WORLDBEX 2018 leads at the forefront of global expansion

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Now on its 23^rd year, the Philippine World Building and Construction Expo (WORLDBEX) sustains its outstanding streak as it opens its doors to a record-breaking number of local and international exhibitors. Plus, an increase in its total exhibition space with the addition of the 2,500sqm wide Northwing hall of the World Trade Center which will house over 120 booths. 

Happening on March 14 – 18 from 10am to 8pm, this year’s WORLDBEX is expected to be the show’s biggest installment yet as it is set to be held at the three mega venues of the World Trade Center Metro Manila, the Philippine Trade Training Center, and the SMX Convention Center Manila. With all three venues combined, this year’s WORLDBEX will encompass a total of 37,100sqm of show area as it showcases 1,500 booths by both domestic and foreign players of the construction sector.

In turn, WORLDBEX 2018 has noted a 25% increase in international exhibitors, a 12% increase in local exhibitors, and a 20% increase in total number of booths. Signifying something far beyond mere showmanship, the expansion being undergone by WORLDBEX is a brimming testament of the show’s thriving ascendancy as a global force. And the same could be said about its decision to adopt the theme of “Shaping Innovations Toward Sustainability” for its 2018 installment.

As revealed by Worldbex Services International’s Founding Chairman Joseph Ang, “Deliberately conceived to parallel the growing concern of the international community with regard to the need to develop ingenious yet mindful solutions, our theme for this year’s show deeply echoes WORLDBEX’s commitment to connect with the global pulse.”

It comes as no surprise that the reception of both the local and international community towards the upcoming show has been widely optimistic. Laying proof to this was the successful turnout of the WORLDBEX 2018 Exhibitors’ Orientation Program held last January 31 at the Hall B of the Philippine Trade Training Center; where over 700 attendees from 300 companies took part in the pre-show event.

As affirmed by Richmond Sy, President and General Manager of GRM Biowood, a first-time platinum sponsor for WORLDBEX, “Worldbex is the gold standard for construction expos and is well-known for showcasing the newest and most innovative products of the industry under one roof.” Moreover, Sy found this year’s theme highly relevant as it reflects what his company is all about.

On the other hand, 20 years later and Puyat Flooring Products Inc. remains to be one of the longest standing sponsors of WORLDBEX. Recalling their journey as one of the pioneer exhibitors of WORLDBEX, Missy Castro, Communications Manager for Puyat Flooring Products Inc. states, “Our participation has helped us a lot to reach out to our target customers and showcase the beauty and effectiveness of our products. Indeed, it is the most ideal venue to let our clients know about our company and our products!”

However, there seems to be no better exemplification of the burgeoning role of WORLDBEX as a key driver of economic growth on a global scale than the impressive number of international participants that will be taking part at this year’s show. Assuming the role of being the global construction industry’s gateway to Southeast Asia, among the new countries to participate at the much-anticipated event include Indonesia, Australia, Turkey, Germany, Iran, and Japan. These countries now join the roster of longtime international partners that support WORLDBEX, such as Korea, Malaysia, Denmark, Singapore, Spain, China, New Zealand, UAE, Thailand, the US, and Vietnam.

Particularly impressive is the enthusiasm expressed by Malaysian companies who are expected to occupy the most number of booths at this year’s International Pavilion. Leading the pack is Malaysian powerhouse MATRADE which has been allocated 30 booths. As remarked by MaTrade’s Trade Commissioner, Ms. Nyaee Ayup, “WORLDBEX has continuously showcased the emerging and innovative products in the industry. Indeed, it serves as an excellent platform for trade exchange and to learn best practises from other participating countries.”

Without a doubt, this year’s WORLDBEX marks an incredible milestone not just for the show but for the country’s economic position as a whole. As remarked by Florian Gottein, Executive Director of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, “With the fast-changing Philippine business landscape and many developments across all industries, it is through events such as the WORLDBEX that the best in the Philippine building and construction industry can come together and showcase the many opportunities within the sector.”

Furthermore, Noel Toti Cariňo, National President of the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations, Inc. cites WORLDBEX’s vast global network as an “affirmation of their bright prospects for the Philippine property and construction industry.”

Once again, WORLDBEX leads at the forefront of pushing forth the expansion of the Philippine construction industry to unprecedented heights. WORLDBEX 2018 will run from March 14 to 18 from 10am to 8pm at the three mega venues of World Trade Center Metro Manila, Philippine Trade Training Center, and the SMX Convention Center, Pasay. 

The show is organized by the Worldbex Services International, the country’s leading events and expo organizer. 

To pre-register, visit www.worldbex.com. To know more, like the Worldbex Services International facebook page and follow @worldbex on Instagram.

MILO Philippines Strengthens Grassroots Sports Development Advocacy with Get Your Child Into Sports Campaign

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MANILA, Philippines, 6 March 2018 – Leading beverage brand MILO officially launches its Get Your Child Into Sports campaign, together with its 2018 Summer Sports Clinics. In line with its commitment to grassroots sports development, MILO hones in on the importance of sports in a child’s life through this campaign. Sports teaches children valuable life lessons which they can apply not only in the court, the gym, or the football field, but also in the classroom, at home, and in life.

GET YOUR CHILD INTO SPORTS. MILO believes that sports is a great teacher of lifelong values in the launch of their latest campaign this summer. (from left-right: Mr. EJ Dee, Consumer Marketing Manager, MILO Philippines; Mr. Robbie De Vera, Consumer Marketing Manager, MILO Philippines; Mr. Luigi Pumaren, Sports Executive, MILO Philippines; Mr. Joey Uy, Senior Vice President, Nestle Philippines; Usec. Tonisito Umali, Department of Education; Ms. Alyssa Valdez, MILO Brand Ambassador; Mr. Willy De Ocampo, Vice President, Nestle Philippinesl; Mr. Oliver Calleja, Assistant General Manager, Alphaland; Mr. Lester Castillo, Sports Executive, MILO Philippines)

Nowadays, children have to face different challenges such as digital distractions that hinder them from developing a healthy lifestyle which can lead to several health issues such as poor eyesight, deterioration of posture, and child obesity. MILO’s sports programs aim to help children overcome these by providing them with a safe place to play and an avenue to master different skills while having a fun and healthy experience.

SPORTS IN A CHILD’S LIFE. Nestle Senior Vice President Joey Uy shares the brand’s strengthened commitment to get kids healthy and active through sports.

“We at MILO believe that it is important for children to be immersed in sports throughout their developing years. Aside from building their health, sports also teaches a lot of life lessons to children. This is the perfect time to instill the different values that will help build their character, which will help them in school and in life,” said Willy De Ocampo, Vice President, Nestle Philippines.

BUILDING YOUNG CHAMPIONS. Nestle Vice President Willy De Ocampo shares the stage with young MILO karate champion Raymond Akira Sanvictores of AAK Philippines, who also stars in the latest Get Your Child into Sports TVC.

The Get Your Child Into Sports campaign features in MILO’s different sports programs. MILO’s first sports offerings for 2018 is the MILO Summer Sports Clinics, the longest running and most participated sports program in the country. Now on its 35th year, the sports clinics available nationwide teaches children a wealth of character-developing values and physical benefits which make them better in sports, and at the same time, prepare them for the challenges of life.

A PURPOSE-DRIVEN PARTNERSHIP. DepEd Usec. Tonisito Umali lauds MILO’s advocacy as their partner in getting students to become active learners in school.

“Good character and a healthy and active lifestyle is essential for children who want to become champions on and off the court, and this can be achieved through sports. We highly encourage parents to get their child in to sports, and enroll their kids in the different MILO Summer Sports Clinics,” said Luigi Pumaren, MILO Sports Marketing Executive. 

35 YEARS OF SUMMER SPORTS. MILO Sports Executive Luigi Pumaren, a graduate of the Summer Sports Clinics himself, encourages parents and their kids to make the most out of the summer with the many programs available.

The MILO Summer Sports Clinics program will offer training in 18 different sports: Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Chess, CrossFit for Kids, Fencing, Football, Futsal, Golf, Gymnastics, Ice Skating, Karatedo, Lawn Tennis, Parkour, Swimming, Table Tennis, Touch Rugby, and Volleyball. 

Each sports clinic will be handled by expert coaches and instructors; those who have been immersed in the different sports for years and have competed and won locally and internationally. These mentors use modern and scientific approaches that will help children gain appreciation for the different sports, live a healthy and active lifestyle, and embody the values of discipline, confidence, teamwork, perseverance, and hard work, which will help them become well-rounded individuals.

MILO’s Summer Sports Clinics and sponsored programs have produced many athletes who have made their mark in both the local and international sporting scenes. Graduates from the program have represented the country in various local and international competitions, and have proven that they achieved success not only in sports but also in life. 

CHAMPION JOURNEY. MILO Brand Ambassador and Philippine volleyball superstar Alyssa Valdez recounts her inspiring sports story and how it helped her develop confidence and perseverance.

The roster of alumni includes BEST Center graduates and UAAP phenom Thirdy Ravena and PBA stars Kiefer Ravena and Chris Tiu, Taekwondo clinic graduate and Southeast Asian Games medalist Japoy Lizardo, and Gymnastics clinic graduate and Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Kaitlin De Guzman.

START THE SUMMER RIGHT. Get your child into sports today and enroll them in a MILO Sports Clinic near you!

Get your child into sports today and enroll them in the MILO Summer Sports Clinics now! 

For more information on the MILO Summer Sports Clinics and MILO Philippines, log on to the official website (http://www.milo.com.ph) or the MILO Philippines Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/milo.ph). Follow MILO on Twitter (@MiloPH) and Instagram (@MiloPhilippines).

Landers opens 4th superstore with a Caltex station in Alabang

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Manila, Philippines, March, 2018 —Cardholders of the only membership shopping in the country with a branded retail fuel station inside the facility will get more discounts for their fuel purchases in the Caltex Crazy Fuel Sale promo.

From March 12 to 16, Landers members fueling up at Caltex stations in all Landers Superstores will get P10/liter discounts for Caltex Platinum and Silver while Caltex diesel customers will receive P6/liter off. 

Caltex Crazy Fuel Sale marks 3rd year of partnership with Landers with up to P10/liter fuel discount

On March 14, members can enjoy shopping at Landers Superstore Alabang along Daang Hari Road, Las Piñas City. This is the 4th and newest outlet since the partnership with Caltex started in 2015. Members can expect week-long celebrations with lots of surprises.

With Caltex located within the store premises, Landers members have access to safe, quality and clean fuels and lubricants. Landers Superstore has become a go-to destination for imported and local products including grocery items, electronics, apparel, health and beauty products, and items for the home. Apart from shopping, the superstore also offers dining and grooming amenities.

“Caltex’s continuous effort for growth and expansion is also seen in our increasing partner network. Through the Caltex-Landers team up, our customers are given an added dimension to their shopping experience, making Landers Superstore a one-stop shop with a variety of choices. Customers can also avail discounts and other privileges at Caltex making their shopping experience at Landers a worthwhile visit.” said Louie Zhang, Country Chairman of Chevron Philippines Inc., marketer of Caltex fuels and lubricants.

Along with Landers Superstore Alabang, Landers also operates superstores along EDSA Balintawak, Quezon City; in Paco, Manila; in Cebu and opening soon in Pasig City.

Those interested may apply for membership personally at any Landers Superstore of their choice or at www.landers.ph/subscription/.

Find out more about Caltex and its retail stations in the website www.caltex.com/ph.

World Sleep Day : Forget Being A Night Owl, Getting Better ZZZ’s Is What’s Cool (and Healthy)

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Sleep plays an essential role in our health and wellbeing throughout our lives. Getting enough good quality sleep has many benefits, including protecting your physical and mental health, quality of life and personal safety. 

Good sleep is really one of the pillars of health. We simply can not achieve good health without taking care of our sleep. Did you know that an adult should be getting about seven to eight hours of sleep every day to properly recharge? 

Getting an appropriate amount of rest has a number of benefits including improved memory function, a stronger immune system, better concentration, and even weight loss. On the other hand, losing an hour of sleep from the recommended number of hours significantly reduces an individual’s ability to function at their maximum capacity. 

Humans generally spend 1/3 of their lives sleeping. Moreover, it is an activity considered to be just as important as following a healthy diet and exercise. On the other hand, trivia shows that humans are also the only mammal that willingly delays sleep. 

True enough, getting proper zzz’s is something most of us often take for granted. A shocking worldwide statistic has ranked the Philippines as the fifth country with the worst sleepers, with individuals getting an average of only six hours and 22 minutes of sleep. Sleep deprivation in the country affects about 50 million Filipinos, making the problem a national issue.

Regular loss of proper sleep can lead to circadian rhythm disorders. The circadian rhythm is a term that refers to a person’s internal body clock that regulates the 24-hour cycle of biological processes. It’s the body’s very own timer that triggers the body’s natural sleep and wake cycle.

For adults, a dip in energy commonly occurs in the middle of the night and after lunch time. Noticeable big dips on this routine commonly means that an individual is sleep-deprived and is not getting enough rest.

Circadian rhythm disorders happen when there is a mismatch on the internal body clock due to the continuous disruption of sleep patterns. One of the most common disorder falling in this category is delayed sleep, which causes a person to feel tired at a later time than the usual. Individuals with this kind of disorder are the night owls, or those who feel more productive, alert, and creative late at night. 

The opposite of this is advanced sleep phase disorder which is characterized by regular early bedtimes (6PM to 9PM), a habit that is very common among the elderly. In the Philippines, however, one very common sleep problem is shift work disorder caused by irregular sleeping patterns from night shifts. Common among business processing outsource (call center) employees, the disorder arises when the circadian rhythm cannot properly adjust to changing sleep patterns. Shift work disorder can often lead to problems like excessive sleepiness and insomnia.  

But what makes a good sleep? 

According to the World Association of Sleep Medicine, there are a number of ways one can do to improve their sleeping patterns. The following are tips you can follow: 

1. Refraining from using your bed for regular activities (e.g. eating, working, etc.) 

2. Avoiding intake of caffeine six hours before bedtime. 

3. Eating a light meal for dinner.  

4. Limiting naps to not more than 45 minutes. 

5. Creating a comfortable sleeping environment (using the right mattress and bedding, keeping the room dark and well-ventilated).

With sleep deprivation being a real concern in the country, several big names in the industry have jumped into action to help solve the problem. 

The Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine (PSSM) comprised of physicians and sleep doctors, and the World Sleep Society, an association of sleep specialists focused on advancing sleep health worldwide by encouraging education and promoting sleep-focused research. Partnering with them is Uratex, The Sleep Specialist, the leading manufacturer of innovative sleep solutions. The company has been focused in creating quality sleep innovations like specialized mattresses and pillows that can help improve an individual’s rest.

World Sleep Day organizers - Philippine Society of Sleep Medicin Inc., and head of Uratex  and guests during the bloggers event held at Ronac Showroom, Magallanes, March 7, 2018.

These names have been proactive in furthering sleep education and awareness in the country. This month, they are coming together once more for World Sleep Day, an annual event that celebrates sleep importance and tackles issues like better sleep education. Organized by the World Sleep Day Committee, the event will be held on March 16 and will feature talks on better prevention and management of sleep disorders. 

Sleep deprivation should be considered a major national issue that should be swiftly addressed. With proper education and the support of thought leaders and action takers in the industry, the country is taking a progressive step towards achieving proper zzz’s. 

Globe and Hineleban Foundation “rainforestation” efforts underway, now covers 34 hectares in Bukidnon

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Globe to step up support with 30M donation within 5-year period 

Globe is stepping up its "rainforestation" efforts in partnership with Hineleban Foundation, which now covers 34 hectares in Bukidnon. The leading telecommunications provider committed to donate P30 million within a 5-year period to cover 300 hectares of denuded primary rainforests in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. 

A portion of land at Barangay Kalugmanan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon being prepared for Hineleban's reforestation program.

“Our partnership with Hineleban Foundation for this initiative is supportive of our environmental sustainability policy which seeks to lessen the impact of our operations to the environment. This partnership can truly make a difference because it is a sustained effort, using the tested and successful techniques of Hineleban Foundation to increase forest cover by 2021," Yoly Crisanto, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications, said.

Beyond reforestation efforts, Hineleban and Globe have been working together since 2016 to tap local communities to become guardians of the rainforests. The land area, which is the focus of the foundation's reforestation program, covers six mountain ranges, engages more than 21 barangays and is home to the indigenous people of Bukidnon and Maranaos of Lanao del Sur. 

Currently, the 34 hectares are being planted with Brazilian and Caribbean pine trees and other indigenous tree species. The reforestation benefits around 826 households of surrounding communities in Sitio Bagalangit and Baranggay Kalugmanan, Manolo Fortich. The next phase will commence this year and will benefit local families in Barangay Baylanan in Talakag, Bukidnon.

The 300 hectares of denuded primary rainforests, that will be covered by Globe Telecom’s financial support, form part of the 4,896 hectares total target area of “rainforestation” by Hineleban Foundation in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. Hineleban Foundation’s “rainforestation” program will be implemented in five phases over a five-year period, which started last December 2016 until December 2021. It will follow the rainforestation model methodology that comprises 3 major components: reforestation, food security and sustainable livelihood development. 

Urooj Malik, chairman and chief executive officer of Hineleban Foundation, welcomed Globe Telecom’s commitment to step up support. “There is an urgent call to action in the Philippines. To date, the country is down to less than 1.8 percent of primary forest cover since the 1970s due to massive environment degradation caused by kaingin, rapid conversion of rainforest into farms, massive logging operations and forest fires. With the environmental crisis we are facing today, we are thankful that we can find individuals and companies who find sustainable ways to grow while protecting our environment," Malik said. 

Hineleban Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organization based in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. The group is composed of individuals focused on the restoration of the environment and sustainable livelihood for the Lumads and the Bangsamoro through Transformational Business Partnerships, with the objective of fostering peace through inclusive development. The foundation believes that “rainforestation” of the mountains of Mindanao is the only long-term solution to reducing the effects and risks of climate change and to attaining food self-sufficiency, bringing back three crop cycles per year.

Globe Telecom’s P30 million donation to Hineleban Foundation will be funded in part by the fees collected from postpaid mobile and broadband customers who continue to use paper billing. In 2015, the company launched its paperless billing campaign to contribute to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal of Life on Land – centered on protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. While majority of the company's customers have already shifted to paperless billing, there are still those who prefer to receive paper bills. These customers will help fund the reforestation program and indirectly will be able to participate in the company's green initiative.