Trade show giants PHILBEX Cebu and Cebu Auto Show to unlock the future of Cebu

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From the recently-inaugurated Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which demonstrated the remarkable genius of Filipino architectural ingenuity, all the way to the pioneering series of construction and transportation projects underway such as the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway and its first-ever LRT subway-elevated system, Cebu is undoubtedly ushering an unprecedented economic mobility in the realm of construction and transportation.

Coinciding perfectly with the heightened spirit of enthusiasm surrounding both trade industries, Worldbex Services International – the country’s leading events and expositions organizer – is proud to present two back-to-back shows that will boost and augment the course of progress being undertaken by the region.

Now on its 16^th year, the Philippine Building and Construction Exposition (PHILBEX) Cebu 2018 is set to happen on September 13 to 16, from 10:00am to 8:00pm at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall. Meanwhile, opening only a day apart is the Cebu Auto Show (CAS) 2018. Running on its 11^th edition, CAS will open its doors to the public on September 14 to 16, from 10:00am to 8:00pm at the SM Seaside Sky Hall.

Unveiling the future of Cebuano living

PHILBEX Cebu may be the last regional leg of the iconic WORLDBEX but it certainly has no intention of holding back as it envisions to deliver an equally impactful and productive show. Taking after the guiding theme for all WORLDBEX 2018 shows, this year’s PHILBEX Cebu concerns itself with “Shaping Innovations Toward Sustainability”.

Following the success of its 2017 show which housed 105 booths across the wide expanse of the Cebu Trade Hall, this year’s PHILBEX Cebu is set to unveil over 120 booths and close to 80 exhibitors composed of both local exhibitors and foreign participants alike from countries such as China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore – all of whom are expected to showcase product and service innovations that are both cutting-edge and efficient.

Aside from presenting an extensive line-up of exhibiting companies, also anticipated to make an impression on this year’s show attendees are PHILBEX Cebu’s event highlights. Among the must-see fixtures include the Architect’s Gallery. A gathering of the region’s top architects and their respective firms, among the participants to present the latest trends and design perspectives from the industry are Abadia Architects and Designers, Archiglobal Inc., Nueast, Arkitecture, Pont Architectural + Design Studio, Philippine Institute of Architects Cebu Chapter, and the United Architects of the Philippines.

Also not to be missed are the Interior Designer’s Gallery which is presented in partnership with the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers – VisMin Chapter, the PHILBEX MiniCons, and the 3^rd Projéto Cebu Furniture Design Competition which the entrants for this year will be tasked to create a design for a studio-type condominium unit that will focus on both the wellbeing and learning efficiency of the student-inhabitants.

As WORLDBEX gears up to usher in its Silver Anniversary, its decided move towards increased awareness and proactive perspectives as evidenced by PHILBEX 2018 affirms its dedication to build a brighter future for the entire nation as a whole.

Redefining leisure and productivity

Recognizing the growing demand among automotive consumers for vehicles that live up to their increasingly active lifestyles as well as their entrepreneurial agenda, this year’s Cebu Auto Show, which is also the final regional leg of MIAS 2108, will drive around the theme of “Work and Play”. 

From vehicles that are especially designed to cater to businesses as well as the rigorous schedules on-the-go professionals to the latest automotive releases that are meant to cater to the most discerning travelers and adventurers, CAS 2018 is guaranteed to cater to a wide variety of consumers and automotive enthusiasts.

Set to showcase a total of 44 booths, this year’s edition of CAS also boasts of an extensive range of product categories as well as an excitable roster of event highlights which include the much-awaited Custom and Classic Car competition, the Diecast car model swap meet, exhibitions from top car brands, and of course, an impressive motor bike display. 

More than just a market place for automotive products, CAS has come to be a pillar of the Cebu automotive industry as it ultimately serves to elevate the means of transportation of the people. In empowering the region’s automotive industry, CAS also contributes significantly in the collective development of the region.

This season, Cebu is expected to witness a dynamic economic convergence that will truly bolster the upward growth of two of its most prominent trade industries. Don’t miss out on the biggest and most anticipated expos of the year – PHILBEX Cebu and CAS 2018! 

For more information, call (02) 656-9239 or email info.worldbex@gmail.com. 

For the latest updates on PHILBEX Cebu and CAS, follow Worldbex Services International on Facebook, @worldbex on Instagram, Cebu Auto Show on Facebook, and @cebuautoshow on Instagram.

Packetworx grand launch to accelerate the adoption of Internet of Things in the Philippines

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With Packetworx, the Internet of Things (IoT) technology will be easily available for every Filipino. Through its brand campaign, “We Connect Things”, enabling IoT in the Philippines is made easy and possible.

Packetworx, the leading Internet of Things (IoT) company in the Philippines, will be launching its brand with the campaign, ‘We Connect Things’ on August 8, 2018. Its brand campaign, ‘We Connect Things,’ aims to promote Packetworx, as an enabler of IoT in the country with its full suite of end-to-end solution from devices, software applications to network connectivity.

The next Internet revolution: The Internet of Things

Internet of Things is the concept of connecting any device to the Internet and to the other connected devices. It is a network of things that sends, receives and collects information. According to a report of Software.org, a global research organization, in 2020 there will be about 50 billion devices connected to the internet. Packetworx aims to enable and equip the Philippines for this next internet revolution.

Packetworx as a driver of IoT in the country

Packetworx’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of IoT in the country. It aims to equip and enable Filipino innovators and IoT enthusiasts to create IoT devices, applications and solutions. The IoT network is free for individuals and for non-commercial use. Packetworx uses leading LoRaWAN enabled solutions that provide long range sensors and control capable devices which allow wide range of IoT applications and total cost of ownership.

Packetworx, a social enterprise for creating smart communities

To achieve its goal to an IoT-ready Philippines, Packetworx’s as a social enterprise, has three (3) major initiatives which anyone can be a part of (1) the IoT Technology Hub, the first free access co-working space dedicated IoT. It makes available computer, soldering stations, test equipment, pick and place and even reflow oven. It will enable IoT enthusiasts to develop devices, applications and solutions (2) free IoT hardware kits and free LoRa Academy curriculum for 100 schools and, (3) Free device sensors and network connectivity to 60 local government units for disaster-preparedness, air quality monitoring and safety.

Packetworx will be covering 80% of Greater Metro Manila by August 2018 and 90% of the Philippines by the end of the year. In the IoT Technology Hub there will be a series of IoT Tech talks featuring IoT experts, hackathons and seminars.

For more information on Packetworx and its products and solutions, visit www.packetworx.com.

About Packetworx

Packetworx is a technology social enterprise which focuses on enabling IoT in the Philippines. It is a member of the LoRa Alliance, a world-wide alliance of over 500-member companies that support the standardization of LPWAN with the LoRaWAN specification and has created a certification and compliance program to ensure interoperability among its members.

It is the official host of the regional LoRaWAN network for Philippines and Southeast Asia through its partnership with The Things Network (TTN), the largest community of startups, businesses and developers globally building a public IoT data network,

Christian Bables’ Signal Rock Opens in Theaters, August 15

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Christian Bables topbills Signal Rock which opens in theaters starting August 15. Signal Rock is part of the week-long celebration of Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. The movie is directed by Chito Roño.

Signal Rock which was shot in the scenic island of Biri in Samar, revolves around the story of Intoy (Christian), a poor high school dropout who lives in a remote fishing island. Intoy’s good communication skills has landed him jobs as an event emcee in fiestas, parties, and election campaign rallies in their place. He helps his sister in Finland in a child custody battle against her abusive husband by involving the townspeople, faking legal documents, and setting up false endorsements to prove his sister’s financial capability.

Signal Rock is based on a true story of people living in a small town in the beautiful island of Samar. Direk Chito recounted the story of his friend named Nonong to screenwriter Rody Vera.

Christian talks about his character. “One similarity that I share with Intoy is our love for family. Lahat gagawin ni Intoy to keep his family intact. Iyong ginawa niyang pagtulong sa sister niya, walang katulad iyon. Like Intoy, grabe din iyong love ko for my family, my mom, and siblings.”

It was a dream come true for Christian to be working with Direk Chito. “I’m blessed! No words can express how happy I am to be finally directed by THE Chito Roño. I’m grateful to have a wonderful working relationship with him and I must say that I’ve gained a father in him.”

Christian is now busy with the movies’ promo activities which include mall shows, radio and studio interviews, campus tours, among others.

Signal Rock also stars Nanding Josef, Ces Quesada, Arnold Reyes, Daria Ramirez, and Domingo Cobarrubias.

For inquiries, please call (02) 855-4765 or (02) 405-4423, email info@asianartistsagency.com, and visit fb.com/asianartistsagency

The Rise of Cashless Payments with PESONet

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The rise of cashless payments is here with PESONet, a new electronic funds transfer service that enables customers of participating banks, e-money issuers or mobile money operators to transfer funds in Philippine Peso currency to another customer of other participating banks. 

PESONet,  seen as a catalyst to spur the rise of cash-less payments in the country, is the best payment method for bulk disbursements or payments.  It is the most convenient and efficient alternative to checks!

To encourage people and businesses to conduct their financial transactions digitally, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the payments industry launched PESONet late last year as the country’s first Automated Clearing House (ACH) under the National Retail Payment System (NRPS). 

PesoNet — an inter-bank Electronic Fund Transfer platform that can benefit companies that still transact using traditional cash or check payment systems to go electronic. 

With PesoNet, businesses can pay their suppliers, their bills, and even their employees electronically even across different banks and financial institutions. It also allows transfer of funds and other volume or bulk transactions among participating banks. 

Users can simply log on to the participating bank’s online or mobile banking platform, choose “PesoNet,” or Transfer to Other Bank, enter payment details, press send, and payment is sent to beneficiary’s account within the same day at full value.

Since its launch, response among financial institutions was encouraging. By end of July 2018, there were already 58 financial institutions that signed up as participants with 43 of them already receiving PESONet transactions. On the other hand, 22 institutions have already made PESONet available in their online and mobile phone channels.

So why switch to PESONet? 

There are many benefits that digitizing payments can bring to both businesses and individuals. According to a study by Better Than Cash Alliance entitled “The Future of Supply Chains: Why Companies Are Digitizing Payments,” real benefits “can be accrued not just by companies but also their employees, suppliers, distributors, and in many instances, the communities they work in,” by going digital with their payments. Among these are improved efficiency, increased revenue, greater transparency and security, and stronger business relationships. Specifically for the payees, they receive payments due them within the same day with no fees nor deductions. 

In the McKinsey Global Institute’s study “Digital Finance for All: Powering Inclusive Growth in Emerging Economies”, the Philippines’ share of digital payments is 2% of all payments. With PESONet now in place in the Philippines, the BSP hopes this will improve eyeing an increase to 20% in total electronic payment transactions by year 2020.

“PESONet remains part of the BSP’s commitment to harness the power and reach of the digital space to push the agenda of greater financial inclusion. The digital revolution underscores the importance of innovation and technology to ensure the delivery of financial products and services to a wider segment of society,” says BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla, Jr. 

So far, the response from the financial sector such as the banks, a vital component for PESONet, is overwhelming. Not only was there an increase in the number of financial institutions that signed up with PESONet (total of 58 participants), the volume of transactions likewise increased. The Philippine Payments Management, Inc. (PPMI) reported that by end July  2018, a daily average of 39,000 PESONet transactions are processed. In terms of value, these transactions would be approximately PhP 3 billion per day. Compared to the same period last year, these grew by 27% in volume and 26% in value.

 “These figures show a vast improvement from batch or bulk funds transfer prior to PESONet, which is already very encouraging. We hope to see more financial institutions to start using PESONet, particularly thrift and rural banks, the non-bank electronic money issuers, and government corporations as PESONet customers and businesses using PESONet for disbursements as well as collections,” explains PPMI Chairman Justo A. Ortiz.

Among participating PESONet financial institutions include ANZ Bank, Bank of America, Bank of China, Citibank, CTBC Bank, Deutsche Bank, Development Bank of the Philippines, Eastwest Bank, HSBC, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Maybank, MUFG Bank, Ltd, Mizuho Bank, PNB, PSBank, Robinsons Bank, Shinhan Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, UCPB, Unionbank and Yuanta Savings Bank.. 

After PESONet, the BSP and the payments industry offered more options for the consumers to shift to e-payments with the InstaPay. Compared to PESONet, which normally handles volume/bulk financial transactions, InstaPay transactions are done real time 24/7 through the internet and/or mobile banking channels of participating financial institutions limited to P50,000 per transaction and without limit on the number of transactions. Funds transferred through PESONet and InstaPay are received without deductions.

For more details about PESONet,  visit PESONet participating banks’ websites, www.pesonet.info or visit www.bsp.gov.ph.

Ronnie Henares and Jojit Paredes are back together in rare reunion concert “Twofus…Reunion of Friends” September 1 at The Theatre at Solaire

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"Twofus…Reunion of Friends” will bring you back to memories of special moments of your life. 

It will be the 70’s all over again on September 1, 2018, 8 pm at the Theater at Solaire Resort and Casino when Ronnie Henares and Jojit Paredes get together for a one-night rare reunion in “Twofus…Reunion of Friends.”

Today’s audiences instantly recognize Ronnie Henares as a mainstay in the popular comedy series “Pepito Manaloto” where he surprised people with his comic flair. Ronnie is also widely recognized as the manager in tandem with wife Ida, responsible for transforming steel-throated “Ang Bagong Kampeon” champ Chona Velasquez into the classy musical superstar Regine Velasquez. Others developed under their Primeline Management & Production, Inc., were Lani Misalucha, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Nanette Inventor, Tux, Gino Padilla and the list goes on.

Jojit, on the other hand, has since opted for a quieter life in the States.

But in the 70’s, Ronnie and Jojit were the musical heartthrobs of the day. They were, in a manner of speaking, the equivalent of Leif Garrett and Rex Smith in the Philippines, with throngs of screaming and swooning fans.

How it started

Close buddies from their La Salle grade school days, Ronnie Henares and Jojit Paredes together with Jim Paredes became lead vocalists of “Les Violents,” a high school band formed by the Paredes cousins. The band was formed to enter a "Battle of the Bands" competition sponsored by De La Salle High School. They won Second Prize. “The high school band was the start of my musical partnership with Ronnie,” recalls Jojit. “We were invited to perform at all sorts of parties and gatherings.”

One of those gatherings was a weekend at the Laurel beach house in Matabungkay, Batangas upon the invitation of Lynnie Laurel. In the midst of the merriment, Ronnie and Jojit grabbed their acoustic guitars and started singing for the guests who were impressed by the two’s harmonious vocal blending.

The Twofus (pronounced as “Two of Us”) was born. 

With boyish good looks and (social) class-transcending appeal, the Twofus would become a big hit among college and university campuses, the invites coming initially from exclusive private schools and later from public schools as well.

Soon, Ronnie and Jojit would invade radio, print, and television. They shuttled back and forth gigs on prime time TV, musicals, live shows, road tours, concerts, and radio shows. When the Twofus was introduced to Tower Productions, they turned composers for the first time, writing the movie theme for the fan flick starring Tina Revilla “Funny Girl.” 

Ronnie and Jojit then became part of the highest rating prime time show that time, “D’ Sensations” which featured Vilma Santos and Boboy Mortiz. “One afternoon after a radio interview at the program of Ike Lozada in ABS-CBN, he brought us to meet Tony Santos, the famous director of the ‘D’ Sensations,’ the no. 1 primetime TV show at that time,” remembers Jojit. “Direk Tony Santos asked us if we could do an impromptu song and he’d put us on live. We took a deep breath and went for it. At first the audience fell silent as acoustic guitars were not yet amplified and the boom mike was picking up peripheral noise. When we finished the song, the audience went wild demanding more.”

For a couple of years, Sunday evenings televiewers were enthralled by the Twofus. In record time, Ronnie and Jojit cemented their status as national teen idols.

But the time to pursue different paths eventually came. Ronnie Henares went into hosting, singing, dancing, acting, directing, producing, and managing the careers of future superstars. Jojit Paredes enjoyed a solo caeer as an actor, singer, and recording arist until he decide to explore new adventures in America. 

The road back

Some good teams, however, never lose their appeal.

Ronnie and Jojit got together last year and recalled how successful the US reunion of Twofus was. “It was heartwarming seeing familiar faces that we haven't seen in ages plus fans from our youth that packed the afternoon matinee and evening shows, and how much fun we had performing for them and watching them participate in the show,” says Ronnie who suggested that he and Jojit reunite in Manila with their artist friends and the Manila crowd that loves 70's music.

“These days we need a dose of yesteryears when love songs were tender, lengthy laugh trips were highly contagious and dancing expressed the soul’s joy and rhythm...more importantly when friendships lasted lifetimes,” adds Ronnie wistfully.

Ronnie Henares and Jojit Paredes will prove just that in their reunion concert on September 1, 2018, 8 pm at The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino. “Music lovers are going to love this concert,” Ronnie and Jojit or the Twofus, say in chorus, “The audience can expect to hear the hits of the times which aren't performed anymore in any of the entertainment venues in the country.”

Take a wonderful trip down memory lane with Ronnie and Jojit to an era when love songs were beautiful, tender, and had well thought-out lyrics and upbeat tunes made it impossible for you not to groove to the music.

The Twofus will captivate old and new audiences alike with hits from Chad and Jeremy, Mamas and the Papas, Everly Brothers, Beatles, Lettermen, Lovin Spoonfuls, Cascades and more.

Joining in on the fun are long time friends of Ronnie and Jojit like music icons Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo of the APO Hiking Society, funny lady Mitch Valdes, and the 70’s top dancing duo, the AldeguerSisters. “No stone is being left unturned to ensure we give the audience a fun-filled night of music, laughter and dance while celebrating long lasting friendship and the good old days,” says Ida R. Henares of Primeline Management & Production, Inc.

"Twofus…Reunion of Friends” gathered together the best production team that includes director and writer Floy Quintos, musical director Roy del Valle, art director Christian Henares, the team of Sisa Hernandez Kalson for production, Francis Libiran for the wardrobe, and the very best session back up singers and musicians.

Making this major throwback party for friends and music lovers of the 70’s possible are presenters Solaire Resort & Casino, PrimelineManagement & Production, Inc., and University of Perpetual Help, sponsors KARADA, PLDT 90 and Smart, M&Co cosmetics, donor HCB Institute, and media partners RJ FM 100.3, 91.5 WIN Radio, and The Philippine STAR.

Relive the good old days with friends and family at “Twofus…Reunion of Friends.”