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.

Manila Hosts ASEAN Cultural Festival

The Philippines, declared as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)  as its Cultural Capital for 2010 and 2011, hosted the fourth installment of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts and the Sixth Senior Officials Meeting for Culture and Arts (SOMCA) last March 22–26 in Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga.

Along with these meetings, the Philippines also hosted the Fourth ASEAN Festival of Arts (AFA), focused on promoting ASEAN’s common identity and cultural diversity, enhancing cultural heritage and tourism, and strengthening ties among ASEAN members.

Carried by its theme “The Best of the ASRAN: From Ancestral Roots to New Artistic Routes of Expression Mobilizing Cultural Diversity for the UN-MDG,” the Fourth AFA highlighted the creativity and also fostered the exchange of ideas of the best artists from ASEAN countires.

The Philippines, in its part, restaged “Baler sa Puso Ko,” an original zarzuela, with libretto by Isagani Cruz and music by Lutgardo Labad.

Also featured in the festival were film showings, workshops, poetry readings, and book launchings at the Nayong Pilipino sa Clark Expo, plus performances from choral groups, dance troupes, drum and bugle corps, Aeta police scholars, lantern bearers, kite flyers, athletes, Kaddang tumblers, Angono papier-mache giants, and hot balloons.

For more details, contact National Commission for Culture and the Arts Public Affairs and Information Office and PIAF Media Director at 527-5529, 09285081057, 09275582656 or email ncca.paio@gmail.com. You could also visit their websites at www.ncca.gov.ph. and www.piaf-ncca.com.

Asia Internet Congress to be Held in the Philippines for the First Time

For the first time, local entrepreneurs who are utilizing the power of the internet will have a chance to hear from the best practitioners in the industry as the Asia Internet Congress will be held in the Philippines for the first time on March 4-5, 2010 at Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila in Quezon City

Co-presented by Powermax Consulting Group, Fireballonline.com, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer Job Market, and LloydLuna Communications, the event will carry the theme, “Internet Marketing: A Click to Business Profit”.

The Congress will feature today’s sharpest internet marketing minds like Mr. Simon Leung, Google Optimization Insider and Master AdWords Optimizer; Mr. Alvin Phang, Asia’s top Wordpress Blogging Expert; Mr. Jo Han Mok, One of the World's Top Copywriters; Mr. Jaz Lai, Singapore’s List Building Master, and a Top Multilevel Marketing Expert; Mr. Fabian Lim, CEO of AsiaInternetAcademy.com and top internet marketer who has been featured in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan.

Philippine experts will also grace the event, including Mr. Donald Lim, founding President of Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) and the CEO of Yehey.com; Mr. Ian Del Carmen CEO of Fireballonline.com, Internet Marketing Expert, and International Best-selling Author of “Crack the Secret of Code” and “Rags to Dot Com Riches”, Mr. Lloyd Luna, New Media Marketing Expert and a sought-after motivational speaker and author; Mr. Nix Nolledo, Chairman of Xurpas.com, myayala.com, and Havoc Digital Media; and Mr. Joel Disini, President and CEO of dotPH.

Topics include Internet Marketing Success; Best Practices in Internet Marketing; Common Blunders in Internet Marketing; Search Engine Marketing; Social Media Marketing; Email Marketing; Copyrighting; Corporate Branding in the Internet; Passive Recurring Income Through Membership Sites; PLUS Bonus Topics – Word Press and Everything You Need to Know on How to Start an Online Business.

The 1st Asia Internet Congress Philippines is sponsored by Center for Pop Music Philippines, Inc., Stars and Events, UK Derm Pharma, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Creative Voices Production, Crowne Plaza Galleria, Certified eMarketing Consultant, PinoyInternetMarketing.com, Slimmers World, One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites, and the following media partners: Open AXCSS Solutions, Friendster.com, TipidCP.com, TipidPC.com, Inquirer.net, Philstar.com, PinoyExchange.com, Business Mirror, and The Radio Partners, Inc., (Jam 88.3, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, and 103.5 Max FM), and Entrepreneur Magazine.

For more information about the event, call Liezel Anam of Powermax Consulting Group at (632) 470-1054 to 55, 470-1267, (63926) 695-8428, or visit the event website at http://www.asiainternetcongressphils.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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Renowned Medical Experts to Grace First International Autism Conference

Medical experts from here and abroad will share their knowledge and expertise to empower parents and care groups on how to deal with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during the First International Autism Conference to be held on February 3-5, 2010 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

The International Autism Conference will gather 16 medical experts all over the world who will present the most current research, knowledge, information, diagnosis, assessment, treatments and policies surrounding ASD in support of people under the spectrum and their families.

Thirteen of the 16 doctors presenting in the conference are leading experts from the Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute of the University of California Davis (MIND Institute)/, an international, multidisciplinary research organization based in Sacramento, California, USA.

Included in the agenda of the three-day conference are infrequently, if not, never-before discussed topics such as the Genetics of Autism, the Neurobiology of Autism, the Epidemiology of Autism, Social and Neurocognitive Development in Autism, as well as Identification and Pursuance of Scientific Research to address the needs of Autism in the Philippines where about half-a-million Filipinos are diagnosed to be afflicted by the disease.

More topics will be discussed by doctors from MIND Institute including Medical Interventions for Autism of All Ages, Play and Imagination in Children with Autism: Guiding Social Experiences with Peers, Training on the Use of Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), and Diagnosis and Evidence-based Treatment of Adolescents with Autism, among other topics.

Three experts from Autism Speaks USA will also join the 13 experts from MIND Institute in the conference to discuss the Identification and Pursuance of Scientific Research to Address the Needs of Autism in the Philippines.

According to Autism Hearts Philippines Executive Director Christine Roa, “Concerned individuals including health practitioners and teachers from all over the world will definitely find their participation greatly beneficial as the conference will help them understand the many facets of the disorder to be able to better assist their family, friends and acquaintances suffering from the developmental disorder.”

The conference will also mark the start of the New York-based autism advocacy group Autism Speaks’ Global Autism Public Health Initiative in the Philippines (GAPH), which is dedicated to service delivery and research collaboration on Autism.

“The conference will mark the beginning of united efforts to create change in the lives of people with Autism. We enjoin all Filipinos especially families living with autism to support our advocacy by registering their participation in the International Autism Conference,” said Roa.

The First International Autism Conference is supported by Autism Hearts Foundation, MIND Institute, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Science and Technology, and Department of Education.

For more information and online registration, contact the International Autism Conference Secretariat at (632) 819-3724, 818-9926, email info@iacphil.com, or visit their website at www.iacphil.com

Emerging Business Solutions at E-Services 2010

Bright skies are on the horizon as the tenth anniversary of the largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) event in the Philippines – the e-Services Global Sourcing Conference and Exhibition, scheduled on February 8 – 9, 2010 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, signals edgier, more empowered breakthroughs and solutions for the ICT/BPO business industry as world markets recover from recession.

Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the event carries the theme, "Bright Skies Ahead: Collaborating for Smarter Business Solutions". An annual tradeshow and conference, e-Services has served as a premier platform for converging business and IT interests for local industry players and foreign delegations from places like the US, Japan, China, India, Korea, and the Asia Pacific. The show began in 2001 as a mere IT exhibition before evolving into the international ICT/BPO conference and exhibition it is today.

“We have always envisioned e-Services to be the venue, the go-to place, for global ICT leaders and authorities to interact, exchange ideas, and to showcase their products and services,” said Ms. Ma. Lourdes D. Mediran, Deputy Executive Director and Officer-in-Charge of CITEM. “Now for its 10th year, we want more than ever for IT companies to be where they need to be in order to maximize their business advantage, in light of the current market condition.”

Expectations for the show’s 10th year are high as the Philippines positions itself to grab a bigger market share from the multi billion-dollar BPO industry. e-Services 2009 booked US$100M export sales and US$1.484M in negotiated sales, as well as attracting ICT/BPO brands like Help Desk Institute – Japan (HDI-Japan), Salmat Limited, and Mustang Technologies, among others.

In addition to Back-office Operations, Contact Centers, Engineering and Design Services, Games Development, Animation, Health Information Management, Legal Transcription, and Software Development and Telecommunications – areas that showcase the competitiveness of the local industry – e-Services 2010 celebrates its landmark year with plenty of new attractions aimed at providing IT companies with the capabilities to maintain and improve the competitive advantage of their businesses.

Included in this is the introduction of new Exhibit Zones available: the Outsourcing Nation Zone where IT and BPO companies from neighboring Asian countries participate as exhibitors; the Green IT Zone that features environmentally-compliant IT companies and allied firms; the Consumer Electronics Zone that serves as a one-stop shop for the latest technology products and hardware electronics; the Creative Industry Zone with a sponsored Gaming Competition that includes local and international game developing companies; and the e-Government Zone to feature government agencies providing investments assistance to interested foreign companies.

In a bid to emphasize e-Services 2010 as the venue for high-level business matching and strategic partnerships, the Power Investors Program is launched as a buyer campaign program designed to maximize the business opportunities of exhibiting companies, with new formats Speed Networking and Online Business Matching made available.

Another fresh initiative is a Call for Papers mechanism with the aim of generating broader and more comprehensive choices for relevant topics to be presented in the Conference. Special Events such as the e-Services Awards that recognizes industry champions and ICT /BPO personalities and achievements; a Golf Tournament; a Networking Reception; and post-event company visits are also in the works.

The 10th e-Services Global Sourcing Conference and Exhibition is in partnership with the Board of Investments, Foreign Trade Service Corps, DTI-Regional Operations and Development Group, Commission on Information and Communications Technology and supported by Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA), Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI), the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), Medical Transcription Industry Association of the Philippines, Inc. (MTIAPI), Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and the European IT Service Center. Media partners are: Media G8way Corporation (Computerworld, PC World), Outsourcing Magazine, Philstar.com, Business World, IT Matters, Business Mirror, Philippine Graphic, Wall Street Journal, Management Systems Asia, and China Business Philippines.

For more information on the 10th e-Services Global Sourcing Conference and Exhibition, contact the CITEM IT Services Division at (632) 832-5044, 831-2201 ext 212/251, email itservices@citem.com.ph, or visit the event website at www.e-servicesphils.com.

Philippine MMT Recognized at Asia Pacific Mobile Money Transfer Conference

The country’s mobile money technology (MMT) was recognized by the international community as the Philippines hosted the Asia Pacific Mobile Money Transfer Conference last December 8 – 9, 2009 at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City.

Organized by Clarion Events Ltd., the conference aims to find ways on how to revolutionize the flow and management of money worldwide, giving new definitions to bills payment, management of payrolls, and person-to-person mobile money transfers.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. delivered the keynote address during the event. In his speech, he said that the technology of issuing electronic money was made available in the Philippines through the pioneering efforts of our country’s two largest telecommunications companies, Smart Communications, Inc., through Smart Money, and Globe Telecom, Inc., using GCash platform. Gov. Tetangco added that the country’s experience in MMT shows the benefits that can transform the lives of millions of people stemming from the convergence of ideas in service innovation.

During the two-day event, the country’s telecom and financial partners shared their experiences as pioneers in mobile money services. The event was filled with focus group and round table discussions designed to tackle the issues on MMT and device real solutions and innovations for the industry.

The Asia Pacific Mobile Money Transfer Conference is supported by Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization, GSA, International Association of Money Transfer Networks (IAMTN), Microenterprise Access to Banking Services, MicroSave, Mobey Forum, Mobile Alliance Singapore, Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines, Chemonics, Edgar, Dunn & Co., The event is sponsored by Ericsson, Obopay, SBA Technology, Roamware Inc., Comviva, Western Union, MoneyGram, TransferTo, and Sybase 365, with the following media partners: Developing Telecoms, InfoCom, Maverick China, Micro Capital, Microfinance Focus, Microfinance Insights, Mobile Payments World, Payments Cards & Mobile, Telecom Asia, TelecomWatch India, The Paypers, Wireless Asia, and Wireless Watch Japan.

For more information about the event, contact Steven Clarke, Event Director of Clarion Events Ltd. at steven.clarke@clarionevents.com or visit the event website at http://www.mobile-money-transfer.com/.

Philippine KPO Status to be Revealed at BPA/P and O2P briefing

The Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPA/P) and Outsource2Philippines (O2P) in cooperation with TeamAsia, invites chief executives and decision makers to attend the senior executive briefing, "The State of Philippine KPO: A New Dawn?" to be held on November 24, 2009 from 8:00 am to 11:00 am at the Makati Shangri-La in Makati City.

The event will provide an unvarnished examination of the fast-evolving knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) industry, the state of the industry in the Philippines, and its implications—both opportunities and challenges. It will feature the presentation of the latest industry survey, which addressed both the state of KPO and related business continuity issues.

The briefing will also feature presentations by top industry executives and analysts, including Mr. Raoul Teh, Senior Site Officer for Thomson Reuters in the Philippines and Mr. David Guerrero, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of BBDO Guerrero. A highlight of the briefing will be another dynamic panel discussion featuring Mr. Teh, Mr. Guerrero. With them are Mr. Caesar O.V. Parlade, General Manager of Deutsche Knowledge Service; Mr. Eric Tabuena, Country Head – Philippines and Chief Information Officer – Global, Integreon Managed Solutions (Philippines) Inc.; Dr. Vicente Fabella, President of Jose Rizal University; and Mr. Dondi O. Mapa, Managing Director of Duotal.

“The State of Philippine KPO: A New Dawn?" is sponsored by TeamAsia and Teleperformance with Business Mirror as media partner.

Register online at www.teamasia.com to take part in the event. For more information, contact Ms. Rona Castillo at (632) 757- 3500 ext 311, (63917) 881-3706 or e-mail rccastillo@teamasia.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RP Hosts East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009

The Philippines will host this year’s East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress, slated on November 23-27, 2009 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila.

With the theme, “Partnerships at Work: Local Implementation and Good Practices,” the EAS Congress 2009 focuses on real actions and initiatives from the local level that contribute to the achievement of international and regional environmental targets and objectives, as well as the issues that confront local governments, communities and other stakeholders. The 2009 Congress, organized by Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), will also serve as the venue to review and identify future actions pertaining to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA).

EAS Congress 2009 aims to highlight the initiatives and good practices at the local level covering wide area or issues on coastal and ocean management. This Congress emphasizes on-the-ground actions and innovations that contribute significantly in the achievement and meeting of regional and global environmental targets and commitments.

This year’s Congress will feature the Third Ministerial Forum, the International Conference on Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Development, the Third EAS Partnership Council Meeting, the Second EAS Youth Forum, an Environmental Exhibition on Good Practices and Innovative Technologies, Field Visits, and other side events.

The EAS Congress began in 2003 and has been held every three years to serve as a marketplace for knowledge and venue for partnership building contributing towards the vision of attaining the sustainable development of the East Asian Seas region.

EAS Congress 2009 is supported by the Global Environment Facility, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Office for Project Services, and Coastal Management Center.

For more information on the EAS Congress, contact the EAS Congress Secretariat at (632) 929-2992, email congress@pemsea.org or visit the EAS Congress website at www.pemsea.org/eascongress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Manansala To Represent RP in Mister International 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experts Shared Views and Practices at 3rd Internet Mobile and Marketing Summit

Internet and mobile marketing experts from all over the world shared their insights and success stories in utilizing the power of the internet and mobile media for marketing purposes during the 3^rd Internet Mobile and Marketing Summit held last August 25 – 26, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Organized by the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines, the event was guided by the theme, “Digital Delivers”. The informative 2-day conference aims to assess the digital marketing scenario in the Philippines and present relevant studies and practices of marketing and ad agencies that utilizes the internet and mobile.

IMMAP President Arthur Policarpio welcomed the delegates of the event. Nestle Philippines Senior Vice President and Communication and Marketing Service Director Sandra Puno and Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) President Charmaine Canillas delivered the keynote address during the first day of the event. While Unilever Philippines Chairman Fernando Fernandez and Mobile Marketing Association President and CEO Mike Wehrs gave the keynote address during the second day of the conference.

Several notable speakers graced this year’s conference including:

• Ms. Bennett Porter, Head of Marketing Emerging Markets for Yahoo! Inc.,
• Mr. Kent Wertime, Asia-Pacific Director for OgilvyOne Worldwide
• Mr. James Laffery, Ret. Vice President of Procter and Gamble Philippines
  
• Mr. Rahul Vasudev, Director of MediaCom Interaction
• Mr. Jerico Barrera, Client Service Director for Media of The Nielsen Company
• Ms. Teresita Villareal, Marketing Director for Customer Marketing Group of ABS-CBN Broadcasting, Inc.
• Mr. Masaki Iwata, Digital Solutions Producer of Dentsu Japan
• Ms. Riana Roces Trinidad, Co-Managing Partner of Proud Mama Concepts, Inc.,
• Mr. Jose Anton Diaz, owner and blogger of Our Awesome Planet.
  

The second day of the conference was highlighted by a special case presentation courtesy of the 2009 Boomerang Gold Award winners. The winners are:

• Cyber Boomerang Category: Nescafe Palistuhan by Proximity Philippines
• Mobile Boomerang Category: Quaker Oats Eat Well and Win Promo by Proximity Philippines/BBDO Guerrero
• Integrated Boomerang Category: Sandbox by: Smart Communications, Inc. and Wolfpac Mobile, Inc.
  
• Innovation Boomerang Category: Awesome Philippines Second Life Press Conference by the Philippine Department of Tourism and Media Contacts Philippines

The 3rd Internet Mobile and Marketing Summit 2009 is sponsored by OgilvyOne Worldwide, DentsuIndio, Smart Communications, Inc., Business World, Fiera de Manila, MobiThinking, Yahoo! Philippines, Friendster, Inquirer.net, Admax Network, iHub Media, Eyeblaster, Snapworx, Inc., PinoyExchange.com, Adobo Magazine, The Philippine Star, Philstar.com, IT Matters (Special section of Business World), Affle, Business Mirror, Canon, Studio 23, and The Radio Partners, Inc. (Jam 88.3, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, Killer Bee FM, 99.5 RT, and 103.5 Max FM)

For more information about the event, contact Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines at (632) 896-0637, 896-0639 or visit the event website at http://www.interactivesummit.com.ph/.

Bigger and Better PHITEX 2009 All Set this September

The Department of Tourism (DOT) through the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC), will spearhead the 9^th Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX ‘09) on September 2 – 4, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

PHITEX is an annual marketing event to strengthen the country’s brand image and to encourage participants to promote affordable and competitive tour packages. This year’s theme is “Explore, Experience... The Philippines is made to be traveled”. The country’s unique 7,107-island geography is ideal for those seeking adventure, diving, history, dining and shopping. DOT is spearheading the promotions to highlight some of the archipelago's unique island attractions that a traveler can explore and experience.

The main component of PHITEX is the Travel Exchange or (TRAVEX), where sellers of Philippine tourism packages meet up with international Buyers in one-on-one scheduled business appointments. In addition to TRAVEX, pre- and post-conference tours to key Philippine attractions and destinations are available for the Buyers to experience first-hand the beauty of the islands and the warmth of its people.

The Philippine Travel Exchange 2009 is supported by Philippine Airlines, OksPinoy, Inc., Philippine Tour Operators Association, Philippine Travel Agencies Association, TTG Asia Media Pte. Ltd., and Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International, Inc.

For more information, contact the Phitex 2009 Secretariat at 632) 525-7320 / 525-9318 loc. 270, 240, email phitex2009@dotpcvc.gov.ph or visit their website, http://www.okspinoy.com/phitex/

Philippines 21 Class of 2009 Joined Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit

Business upstarts, cultural workers, civic leaders and education advocates which comprise the Class of 2009 of the Philippines 21 Young Leaders Initiative convened during the Philippines 21 Young Leaders Forum held last August 27-29, 2009 at the Asian Institute of Management Conference Center and International Rice Research Institute in Makati City.

The Class of 2009 represented the country in the Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit held last November 20-22, 2009 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with the theme “The Changing Face of Leadership: Crisis and Opportunity.” Philippine 21 Fellows were among the 150 young leaders from Asia-Pacific and US who took part in the yearly event.

The Philippines 21 Young Leaders Initiative Class of 2009 are: Mr. Steve Laurence Arquiza (Non-Profit/Civil Society); Ms. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue (Government-Local); Mr. Jose Romeo de la Cruz (Government-Local); Ms. Cecile Victoria Dominguez (Non-Profit/Civil Society); Mr. Jaime Enrique Gonzalez (Business); Mr. Ryan Guinaran (Arts and Culture); Mr. Dennis Gupa (Arts and Culture); Mr. Rommel Juan (Business); Mr. Darwin Mariano (Business); and Mr. Efren Peñaflorida (Non-profit/Civil Society).

This year's Philippines 21 Fellows are a mix of prominent names and promising young talent. Business leaders know of the success of Mr. Enrique Gonzales and Mr. Rommel Juan. Mr. Gonzales took his IT start-up IPVG Corp. from garage to public and has since expanded operations from their Philippine homebase to seven countries, including India and the United States. Mr. Juan’s native food chain Binalot Fiesta Foods, on the other hand, has become one of the more successful local franchises.

Recently, Mr. Peñaflorida was hailed as CNN Hero of the Year for his group, Dynamic Teen Company’s alternative kariton (pushcart) classrooms for out of school youth to serve as alternative against gang membership. Mr. Efren Peñaflorida was not able to join the delegation in Malaysia since the awarding ceremony for CNN’s Hero of the Year was held on November 21.

The Class of 2009 is the most geographically representative Philippines 21 batch to date, with seven out of ten Fellows coming from or residing outside Metro Manila. Mr. Steve Arquiza and Ms. Cecile Dominguez hail from Davao and Sarangani respectively, and are dynamic examples of young Mindanaoan leadership. Mr. Arquiza is secretary-general of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Davao and immediate past president of the Mindanao Young Leaders Parliament, while Ms. Dominguez heads the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation. And though City Councilors Jocelle Batapa-Sigue (Bacolod City, Negros Occidental) and Jose Romeo de la Cruz (Santiago City, Isabela) may hail from different parts of the country, they share a vocation for public service, and support environment and youth issues.

Aside from demonstrating expertise in their chosen field and the spirit of community service, Philippines 21 Fellows also share an inclination for cross-sectoral activities. Mr. Darwin Mariano’s day job as public affairs head of Cemex Philippines does not hinder him from his duties as core member of Movement for Good Governance http://www.mgg.ph/. Mr. Mariano has supported this advocacy since his days as the founder of Aksyon Demokratiko Youth. Mr. Ryan Guinaran, on the other hand, is a licensed phycisian whose Cordillera heritage has imbued him with a sense of cultural pride. He founded two NGOs: KOSDEY, which promotes and preserves Ibaloi culture, and DITENG, which advocates culture-sensitive health programs. And while UP Los Baños’s Dennis Gupa is primarily a stage director schooled in classical and contemporary theater, his work in theater-in-education has led him to collaborate with science researchers and social scientists to develop educational and/or socially relevant plays.

Established in 2006 by Asia Society Philippines and social entrepreneur/governance advocate Harvey Keh, the program is the first locally-organized chapter of the Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, which aims to develop a core group of leaders aged 25-40 to meet, educate and inspire each other; collaborate and share ideas on public service and other meaningful initiatives, and build relationships of trust and understanding.

For more details on the Philippines 21 Young Leaders Forum, contact Ms. Patricia Vega at (632)752-4374, 810-8983 or email patriciav@asiasoc.org.ph.

Metalworking Products Showcased at PDMAEC 2009

Local and international companies involved in the metalworking industry showcased their latest products during the 4^th Philippine Die & Mold, Machine Tools, Sheet Metal, Metalworking Machinery, Equipment, Tools, Accessories, Hardware and other related Products and Services Exhibition and Conference (PDMAEC 2009) held last August 27 – 30, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Organized by the Philippine Die and Mold Association, Inc., the event incorporates five events, namely 2^nd Philippine Automation, Controls, Robotics, Accessories and Services Exhibition (AUTORCOR 2009); 1st Metal Finishing Equipment, Tools, Accessories and Services Exhibition (METALFIN 2009); 1^st Philippine Plastics Machinery, Equipment, Tools, Accessories, Raw Materials, Products and Services Exhibition (PHILPLAS 2009); 2^nd Philippine Welding Equipment, Tools and Accessories Exhibition (PHILWELD 2009), and the 2^nd Philippine Manufacturing, Subcontracting, Metrology, and Outsourcing & Engineering Exhibition (SUBMETR SOURCE 2009).

According to Ms. Angie Barrios, Marketing Manager of MAI (Market Access and Innovations) Management Philippines the event manager, PDMAEC 2009 aims to serve as a venue for these companies, who were deeply affected by the global financial crisis, to boost up their sales and explore new business opportunities. Over 250 exhibitors from around the globe displayed their state of the art technology machines, tools, and accessories used for moulds & die, manufacturing, fabrication and precision engineering.

Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Atty. Lillia de Lima graced the opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Dir. Gen. de Lima chose Penta Technology as the winner for Best Booth. The booths of OSG Philippines and Optitiech Machine Tools were chosen as first and second runner-ups, respectively while PKC International received a special award.

Afterwards, members of the Metalworking Industries Association of the Philippines, Inc., (MIAP) convened for their Mid-year Conference and 2^nd Quarterly Meeting of MIAP National Board of Trustees. Lucky conference guests and exhibitors won raffle prizes such as IWATA Aircon Cooler, 10-megapixel AGFA Digital Camera, welding masks, and gift certificates from different resorts and spas during the Exhibitor’s Fellowship Night.

PDMAEC 2009 is sponsored by Business Mirror, IKK Ichigan, Inc., Big Pix Graphic Systems, Objet Geometries Ltd., CityNeon (official booth contractor), The Heritage Hotel (official hotel), Agility Logistics (official forwarder), and the following media partners: Orange Media, Ringier AG, International Metalworking News for Asia, Manufacturing - Metalworking Industry Bulletin, China Business Philippines, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Malaya Business Insight, Manila Bulletin, The Manila Times, and The Philippine Star.

For more information about the event, contact MAI Management Philippines at (632) 899-2642, 896-9272, 899-5892, fax (632) 898-2198, e-mail mai_mgt@compass.com.ph, maimgt@gmail.com or visit their website at http://www.maimanagement.net/.