

Negosyo Power Expo is aimed to drive SME business success and growth, to inspire, motivate and educate the public to get into business, and to promote entrepreneurial spirit in the country.

Negosyo Power Expo 2010 is made possible by its media partners: Magic 89.9, BusinessMirror, Graphic, Philstar.com, HERworld.com, BusinessWorld, Asenso Pinoy, Transit-TV, Wave 89.1, Jam 88.3, and Media G8way; sponsors: Decisive Moments, CISS Manila.com, and Booth Contractor; and, its support organization: Entrepreneurs Society of the Philippines, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and produced and organized by EX-LINK.

For more information, contact EX-LINK at (632)643-3887, 6401280, e-mail info_exlink@yahoo.com, exlink.corp@gmail.com or visit http://www.negosyopower.com.ph/.

7th Vegetables Congress in Mindanao

Consolidation and marketing opportunities in the domestic Vegetable trade were highlighted at the 7th Mindanao Vegetable Congress held at the Almont Hotel and Inland Resort, Butuan City last August 4 to 5, 2010.

“Sustaining the gains of the vegetable industry in Mindanao amidst challenges” was the theme of this year’s Congress, that showcased industry trends, provided presentations on the latest vegetable production technologies, and held “market-matching” meetings between growers and retail and institutional buyers.

The event is supported by the city government of Butuan, the provincial governments of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, the Department of Agriculture, the Southern Philippine Vegetable Council (SPVC), and USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program.

“This annual event has given a boost to vegetable growers in Mindanao,” said Valeriano Palco, president of the Caraga High-Value Cluster, Inc. (CHiVeCC), lead organizer of this year’s congress.

CHiVeCC is among several vegetable industry groups engaging in private sector – private sector collaboration to improve the production and domestic out-shipment of selected vegetable varieties from the region to Luzon and the Visayas, with GEM assistance.

For further information, contact the Butuan City Government office at (6385)342-3074, fax (6385)225-5737 or visit http://www.butuan.gov.ph.

Philippine Six Sigma Conference 2010

Incorporate the 'Six Sigma Discipline' through the Philippine Six Sigma Conference 2010 to be held at the Hotel Intercontinental, Makati City on August 4 to 5, 2010.

This conference is presented by Fiera de Manila, Inc. in cooperation with the Center for Lean Systems and Management, De La Salle University, and the International Alliance of Quality Professionals (IAQP), Digileaf, Inc.

The conference will share learning on the benefits, costs, realities, and truths of the most powerful improvement methodology in the business world today, knowledge on the strategies to identify, evaluate, and campaign projects for Six Sigma implementation, sharing on the techniques and understanding the standard Six Sigma model, case study presentations of success and failure of Six Sigma application or implementation in the manufacturing and service sectors, and networking with Six Sigma Experts and Practitioners.

Presidents, CEOs, Senior Level Executives, Directors, General Managers, Managing Directors, Managers, Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and SMEs, in various industry sectors, such as: Telecom, Healthcare, Financial/Banking, BPOs, Logistics, Transport, Export/Import, Manufacturing, Government, NGOs, and those who are practicing and beginning the journey of quality excellence in their respective organizations are invited to join and register to the event.

The Philippine Six Sigma Conference 2010 will be graced by its keynote speaker, Mr. Dan C. Lachica, President & CEO, First Philec Solar Corporation on the topic "The Opportunities in Lean and Six Sigma". Other speakers who will also share their expertise in their respective fields will also attend the conference. Some of them will be Mr. Amante 'Teng' Araneta Aguilar, Consultant, Supply Chain Management; and Jeff S. Mejia, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Digileaf, Inc. on the topics "Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement and Quality Excellence in Organizations;" "Understanding the Fusion of Enterprise Quality Models;" "Understanding Lean & Six Sigma and Its Key Benefits - What's In It for Me?"; and, "Developing Metrics for Six Sigma."

Sponsors of the Philippine Six Sigma Conference 2010 are CLSM, IAQP, Philippine Daily Inquirer, BusinessWorld, BusinessMirror, Studio 23, The Philippine Star, Magic 89.9, 103.5 Max FM, and InfoTXT.

For exhibit, sponsorship, registration, or further information on the event, call (632) 896-0639, 896-0637, 899-6216, fax at (632) 896-0637, 890-2101, e-mail at fiera@info.com.ph or visit the website at http://www.fmi.com.ph.

CREBA Visayas Regional Real Estate and Housing Conference

The Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations, Inc. (CREBA) held its First Regional Real Estate & Housing Conference in Visayas at the Casino Español de Cebu, Ranudo Street, Cebu City last July 31, 2010. This event was announced by Florentino S. Dulalia Jr., National President of CREBA, and Julius G. Topacio, Vice-President for chapter affairs.

The event was organized by regional vice-president for Visayas, Dennis G. Jalbuena as conference chairman and hosted by the CREBA-Cebu Chapter led by Herbert Buot, chapter president.

CREBA is the Philippine umbrella organization of professionals and entities engaged in real estate and housing development, tourism facilities, building and construction, technical consultancy, marketing and other related services. With its advocacy programs and initiatives, it has become government’s strongest ally in pursuing a truly rational and affordable national housing program.

This Visayas Conference was the second of a series of four conferences all over the country designed to address the specific concerns of businessmen and other professionals on issues and trends that directly impact real estate and housing, as well as its allied industries and professions.

The one-day confab will highlight the opportunities, implications, licensing and examinations under the new Real Estate Service Act (RESA), signed into law in June 2009 in order to further professionalize the practice of real estate brokerage and marketing, appraisal and consultancy in the Philippines.

The conference is accredited under the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program for real estate practitioners.

For further information, you may contact CREBA at 373-2270 to 75 (Manila) or (032) 344-5756; 345-4228; 344-3904 (Cebu). Emails may be sent to creba_inc@yahoo.com or creba_cebu@yahoo.com. Visit their website at http://www.creba.ph

18th Metro Manila Business Conference

The 18th Metro Manila Business Conference (MMBC) was held last July 30, 2010 at the Manila Hotel. Anchored on the theme “One.Global.Filipino.: On the Road to Economic Recovery”, the 18th MMBC reflected the buoyant hopes of businessmen amidst the lingering uncertainties in the global economy and highlighted issues that affect business in the metropolis, among them public-private partnership, energy sufficiency, the status of free trade agreements, disaster preparedness, and environmental protection as a corporate concern.

Vice President Jejomar Binay was the conference Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker. Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs) Director Renato Solidum, Department of Trade and Industries Usec. Zenaida Maglaya, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries President Ambassador Francis Chua, and ABS-CBN Foundation Chairman Regina Lopez were among the prestigious roster of conference speakers, along with PCCI President Amb. Francis Chua.

VP Tony Keh in his welcome remarks said that the conference was a good venue for both government and private sector to interact and reinforce to decisively deal with the present economic situation in Metro Manila and the country as well.

The conference was capped with the event Gala Night at which was co-hosted by PLDT SME Nation. Relaxed setting, dancing and exciting prizes were raffled off.

The conference was hosted by the PCCI NCR – North Sector, composed of four local chambers namely: Caloocan, Malabon, Greater Valenzuela and Greater Malabon, headed by PCCI Vice President for NCR and Conference Chairman Antonio C. Keh and Regional Governor and Co-Chairman Danilo A. Sanchez.

The annual Metro Manila Business Conference is organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Metro Manila Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MMCCI) is an annual gathering of the fourteen (14) PCCI local chambers members in Metro Manila, government officials and other stakeholders for the discussion and resolution of issues and concerns affecting Metro Manila.

For more information, contact the PCCI at (632)896-4549, fax (632)899-1727, e-mail pcci@philippinechamber.com, or visit their website at http://www.philippinechamber.com/.

16th World Forum of the International Association of Jesuit Business Schools World Forum

The Ateneo de Manila University hosted the 16th World Forum of the International Association of Jesuit Business Schools World Forum which was dubbed with the theme Educating Champions of Sustainable Development: Best Practices of our Business Schools. The event was held last July 18 to 20, 2010.

Some highlights of the Forum were a plenary presentation on the UN Global Compact on the Principles for Responsible Management Education, plenary presentation on two panels on University-based initiatives for Sustainable Development: one focusing on Socio-economic initiatives, and another focusing on the Environment, and panel on developing a Values-Based business curriculum.

An AACSB Accreditation Workshop, lead by a panel of Deans and AACSB accreditors who talked about the benefits of accreditation and the steps to take to prepare schools for accreditation, and a Jesuit Alumni Networking Cocktail, a networking event for Philippine-based alumni of Jesuit business schools outside the Philippines, were also held in the said event.

For more details, contact the Ateno de Manila University at (+632)426-6001 or e-mail 16thIAJBSworldforum@admu.edu.ph.

Corporate Giveaways 2010

The 23rd Annual Buyers’ Show on Business Gifts, Premiums, Promotional Ideas, and Merchandise Incentives, or simply Corporate Giveaways 2010 was held last July 7-9 at the A Venue Events hall, Antel Lifestyle City in Makati. This event is said to be the country’s premier giveaways exhibit.

The country’s premier giveaways exhibit featured Top Management and Decision Makers from different locations around the country bringing buyers and sellers in the last 20 years. The event also featured the Corporate Solutions 2010’s 7th Trade Exhibit on Marketing Support Services, Business Solutions, Office Equipment, Supplies and Uniforms, and F&B Gifts Lane which showcased samples of year-round Food and Beverage Gift Options.

All under one roof, the three events bring together professionals, entrepreneurs and executives involved in purchasing, market research and development, advertising and promotions, public relations and communications, events and brand management, customer relations, e-commerce, sales and marketing, business development, and human resources.

This successful event is a project of World Expos and Concepts Inc. in cooperation with event partners Chase Technologies Corporation, SignMedia, VCargo Worldwide, and supportive media partners Philstar.com and Business World.

For more information, contact World Expos and Concepts Inc., at (632) 855-8342 to 44 or info@worldexco.com

The 18th CebuCon: Construction Show Cebu

Showcasing the latest, topnotch products for the construction industry and introducing an array of environmentally friendly products, the 18th Construction Show Cebu (CebuCon) kicked off last June 4 at the Cebu Trade Hall at SM City Cebu.

Organized by L. A. Ducut and Companies Inc., in full cooperation with Hardwares Consolidated Inc., the 18th CebuCon featured products from Expo Tile and Bath and Home Improvement Center (latest tap models), K-Plast Inc. (Plexiglas for interiors and finishings), Supersonic Manufacturing, Inc. (drainage systems), Megaman (LED lighting fixtures and reflectors), Davies Paints Inc. (water-based acrylic paints suitable for both indoor and outdoor use), Firefly Lighting (emergency and automatic lights), Shera Board Philippines (construction boards), and Riviera Filipina Inc. (roof tiles).

The event was sponsored by AEG Power Tools, Roca, Expo Tile and Bath, Alcordo Advertising, Business World, SunStar Cebu, and Slivers.

For more details, interested parties may contact L. A. Ducut and Companies Inc. at (032) 232-3729, (032) 232-3740, or (032) 231-3172, or mobile numbers 0917-3221019, 0917-8382183, 0917-8973207, or 0917-8420777. You may also send inquiries via email to info@laducut.com. Visit their website at www.constructionshowcebu.com.

39th SKAL Asian Congress

It will be red carpet all the way for Skålleagues and their families and friends who will be attending the 39th Skål Asian Congress from May 27 to 30, 2010 in Cebu.

Hosted by Skal Club Cebu, at least 100 foreign stakeholders in the international tourism industry and 60 more of their local counterparts are expected converge in Cebu and take part in the said event.

Numerous activities have been lined up for the Skålleagues throughout the four-day affair. The Asian Board of Officers' Dinner will be held on May 26 at the Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa. Major activities and meetings will be held at the Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa. Golfer delegates will show off their strokes at the Asian Golf Tournament to be held on May 27 at the Mactan Airbase. Later, welcome cocktails and dinner will be served at Plantation Bay Resort & Spa. The President’s Meeting, set on May 28, will be held at the Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa. Finally, a Gala Dinner will be held on May 29 at Waterfront Hotel and Casino.

The Cebu Congress will, for the first time, include the Young Skål Forum. Young Skål members from Thailand, Hong Kong, the Philippines and other Asian cities are expected to participate and inject a new phase to Skål Asia. Another first for the Asian Congress is the Skål Tourism Awards for outstanding clubs and personalities to be conducted by the Asian Area and Skål International Philippines to be presented by Skål International Makati.

The 39th Skål Asian Congress is supported by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Duty Free Philippines, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) (formerly Philippine Tourism Authority), Department of Tourism, Cebu Pacific Air, Lapu-Lapu City Government, City of Cebu, Province of Cebu, Amadeus and Islands Group, and Islands Souvenirs.

For registration, visit the following websites www.skalasia.org, www.skalasiancongress.com or email skal2010cebu@gmail.com.

MTG Networking and NVO Alliance conference in the Philippines

The Multimodal Transport Group (MTG) conducted the 9th MTG Business Center Annual Conference and the 3rd NVO Alliance last March 8-12 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila, a unique luxury hotel in Manila with a resort setting next to the largest convention center and close to theaters, museums, government offices and the Mall of Asia —carrying the theme “We’re hear to deliver…Globsal networking spirit.”

The event provides a unique opportunity for pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings, team building activities (Laser Gun game) and a unique opportunity to showcase members' services as well as meeting new and existing fellow MTG members.

MTG is a major logistics network made up of more than 400 representative offices in 102 countries. NVO Alliance President Jose Yap is the overall facilitator of the conference in its first two days. Morever, the participants have heard inspirational talks from different speakers from different countries in the freight forwarding industry. Meanwhile, the remaining three days wear facilitated by the MTG Network.

For more info, email info@nvoalliance.com.

Nomination Open for Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards for Excellence

The Manila Times, through the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards for Excellence, seeks to recognize and honor outstanding Chinese-Filipinos who have excelled in various fields of discipline and made great contributions to the Filipino society.

It is for this reason that The Manila Times decided to institutionalize an annual system of recognition of distinguished Chinese-Filipinos. Now in its fifth year, the Tsinoy Awards continue to celebrate the best in the Tsinoy community which has become a pillar of the society.

Nomination for the Awards shall be open to all Filipino citizen of Chinese descent, have received Chinese education, at the minimum, should be able to understand Chinese language, and have observed/practiced or still observes or practices some Chinese tradition

The nominee must be engaged in the following fields of endeavor: Art, Literature and Culture, Business and Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Education, Journalism, Management and Finance, Medicine, Public Service, Science and Technology, Sports and professionals. He or she shall have demonstrated outstanding leadership in his field of endeavor and made outstanding contribution to mainstream society.

Any individual, private or public entity or organization may submit nominations. Nomination forms may be obtained at www.manilatimes.net. Forms must be submitted or mailed to The Manila Times, 371 A. Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila.

Deadline for the submission of entries is on April 16, 2010.

For more information, contact The Manila Times at (632) 524 5664 up to 67, fax (632) 301 9552 or visit their website at http://www.manilatimes.net.

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.

Go Negosyo Celebrates National Women’s Month with Entrepreneurship Summit

Go Negosyo celebrates National Women’s Month by recognizing inspiring women, uplifting the country’s small entrepreneurs, and showcasing possible business opportunities for women (and men, too) at the Go Negosyo Women Entrepreneurship Summit on March 8, 2010 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Organized by Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) (formerly known as National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women), this year’s summit will carry the theme, “Babae Tagumpay aka ng Bayan”.

Over 200 booths and exhibits will showcase business ideas and opportunities in health & wellness, beauty & cosmetics, fashion & accessories, food & culinary business, technology, direct-selling, franchising, and more. Free seminars on the how-to's of starting a business will be held during the event: from knowing your strengths and your ambitions, to finding business opportunities, to marketing your products and finding capital. Talks on women's health, education, good governance, and other issues and concerns facing women today will be staged as well.

Filipinas who have excelled in their fields but who also embodies admirable traits of compassion, concern for others and care for community, and integrity will be recognized at the Go Negosyo-PCW Inspiring Women of the Year Award Ceremony.

The summit will also serve as the grand launch of the Go Negosyo book, "100 Inspiring Stories of Small Entrepreneurs: Tagumpay Mula sa Kahirapan". Visitors will be given a chance to have their books signed by the women and men are featured in Go Negosyo's fifth book and ask them how they started their business, how they overcame challenges, and how they grew their negosyo (business)
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The 2010 Go Negosyo Women Entrepreneurship Summit is sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry, Land Bank of the Philippines, and National Livelihood Development Corporation.

Admission is free. Interested exhibitors may call Ideal Events International at (632) 431-3694 or Go Negosyo at (632) 637-9229. For more information about the event, email womensummit@gonegosyo.net or visit their website at http://www.gonegosyo.net.