WORLDBEX 2018 was held in three mega venues

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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 house over 120 booths. 

Officially opening its doors last March 14, this year’s WORLDBEX is the show’s biggest installment yet as it is currently being held simultaneously in 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 encompasses a total of 37,100sqm of show area and an aggregate of 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 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 (WSI) 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.”

Present in the opening ceremony are Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Rowel Barba, Mr. Joseph L. Ang  - WSI Founding Chairman, Mrs. Levi S. Ang, Ms. Jill Aithnie Ang – WSI Managing Director,  Arch. Francisco Flamenano Jr. – WSI Executive Director, Mr. Rene Ramos, Ms. Tessie Roque and IDr. Lilia de Jesus. The members of the diplomatic corps of different countries, association presidents and the WORLDBEX ICONS of Interior Design are also there to witness the grand opening of WORLDBEX. 

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 long time 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 occupying 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 practices 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 on March 14 -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 know more, visit www.worldbex.com. To know more, follow the Worldbex Services International facebook page and @worldbex on Instagram.

Revamp and Restoration : Pink!, Sam Smith, Miley Cyrus, and More Superstar Artists Reimagine Elton John’s Biggest Hits

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Revamp features the hits reimagined by the best in pop, rock and urban with Mary J. Blige, Alessia Cara, Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, Florence And The Machine, Lady Gaga, The Killers, Mumford and Sons, P!nk and Logic, Q-Tip ft. Demi Lovato, Queens of the Stone Age, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith.

Restoration highlights countries biggest stars with thoughtful interpretations by Dierks Bentley, Rosanne Cash and Emmylou Harris, Miley Cyrus, Vince Gill and Don Henley, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Brothers Osborne, Chris Stapleton, Rhonda Vincent and Dolly Parton and Lee Ann Womack.

“’It’s always a huge compliment when an artist loves your song enough to take the time and effort to rework it,” said Elton John. “As songwriters, Bernie and myself are thrilled when singers we admire and respect as much as those on Revamp & Restoration choose to add their own unique twist in the process. It means that our music is still relevant and ultimately that our songs continue to reach new audiences. We’re humbled and thank them all for their generosity.”

“Because of our love of all kinds of music, we’re not stuck in one genre,” said Bernie Taupin. “From day one we borrowed from everything that’s good about American music – whether it’s blues, country, gospel, pop, pure rock – everything got thrown in the mix. I think that’s why our music over the years has been so varied. It would be tiring if you just got stuck in one niche your entire career, especially when it’s one as long as ours.”

The album art for Restoration was created by Bernie. The rustic musical instruments and flags from both nations is an extension of his mixed-media art that’s another form of expression. It symbolizes the role that U.S. culture and its native music has played as a driver in the John/Taupin canon.

“For me, there’s an irony about the American flag,” Taupin says. “It’s been battered and beaten and burned, but it’s resilient. It’s always come back. I incorporate it with other things, and lately I’ve done a lot of pieces with deconstructed guitars and other found materials: barbed wire, broken bottles, things that people identify with on an everyday level. If it’s on the floor and it works, I’ll put it into the artwork. But it all goes hand in hand with my belief in America and my interest, I would say obsession, with Americana.”

Revamp has a pop art cover based on the Terry O’Neil photograph of Elton that was recreated in neon. The covers are very different from each other because they represent totally different albums.

“We have two completely different albums; Revamp being the pop one and Restoration being the country one and God we have so many great artists doing our songs, it’s quite incredible,” said Elton John. “Restoration was Bernie’s project and he’s a huge country fan. The ‘Revamp’ was more my project. He came up with an astonishing list of country performers both new and legendary. On Revamp I wrote out a wish list of people that I would love and asked them and to my surprise most of them said yes and we have quite an astonishing eclectic crew.”

Revamp

Bennie and The Jets – Elton John, P!nk, Logic

We All Fall In Love Sometimes – Coldplay

I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues – Alessia Cara

Candle In The Wind – Ed Sheeran

Tiny Dancer – Florence And The Machine

Someone Saved My Life Tonight – Mumford and Sons

Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word – Mary J. Blige

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – Q Tip feat. Demi Lovato

Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters – The Killers

Daniel – Sam Smith

Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me – Miley Cyrus

Your Song – Lady Gaga

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Queens of the Stone Age

Restoration

Rocket Man – Little Big Town

Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters – Maren Morris

Sacrifice – Don Henley and Vince Gill

Take Me To The Pilot – Brothers Osborne

My Father’s Gun – Miranda Lambert

I Want Love – Chris Stapleton

Honky Cat – Lee Ann Womack

Roy Rogers – Kacey Musgraves

Please – Rhonda Vincent and Dolly Parton

The Bitch Is Back – Miley Cyrus

SadSongs (Say So Much) – Dierks Bentley

This Train Don’t Stop – Rosanne Cash and Emmylou Harris

Border Song – Willie Nelson

The caliber of names contributing to Revamp and Restoration is another reminder of Elton’s enduring popularity at a busy and prolific time for the superstar. Last month Elton announced his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour. Comprising of over 300 dates across five continents over three years, the tour kicks off in the US in September and marks the finale of 50 years on the road. The first 60 dates sold out immediately after going on general sale, confirming that the farewell tour will be some of, if not the, hottest gig tickets of the coming three years.

Music stars honor Elton John’s illustrious career spanning five decades with a rockin’ tribute on ELTON JOHN: I’M STILL STANDING A GRAMMY SALUTE, to be broadcast Tuesday, April 10 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. The concert showcases musicians from multiple genres performing classic songs written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, including Alessia Cara, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Kesha, Little Big Town, Chris Martin, Shawn Mendes, Maren Morris, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and SZA.

Jollibee’s latest heartwarming video will make you want to hug your kid

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The way parents raise their kids during their formative years is critical in shaping their character and values, which is why love, care, happiness, affection, respect and generosity should always come to play. Jollibee brought this truth to life late last year by releasing a powerful ad emphasizing the importance of family bonding especially during the child’s first seven years.

The campaign was supported by no less than world-renowned parenting and character formation expert Dr. Michele Borba. The author of “UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World” affirms that parents should “develop a close, mutually respectful relationship” with their children for the latter to grow into wonderful human beings.

As a continuation to this advocacy, Jollibee shows proof of the premise from the kids themselves. In a social experiment video, kids were asked regarding what truly makes them happy. Their messages were so simple but truly eye-opening!

“We produced this video to show everyone what kids truly value, and to remind parents how quality time can positively impact their childhood more than any toy or material gift ever could,” Jollibee Marketing Director, Cathleen D. Capati said. “Being present in their formative years is very important—everyday special moments can be as simple as cheering up your son when he’s down or curling up with your daughter to watch her favorite TV show. As parents, this video is just a reminder that making our kids feel our unconditional love need not be expensive nor complicated. The simple everyday moments we spend with our kids is enough for them to feel loved, with the hope that they grow up paying that love forward”.

One way to make any bonding experience more memorable is to pair it with Jolly Spaghetti. Jolly Spaghetti, a favorite among kids and kids-at-heart, has enabled numerous parent-child bonding occasions because of its meaty, cheesy goodness bursting with uniquely sweet-sarap sauce which Filipinos can’t resist. Treasure those simple moments with family over Jolly Spaghetti Solo, priced at only P50.00* or get the Jolly Spaghetti Family Pan good for 4-5 pax for only P199. These are available for dine-in, take-out, delivery and drive-thru transactions. 

For more information on your classic Jolly favorites, like Jollibee Philippines’ Facebook page and follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

*Prices may vary across different locations.

Shopee celebrates the success of Filipina entrepreneurs as more women take the leap into starting online businesses

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This March, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, commemorates National Women’s Month by celebrating the success of Filipina entrepreneurs in the Philippines.

According to the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE) 2018, opportunities for women to succeed in the Philippines are abound. The country ranks first in Women’s Advancement Outcomes with strong female representation in business leaders, and an equal inclination for both men and women to engage in entrepreneurial activity. In fact, the Philippines is one of only three countries worldwide where the number of established business owners among women is higher than that of men.

This growth in the number of female business leaders and entrepreneurs in the Philippines is mirrored in the growing e-commerce scene, as more women opt to start their own businesses online. In 2017, Shopee saw a 158% increase in the number of female sellers on boarded compared to 2016. Of the female sellers on boarded last year, 50% are Preferred Sellers - a title given to sellers who have attained commendable shop ratings and have displayed excellent customer service.

“We are proud to recognize and celebrate the success of Filipina entrepreneurs who have displayed outstanding business acumen and strength of character. Shopee remains committed to supporting local entrepreneurs in the Philippines, and we look forward to seeing more women take the step towards entrepreneurship by building their businesses online,” Agatha Soh, Head of Regional Marketing of Shopee.

In celebration of Filipina entrepreneurs in the month of March, Shopee presents the stories of 3 inspiring women who chose e-commerce as a way to delve into entrepreneurship and build a successful career.

Rhea Kristine Dumo

(Martipaps Gift Shop - https://shopee.ph/martipapsgiftshop)

For Shopee seller Rhea Kristine Dumo, a small capital did not deter her from starting an online business. With just P2,000, Dumo started her online store and managed the business on her own - from sourcing products, to coordinating with buyers and packing orders - all while taking care of her daughter as a stay-at-home mom. By selling a variety of toys and gifts for children, Dumo was able to buy her own house at the age of 28, and more importantly, spend more time with her daughter. “That’s one thing that money can’t buy but Shopee can give - freedom to manage my own time.” said Dumo. Rhea now employs five full-time employees and two part-time student employees to manage Martipaps Gift Shop. 

Arcel Monnnette Mangubat

(Arcelmangubat - https://shopee.ph/arcelmangubat)

25-year-old Arcel Monnette Mangubat chose to sell online as a way for her to pay for her wedding, start a family and attain long-term financial stability. As a first-time entrepreneur, Mangubat chose to start her business selling women’s apparel on an e-commerce platform in order to reach a greater number of customers and easily scale up her business. “The convenience and security provided by Shopee, along with its large customer base, allowed us to grow the business and eventually buy a motorcycle, build a house, and fund our wedding. We are very thankful for Shopee,” said Mangubat.

Melanie Sta. Maria

(Makeupholics - https://shopee.ph/makeupholics)

Owner of the Shopee shop Makeupholics, Melanie Sta. Maria, witnessed key improvements in her business since she joining the platform in 2015. Already an established seller on other online platforms, Melanie joined Shopee to take advantage of the in-app logistics system to easily manage her inventories and marketing campaigns. With around 1,200 orders per month, Melanie successfully grew her business and was able to comfortably provide for her family. “Not only has Shopee provided me with a secure platform to grow my business, it has also helped me achieve my dream of purchasing a car for my family.” Sta. Maria shared. 

Download the Shopee app for free on Google Play and App Store.

To learn more about Shopee, please visit www.shopee.ph.

“The Filipinos’ favorite: A look at the Chicken Inasal”

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Filipinos have included the chicken inasal among the well-loved classic Pinoy dishes like adobo, sinigang, and kare-kare. And whenever they have a craving for really satisfying chicken inasal meal, they already know where to go, Mang Inasal.

Clearly a contribution of Visayan cuisine, the chicken inasal has become a Pinoy staple because of its authentic flavor that has captured the taste even of Filipinos from other regions.

To appreciate more of everyone’s favorite food, here are five juicy facts about the chicken inasal:

Inasal means “chargrilled”

“Inasal” is the Ilonggo term for “chargrilled” or “roasted meat.” The secret to its flavorful taste lies both in the marinade and in the roasting process.

Mang Inasal has formulated a special marinade that it uses in preparing its flagship product. Also, as a commercial establishment, Mang Inasal has continually improved on the grilling system and procedure to ensure the consistently high quality of grilled chicken goodness that the outlet has been offering.

And to further delight chicken inasal fans, Mang Inasal is proud to offer the “2-in-1 sa Laki, Nuot-sa-Ihaw-Sarap” quarter chicken.

Chicken inasal was born in a Bacolod street

The chicken inasal’s humble beginnings can be traced to a small street in Bacolod known as Cuadra wherea series of small chicken inasal stalls is owned by the Velez sisters. The siblings are considered the pioneers in mainstreaming inasal na manok,making entrepreneurs interested in offering their own chicken inasal with a twist.

The founders of Mang Inasal built on the undeniable appeal of this Filipino cuisine, establishing its first branch in Iloilo. Through the years, Mang Inasal has successfully brought its own take on the Pinoy grilled chicken in fast-food style.

Truly Filipino dining experience

Mang Inasal is one of the local fast-food chains that offers best-tasting Pinoy food by having a concept and ambiance that is truly Filipino. This is one of the reasons why its food is served on wares that carry the banana leaf motif to conjure the Pinoy’s use of banana leaf in serving and cooking food. Even the store’s ambience carries the homey, grillery that has been the trademark of Mang Inasal.

Mang Inasal recently held its one-day Pista ng Chicken Inasal nationwide, giving everyone a discounted treat of their favorite inasal meal. 

Best with chicken oil and unli rice

Chicken inasal is best eaten with chicken oil over plain or garlic rice. At Mang Inasal stores, the chicken oil forms part of the condiments trio -- together with soy sauce and vinegar – that allow customers to savor the meal at its most flavorful.

Also, further reinforcing the Filipino diners’ preference for rice, Mang Inasal has been offering unlimited rice with all itspaborito meals.

A salu-salo for everyone. Mang Inasal is loved by Pinoys and Pinoys-at-heart as it offers an unforgettable bonding experience over a feast of their favorite meals.

It is the fun experience of mixing the condiments, and being able to fully satisfy their hunger pangs via unli rice, that have endeared Mang Inasal to a number of Pinoy food enthusiasts.

Mang Inasal prides itself with its specially-marinated grilled chicken that offers “nuot sa ihaw sarap.” Among its offerings of Filipino food products, their Chicken Inasal contributes a big chunk to the brand’s total sales. This is the reason why Mang Inasal’s Chicken Inasal is the number one Pinoy grilled chicken brand based on studies made on this segment. 

With its promise of serving great food and bringing the joy of eating to Filipinos, Mang Inasal continues to improve its product quality and portfolio to win the hearts of everyone.

About Mang Inasal

Mang Inasal is the number one Pinoy barbecue brand that is known for its authentic fusion of traditional Pinoy cuisine with a fast-food concept.

Today, Mang Inasal leads the market with its strong portfolio of Chicken Inasal, Pork BBQ, Halo-Halo, and Palabok. Currently, the company has over 470 stores nationwide to cater to the growing love of Filipinos for the brand.

The brand has also received numerous awards including the Most Outstanding Quick Service Restaurant and Most Outstanding Chicken Inasal restaurant from the 2010 Dangal ng Bayan Awards, and the Outstanding Filipino Franchise Award from the 2015 Franchise Excellence Awards.