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/.

10th Asia Pacific Region Investment Conference

This year, the 10th Annual Pacific Region conference will once again hold an investment conference in New World Hotel, Makati, Philippines on October 14 & 15, 2010.

Organized by the Asia Pacific Association for Fiduciary Studies (APAFS), the annual conference usually gathers over 400 delegates, comprised of financial executives, key decision makers of companies, and other professionals. This year, the PRIC will bring together investment and finance professionals and organizations, with key global players in the finance industry lending their support for the upcoming event.

Local finance institutions have also pledged their support for the conference, which aims to promote the regional understanding of current economic issues.

For more information, email executivedirector@apafs.org or  log on to www.apafs.org.

Women Deliver Philippines Conference

Women Deliver Philippines, the country's first-ever localization of the global initiative that started in London, brought to spotlight the tragic deaths of women during pregnancy and childbirth, and of newborns dying during their first month of life to mobilize investment for the improvement of maternal and newborn health. “Women Deliver Philippines,” held from Sept 15 to 17, 2010, gathered 365 participants from around the country and the world, from 205 agencies, and drew 106 resource persons. They spoke on a wide range of issues from young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health services to the role of midwives; from maternal mortality and human rights to interfaith initiatives on safe motherhood; from investing financial, material and human resources toward attaining MDGs 4 and 5 to exercising effective leadership and country commitment to meeting these same goals.

Speakers from government, private and civil society organizations, including regional development leaders, gathered for the conference, to generate political commitment, and share solutions that can prevent maternal and newborn deaths and disabilities.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona delivered a keynote speech on the formal opening of the conference, which was attended by dignitaries from the Australian government, the European Union (EU) and the UN  – led by UN Resident Coordinator Jacqueline Badcock and UNFPA  Regional Director Nobuko Horibe. Ona acknowledged that the solutions needed to improve maternal health and newborn survival “do not involve rocket science,” although he acknowledged that these “require political commitment at the highest levels.”

Closing the conference, Health Undersecretary Mario Villaverde hailed Women Deliver as “timely, hopeful and relevant,” reminding everyone that “maternal health is preventable” and that in the effort to prevent mothers dying from pregnancy and childbirth, “there are no outsiders, only partners.” The national government’s commitment to promoting reproductive health was further underscored by Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, a resource person at the last plenary discussion. The Aquino administration, she said, was committed to “promoting responsible parenthood, which includes providing information on all forms of family planning methods. “Choice and access,” said Soliman, constituted the keystone of the Aquino government’s policy, reiterating the administration’s support for the pending reproductive health bills, an announcement that was met with applause by the audience.

Women Deliver Philippines was organized by the Department of Health, the UN and Likhaan Center for Women’s Health  with support from the EU. Dr. Junice Melgar, executive director of the NGO Likhaan which headed the conference secretariat, said one of the conference goals was to “re-energize” the reproductive health community in its efforts to save the lives of women and children.

The first global Women Deliver conference was held in London in 2007 to mark the 20th year of the Safe Motherhood Initiative (SMI) launched in 1987 seeking to address the tragedy of half-a-million women dying during pregnancy and childbirth. The second Women Deliver conference was held in Washington, DC in 2010.

For further information regarding the event, contact Likhaan Center for Women’s Health at 632) 926-6230 or e-mail office@likhaan.org or visit the website http://www.womendeliver.org.

First Philippine Congress Anniversary National Conference

THE Center for Bulacan Studies of the Bulacan State University (CBS BSU) with the Philippine Historical Association (PHA), National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and University of the Philippine Lipunang Pangkasaysayan (UP LIKAS) held the National Conference on the Anniversary of the First Philippine Congress with a theme “IMAHEnasyon: Ang Paghiraya sa Nasyon at Bayan ng Congreso Filipino 1898” last September 14, 2010 at the Bulacan State University Hostel and Function Hall, City of Malolos, Bulacan.

The theme concentrated on the imagined nation and state through the ideas and concepts of the front runners of the freedom and nationhood – from Bonifacio’s 1896 Katipunan to the Aguinaldo-inspired 1898 Congreso Filipino.

Six official papers were read on the conference: Nasyon at Bayan sa Congreso Filipino 1898: Pangkalahatang Perspektibo by Dr. Zeus A. Salazar, retired history professor and History Department chairman at the UP Diliman, and coordinator of the Bagong Kasaysayan, Inc. (BAKAS); Mga Aral ng 1898: Unang Republika, Diplomasya at Imperyalismo by Dr. Evelyn A. Songco, Assistant to the Rectorfor Student Affairs, University of Santo Tomas and president of PHA; Ang Congreso Filipino: Mula Kawit hanggang Tarlac by Dr. Lino L. Dizon, Director, Center for Tarlaqueño Studies, Tarlac State University , vice-president of the Kapisanan ng mga Bahay-saliksikan sa Bansa, Inc., and consultant of the Juan D. Nepomuceno Center for Kapampangan Studies, Holy Angel University; Mga Simbolismo: Halaga ng mga ito sa Pagbubuo ng Bansang Banwa at ang Kaso ng Kongreso ng Malolos by Ian Christopher B. Alfonso, researcher, Juan D. Nepomuceno Center for Kapampangan Studies, Holy Angel University, Fellow of the BSU CBS, and secretary of the Samahang Pangkasaysayan ng Bulacan, Inc. (SAMPAKA); Saligang Batas sa Sinaunang Bayan: Ang Umalohokan at ang Kaloobang Bayan by Dr. Vicente C. Villan, History Department of UP Diliman, coordinator of BAKAS, Inc., and an active member of the Asosasyon ng mg Dalubhasa, may Hilig at Interes sa Kasaysayan (ADHIKA) ng Pilipinas, Inc.; Ang Kartilya at Kaloobang Bayan: Saligang Batas ng Katipunan at Tagapangunang Hiraya ng Saligang Batas ng Malolos by Michael Charleston B. Chua of the History Department of the De La Salle University and vice-president, Philippine Historical Association.

Also, a side lecture was delivered by Isagani B. Giron, president emeritus of SAMPAKA and consulant of the BSU CBS, Si Heneral Miong at ang mga taga-Malolos; as well as other topics by other reactors such as the legendary cat in the Barasoain Church seen in the ten-peso bill and the petition to bring back the Barasoain’s image in any monetary bill of the Republic.

“Among our regular activities and programs, this one is unique because for the first time we are given the chance to co-work with the PHA, NHCP and UP LIKAS which are considered authorities and experts in the Philippine historiography.” Dr. Agnes Crisostomo, director of BSU CBS said.

This national conference was made free to the public, but with limited reservations set to 200 only. It was endorsed by the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to all the schools and other academic institutions in the country and supported by the Provincial Government of Bulacan and the City Government of Malolos.

The activity was proudly part of the Province’s celebration of Singkaban Fiesta: Buwan ng Bulacan which started last August 15 until September 15.

For more information, contact Ian Christopher Alfonso at 0916-475-2140 or e-mail through ianalfonso7@gmail.com, and Roy Devesa II at 0906-579-6378 or e-mail through roy.carpio.devesa@gmail.com. Interested parties can also get in touch with the PHA Public Relations Office at (63906) 202-0274.

InfoSec Conference 2010

Digital Filipino Club and Posh Marketing Services brought out to Filipinos a forum that generally shared and educated protective ways on how to secure environment against the radioactive internet usage. This was entitled InfoSec Conference 2010 that gathered top practitioners who shared their best practices on Information and Technology security at the Intercontinental Hotel, Makati City last August 25, 2010.

Speakers from global enterprises, technology leaders, certified security professionals and law enforcers identified risks, threats and vulnerabilities some companies are facing today. They also provided preventions and solutions to protect businesses in the country.

Various speakers who graced the event were Mr. Tunde Fafunwa, and Mr. Wilson Chua and Mr. Fernando Martirez III of Bitstop Network Services on State of Internet Infrastructure and Security in the Philippines, Mr. Paul Hubbard and Mr. Jeff Arrienda of YesPayments on Managing E-Commerce Fraud, Mr. Jojo Colina, ePLDT on Technology Presentation: Justifying your Security Spend, Peter Scott of Global Competitiveness Consultancy and Training on How Applicable is Six Sigma and ISO Standards to the IT Sector (and its security concerns), Dr. Pierre Tagle of Mobiliance on Possibilities and Security Challenges in Cloud Computing, Atty. JJ Disini of Disini & Disini Law Office and Mr. Dustin Andaya of SureSeal on State of Cyber Crime in the Philippines, and Janette Toral of DigitalFilipino Club on Search Engine Hacking and Information Gathering.

For more information on the event, contact Posh Marketing Services at (632) 443-POSH(7674), 347-7322, 0920-9826837 or 0922-8583538, email info@poshmarketingservices.com or visit the website http://www.infosecphilippines.com/.

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.

2010 College Conference and Exhibit

The 2010 College Conference and Exhibit set last August 12-14 at the Clamshell in Intramuros, Manila with the theme “Promoting Quality Education in the Philippines for the Filipinos and the World.

The biggest educational conference and exhibit of the year discussed career topics such as: Accountancy, Animation, Architecture, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Criminology, Culinary, Education, Entrepreneurship, Game Development, Mass Communication, Medical Technology, Music, and whole lot more.

Among the list of exhibitors were: Adamson University, Asia Pacific College, Assumption College, Ateneo de Manila University, Center for Culinary Arts Manila, De La Salle University, St. Scholastica’s College, University of Sto. Tomas, University of the Philippines, Our Lady of Fatima University, Philippine College of Criminolgy, and other universities and colleges in Metro Manila.

The event was organized by Freestyle Media Inc., in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, Department of Education, and Commission on Higher Education. The event is sponsored and supported by Stabilo, the American Institute, Rubert James, Suzuki, John Robert Powers, Pentel, Sterling, Philippine Educational Theater Association, Smart Bro, Center for Pop Music, OMF Literature Inc., PC Gilmore, KFC Krushers, Netopia, and Business World.

For more information, contact Freestyle Media Inc. at (632) 249-2598, 280-5372, 996-1589, fax (632) 249-2588, email freestylemediainc@gmail.com or visit http://www.freestylemedia.com.ph or http://freestylemediainc.multiply.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.

APO’s 7th Biennial Congress and 30th Anniversary

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Association of Philippine Orthodontists (APO) held its Seventh Biennial National Orthodontic Congress at The Hotel Intercontinental Manila in Makati City last August 2 and 3, 2010. The event’s chosen theme was “Orthodontics in a Challenging World: Making All Things Possible.”

“Despite the continued evolution and progress in Orthodontics in the new millennium, the modern day orthodontist is still often confronted with various challenges,” APO President-Elect and congress chairman Dr. Roberto Tan said.

In an attempt to address these challenges, three world renowned orthodontists graced the event as the congress speakers: Dr. Peter Ngan, professor and chairman of the West Virginia University, Department of Orthodontics and Awardee of the 2007 American Association of Orthodontists Jacob Salzmann Memorial Lecture, and Dr. Stephen Wei, president of the Hong Kong Society of Pediatric Dentistry and professor Emeritus of the University of Hong Kong.

Their conjoint lecture covered the topic: “Early Orthodontic Treatment.” The congress will also feature Dr. Chris Chang, a much sought after and world renowned speaker, an orthodontic practitioner based in Taiwan who obtained his Certificate in Orthodontics and PhD in Bone Physiology from Indiana University, USA. He discussed the topic: “Management of Impacted Canines and Excellent and Efficient Finishing.”

These three speakers along with their lecture topics were carefully chosen to guarantee clinical relevance in the management of difficult orthodontic cases.

Another highlight of the congress was the induction of new officers and members of APO and Philippine Board of Orthodontics (PBO) as well as the Investiture of new Diplomates of the Philippine Board of Orthodontics in a formal ceremony. Convocation guest speaker was Antonio Adriano, Commissioner of the Professional Regulation Commission.

The APO is the national orthodontic association affiliated with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA). Since 1995, the APO has been recognized as an Affiliate Member of the prestigious World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO), a global orthodontic organization comprising 108 nations. The APO is a Charter Member of the Asian Pacific Orthodontic Society, which is composed of 16 countries regionally.

For more information contact APO at (632) 817-0222, fax (632) 817-0222, e-mail info@apo.com.ph or visit their website at www.apo.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.

19th National Retail Conference and the Stores Asia Expo set on SMX Convention Center

Experience the 19th National Retail Conference and the Stores Asia Expo on August 11-12 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia. It is a Twin Activity of the National Retail Conference (NRCE).

The NRCE is the biggest and most important event in the Philippine retail industry. It draws more than 600 retail owners, top-level retail executives, and industry suppliers in the country. In the last 17 years, NRCE's 2-day conference and 3-day exhibit served as the venue for networking and updates on the latest developments in the local and international retail scene. Moreover, it has also established an institution for discussion of issues and concerns affecting the industry.

Mr. Martin Roll, together with Jollibee's Tony Tan Caktiong, who is also the NRCE's Guest of Honor, will keynote the country's biggest retail conference. Roll noted that in this event, the Filipino entrepreneurs can well take advantage of a global readiness for the Asian brand.

Side by side with the conference is the Stores Asia Expo where a select group of suppliers to the retail industry are expected to showcase the latest tools and solutions for global retailing.

The exhibit is supported by PLDT Business Solutions, SM Shoemart, Banco de Oro, and Penshoppe.

For more information, call Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) Executive Secretariat at (+632) 687-4985, (+632) 687-4180, (+632) 687-4181, fax (+632) 636-0825, email: philretailers@gmail.com, philretailers@yahoo.com, ebbs@fibercity.com.ph or visit their website at http://www.philretailers.com

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/.

Dine Philippines 2010: The Food Business Conference of Today's Dining Establishments

It is undeniable that Filipinos love to eat. From Batanes to Jolo, you will experience not hundreds and hundreds of different dishes, with different variations to suit everyone's palate.

In celebration of this wonderful blend of flavors and tastes, Courage Asia and Global Link MP produced and organized Dine Philippines 2010: The Food Business Conference of Today's Dining Establishments last July 24 at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City.

Conference speakers for the flavor-filled event were Chef Bruce Lim, host of the program Tablescapes in the Asian Food Channel (Asian inspired menus); Chef Amir Gan, technical consultant for Meat and Livestock Australia (managing kitchen costs by ingredient substitution); Chef Wade Watson, executive chef of the Abaca Resort and Mayo Restaurant (local and global menus); Architect Gene Go, managing director of GSN+P Architecture Studio (save on restaurant design and construction); Mr. Danny Pumarega, president of Foodsense Solutions Commissary (outsourcing kitchen production and choosing the commissary for kitchen needs); Ms. Bel Castro, gastronomy expert and faculty member of Enderun Colleges and Center for Asian Culinary Studies (customer service excellence); and Mr. Steve Benitez, president of Bo's Coffee (taking home-grown concepts to reality).

Dine Philippines 2010 was held in cooperation with Waterfront Cebu, The Freeman, Sun Star Cebu, Sarangani Bay, San Remo, Tabasco, Clara Ole, RHi, Herword.com, and Alcordo Advertising.

For registration inquiries and general information, you may call the following numbers:
Manila: Telephone number (02) 710-0550; Fax number (02) 727-2057; Mobile numbers 0917-8538037 or 0922-8676368; or email dinephils@gmail.com.
Cebu: Telephone numbers (032) 232-5101 or (032) 232-6888 loc. 8944 or mobile number 0927-7334829.

Philippine Investment and Governance Conference 2010

Transparency International Philippines in cooperation with the Southeast Asian Parliamentarians Against Corruption (SEA-PAC), Grieg Shipping Group, and Business World presents the Philippine Investment and Governance Conference last July 22 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Transparency International Philippines is a non-profit, politically non-partisan, non-governmental organization dedicated to increasing government accountability and curbing both international and national corruption. TI-Philippine Chapter is one of the over 90 National Chapters of Transparency International with Main Office in Berlin (Germany).

The conference featured forum on reforms in governance and business covering a wide-range of topics which include Judicial and Legal Reform Perspective, Constitutional Landscape of Public Service, Political Overviews, Economic Situation, Land Registration Authority, Transportation and Communication, and Up-scaling Business Opportunities.

Keynote speaker Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales of the Supreme Court of the Philippines shared her expertise in these fields together with other speakers: Secretary Leila de Lima of the Department of Justice, Atty. Raul Pangalangan of the UP College of Law, Dr. Benjamin Diokno, UP School of Economics, and Atty. Cirilo Noel of SGV & Co.

For more information, contact the Transparency International - Manila at (632) 871-9752, fax (632) 527-0573, or visit http://www.transparencyintl.org/.

Franchise 2010 at the SMX Convention Center

The Philippine Franchise Association, in cooperation with PLDT Business Solutions and PLDT SMEnation, presented the 18th Philippine International Franchise Conference and Expo last July 12-13 at the AIM Conference Center and July 14-15, July 16-18 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

Supported by the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation and the World Franchise Council, the Expo and Conference features talks and discussion which include the Innovative Leadership in Today's Business, Global/National Economic and Business Outlook, the Top 10 Consumer Trends, Indentifying International Market Opportunities, Greening Up Your Business, and a lot more.

Moreover, it also tackled Business Solution Roundtables topics that include the Franchisor's Track from getting the New and Emerging to having a Mature business on the second day.

The event will never be a complete a success without the support the help of its sponsors: The Generics Pharmacy, Monterey Meatshop, Bodega Site, QualiPlus International, Max's Restaurant, 7-Eleven, Goldilocks, FranCorp, Mister Donut, PR Gaz, Sea Oil, BPI Family Ka-Negosyo, BDO, Jollibee, Red Ribbon, Chow King, Selecta, Greenwich, IBM, Blue Water Bay Spa, and Montanara. Also with the support of the event's media partners GMA-7, the Philippine Star, Business Mirror, Manila Bulletin, Business World, Entrepreneur, Panay News, Mellow 94., RJ 100, NU 107, Global Integrated Media Ltd, with Mall Partners SM Supermalls1, Ayala Malls, Robinson's Mall, Araneta Center, and Shangri-La Plaza.

The Philippine Franchise Association can be contacted through (02) 6870365 to 67, 0917-8320732, pfa@pfa.org.ph, and franchiseshow@pfa.org.ph, the organizer of the event, Global Link MP Events International Inc., can be reached through (02) 7308588 or franchise@globallinkmp.com.

9th LCF Corporate Social Responsibility Expo 2010

The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) held its 9th LCF Corporate Social Responsibility Expo as part of its celebration for the National CSR Week and also as a venue for the business community to reaffirm its commitment to a sustainable future last July 14-15, 2010 at the SMX Convention Center.

With this year's theme, "Synergizing for Change", LCF hopes to enable private and public sector collaboration in putting forward a common agenda and framework for action that could make a significant and lasting impact on society.

The conference featured plenary and breakout sessions on special topics, including Building a Culture of Change, Public-Private Partnerships, Asian Values, Global Standards on CSR, CSR and Social Networking, Measuring Social Impact,and The Journey to Sustainability. Moreover, to show its commitment to environmental sustainability, LCF is undertaking LCF CSR Expo 2010 as a green conference.

Keynote speaker is his Excellency President Benigno Aquino III. Among other speakers were: United States Ambassador to the Philippines Amb. Harry K. Thomas, Jr.; Mr. Arsenio Balisacan, PhD, Professor, School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman and President, Asia-Pacific Policy Center; Mr. Dennis Mapa, PhD , Professor and Director for Research, School of Statistics, University of the Philippines Diliman; Hon. Corazon Soliman, Secretary, Department of Social Welfare and Development; Milwida Guevara, PhD; Prof. Raphael Lotilla , Regional Programme Director, Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia; Mr. Jose Mari Mercado, Director for Business Development, Convergys Corporation; and Ms. Pacita Juan, President, Philippine Coffee Board, Inc. and Marketing Director, ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle.

This expo's steering committee Chairperson is Mr. Edgardo Amistad (UCPB-CIIF Foundation), who worked hand-in-hand with his Co-Chair, Maria Cecilia Alcantara (Coca-Cola Foundation), and Project Director, Mr. Jerry Bernas (League of Corporate Foundations).

For more information, contact the League of Corporate Foundations at (632) 892.9189 or visit http://www.lcf.org.ph.