Netizen Icons and Experts to Grace 3rd Social Networking Conference 2010

Digital Marketing think tanks, media personalities, social media experts and netizen icons will share their expertise during the 3^rd Social Networking Conference 2010 scheduled on April 22-23, 2010 at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Intercontinental in Makati City.

The Social Networking Conference 2010, presented by Fiera de Manila, Inc., and DigitalFilipino Club is an event geared towards companies and digital marketing/advertising professionals and businessmen/entrepreneurs who are interested to use social networks for advertising/marketing their products and services. It is for dynamic and innovative companies, start-ups, and upcoming players who would like to leverage on current technologies to communicate and sell their products/services through social networks; and, gain knowledge as to how this industry is working and evolving.

Experts who will share their time and knowledge with participants include:

• Maria A. Ressa, Senior Vice-President, ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs and Managing Director, ANC
• Paul Papadimitriou, Digital Intelligence Strategist, Driving Left, Limassol and Tokyo
• Paul John M. Peña, Head - Digital Marketing, Globe Telecom, Inc.
• Juan Armando V. Rojo, Vice President, Corporate Brand and Communications, Bayan Telecommunications
• Alex Dan Tacderas, Brand Manager, Kraft Foods
• Eduardo Mapa Jr., Managing Director, Media Contacts Manila
• Rosan Cruz, Assistant Vice President of Group Public Relations, BENPRES Holdings Corporation
• Joey Alarilla, Social Media Editor, Yahoo! Southeast Asia
• Jim Ayson, Senior Product Manager, VAS & DATA Services/WCD, SMART Communications Inc.
• Janette Toral, Founder, DigitalFilipino
• Racquel Cagurangan, General Manager, PoliticalArena.com
• Nick B. Fontanilla, Ph.D., President, The Asia-Pacific Centre for Research, Inc. and President, Philippine Marketing Association (PMA)
• Leah Camilla R. Besa-Jimenez, General Manager, Proximity Philippines
• Brad Geiser, Co-Founder, Geiser Maclang Marketing Communications Inc.
• Chinie Hidalgo-Diaz, Marketing Director, Teleforce Asia Inc.

Other highlights of the two-day event include technology presentation, case study analysis, and the Social Networking Awards Ceremonies 2010 which honors Filipino excellence in social media and social network marketing and advertising.

The 3rd Social Networking Conference 2010 is sponsored by Yahoo Philippines, Globe Telecom, Inc., Eyeblaster, SMART Communications Inc., Inquirer.net, BusinessWorld, Business Mirror, Studio 23, Philstar.com, Jam 88.3, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, and 103.5 Max FM, Filbars International Subscription System Inc, and Blog4Reviews.

For registration and inquiries, please contact the Event Manager at (632) 896-0639, 896-0637, 899-6216 or e-mail at fiera@info.com.ph. Visit the website at www.fmi.com.ph or http://socialnetworkphilippines.blogspot.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.

WORLDBEX 2010 Goes Green

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Anticipated Food and Beverage Expo Slated this March

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Philippine Beauty Experts Shine at Cosmetologie 2010

The Philippine International Cosmetologists Association (PICA), the leading organization of beauty and wellness professionals and the only association accredited by TESDA, proudly presents Cosmetologie 2010: Beauty, Wellness, and Trends Expo at the SMX Convention Center from February 23-24, 2010.

Cosmétologie 2010: Beauty, Wellness & Trends is the biggest and most prestigious gathering of industry professionals in the country today. With the leading names in the beauty, wellness and fashion industries taking part in this grand occasion, Cosmétologie 2010 will set trends in a country that appreciates beauty inside and out.

Organized by PICA together with Premier Events Plus Group, Inc. (PEPGroup, Inc.), Cosmétologie 2010 is assured of being an effective platform to promoting the latest products and services. The event will provide the most rewarding educational experience to all its participants with different activities conducted by professionals and experts in various disciplines of cosmetology. Interactive workshops on Classic cutting, Comprehensive coloring, Seasonal and trendy styling, Specialty make-up, Nail enhancement, Hair enhancement, Aromatherapy and reflexology will be staged throughout the two-day affair. There will also be live demonstrations where visitors can watch and learn from the best in the industry as international and celebrity experts conduct demonstrations on-stage.

To highlight Cosmétologie 2010, the organizers will stage a fashion fair and runway show where visitors will see total looks come together with fabulous fashion, amazing accessories, spectacular hair and make-up all set to vibrant music and expert commentary.

New to the expo is the complete integration of the “Touch of Excellence”, touted as the most prestigious and most credible competition for the beauty professionals and budding stylists who will take part in a unique competition to showcase their skills and creativity in the following categories: Urban Chic Cut and Color (Ladies and Gents), Red Carpet Glamour Hairstyle and Make-Up, and Bridal Bliss Make-up.

For more inquiries, contact Premier Events Plus Group, Inc., at (632) 4269603, 9280931, 4354790, 9291576, 9297993, email, info@pepgroup.com or the Philippine International Cosmetologists Association at (632) 437-3734. Visit the event website at http://www.cosmetologiefair.com/.

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.

3rd Annual Women Entrepreneurs Conference Set

Women entrepreneurs as well as those who would like to know how to start their own business are invited to join the 3rd Annual Women Entrepreneurs Conference on January 30, 2010 at the Asian Institute of Management Conference Center in Makati City from 8:30am to 12:30pm.

Hosted by the Network for Enterprising Women (NEW), the conference aims to give women and small and medium-business owners the tools to start or grow their businesses.

The conference will include topics on building business foundation, financial planning and funding, marketing/selling to get results, legal aspects of managing business, social entrepreneurship and finding the right networking group. Also, there will be business counseling and networking opportunities at the event.

Get inspired at this informative, fun half-day conference, with concurrent sessions for existing women entrepreneurs, business owners and those wanting to start a business. Guest speakers are Ms. Emily Abrera, Chairman Emeritus of McCann, Ms. Chit Juan of Echostore, Ms. Alice Guererro of Tesoro, and other prominent women entrepreneurs.

Participant fee is only Php 600. Register online at . For reservations or further inquiries, contact NEW at (632) 710-3711, 754-8058, (63917) 540-8697 or e-mail info@newomen.net.

First SME and Direct Selling Expo Set this November

Small and medium enterprises (SME) as well as direct selling companies will come together to offer business opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs at the Asenso sa Negosyo 2009: 1st SME and Direct Selling Expo slated on November 6 – 8, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Organized by Trade Advertising Exhibitions And Conventions International, Inc. (TRADECON Inc.), the event was conceptualized to upbeat the global financial crisis. The three day expo will provide opportunities especially for those looking for business and want to be an entrepreneur.

SMEs play a vital role in economic development. They offer the most economical use of capital in relation to job creation and provide the strongest growth channel for regional development. They are also recognized as the vehicle for growth in today’s regionally and globally interdependent and competitive economy.

Aside from SMEs, the event will feature numerous companies involved in direct selling, franchising, corporate giveaways, events management, marketing, hotel and travel destination, banking and finance, information and communications technology (ICT), garments and textile, food technology, and more.

Asenso sa Negosyo 2009: 1st SME and Direct Selling Expo is sponsored by Living Water Systems, Inc., Pearl of the Pacific Boracay and supported by Rotary Club of Manila and Media Blitz PR Consultancy . The event is in partnership with Sigma Identity Systems and Mindgate Systems, Inc. http://isp.mindgate.net/, and TechSupport.ph as Technology Partner. Media partners are China Business Philippines, 88DB Service Portal, BizLINQ.net, Super Ads, Philstar.com, Business World, HerWord.com, Filbars International Subscription System, Inc., Business Mirror, Philippine Graphic, and Trabaho.com.

The event is for the benefit of BayanNiJuan and ABS-CBN Foundation.

Register online at www.asensonegosyo.com. For more information about the event, contact TRADECON Inc., at (632) 440-9208, 440-3118, 437-4063 local 100 - 107 or e-mail tradecon.inc@gmail.com, asensonegosyo@gmail.com

Philippine Coffee Board Celebrated Coffee Month Festival

In celebration of Coffee Month, the Philippine Coffee Board’s annual coffee festival was held at the Greenbelt Malls last October 13-26, 2009. This year’s festival was dubbed “Coffee Origins, Discovering the Philippines’ Best.”

Exhibitors conducted seminars, coffee cupping, and primers on how to open your own coffee shop. Various contests and activities such as barista classes were also organized. All seminars were held at Le Bistro in Salcedo Village.

Seminar about basic coffee 101 (with hands-on barista), how to put up a coffee shop, coffee cupping, coffee farming, and professional coffee course (with Barista 101) were held during the event. Appreciation courses for office workers were held after office hours by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-accredited Philippine Coffee and Barista Academy.

The festival ran from October 13-26 at the Greenbelt 5 Gallery, while it only lasted from October 13-21 at the Greenbelt 3 Lobby. Free samples from different roasters and processors, small towns and private farms were given away throughout the event.

The first 50 visitors on October 17 and 18 got a free taste of Kapeng Alamid, which is touted to be the world's most expensive coffee at P14, 000/kilo as compared to P150-300/kilo of usual Philippine coffees. The coffee beans are harvested by wild cats in the rainforest of Benguet and Mindanao. The free Kapeng Alamid was sponsored by CAFEX, Roasters of Batangas Harvest, Cafe Montealto and Continental Coffee and Cordillera Coffee of Frank and Grace Young.

Also in line with Coffee Month, the second National Coffee Summit was held last October 26 at the AIM Conference Center. The theme of the conference was “Creating Partnerships for Self-Sufficiency in Coffee.” Registration fee of Php 2,500 per person was inclusive of meals.

Coffee Origins was made possible in cooperation with Ayala Malls, Kape Isla, Nescafe, and Greenbelt.

Official sponsors were Gourmet’s, Equal, Cordillera Coffee, Sony Centre, Rancilio, Continental Coffee, and Aquabest. Media Partners were Inquirer.net, Business Mirror, Mellow 94.7, Business World, HerWord.com, HighLife, and 2nd Avenue.

For more details about Philippine Coffee Board and its events, call/text (63915) 576-7886, e-mail philcoffeeboard@gmail.com or visit http://www.coffeeboard.com.ph.

Top Philippine Entrepreneurs Graced JCI Entrep Summit ‘09

Eight entrepreneurs shared their inspiring and business success stories during the Entrep Summit 09 held at the SM Convention Center last October 24, 2009.

Entrep Summit is a project of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) or more popularly known as Manila Jaycees. The yearly event aims to inspire and fuel the entrepreneurial spirit of young Filipinos. Entrep Summit aims also to dispel fears about going into business, or staying in business.

With this year’s theme: “Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders,” invited speakers were Mr. Johnip Cua, the 1st Filipino General Manager of Procter and Gamble; Mr. Mark Ruiz of Hapinoy and Rags2riches; Mr. Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet; Mr. Edward Lee, Founder & Chairman of Citisec Online; Mr. Rudy Ang, Dean of Ateneo de Manila’s School of Management; Mr. York Vitangcol, CEO of St. Peter’s Group of Companies; Ms. Victoria Jardolin, Founder and President of Marikina Shoe Exchange; and Ms. Vicki Belo, Founder of the Belo Medical Group.

This project encapsulates the JCI-Manila’s tenet of providing "economic justice by free men through free enterprise" and cement JCI Manila as a leadership organization actively participating in the business concerns of young leaders and entrepreneurs. Being the lifeblood of the Philippine economy, the SMEs should consciously adapt and grow with market changes and take steps to attaining their business goals - thus coining the term "Entrep Summit".

Entrep Summit ’09 is sponsored by LBC; Del Monte Fit ‘n Right; The Philippine Stock Exchange; TV Partner ANC; Online Partners: Yehey; Entrepreneur Magazine; 88DB dot com; Our Awesome Planet; Print partners: BusinessWorld; Philippine Daily Inquirer; The Manila Times; Manila Bulletin; Radio partners: Jam 88dot3, Wave 89dot1, Magic 89dot9, 103dot5 Max FM; Online solutions provider: PLDT SME Nation

For more information, contact Manila Jaycees at (632) 525-6792, (632) 5252631, or visit their website http://www.jcimanila.org/ or the event website at www.entrepsummit.yehey.com.

Nacionalista Party Awarded 60 Promising Entrepreneurs

The Nacionalista Party (NP) led by presidential candidate Sen. Manny Villar chose 60 promising entrepreneurs out of thousands as this year’s awardees of “Pondo sa Sipag, Puhunan sa Tiyaga” in an event at the NBC Tent at The Fort, Global City in Taguig last October 23, 2009.

The awards, launched in November 2007 during the party’s centennial commemoration, aims to promote entrepreneurship as a way of combating poverty. The 2009 national winners receiving a capital grant of P100, 000.00 each were Rufo dela Cruz of Calasiao, Pangasinan, who make and sell “Bella’s Puto Calasiao,” and Elisa Tomas of Quirino for her “Melizabeth food products” business.

Other awardees from Northern Luzon receiving P20,000 seed capital were Carlo Balneg of Abra, Dominador Codio of Benguet, Sr. Gabriela Dargiwan of Kalinga, Valentino Vicerra of Apayao, Angelina Tagay of Ilocos Norte, Elisa Abaya of Ilocos Sur, Romy Urbano of La Union, Armando Macatuggal of Quirino, Marvin Mapote of Isabela, Perlita Tiburcio of Nueva Vizcaya, Lucila Eugenio of Nueva Ecija, Conchita Hernandez of Aurora, Rodolfo Molina of Tarlac, Pamela Santos of Bataan, Remedios Udad of Pampanga, and Prisco del Moro of Bulacan.

Winners from Southern Luzon were Ramelito Barte of Quezon, Liza Perez of Laguna, Josephine Tacasa of Oriental Mindoro, Francisco Aranda of Sorsogon, Gregorio Basallote of Camarines Sur, Andres Canada of Camarines Norte, Asah Conde of Masbate, Imelda Dado Moratillo of Albay, and Floro Teano of Catanduanes.

Lone awardee from the National Capital Region was Susana Santiago of Valenzuela City.

Visayan winners were Meraluna Pascadero of Negros Oriental, Marybeth and Gabriel Sanoria of Cebu, Amy Alico and Joel Marquez of Leyte, Lorna Celespara, and Delita Montes of Samar.

Awardees from Mindanao were Eric Philip Macaso and Edgardo Tagalogon of Zamboanga, Jubella Acera of Camiguin, and Lilia Caga-anan of Misamis Oriental, Dionesia dela Pena of Misamis Occidental, Ofelia Gamao of Bukidnon, Rufina Anunciado of Davao del Norte, Reynaldo Deodor of Davao City, Florita Duag of Compostella Valley, Fe Sarabillo of Davao del Sur, Camilo Falcis of South Cotabato, Margarita Abaquita of Agusan del Norte, Jonathan Abayon of Agusan del Sur, Romeo Amahan of Surigao del Norte, Henry Capangpangan of Dinagat Island, and Leah Labordo of Surigao del Sur.

Winners in the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) category were: Gemma Victoria of La Union, Elisa Tomas of Quirino, Trinidad and Mario Yabes of Nueva Ecija, Romero Escio of Camarines Norte, Gregorio Palermo of Iloilo, Rosario Bation of Misamis Occidental, Rokaiya Kasan of South Cotabato, Zenaida Acaso of Basilan, Julia Buteng of Benguet, Leonardo Beniga of Agusan del Norte, and Nimfa Sagaral of Surigao del Norte.

Villar said, “We want to encourage our countrymen to come up with feasible business ideas that will not only uplift their lives but also the country’s economy. By honoring our model citizens, we seek to increase their tribe.”

The products of the winners, which included pottery, abaca handicrafts, mango preserves, wine, special lomi and pansit cogon, pastries, and native delicacies, were showcased in an exhibit also at the NBC Tent.

Likewise, NP also promoted its youth entrepreneurship program dubbed “BDABoss,” which seeks to harness entrepreneurial skills among the country’s youth.

Philippine Tourism Boosted at 20th Philippine Travel Mart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ateneo, PhilSEN Gather Experts for Social Entrepreneurship Conference

The Ateneo de Manila University Development Studies Program and the Philippine Social Enterprise Network (PhilSEN) will host a Social Entrepreneurship Conference on September 17 to 18, 2009 at the Ateneo de Manila Loyola Heights campus.

The conference will carry the theme, “Negosyo para sa iba, Negosyong kakaiba, Negosyo ka nga ba?” This event seeks to gather around 200 representatives from civil society, business and academe to dialogue on various social entrepreneurship definitions and models, assess the impact of social entrepreneurship on poverty, and present a Social Entrepreneurship Quality Index.

The recent popularity of the term social entrepreneurship masks the fact that there are many fundamentally different notions of social entrepreneurship. Some of those who will present their definitions of social entrepreneurship at the conference will include Atty. Antonio La Viña, Country Representative of ASHOKA Philippines; Mr. Rene Guarin, President of the Philippine Social Enterprise Network and Executive Director of the Upland Marketing Foundation, Inc.; and Mr. Illac Diaz, Executive Director of My Shelter Foundation.

Whatever their differences in terms of notions of social entrepreneurship or whatever form social business enterprises may take, these social enterprises all claim to benefit the poor in one way or another. The impact of social entrepreneurship on poverty will be discussed by Ms. Reese Fernandez, President of Rags2Riches and Mr. Richard Rejas, Executive Director of Katilingbanong Pamahandi sa Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. Dr. Francisco Lara, Jr., candidate at the London School Economics, will also share his insights on the matter.

Social enterprise models will also be presented by Ms. Jovelyn Cleofe, Executive Director of the Center for Empowerment and Resource Development; Mr. Auke Idzenga, Head for Appropriate Technology of the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc.; Mr. Salvador Umengan, Executive Director of National Corn Competitiveness Board; Ms. Jeannie Javelosa, Director of the ECHOstore; and Mr. Paolo Benigno Aquino, President of Microventures, Inc..

A Social Entrepreneurship Quality Index will be presented by Ms. Manolita Gonzales at the end of the Conference.

For more information on the conference, contact the Development Studies Program Office at (632) 426-5659, 426-6001 local 5218, email ds@admu.edu.ph or ghernandez@ateneo.edu or visit their website at http://socialentrep.ateneodevstudies.net.

AFFI Holds 8th Filipino Franchise Show

The Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc., (AFFI) will hold the 8^th Filipino Franchising Show at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on September 4 – 6, 2009.

With the theme “Franchising Opportunities: Rising Above the Crisis”, this trade fair promises to showcase the Philippines' most responsible and most promising Filipino franchisers under one roof. It offers a wide variety of franchises to interested investors with different budgets.

The show is part of AFFI's effort to provide business opportunities among entrepreneurs and educate them about the franchising business.

The 8^th Filipino Franchising Show is sponsored by Globe Business, SeaOil Philippines, Inc., Clerysys Philippines, Bank of the Philippine Island Family Savings Bank, in partnership with Mindgate Systems, Inc. Event is managed by Trade Advertising Exhibitions and Conventions International, Inc. (TRADECON, INC.)

For inquiries, call the Association of Filipino Franchisers Secretariat at (632) 633-8547, 395-5009, email affisecretariat@gmail.com. Visit their website, www.franchiseshowphilippines.com for free online registration.

Eliminating Poverty through Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is now becoming more and more popular in the country, with an increasing number of Filipinos bringing fresh new concepts and ideas for new businesses.

With this same drive of placing new business ideas on the table, the Business in Development Challenge Philippines was organized in partnership with the BiD Network. Carried by the theme “Promoting Poverty Reduction through Enterprise Development,” viable business ideas which combine poverty reduction and profit were partnered with potential investors.

Participants to the BiD Challenge Philippines received personal and professional coaching for developing a bankable business plan and also got to interact with a network of premier local and international financiers and investors. The local challenge marked Aug. 30 as the final day for submission of the participants’ business plans.

Up for grabs in the competition was a start-up capital of Php1M. The top two finalists were then sent to the international BiD Competition at Amsterdam in the Netherlands, where international winners were awarded up to 20,000 Euros.

The BiD Challenge Philippines 2009 was supported by Citi, Talk N Text, and Pilipinas Shell. Media partners Business World, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Entrepreneur Magazine, and the Cebu Daily News also supported the competition.

For more information regarding BiD Challenge Philippines, please visit the BiD Country Manager at the Philippine Business for Social Progress offices at PSDC Building, Magallanes Cor. Real Sts., Intramuros, Manila. You may also call telephone numbers (632) 527-7741 to 48 local 107; fax numbers (632) 527-5972 or (632) 527-3743; or send an email to info.philippines@bidnetwork.org.

Franchising, Dealership, and More at the 2009 Negosyo Power Expo

It was a full three days of learning for entrepreneurs at the 2009 series of the Negosyo Power Expo. Held last Aug. 21–23 at the Trinoma Activity Center, the free-admission event featured exhibitors including franchising and dealership companies, multi-level marketing organizations, and health and beauty product sellers, and business financing groups.

Produced and organized by Ex-Link Management and Marketing Services Corp., together with the Entrepreneurs Society of the Philippines and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the 2009 Negosyo Power Expo was tagged as the grandest SME expo and learning event of the year. It also featured three learning events: The Women Entrepreneurs Congress, the Young Entrepreneurs Summit, and the OFW Business Congress.

Several speakers also conducted discussions throughout the three-day event, and covered a wide range of topics including rags-to-riches stories, finding inspiration for a business, excelling in business as a woman, the latest tools in marketing, creative entrepreneurship, and ready and easy businesses for OFWs, to name a few.

The roster of speakers included Ms. Litay Ferrera-Brunner, president and managing director of Enzio Ferrera; Ms. Ting Ting Roberto, chief finance officer and co-founder of Salt and Light Ventures; Ms. Cora Jacobs of the Cora Cares Foundation; Ms. Michelle de Ocampo-Ballesteros, chief marketing director of Ex-Link Corp.; Ms. DeeDee Ledonio, president of Coltrans Cargo Philippines; Ms. Cristy Oreta, president and owner of EBusiness Management; Mr. Jerry Yao, entrepreneur professor at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines; Ms. Krishna Alejandro, executive director of Junior Achievement Philippines, Inc.; Mr. George Masecaro, president of the Entrepreneurs Society of the Philippines; Mr. Jimmy Siybauco, president of the Handwriting Institute; Mr. Pocholo Gonzales, managing director of Creative Voices; Ms. Lourdes Rivera, vice president of Ultima Entrepreneur; Ms. Melanie Valenciano, SIM officer of the Unlad Kabayan Foundation; Mr. Alvin Tabañag, money management coach from the Pinoy Smart Savers Learning Center; and Mr. Butch Albaraccin, founder and CEO of Center for Pop.

Media partners for the said event are Magic 89.9, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, 99.5 RT, 103.5 Max FM, Media Gateway Corp., The Business Mirror, Philstar.com, Cebu Web Ads.com, Biz Linq.net, the Philippine Graphic, Asenso Pinoy at IBC 13, Creative Voices, and TV 5.

All About Business in the Philippine Business and Entrepreneurs 2009 Expo

It was all about business, business, and more business in the Philippine Business and Entrepreneurs Expo 2009 at the SM Megatrade Hall 2, held last July 29 to Aug. 2.

Each day of the event covered a specific topic, with different speakers for different aspects of the said subject, followed through by panel discussions. The topics discussed during the five-day expo were: Why Go into Business; Starting Your Business; Sustaining Business Viability; Business for Various Interest Groups; and Doing Business with OFWs.

Among the speakers for the event were Mr. Gavin Bunker of INSOL Development Foundation; Ms. Annaliza Villar, resource person of the Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC); Mr. Jhermaine O. Fernandez, owner and managing director of Web Dot Com Philippines; Mr. Jay Peñaflor, senior specialist of the Philippine Stock Exchange Market Education Department; Mr. Jose Romblon, chairman of Sure Sales International Corporation; Ms. Florence Getalado, owner of ACECHEM – TLRC Segment; Ms. Edith Santiago, founder-chairman of the KILUS Foundation; Mr. Ramon Lopez, executive director of the PCE; Ms. Jennilyn Antonio, owner of Ehje’s Peanut Butter; Mr. Paolo Tibig, president of VCargo; Dean Pax Lapid of the Entrepreneur’s School of Asia; Ms. Grace Gupana, president of Abs Gen International www.abs-herbs.com.ph/; Mr. Julius Caesar Castillo, president and general manager of Entrepreneurial Training Center; Prof. Rolly Cagay of Century World Marketing; Mr. George Arriola, president of the Pamilyang OFW SME Network Foundation; and Atty. Roy Señeres of the OFW Family Club.

Major sponsor Western Union hosted different games for the participants, set in between the different scheduled activities within each day.

The event, organized by SM Megamall and Megatrade Hall in partnership with MCT Events and GoNegosyo, pushed through with the help of media partners Business World, Web Dot Com. WRR 101.9 For Life, DZMM 630 and DZMM Teleradyo, and Max FM.

For more information on the event, please contact Megatrade Hall or MCT Events through telephone numbers 633-1697, 634-7617, 799-0230, 747-0529, 701-1759 to 60, 0919-3999982, or 0922-7905473. You may also send your inquiries and other concerns to mct_events@yahoo.com, mct_events@gmail.com, or megatrade@smsupermalls.com, or visit the event website at www.pbex.com.ph.